The Villanovan

'Nova hosts Middle East peace conference

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The University hosted the Philadelphia Sabeel Conference on April 25-26 in Connelly Center.

The theme of the conference was "In Search of a Homeland: The Quest for Place and Peace in the Middle East."

The conference featured over 15 speakers and was attended by hundreds.

SAMOSA tournament takes it to the streets

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

While other students across campus anxiously awaited NovaFest activities, the members of Villanova's South Asian Multicultural Organized Students Association worked relentlessly to organize the group's Fifth Annual Charity Streetball Tournament.

Held on April 20 in the Pavilion from noon until 3 p.

Villanova celebrates Model Seder

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

By Amanda Hanley

staff reporter

The Villanova Hillel celebrated a model Seder meal on April 24 during the Passover celebration.

It was co-sponsored by the Office of Mission Effectiveness and the Commission for Campus Projects of Hillel of Greater Philadelphia.

Year In Review

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As the '07-'08 academic year comes to a close at Villanova, The Villanovan looks back on the top 10 stories of the year. This year's coverage has ranged from a visit to the Sweet 16 by our men's basketball team to the University hosting a Republican presidential candidate on national TV.

Year in Review Contd.

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

6. NOVA Alert

Early on a Sunday morning in November three to six shots were fired in Pike Lot following "Watch Dem Roll," an event sponsored by the Caribbean Students Association. With the memory of last year's shooting near South Campus and other school shootings fresh in the minds of many students, many looked to the new NOVA Alert system for some guidance.

NovaFest generates mixed reactions

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

BY KRISTiN SCUDDER

staff reporter

Taste of Philly, a performance by mentalist Wayne Hoffman, a showing of "Casablanca," the signature Field Festival and the evening concert brought Villanovans together for this year's NovaFest.

Events kicked off on April 25 at 2 p.

Fr. Donohue attends Pope's speech

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

University President Rev. Peter Donohue, O.S.A., attended Pope Benedict XVI's address to Catholic school administrators in Washington D.C. The event took place at the Catholic University of America on April 17.

The pope had four main points he wished to make about Catholic education in the United States.

Student lobby day in Harrisburg

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

By jessica may

news editor

The Association for Independent Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania (AICUP) sponsored the 2008 Student Lobby Day in Harrisburg, Pa., on April 8.

Villanova students Anna Spangler and Richard Riley were chosen to participate and lobby for increased state funding for grants provided by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Loyden, Sepich notch top honors

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Villanovan's Female and Male Athlete of the Year Awards go to two competitors who have made history in their respective sports this past year. One Wildcat calls the field her home and has come to make history in her time between the pipes. The other divides his time between life on land and in water and over the past season has come to shine on both terrains.

Bengals select Villanova's Sherry

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It had been six years since Villanova had heard its name called on draft day. If history is any indication of success to come, Matt Sherry should be excited.
With the last pick in the sixth round, the Cincinnati Bengals selected the Wildcats' senior tight end, the 207th overall pick in the '08 NFL Draft on Sunday.

KAPALKO: Easy to forget what sports are really about

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Behind a white-and-blue house there is a big backyard. In the backyard, there is a garage, a garden and a fire pit. A row of trees lines the back, marking the boundary with the neighbor's yard. In the middle of all this is a volleyball net. In this volleyball net is summer.

VENELLA: Tale of manager's hardwork and enjoyment

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

"Every story has an end �"

No one ever said it would be easy. After four years as the manager of the softball team, I now realize the enormity of the undertaking I made in the fall of 2004 as a freshman at Villanova. I had managed softball in high school and decided to take a chance and see if Coach Maria DiBernardi would need someone to help out the team.

BROWN: Lessons learned from four years as student-athlete

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I am approaching the last games of my entire softball career, and I can hardly believe it. I still remember my first practice freshman year when I wasn't even sure if I had a chance of making the team. I can't even begin to imagine the emotions I will feel when I walk onto the field for the last time.

DIBIASE: Villanova does not need Tyreke Evans

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

When five-star basketball recruit Tyreke Evans verbally committed to the University of Memphis a few weeks ago, there were more than a few Wildcat fans who were upset over the hometown star's decision. Initially, I thought getting a recruit like Evans would bolster our status as one of the great places to play college basketball.

Game of the Year: 9/07/07 - Men's Soccer vs. Duke

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Entering the '07 season, the men's soccer team was often described with one word: potential. As the team prepared to face perennial ACC Powerhouse and No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils in the opening round of the annual Duke/Addidas Soccer Classic, the players and coaches viewed this as an opportunity to showcase their potential.

