*This article mentions the topic of sexual assault—for resources, please contact the Villanova Title IX Office.
Time has flown by quickly this semester. Villanovans returned to campus from a relaxing Winter Break and it seems like it’s already time for finals and holing up in their favorite study nooks.
The Class of 2025 have spent this semester celebrating their “lasts.” From tailgating at the Wells Fargo Center, attending 100 Days or saying goodbye to organizations they have been a part of for the past four years, many seniors have been enjoying their final days as a Wildcat.
“I feel a mix of emotions,” senior Sophie Stevens said. “It’s really exciting to celebrate my time here at Villanova, but it’s really emotional to see it all come to a close.”
With seniors departing campus, it also means turnover for on campus organizations leadership, including the Student Government Association. In an early April election, incumbent Vice President Aleko Zeppos and his running mate, Sidney Mbah defeated Andy Smith and Charlie Perricelli to become Student Body President and Vice President, respectively.
“As we close out the Spring Semester, I’m incredibly proud of all that our community has accomplished together,” Zeppos said. “From expanding access to free menstrual products in academic buildings, to making meaningful strides in dining that reflect student feedback and evolving needs, this semester has shown what we can achieve when we listen and act with purpose.”
Beyond Villanova’s campus, a new administration took power federally. The second Trump administration, in office for just over four months, has already made sweeping changes to transgender rights, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and education, specifically its handling of race-based programs, courses and scholarships.
At Villanova, the effects of such have already been seen as University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D. announced changes in a February email, regarding the administration’s orders. The decision sparked controversy amongst a student body that primarily voted for Trump’s opponent in the 2024 election, former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I understand why it needed to be done… but at the same time, it’s kind of heartbreaking to the leader of an institution that…I’m part of, [to] comply with a frankly spineless attempt to set people of color and marginalized groups back hundreds of years,” sophomore Nels Rolf told The Villanovan back in February. “Many people on this campus don’t understand what DEI is. They’ve listened to and internalized a lot of the false information and right-leaning talking points that say it’s this evil and unjust…”
On March 31, Father Peter announced via email that Villanova University and Rosemont College will be merging, starting in 2027.
“This merger agreement represents a unique and powerful opportunity for our two institutions given our shared commitment to advancing Catholic higher education,” Father Peter said in a press release.
Villanovans also came together to rally against sexual violence this semester. Following updates and the University’s response to the 2022 Juan Eguiguren case, students gathered on Saturday, April 12, for Occupy Villanova’s Rally Against Sexual Violence.
“We are the reason that this University exists,” senior Akintade Asalu said in a previous statement to The Villanovan. “You can’t have a university without its students. If the university is making a huge mistake or just doing something morally wrong, you have a responsibility and you have a right to call them out for it.”
This semester also brought a sense of hope to the Villanova community. After a year of fundraising for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, NOVAdance hosted the 12th annual dance marathon in late March. Members of the Villanova community packed Jack Nevin for 12 hours of dancing and raising money for pediatric cancer patients. The day culminated in an announcement of the year’s fundraising total, a record breaking $708,269.10, “For The Kids.”
“NOVAdance 2025 was such an amazing experience, and it made me want to get even more involved in the coming years,” sophomore Engagement Coordinator Meagan Clancy said.
Beyond the big, news-making events of the semester was everything in between, including student organizations and clubs, CAT (Campus Activities Team) events like Quizzo or Bingo and events for different majors and colleges at Villanova, volunteer and service opportunities, Greek life formals and so much more.
As always, Villanovans stayed busy, in and out of the classroom and are ready for a respite from the daily hustle and bustle before coming back strong for the Fall 2025 semester – or heading out into the working world.
