*This article mentions the topic of sexual assault. For resources please contact the Villanova Title IX Office.
From Orientation to the first fall of snow, the first trip to the library to hunting for a spot to study as finals season approaches, the Fall Semester of 2024 is coming to a close. Within the short 15 weeks on campus – which feel like they have gone by in a blink of an eye – campus has been action-packed with events, elections, speakers and new beginnings, regardless if you are a first-year or a senior.
Reflecting back on August, the Villanova New Student Orientation staff welcomed more than 1,700 first-year and transfer students and helped them begin their Villanova journey.
“My favorite thing about orientation was definitely the community builder activities we did to end each night,” freshman nursing major Charlie Blajda said. “Whether it was the Carnival night at the Connelly Center, or the Water Ice Social at the Oreo, it gave new students the opportunity to meet and interact with other new students. I met a lot of the friends I have now at these events, and I am very grateful, as these events gave me the chance to expand my circle to people outside my orientation group, which made the transition much easier.”
Following Orientation, classes started off in full swing. Hiking up to the fourth floor of Tolentine may never get easier. However, connecting with professors and fellow classmates early on happens to be a common occurrence.
“I never thought that the connections I made within the classroom for a core requirement would both become my close friends, and also inspire me to take my newly found acting skills to audition for the production of Alice and Wonderland happening next semester,” junior economics and environmental science student Alex Potter said.
On Friday, Sept. 20, the news was shared across campus about an alleged case of rape which took place in the Commons. An email was sent out to the University at 7:08 p.m. stating details of the allegation, stating it took place between the night of Sept. 13 to Sept. 14 in Hovnanian Hall. On Oct. 4, the defendant, Mirvan Dinler, a 26-year-old from Trappe, Pennsylvania was arrested in relation to this case.
“Looking back on this semester, this was definitely a low for the Villanova Community,” a sophomore resident who lives in the Commons said. “I still am fearful every time I take an Uber to and from the Commons but have started taking stronger safety procedures, such as sharing my ride with friends and not going inside to my building until the car has driven away.”
“I do think that I have become closer to the girls in my hall and in my building, as we are dedicated to looking out for each other now,” another sophomore resident said.
The weekend of Nov. 1 to Nov. 3, the Villanova community rallied around unity to celebrate the 36th annual Special Olympics Fall Festival.
“Being a part of Special Olympics Committee has absolutely changed my life for the better. ” Shared junior Taylor Wisely, who served on this year’s ceremony committee. “Special Olympics has taught me so much about the power of inclusion, and I cannot imagine my college experience without the friendships and memories that this incredible organization has given me. I am forever grateful for all of the athletes and volunteers who have made Special Olympics a second home for me.”
The Villanovan covered a plethora of political events this semester, from Paul Rudd coming to campus to support voters to going to events and rallies off campus to inform students about both local and national elections.
Overall, Villanova students showed up on election day, with hundreds of students waiting outside for up to three hours to vote in the Mullen Center, the campus’ first-ever voting location.
“While it did take a long time, the waiting was worth it,” shared a junior communication major. “I was upset with the results of the election, both nationally and locally, but was glad Villanova was able to make it so that we could vote on campus with our friends and fellow classmates.”
There were endless on campus events through the Campus Activities Team, guest speakers and visitors, as well as service opportunities both on and off campus. The Villanova community has stayed busy this semester, and is looking forward to all to come in the Spring.
