As the academic year comes to a close, we hope you have been able to join us on campus for events, meetings, meals, and performances. While our students are on summer break, we look forward to inviting you to campus for returning and new special events for neighbors. 

Read on for important information regarding Commencement 2024, and summer hours for our Friends of Villanova program.

Please contact neighbors@villanova.edu with questions. We hope to see you soon!

News at Nova

From the Villanova Media Room: The Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, Villanova University President, announced that Philadelphia Archbishop the Most Revered Nelson J. Pérez, D.D., will address the Class of 2024 as the University’s commencement speaker. Archbishop Pérez will also receive the degree of Doctor of Sacred Letters, honoris causa. 

About Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D., was appointed as the 14th Bishop and 10th Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Pope Francis in January 2020. Archbishop Pérez's pastoral vision, rooted in Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation "The Joy of the Gospel," can be summarized as, "Church on Mission: Proactive, Involved, Supportive, Fruitful, and Joyful."

Archbishop Pérez has strong ties to the Philadelphia area, with over two decades of experience and work in the region. He earned two master's degrees at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood and was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1989. His first assignment after ordination to the priesthood was as parochial vicar of Saint Ambrose Parish in Philadelphia. He later served as Pastor of Saint William Parish in Philadelphia and Saint Agnes Parish in West Chester. Committed to education, Archbishop Pérez has taught courses at LaSalle University and Saint Charles Seminary.

For more information, please visit the Villanova Media Room. 

From Forbes: The 2024 cohort of Truman Scholars were announced Friday by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.

This year’s group includes 60 students from 54 U.S. colleges and universities selected to receive the prestigious graduate scholarship for aspiring public service leaders in the United States.

Each year about 60 Truman Scholars are selected from hundreds of college juniors who go through a multi-stage selection process, requiring a nomination by their undergraduate colleges, selection as a finalist by a Truman Finalist Selection Committee, and an interview with one of the regional review panels that make the final choices. Candidates may major in any subject likely to lead to a public service career, and they can pursue any graduate degree, other than the MBA.

Lezlie Hilario is a first-generation college student with a double major in political science and global interdisciplinary studies at Villanova University. At Villanova, she’s been a cheerleader on the Villanova cheer team, serves as co-president of the Latin American Student Organization, and is a member of the leadership team for BIPOC, a multicultural student-athlete group on campus. She is an alumna of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, where she worked on Capitol Hill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

From The Philadelphia Inquirer: Villanova’s Liam Murphy got the better of Virginia’s Gary Martin for the second day in a row, and this time he helped make history.

After facing off in the anchor leg of Friday’s distance medley relay, the two big men’s college stars of these Penn Relays met Saturday in the 4xMile. Martin led the entire anchor leg until the last turn when Murphy surged past him to give the Wildcats a dramatic victory.

Please visit The Philadelphia Inquirer for more information. A subscription may be required. 

Commencement is an exciting and happy time on campus and we are looking forward to celebrating all of our graduates in May. 

Beginning the week of May 13th, Villanova will honor graduates with various on and off-campus events for students and families. The week culminates with the undergraduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 17th at 2:15 PM followed by the law school and graduate ceremonies on Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM and 2:30 PM, respectively. 

Please be advised that pedestrian and vehicle traffic will be heavy in the area around Main Campus throughout the week, with peak congestion occurring on May 17th and 18th. 

For a full list of events, please visit Commencement 2024. Please note that events are closed, and intended for graduates and invited guests only. Commencement ceremonies will be available to watch via livestream.

Please contact neighbors@villanova.edu with questions.

From Villanova University's Art Gallery: You are invited to explore the vibrant artwork of Philadelphia's "Mayor of the Arts," Sam Maitin (1928-2004). Abstract Activism showcases Maitin's passionate pursuit of social justice and peace through his colorful art and within his Philadelphia community.

This exhibit is curated by graduate students in the History Department under the direction of Dr. Whitney Martinko, Associate Professor of History, and Jennie Castillo, Curator of the University Art Collection and Gallery Director.

On view now through August 26th in the Art Gallery, located in the Connelly Center on Villanova's Main Campus. The Art Gallery is free and open to the public. 

For more information, please visit the Art Gallery. 

P.S. Save the date for an art event for kids and families on July 30th! Watch this space for registration information and more!

Please contact neighbors@villanova.edu \with questions. 

Save the date for Arts in the Garden, a special event presented by the Inn at Villanova. Enjoy music, vendors, and works from celebrated artists available for sale as you stroll the grounds of the Inn on June 29th from 1-5 PM. This rain-or-shine event includes a cash bar and light appetizers. 

Tickets are available now on Eventbrite. Please visit the Inn at Villanova for more information. 

The Friends of Villanova program is offered by Villanova University to our neighbors in Radnor Township and select neighborhoods in Lower Merion Township that are contiguous to our main campus.

Residents of Radnor and select areas of Lower Merion may, for an annual fee of $60, access University facilities such as the Fitness Center at the Davis Center and the Pavilion Pool, on a limited recreational basis. 

Please visit villanova.edu/fovmembership to complete a membership application. Please allow 3-5 business days for staff to complete the review and verification process. Once the process is complete, you will be notified of your status via email. 

Davis Center

Finals Week and Commencement 2024 Closures

Friday, May 10th - Sunday, May 12th: CLOSED

Friday, May 17th - Sunday, May 19th: CLOSED

Summer Hours of Operation - Begins May 13th, ends August 22nd 

Monday -Thursday: 7AM - 7PM

Friday - Sunday: CLOSED

Pavilion Pool

Rec Swims ends on Friday, May 3, 2024 and will resume in the Fall. 

Please follow www.facebook.com/NovaNeighbors for program updates and hours of operation. 

New Applications and Renewals

All new applications and membership renewals must be initiated online at www.villanova.edu/fovmembership.  

All approved members must complete the membership process at the Wildcard Office in person. Wildcards may only be issued to the verified member to whom it is assigned. 

Please email neighbors@villanova.edu with questions. 

Coming to campus? Know where to go using our Campus Map. Wondering what's happening on campus? Check our guide to noteworthy events to stay up-to-date. 

Please note that the use of recreational e-scooters and related motorized personal transportation devices on campus, including self-balancing one- or two-wheeled boards and motorized skateboards, is prohibited on campus. Electric mobility aids are exempted from this policy. 

The University's Off Campus Living website contains pertinent information for students and community members about living in the community. The website also allows neighbors to submit an issue or concern directly through the website. Visit the Off Campus Living website for more information. And be sure to check out our Villanova University Neighbor Updates Facebook Page! 

Contact Information

Hally Ammons, Assistant Director

Government & Community Relations

Phone: 610-519-7455

Email: hally.ammons@villanova.edu

800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085