Villanovan families from near and far gathered on campus this weekend for a variety of events over the 2023 Family Weekend.
Family Weekend kicked off on Friday with events such as a campus tree tour, the Inclusion Week Carnival and various open houses, one of which was held at the Finneran Pavilion. With a tour of the iconic Finneran Pavilion and the opportunity to meet Villanova basketball players, the open house was a chance for die-hard Villanova basketball fans to learn more about the squad.
“I found out about the players-signing [at the very] last minute and was one of the last people to go through the line, but the players were all super friendly even though they had already been there for two hours at that point,” senior Maddie Ennis said. “They made a point of asking me questions, which I appreciated. Overall it was an awesome experience, and I’m glad I was able to go. Shoutout to my mom and aunt for finding out about it because I would’ve had no idea otherwise.”
On Saturday, the main event was Villanova’s Tailgate on the Green and the football game. Facing rain and strong winds, Villanova decided to cancel the tailgate, but alerted students that if they still wanted to tailgate, the school would not prohibit them. Villanova offered refunds to families due to the cancellation.
Many students and families got creative, tailgating at houses, in campus apartments and even on the upper levels of the Ithan garage. Despite the unfavorable weather, Villanovans and their relatives were able to spend the tailgate together before the football game. Although Villanova canceled the tailgate, families flocked to their tents on Mendel field.
“It was really cool to see the Villanova community come together despite the harsh weather conditions,” senior Ryan Maloney said. “I think it really speaks to the strength of our school spirit. My parents and I had a great time hanging out with other Villanovans and their parents tailgating on the green.”
At the football game, the Villanova Wildcats faced the University of Rhode Island at the regularly scheduled kickoff time of 2 p.m. Villanovans braved the cold and the rain to celebrate the ‘Cats beating Rhode Island, 35-9.
“Although we didn’t make it through the whole football game, my parents and I were glad we went,” senior Maggie Winston said. “It was my parents’ first and last Family Weekend, so we wanted to do as much as we could, and we had a nice, rainy time together.”
After drying off from a wet tailgate and game, some families gathered to go to the Philadelphia Zoo. Villanova hosted an all-inclusive, after-hours night at the zoo, where families could view the animal exhibits, listen to live music, play games and eat.
Sunday morning concluded family weekend with both the senior breakfast and Mass in the Finneran Pavilion. Senior breakfast was held in the Connelly Center and allowed seniors to chat with each other and celebrate their last Family Weekend at Villanova. Mass, held after the senior breakfast, was led by Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD.
If there is one thing that this family weekend proves, it is that Villanovans are resilient and able to make the best out of any rainy situation. Let’s hope for better weather next year, Family Weekend.