Perfomance of the Year: 12/06/07 - Malcolm Grant vs. LSU

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Depending on the perspective you look at it from, the game played at the Wachovia Center on Dec. 6, 2007, was either an enormous LSU collapse or a huge 'Nova win. One thing no one will question is how freshman guard Malcolm Grant took over that game in what seemed to be a Jordan-esque fashion.

Breakout Athletes of the Year: Laura Kurz & Paul Webber/Tim Driscoll

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Villanovan has awarded three athletes with the Breakout Season of the Year Award.

The female recipient of the Breakout Season of the Year Award goes to 6-foot-2-inch junior basketball forward Laura Kurz. Kurz, a graduate of Germantown Academy, finished her high-school career as the all-time leading scorer with 2,247 points.

Freshmen of the Year: Lauren Wuzzardo & Terence Thomas

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Villanovan's Female and Male Freshman of the Year Awards go to two local students who have made their marks on their respective teams here at Villanova. For the women, field hockey player Laura Wuzzardo from Bridgeton, N.J., gets the honor. On the men's side, the award goes to Lawrenceville, N.

The Villanovan's All-Wildcat Teams

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

After much deliberation, The Villanovan has come to a consensus on the '07-'08 Men and Women's All-Wildcat Teams.

Leading off for the men is track star Bobby Curtis, the most likely Wildcat to appear in the Summer Olympics. Curtis continued his career of dominance in the fall season by winning the Big East 8K Cross Country Championship in his hometown of Louisville, Ky.

Out of Bounds with Kyle Scudilla

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Cue up the Boys II Men,
it's time for me to say goodbye

Baseball: Wildcat pitching struggles at South Florida

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Entering its three-game series against the University of South Florida, the baseball team looked to avenge its recent struggles on the road. However, the Wildcat's inconsistency on the mound, in the field and at the plate continued to plague the team as Villanova dropped its third-consecutive Big East series, losing the first two games of the series.

Men's lacrosse falls to No. 16 Drexel

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Top CAA-seed Drexel came out on top over the No. 4-seeded Wildcat men's team on Senior Night at the Villanova Stadium. The Drexel squad is ranked No. 16 nationwide and defeated Villanova in a close game.

The Drexel Dragons got off to an early lead, scoring twice in the first quarter and following up with another two goals in the second quarter.

Softball: Villanova beats SJU, avoids weekend sweep

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The softball team picked up one win out of the four games this past weekend. On April 26, the team took on the Seton Hall Pirates, losing the first game 2-1 in extra innings and later losing 7-6 in the second matchup.

April 27's first game had a similar outcome when the team lasted eight innings and lost to St.

Track: Distance teams carry 'Nova at Penn Relays

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The Penn Relays, considered the biggest track meet of the year for the Wildcats, were held April 24-27 and proved to be a successful event for the men's and women's teams.

The historically 'Nova-dominated event, held at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, began with a seventh-place finish for the women's squad in the distance medley relay on April 24.

EDITORIAL: Congratulations, Class of 2008

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The University has grown a lot over the course of the past two semesters, and especially in the last few years. Villanova has finished construction on the Davis Center and is nearing completion on the law and nursing buildings.

The Campus Master Plan has laid out a road map of proposals that will dramatically alter the physical structure of the University.

ABELLO: Here's my kiss goodbye

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sometimes I walk alone into St. Thomas of Villanova Church, first thing in the morning. At that time of day, there is only the sunrise streaming through the windows. After signing myself with holy water, I walk up the center aisle and stop a few steps before the altar platform.

BENDINELLI: So that's all, folks?

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I learned about the University's choice of commencement speaker last week. Knowing Villanova's history of speakers, from Big Bird to the president of the University, I guess I did not have much to expect. No offense to Kenneth Hackett is intended, but I did not get excited when I heard the news.

NARDI: What was I doing here?

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I've often wondered how an outspoken liberal and a secular Christian wound up at a small, conservative, devoutly Catholic university.

Whenever I've ventured out with the Quiz Bowl team or College Democrats to other, bigger schools, I found myself thinking 'Now these are universities.

SCHONEKER: Our new beginning

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Here it comes, so brace yourself - the obligatory it's-the-end-of-my-college-career-so-let-me-reminisce-for-a-moment-of-melodrama column. This might be a good time for you seniors to throw on some mood music - "Graduation Song" or "Time of Your Life" should do nicely.

DEITZ: King of the world no longer?

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Islamist terrorism, the weakening dollar, recession, the rise of the East, foreign debt, bungled wars, oil prices and dependency, worldwide hostility. Some would argue, in light of the aforementioned problems, that America is in decline. I disagree strongly.

KERNS: Another journey commences

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The moral philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre once wrote, "The unity of a human life is the unity of a narrative quest." MacIntyre's point is this: what is life without a destination? Essentially, every life needs to have something to which it aspires.

