In recent weeks, I've had the pleasure of hosting two meaningful events for graduate students at Villanova. The first was a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion roundtable dinner and discussion. The second was a dinner to promote mental wellness through our peer mentorship initiative in partnership with the Reflect Organization. Both events offered a chance for students to reflect on their experiences at Villanova and connect with other graduate students across the University. While each fostered thoughtful conversations and gave me some insight into how we can make our outstanding graduate programs even better, my biggest takeaway may be the simplest. What we all need right now, after two long years of COVID, are opportunities to be together – opportunities to reconnect, to share our struggles and successes, to offer support and understanding. We have some great events planned for next month, but you don't have to wait for the Graduate Studies Office. I encourage you to not let this semester slip away without taking some time to socialize, to take a break and engage one another. You are the best part of Villanova, and I do not want you this miss the chance to connect with your amazing classmates. 

The two dinner discussions I enjoyed this month were incredible experiences, but they were limited by the size and format of the events. We want to hear from every graduate student at Villanova, and there is an important initiative taking place right now to collect your feedback. Please take a few moments to complete the graduate student survey. Your insights will be invaluable as the University embarks on its strategic plan to enhance the graduate student experience.

And what would be a March newsletter if I didn't say "GO CATS!!!"

Villanova University Theatre alumna Marissa Kennedy ’18 MA approached the project with the same enthusiasm, determination and creativity that has propelled her budding artistic career. She also drew inspiration from a connection to her own family’s values that she discovered while researching her new play about the life of James Forten, written for the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. READ MORE

The Villanova University Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences is pleased to announce Jenah Black '21 MS as this year's Ingeborg L. and O. Byron Ward Outstanding Thesis Award winner. This award honors one Psychology master's student each year for a particularly excellent thesis and thesis project. Black conducted her thesis project entitled “Discourse effects on maintenance of sub-phonemic uncertainty in language processing” under the direction of Joseph Toscano, PhD. READ MORE

Villanova Theatre proudly presents Curtains: A Musical Whodunnit with music and lyrics by Kander & Ebb, directed by Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, '75 CLAS, March 31–April 10. This production will pull out all the stops as it christens the proscenium-style Topper Theatre in the new John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. With its tuneful score, witty book and clever plot, Curtains blends Agatha Christie-like mystery with the spectacular song and dance of Golden Age musicals while playing every theatrical bell and whistle. READ MORE

A central component of the new Strategic Plan, the University-wide initiative to enhance the graduate student experience has begun. The leaders of this initiative want to ensure that their efforts align with graduate students’ actual wants and needs. To that end, all graduate students are asked to complete the graduate student experience survey. Take the survey.

Villanova Theatre Presents Curtains – March 30 - April 10

Be there when Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA makes his directorial debut! From the songwriting wizards behind Cabaret and Chicago comes Curtains, a hit comedy whodunnit musical. It's 1959, and the mysterious death of a theater's leading lady makes everyone - onstage and backstage - a potential suspect. Enter fast-talking detective Frank Cioffi (played by Rev. David Cregan, OSA), a stagestruck gumshoe who sniffs out clues while donning tap shoes. With its tuneful score and clever plot, Curtains blends Agatha Christie-like mystery with the spectacular song and dance of golden-age musicals. Learn more and get your tickets.

Free Admission for Curtains on Wildcat Wednesday!

Villanova community members can use their Wildcard for free admission to Curtains this Wednesday March 30 at 8 p.m. to catch a sneak preview of the show. Reserve your tickets by calling 610-519-7474, emailing mullenboxoffice@villanova.edu, or stopping by the Mullen Center Box Office Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Villanova Chapter of Sigma Xi in collaboration with the Center for Research and Fellowships will be hosting a Research Day including graduate and undergraduate student posters from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1 in the Villanova Room in Connelly Center. Stop by to see some posters and learn about a variety of student research being done across the university.

To commemorate Equal Pay Day 2022, join Dr. Pilar Gonalons-Pons from the University of Pennsylvania for a talk on Conceptualizing the Care System at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 1 in Driscoll Hall Room 134.

The Ambassador position is open to all undergraduate and graduate students across the gender spectrum and from diverse identities, who are passionate about creating change and advancing women leaders. Ambassadors agree to promote and disseminate the work of the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute, both in-person and through social or other media. They act as advocates for advancing women’s leadership on campus and in their communities by speaking out against inequities. To further their own leadership and professional development, ambassadors complete a Leadership Learning Experience, a social change project that addresses a root cause of gender inequity and advances the mission of the Institute. Ambassadors also engage in coaching and mentor relationships and have the opportunity to assist in the planning and execution of Institute initiatives. Learn more and apply.

Relationships can be complex, and this workshop will discuss dynamics within both healthy and unhealthy relationships to explore some common patterns relationships can fall into. In this virtual event on Tuesday, April 5 at 3:00 p.m., we’ll discuss foundations of healthy relationships as well as ways of identifying problematic dynamics and addressing them. Presented by Dr. Samantha Logan, University Counseling Center. Register for the Zoom link.

Join the Office of Health Promotion for a number of events and opportunities for discussion and connection. Learn more about information, resources and support.

Receive quick resume feedback from Villanova University Career staff during this online session on Friday, April 8 from 12 to 1:00 p.m. Career Coaches will share tips to help you refresh your resume and stand out from the crowd! Don’t wait, as there are limited spots available! Learn more and register.

The Office of Graduate Studies sponsors intensive language training during the summer to assist students in preparing for reading proficiency examinations. This summer, the language workshop offerings are in French and Latin. Priority enrollment is for doctoral students in Theology and Philosophy, followed by master’s students in CLAS. Both courses this summer will be offered in an online format. Please keep in mind that these are very time intensive and the courses move quickly. It is best to limit any other commitments so that you can focus on the material. The courses are 0 credit and will not count towards degree course requirements. Tuition is free. If you are interested in applying for a language workshop, please fill out this form no later than April 15.

Handshake – The Villanova Job Resource

Handshake is Villanova’s go-to resource for jobs, internships, events, and more! This mobile career management platform intuitively connects you to relevant opportunities based on your profile, interests and search activity. Through Handshake, you can apply for positions, explore companies and connections and sign up for career fairs and workshops all in one place. Learn more.

Villanova University has joined Interstride, a job search tool for international students providing job and internship postings from employers that focus on hiring international students, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities, visa and immigration support services and more! Explore Interstride.