Every Villanovan knows something exciting is right around the corner.
And no, we did not make March Madness. I hope I’m not the first to tell you that.
The buzzing excitement and palpable thrill of campus all circles around this upcoming Saturday: NOVAdance.
NOVAdance is a year-long fundraising initiative that culminates in a 12-hour dance marathon each spring. Dedicated to supporting the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, NOVAdance seeks to bring hope to those impacted by childhood cancer. Through fundraising, fostering campus unity and promoting messages such as “Be Positive” and “Live Like Andrew,” NOVAdance has made a significant impact on families battling cancer and on our campus.
As one of Villanova’s most widely participated student-run events, NOVAdance claims a place in the heart of many around campus.
It was no surprise that everyone I ran into had an answer to my simple question: what does NOVAdance mean to you?
Sophomore Avery Nichols, who is involved in the Engagement Coordinators of NOVAdance, discussed how NOVAdance brought her community.
“NOVAdance means so much to me,” Nichols said. “I was able to find an organization on campus where I found genuine connections with friends, which was something I was looking for my freshman year.”
NOVAdance provides a perfect opportunity for students to connect over something larger than themselves, and Nichols’ passion for NOVAdance did not end after meeting her friends; she continues to NOVAdance for the kids and has been looking forward to this dance marathon since the day after last year’s.
“I NOVAdance so the children and families don’t have to go through something so scary alone and allows the children to get the chance to be a kid,” Nichols said.
Sophomore Angelina Graceffa, although uninvolved in NOVAdance, still recognizes its influence.
“I am excited for next week to go and support,” Graceffa said. “NOVAdance is such an important part of campus and I am honored to go to a school where so many people participate in organizations like this.”
One does not need to be a NOVAdance committee member to see how Villanova rallies around the Be Positive Foundation.
Junior Ellie Buchanan, who volunteers in the PR, Media subcommittee, shared her why as well.
“I’ve found a second home in NOVAdance, and being across the country from home, finding the people and space that made me feel this way has meant the world to me,” Buchanan said. “I know from personal experience how much difference even the smallest gesture can make to both an individual and a family battling a cancer diagnosis. Through my three years involved in NOVAdance, I’ve found such joy and purpose in bringing these small gestures to families across the country.”
NOVAdance has a Midas quality to it. All it touches turns to gold.
Whether one is a receiver of its donations, an active committee member or simply a student supporter, everyone feels the love from NOVAdance. It has a unique ability to bring communities together and make a difference in every life it touches. What an exciting time to be on campus.
The Villanova community is invited to attend NOVAdance and discover their own answer to the question: what does NOVAdance mean to you?
The dance marathon will be occurring in Jake Nevin Fieldhouse beginning at 10am. Students can register to participate this week or at the door. See you on March 29.
