It’s Spring Semester once again. Villanovans are looking forward to many events this semester, both on and off campus. The start of the year brings excitement, anticipation and joy for what’s ahead. Between NOVAdance and the Winter Gala; tailgates and basketball games; and senior events, Villanovans are coming with full force of excitement in this new year.
On Monday, Jan. 27, more than 250 student organizations had the chance to recruit new members to their involvement on campus. The Involvement Fair was a chance for freshmen and upperclassmen to expand their communities. The fair takes place both semesters, with students lined up at tables, informing everyone of their student organization and its mission. In the fall, the fair usually takes place on Mendel Field, but in the winter, the fair takes place in the Villanova Room. A multitude of student organizations participated, including but not limited to academic organizations, culture and identity organizations, athletic based organizations, media organizations, advocacy organizations, music and theater activities and more.
Villanova’s annual Winter Gala is set to take place on Friday, Feb. 7. The Winter Gala is an opportunity to ring in the new semester at Villanova and enjoy winter festivities. Villanovans dress up in formal attire and enjoy a night of dancing, singing and socializing with each other. After successful years of the Winter Gala, Villanovans anticipate another thrilling evening.
“I’ve never been to the Winter Gala during my four years of college, and I am really excited to see what it’s like,” senior Riley Murray said. “I think it’s great that Villanova puts on these events for students to meet new people, enjoy the winter season, and have a night of dancing.”
Villanovans are also invested in service opportunities, like Special Olympics and NOVAdance. With the excitement of Special Olympics during Fall Semester, Villanovans are looking forward to NOVADance this semester. NOVAdance is a year-long fundraiser that includes a 12-hour dance marathon this spring. The dance marathon and year of planning works towards supporting the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which strives to instill hope in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer.
In addition to service, Villanovans love to support our basketball teams. Spring Semester brings basketball games, tailgates and bus rides to the Wells Fargo Center. Villanovans look forward to tailgates to hype up the basketball team and get energized for the games. Senior Ava Tower spoke of her excitement for the last semester of tailgates.
“I’m looking forward to all of the Wells Fargo games for my last semester here at Villanova,” Tower said. “Freshman year we watched them get to the Final Four, and I want to make more memories rooting for them this semester.”
Villanova hosts many unique events for seniors, celebrating their final year and counting down to graduation. The VU Seniors Program is a series of social, professional and spiritual activities designed to unify the senior class while prepping for life after graduation.
The pub series is a tradition on campus for senior students to hangout on campus and enjoy their final semester. There is food, music, ornament giveaways, drink covers and more.
In addition to the pub series, Villanova will host the 100 Days Celebration on Feb 6. This celebration marks 100 days until graduation for the class of 2025. Senior Villanovans will have the chance to dance the night away while embarking one of the first official graduation events.
Senior student Emma Conlin spoke of her excitement for this event.
“I’m really looking forward to 100 Days,” Conlin said. “I think it’s going to be a fun event to commemorate how close we are to graduating.”
“I’m excited for the upcoming senior events, like the pub series and the 100 Days Celebration,” senior Mackenzie Smith said. “I think it’s great that our class comes together to celebrate the accomplishments of our last few years and look towards what’s next.”