Villanova University and Villanova Athletics pride themselves on service and making a difference in the community.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, Villanova was recognized with the 2024 John Thompson Jr. Award for its efforts to promote inclusivity and social justice.

The Big East selected Villanova and St. John’s University as co-winners. This is the second year in a row that the Wildcats have won the  award.

The John Thompson Jr. Award is given to athletic departments whose teams have spent significant time on work centered around societal change and social justice initiatives.

The award also celebrates the life and memory of former Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson Jr. As a coach, Thompson Jr. won multiple national and conference championships, but off the court he was a man who fought for social justice and inclusivity. 

The Big East Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group was responsible for selecting the recipients. Villanova was selected for its efforts with UNITAS and the promotion of  belonging, multiculturalism, inclusivity and equity on campus and beyond.  

The efforts surrounding UNITAS issues centered around student-athlete affinity groups, work with the BIPOC, LGBTQAI+, international and disabled communities, and mental health promotion. 

“We commend St. John’s and Villanova for their comprehensive and sustained efforts to orient their student-athletes, coaches and other administrators to the principles that Coach Thompson so deeply espoused,” Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman said in a statement. “Both schools have created impressive frameworks for athletics DEI through a medley of education, awareness, professional development and inclusive hiring practices, and their templates offer a model approach to campuses striving to promote tolerance and a welcoming environment for all.   We want to offer our special thanks to Nancy Kaplan at St. John’s and Leashia Lewis at Villanova for their long-standing service on our working group and their outstanding leadership in facilitating DEI effectiveness on their campuses.”

University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. released a statement celebrating the reward.

“Villanova is honored to be once again recognized by the Big East for our commitment to igniting positive change on our campus and in the community,” Fr. Peter said. “I would like to thank Leashia Lewis for her leadership in bringing our Augustinian values to life for our student-athletes and express my gratitude to everyone in Villanova Athletics for their efforts to enhance the experience for all who compete for Villanova.”

The efforts to advance positive social change has already begun for the new academic year with a meet and greet for international student-athletes in August and the second annual UNITAS kickoff scheduled for Monday, September 9th.