With Commencement behind us, summer is officially underway at Villanova. Campus is quieter this time of year, but that makes it the perfect season for our neighbors to explore everything it has to offer. Whether you're out for a morning walk, meeting a friend for lunch, or simply enjoying the slower pace, we hope you'll take advantage of all that summer on campus brings.

We invite you to read on for more information on upcoming events and updates. Please reach out to neighbors@villanova.edu with questions. 

We hope to see you on campus this summer!

CNN

How Villanova Shaped the New York Knicks’ Dominant Run to the NBA Finals

Father Rob Hagan, Villanova’s team chaplain, is, in many ways, Villanova’s soul. Before games, he regularly says a brief mass and uses his homily to tie the Scripture back not only to basketball, but to that particular game. His day job is bigger than his Nova one; he is the prior provincial, overseeing more than 150 Augustinians in the US and counts Pope Leo XIV among his peers.

The New York Times (subscription may be required to view)

Between the Knicks and the Pope, Villanova Finds the Spotlight

Villanova University has produced plenty of notable alumni in its 184 years, but it has never had a moment quite like this. From the N.B.A. finals court to the Catholic church, current and former students are seeing navy and white everywhere.

Associated Press

Pope Leo Plays Tennis Religiously as Part of an Augustinian Devotion to Sports and Spirituality

In the ensuing months, Leo has tried to set aside time in his busy schedule to play tennis every week as part of his Augustinian devotion to physical activity and spirituality. The Rule of St. Augustine, an ancient guide for religious life, highlights the value of good habits. “He’s trying to keep some regularity to his routine that comes from the Rule,” said the Rev. Rob Hagan, Prior of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and team chaplain for the men’s basketball and football teams at Villanova University — the pope’s alma mater in Pennsylvania.

The Weather Channel – Weather Unfiltered

How Can We Better Protect Ourselves From Tornadoes?

Tornado warnings can help protect us, but there's more we can and should be doing. Stephen Strader, assistant professor of geography and the environment at Villanova University, joins Weather Unfiltered to talk about tornado safety and human-decision making.

OSV News

Pope Leo XIV’s Common Ministry With Mother Cabrini: A Heart for Migrants and Refugees

When Pope Leo XIV goes to Pavia, Italy, on June 20^th to venerate St. Augustine’s remains, he’s scheduled to take a half-hour detour to also venerate another saint ... Father Lydon, the inaugural director of the Augustinian-run Villanova University’s recently opened Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, noted Mother Cabrini is the patroness of immigrants. “And so there’s a devotion to the cause of Mother Cabrini … the cause of migrants. She’s the representative of that cause,” said Father Lydon.

From June 12^th through June 14^th, Villanova will welcome alumni, family and friends back to campus for Reunion 2026. 

Reunion 2026 celebrates alumni across graduation years with a weekend of special events, and on-campus activities. 

Neighbors are advised that Reunion events are private, and intended for registered alumni and guests. Please note that pedestrian activity and vehicle traffic may be increased in the area around campus through the weekend. Stadium lights may be in use for pedestrian safety. 

For more information, including a schedule of events, please visit the Reunion 2026 website. 

Construction continues on the Cabrini Campus as we prepare for the fall semester. While we look forward to welcoming our neighbors soon, the campus remains closed for now. For your safety, please refrain from walking or driving through while work is underway.

In the meantime, we invite you to visit our recently launched Cabrini Campus website for an overview of the campus and key project updates. This page will be the central source for information as the University prepares to open the campus later this year.

We'll also share campus updates and details on upcoming Neighbors meetings here in the newsletter and on our Facebook page.

Please reach out to Hally Ammons, Assistant Director for Government & Community Relations, at 610-519-7455 or hally.ammons@villanova.edu, with questions.

Summer is an ideal time to visit The Refectory, located on our Villanova campus in The Commons at 862 Lancaster Avenue. Drop in for brunch, lunch, or dinner and explore their new seasonal offerings—or, if you're planning something special, consider one of The Refectory's private event spaces.

For details and reservations, please visit The Refectory.

What is the difference between a pair of shoes and a photograph of a pair of shoes? A sequence of two or more things in the world does not necessarily mean anything, but two items taken together within the bounds of a photograph can generate profound significance. 

On view now through September, Doubling with a Difference is a show of doubles, duplicates, and visual rhymes that, taken together, will demonstrate that photography is more than just a visual record – that it can take an image of life and perform that special alchemy that transforms it into art. 

Doubling with a Difference is curated by undergraduate students in the History of Photography class directed by Dr. Alexis Monroe, Arthur J. Ennis Postdoctoral Fellow in The Augustine and Culture Seminar Program and Jennie Castillo, Curator of the University Art Collection and Gallery Director.

For more information, please visit The Villanova University Art Gallery. 

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. 

If you are interested in joining the Friends of Villanova program, please apply online.  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. 

Questions? Please contact neighbors@villanova.edu. 

Davis Center Fitness Center Summer Schedule

The Davis Center Fitness Center will operate on summer hours beginning May 13^th through August 14^th.  

Summer Hours

Monday – Thursday: 7AM – 7PM

Friday – Sunday: Closed

Closures

The Pavilion Pool is closed through August 23^th.

WildCard Office

The WildCard Office will also operate on a summer schedule. Please keep the adjusted hours in mind if you need to visit or get in touch.

Summer Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 4PM

Fridays: Closed 

*Please note that Villanova University is closed on all Fridays from May 22^nd through August 14^th.

Neighbors may now sign up to receive NOVA Alert emergency text messages simply by texting NOVAALERT to 333111. For full sign-up instructions, visit the NOVA Alert registration page. To opt out at any time, simply text STOP NOVAALERT to the same number.

Please note NOVA Alert subscriptions will automatically expire after one year. Those who wish to continue receiving notifications will be prompted to resubscribe at that time.

Friends and neighbors may also follow @NOVA_Alert on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates.

The safety and well-being of our community remain a top priority. These updates reflect Villanova's ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency communication and ensuring our surrounding communities are well-informed.

Please reach out to Hally Ammons, Assistant Director for Government & Community Relations, at hally.ammons@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