Philosophy calls this teleology - the rest of us call it an end or a purpose.

RONZONE: Rape on death row

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

No statistic can express the severity of personal tragedy suffered in the wake of a crime, nonetheless one as devastating as forced sexual intercourse. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 1-in-6 American women and 1-in-33 American men will be the victim of an attempted or completed rape.

SELWAY: Iz sayin mai goodbyz

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For every college senior, the few remaining days of the last semester pass both too slowly and too quickly. Class suddenly seems futile, but at the same time, the daunting finality of graduation causes everything to move at warp speed.

In spite of all this focus on the future, my natural reaction has been to think about the past four years, trying to piece together how it was that we all ended up where we are.

KANE: Everywhere we turn

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As you write the last words on the last test you will take this year, a certain feeling of satisfaction rises, and the niceness of finitude sprinkles over you like a light spring rain. Maybe you aren't quite positive how you did, but at the very least, you know it's complete and summer is upon you.

'Nova's most dedicated student

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

For many members of the Class of '08, it may feel as if they've been taking classes at Villanova forever. However, one student who will also be recognized at the upcoming commencement makes their four years seem like nothing.

For 19 years, Marvin Weiss has taken courses at Villanova, beginning his 'Nova career when members of this year's graduating class were still toddlers.

Equal accommodations for all

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

It's a warm spring day, and you're just one philosophy test away from a Saturday and Sunday full of barbecues, intramural games and tanning on Sheehan Beach. You breeze through your exam in 20 minutes, sprint up the steps in Bartley toward the Quad and pick up your cleats in your room before heading out for a game of pickup soccer at the Stadium.

Being the 'Cat

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Will D. Cat just might be the only University figure adored by Villanovans everywhere more than basketball Head Coach Jay Wright. Funny and endearing, the Wildcat brings Villanova spirit to just about every major event on campus: from basketball games to Balloon Day, from Special Olympics to NovaFest.

WiseCat

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Dear WiseCat,

I have been dating my boyfriend for a while now and have recently been finding it hard to balance my boyfriend time with my friend time. I always love going out with the girls for dinner, the movies or going out to a party. I feel bad sometimes that I do not invite him to come with me, even though he hangs out with his own friends, too.

Buzkill

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I'm baaaccckkkk. Sorry about that weeklong hiatus, but a slip and fall on Candidates' Day has me in a knee immobilizer for five more weeks. Anyway, this injury has me planted on my couch in St. Clare Hall with the windows open, able to hear everything that happens in the back courtyard, and when I say everything, I mean everything.

The WiseCat

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Dear WiseCat,

The days are numbered. I just want to remember those days sitting on the grassy knoll outside Stanford, having Quad parties late at night with sofas and futons, watching the deer roll through West Campus and then heading over to Flip's for one last karaoke night.

Buzz Kill

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Unless you live under a rock behind Delurey Hall or some other corner of campus, you probably joined in the festivities that we call NovaFest this past weekend. You also probably made your way over to West Campus and, like I did, chose a spot on one of the green areas.

Fashion Corner: Searching for your own sense of style

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Private schooled since kindergarten, I was forced to wear a uniform even before I was physically able to dress myself. Throughout high school, I was used to the standard kilt skirt, sweater vest, button-down shirt and knee-high socks. Since my outfits were pretty much set every fall, winter and spring, summer clothes were all I really owned and shopped for.

Horiscopes

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Watch how close you stand to that dumpster. There's a good chance it may instantaneously become engulfed in flames.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Note to self: swallowing a whole spoonful of cinnamon - even if someone dares you - is a horrible idea.

10 Totally Random Questions For...

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

1. What is the best vacation you have ever been on?
This spring break I went to Egypt and Jordan with a group of 28 from Villanova! It was amazing, and I got three credits for it. I learned so much in two weeks time and suggest it to anyone else for next year!

2.

Spring is the perfect time to pack a picnic

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Instead of a red-and-white plaid blanket, he brings a Villanova fleece throw. Instead of a wicker basket of plates and utensils, there is a plastic bag with plastic cutlery from CVS. Instead of wine, cheese and carefully prepared hors d'oeurves, there is a bottle of orange juice and a box of Wheat Thins from 2nd Storey.

10 Totally Random Questions for...

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

1. If you were to change your name, what would you change it to?
My new name would be Kevin McCool. If I had to redo my first name, I'd be Brandon Burke!

2. If you could choose any profession, what would you pick?
I'd like to do lights for Broadway plays.

Horiscopes

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Your enormous obsession with that older guy from class will come to a screeching halt when his status changes from "single" to "in a relationship." Don't worry too much - the stars know she has nothing on you.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Being efficient is certainly encouraged.

