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Student Involvement

Service

Student service

Saint Thomas of Villanova, the patron saint of the University, dedicated his life to working with the impoverished and most vulnerable people in his city. Following St. Thomas’ example, the work of service and justice are central to the mission of Villanova. This mission can be the lived experience of Villanovans through weekly service opportunities, days of service, or student service organizations.

 

Weekly Service

There are many different types of weekly service opportunities to pursue depending upon your interest, availability and time commitment. The Rays of Sunshine Program, Community Outreach of Villanova (COV), and Reaching Urban Individuals By Action and Love (RUIBAL)programs provide Villanova student volunteers the opportunity to tutor, mentor, and support children in Philadelphia schools and community centers on a weekly basis.

If you are interested in volunteering with these programs, please complete the necessary background checks under the Criminal Backgroud Check Process. You may only participate in these service programs when once you have completed all of your background checks.

 

St Thomas of Villanova Day of Service in September

The Villanova community celebrates its patron saint and his legacy of Caritas – Love – with an annual Day of Service in his name. Each year, the St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service brings together nearly 5,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families working in partnership with neighborhood agencies to perform service throughout Greater Philadelphia.

 

Martin Luther King Day of Service in January

The Villanova community celebrates the legacy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and move our nation closer to the "Beloved Community" that Dr. King envisioned.

 

Villanova dance marathon

NOVAdance

NOVAdance is Villanova’s annual dance marathon program held each March which strives to instill hope in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer. Want to get involved? Join the Morale Committee (MoCo), which is the backbone of NOVAdance. Moralers electrify our dance marathon by bringing excitement and positivity to our B+ Heroes, their families, and Villanova’s campus, making NOVAdance an unforgettable day for everyone involved. All Villanova students who are passionate about fighting childhood cancer are invited to join our team and promote the B+ message around campus. Register with the Morale Committee at NOVAdance.org.

 

relay for life villanovan's against cancer

Relay for Life

Relay for Life of Villanova, features a 6 hour walk in November to fight against cancer, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Join us for this incredible event, a day of activities, entertainment, plenty of food, and special ceremonies recognizing those who have lost their battle, are fighting their battle, and have won their battle with cancer. For more information, email the Relay for Life student Executive Director Jack Sherwood ( esherwo1@villanova.edu)

 

SPO

Special Olympics (SPO)

The Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival is hosted and organized by Villanova University students and is the largest annual student-run Special Olympics event in the world. To volunteer for SPO taking place from Friday, November 1 – 3, 2019 join the Inclusion Crew by visiting specialolympics.villanova.edu.

 

Villanova best buddies program

 

Villanova Buddies

Villanova Buddies is an organization that aims to promote inclusion and acceptance by facilitating friendships between Villanova students and local adults with developmental disabilities. Our group is mostly event-based with a themed event once every month from September-April. Our events include a Halloween Party, a Friendsgiving, a Christmas Party, Buddies Bowling, and more! For more information, email the Villanova Bussies student president Nick Clemente nclemen2@villanova.edu.