The return of Villanovans to campus officially marks the kickoff to the spring semester.
As classes and reunions are underway, students are looking forward to all of the upcoming events in the coming months. Between basketball games, the Winter Gala, and senior activities, Villanovans can expect a busy and exciting spring.
For many students, basketball season serves as a highlight for the spring semester. The Wildcats will face many Big East rivals in the coming weeks as they strive towards their first tournament appearance since 2022. Villanovans can anticipate packed student sections at both the Finneran Pavillion and Xfinity Mobile Arena in South Philadelphia.
“I think we did pretty well against UConn and other good teams, so I think there will be a lot of great games ahead for the rest of the semester,” freshman Liam McKeown said.
The final Xfinity Mobile Arena game and tailgate will occur on Saturday, Feb 21. against the University of Connecticut.
The Spring Involvement Fair is set for Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Villanovan Room. Students will get the chance to meet leaders and interact with active members of hundreds of different organizations. Like the Fall Involvement Fair, Villanovans have the opportunity to learn about student groups and recruit new members. These groups include but are not limited to Villanova’s athletic, media, service, arts and advocacy clubs.
The countdown to graduation for seniors is fast approaching. On Feb. 5, Villanova will host the “100 Days Celebration” to mark the milestone for senior students.
“I am excited because [100 Days] will be an exciting opportunity prior to Graduation,” senior Julia Harris said. “It will be a wake-up call for how close Graduation really is.”
In addition to this event, seniors have the opportunity to participate in the VU Senior Program. This program is a series of activities for students to engage with before Graduation on May 19.
Villanova’s annual “Winter Gala” hosted by the Office of the President and Student Life will occur on Friday, Feb. 6, from 8 p.m. to midnight. in the Connelly Center. Villanovans are supposed to dress in formal attire and get to experience an evening of dancing, casino games and socializing with one another. Students are encouraged, but not required, to RSVP, and those who are 21-plus are eligible for free drink tickets.
On Saturday, March 28, NOVAdance will host its annual 12-hour dance marathon. NOVAdance is a year-long fundraising effort that raises money and awareness for pediatric cancer. This year, the organization is looking to reach its goal of $800,000, all benefiting the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation.
This year’s NOVAdance will also mark the first year that the dance marathon is hosted at Cabrini in the Dixon Center. Students have opportunities to get involved in NOVAdance, including serving as Sidekicks, Engagement Coordinators, Hero Liaisons and Day-of Participants.
“I am so excited for the day of the marathon to see everything really come together,” junior Engagement Coordinator Maeve Cantwell said. “Seeing all of the smiles around the room, specifically on the heroes and families, makes all of the hard work worth it.”
In addition to large campus-wide events, Villanovans can anticipate a semester of new classes, friendships, snow days and involvement opportunities.
