Finals are approaching, classes are ending, and summer is just around the corner. This spring has been busy. From the Wildcats going back to the tournament to record-breaking NOVAdance fundraising, Villanova’s greatness was on full display. 

The spring semester started with another false threat to the Villanova community. On Jan. 22, students were informed through a NOVA Alert that the campus was closing and canceling all campus activities due to “a threat of violence targeted at an academic building.”

​Law enforcement and the FBI investigated the matter, and students were given the all-clear later that afternoon. The University returned to normal operations the following day, with increased Villanova Public Safety on campus out of an abundance of caution. 

​This past spring, for the first time in four years, Villanova men’s basketball returned to the March Madness tournament. The Wildcats traveled to San Diego, Calif., and faced Utah State in the first round of the tournament on March 20. Their time in the tournament was short-lived, and they fell to Utah State, 86-76. 

​Villanova’s women’s basketball team returned to the tournament this year, for the first time in three years. The Wildcats faced Texas Tech in the first round of the tournament on March 20 in Baton Rouge, La. The women’s team lost, 57-52.

“I am really proud of them for getting as far as they did,” sophomore Athenais James said. “I hope they can grow from this year and make it even farther in the next tournament. Basketball is a big part of my family culture and part of the reason I chose to come here, so making a solid run in the tournament would be exciting.”

​A highlight of every spring semester at Villanova is NOVAdance’s annual dance marathon. Throughout the entire year, NOVAdance raises money for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to support families fighting pediatric cancer. This year’s dance marathon was held on March 28 at the Dixon Center at the Cabrini Campus for the first time. 

​This year, NOVAdance raised a record-setting $931,080.89, beating its goal of $800,000 by more than $130,000. 

​Former Co-Executive Director Annie O’Brien reflected on this year’s NOVAdance fundraiser. 

​“My time as Co-Executive Director was the most rewarding part of my Villanova experience,” O’Brien said. “I was able to work with the most passionate and driven people for a cause so many hold near and dear to their hearts. While the fundraising number we hold up is such a special moment, the year was built with countless other amazing things. NOVAdance has taught me what it means to be surrounded by community, and I plan to Live Like Andrew well beyond my time on campus.”

​The end of the semester marks the beginning of new leadership on campus. The Student Government Association (SGA) election results were announced on April 17. Sophomores Brady Keane and Elizabeth Howard ran unopposed and will serve as the next SGA President and Vice President. This marks the end of former President Aleko Zeppos’ and Vice President Sydney Mbah’s term. 

​When asked about his proudest accomplishment from the spring semester, Zeppos commented on SGA’s growing relationship with university administration. Throughout the semester, SGA has represented the student body in conversations across countless administration offices. He also touched on the next chapter of leadership at Villanova. 

​“Serving as Villanova’s Student Body President this past year has truly been the greatest honor of my entire life, and I can enjoy my next chapter knowing that the school is in great hands under President Brady Keane and Vice President Elizabeth Howard,” Zeppos said. “A seat at the table changes everything, and for every student who comes after us, that seat is now permanent, opening the door to endless possibilities.”

​For most seniors, the end of the spring semester also marks the end of their time at Villanova. On May 19, seniors will walk the stage at graduation, receive their diplomas and officially become Villanova alumni. 

“Villanova has truly become my home over the past four years, and it will certainly be hard to say goodbye to,” senior Kate Hamel said. “As I get closer to graduating, I’m working to become more intentional about my interactions to make sure that I can reflect on and appreciate every last moment of my time here.”

Whether students will be back on campus in the fall or are headed off on their own, Villanovans deserve a relaxing summer break.