Courtesy of @villanovadining.

The new Wawa in the Connelly Center is already a popular spot on campus.

When returning to campus this year, many students were anxious to see the Connelly Center’s drastic transformation. Students departed last spring with an image of the old Conn, but also with the knowledge that things would be permanently changed once they saw it again. The once 80s-styled campus-hub that reminded many of a ski lodge, suddenly became a sleek, modernized space for students featuring a new Wawa. 

However, this new Wawa location came at the expense of the beloved Belle Aire Terrace. For decades, Belle Aire served up wraps, salads, burgers and more. Now, Villanovans can enjoy everything they would find in a traditional Wawa right here on campus, but is it worth it?

The new Wawa essentially combined Belle Aire, Holy Grounds and the former convenience store into one space. To some, this creates the illusion of a Conn that has less to offer in terms of variety and utility. The renovation also got rid of the beloved dining spots, like Smoothitas, which had just undergone a major makeover just last spring. Now, students are left with the options of either Wawa, Nova Noodles Co. or the new V Sushi Bar. 

While the food options in the new Connelly Center may be more expansive for some, the familiarity and warmth of the old Conn makes the new space feel uninviting. Smoothitas, for example, offered acai bowls and healthy smoothies, while nights like “General Tso’s Tuesdays” were staples in Belle Air Terrace for students. So, while many are enjoying all the “bells and whistles” of the new Wawa, some still miss the comfort of the previous Connelly Center. 

“I like having a Wawa in Conn a lot, but I have to say I miss having Smoothitas, Holy Grounds and boba all in one place,” sophomore Isa Houlihan said. “The renovation seems so much more bland, and I think we’ve lost some of the culture we used to have in the decor of Conn.”

With the removal of Conn’s Holy Grounds, which had just undergone its own revamp and began offering Starbucks drinks just last August, the Bartley Hall location has shifted to online orders through the Grubhub app. What was once considered one of the last of the original Holy Grounds on campus, now exclusively serves up Starbucks. So, not only are the changes in the Connelly Center affecting the interior layout of the space, but causing ripple effects across other dining locations around campus. 

While the new Conn offers a new, sleek aesthetic, many students are left missing the charm and variety that once defined the old Conn. By replacing beloved spots like Belle Aire, Smoothitas and Holy Grounds with more commercial or redundant options, the renovation feels less like an upgrade and more like a loss of identity. As Villanova continues to evolve, many hope that its defining identity isn’t lost in the process.