Meet the 'Love Guru' stars

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

This summer marks a self-proclaimed milestone for one of the most recognizable comedic figures of our generation.

"I always have about eight ideas circling the airport at any time and then eventually every three-and-a-half years, one of these ideas lands," Mike Myers explains his thought processes.

Summer movies to anticipate

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

We're all sick of writing papers, completing projects and studying for finals. The intoxicating aroma of summer effuses around campus, teasing us cruelly, calling us away from our studies. As if we needed yet another reason to be distracted, the summer months are looking to be a great time at the Cineplex.

NovaFest concert lackluster event

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

First off, I want to thank all my readers from the past three years! It's been great writing for all you music lovers out there.

OK, so on to NovaFest.

This year was the odd pairing of Jamaican hip-hop artist Sean Kingston and emo-rockers Brand New.

As the gates opened at 8 p.

Coffee spots on the Main Line

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A majority of students would agree that during finals week there is an extra component that is added into everyday diets: caffeine.

Although Holy Grounds does the trick to meet the needs of caffeine-craving students, there are a few other alternatives.

I know what you are thinking: "Go to Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts!"

As these two establishments are well respected and have great reputations, isn't it time to broaden our beverage horizons and try someplace new?

Lucky for us, Villanova is located in an heavily "café-populated" area.

Flight of the Conchords releases album

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Every girl dreams of the special day her Prince Charming will take her by the hand, look into her eyes, and sing "You're so beautiful, you could be an air hostess in the '60s."

Or maybe not.

Whether or not this is your romantic ideal, one thing is certain: Flight of the Conchords, New Zealand's self-proclaimed fourth most popular folk-comedy duo, has had a busy year, and their success stems from their witty music, containing lyrics just like that.

Indie rock group Eisley performs at First Unitarian Church

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Indie-folk-rock band Eisley stopped in Philadelphia on April 25 at the First Unitarian Church. Finally touring to promote its latest LP, "Combinations," this family band is about half-way through with its 40-plus-date trek. Made up of three sisters, a brother and a cousin, Eisley didn't stop there when recruiting family members; their tour manager is their father, lighting is done by another cousin and there are other Dupree family members running around backstage as well.

Top albums of the school year

Thu, 01 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - "Magic"

Admit it. If you're a Bruce Springsteen fan, you probably spent the days leading up to the release of "Magic" scouring Youtube for concert videos and refreshing your Ruckus homepage. "Magic," the band's follow up to 2002's "The Rising" was released amid as much hype as any other album this year.

The Villanovan

'Nova hosts Middle East peace conference

SAMOSA tournament takes it to the streets

Villanova celebrates Model Seder

Year In Review

Year in Review Contd.

NovaFest generates mixed reactions

Fr. Donohue attends Pope's speech

Student lobby day in Harrisburg

Loyden, Sepich notch top honors

Bengals select Villanova's Sherry

KAPALKO: Easy to forget what sports are really about

VENELLA: Tale of manager's hardwork and enjoyment

BROWN: Lessons learned from four years as student-athlete

DIBIASE: Villanova does not need Tyreke Evans

Game of the Year: 9/07/07 - Men's Soccer vs. Duke

Perfomance of the Year: 12/06/07 - Malcolm Grant vs. LSU

Breakout Athletes of the Year: Laura Kurz & Paul Webber/Tim Driscoll

Freshmen of the Year: Lauren Wuzzardo & Terence Thomas

The Villanovan's All-Wildcat Teams

Out of Bounds with Kyle Scudilla

Top stories of '07-'08 school year

Baseball: Wildcat pitching struggles at South Florida

Men's lacrosse falls to No. 16 Drexel

Softball: Villanova beats SJU, avoids weekend sweep

Track: Distance teams carry 'Nova at Penn Relays

EDITORIAL: Congratulations, Class of 2008

ABELLO: Here's my kiss goodbye

BENDINELLI: So that's all, folks?

NARDI: What was I doing here?

SCHONEKER: Our new beginning

DEITZ: King of the world no longer?

KERNS: Another journey commences

RONZONE: Rape on death row

SELWAY: Iz sayin mai goodbyz

KANE: Everywhere we turn

'Nova's most dedicated student

Equal accommodations for all

Being the 'Cat

WiseCat

Buzkill

The WiseCat

Buzz Kill

Fashion Corner: Searching for your own sense of style

Horiscopes

10 Totally Random Questions For...

Spring is the perfect time to pack a picnic

10 Totally Random Questions for...

Horiscopes

Meet the 'Love Guru' stars

Summer movies to anticipate

NovaFest concert lackluster event

Coffee spots on the Main Line

Flight of the Conchords releases album

Indie rock group Eisley performs at First Unitarian Church

Top albums of the school year