Villanova Gets Love In Philly Mag's 'Best Of Philly' Awards

VILLANOVA, PA — Philadelphia Magazine gave some love to Villanova in their "Best of Philadelphia 2025" list, naming three local winners in the annual round up.

In this year's list, a Villanova business, a Villanova University alumni, and a current 'Nova student were named winners.

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First up is Vanner House.

The 601 Conestoga Road business was won "Best Shop for Chic Cowgirls" in the "Shopping & Style" category.

Main Liners didn’t know how badly they needed a boutique catering to all things equestrian until Vanner House trotted into Villanova in December. Horsey hostess gifts abound (pewter napkin rings designed like English saddles, anyone?), and serious riders will be pleased to find smart essentials like breeches, riding gloves, and sustainable knitwear worthy of any afternoon spent at Radnor Hunt.

Check out Vanner House online here.

And the world's most famous Villanova grad was also named a winner.

Pope Leo XIV, Villanova Class of '77, was named "Best Supreme Pontiff."

Here's what the publication said about him:

Or, as we like to call him, Bobby from Villanova. Okay, maybe that’s blasphemous (or perhaps just rude), but when news broke that the new pope was not only an American but a Nova grad, the Philly region collectively lost its mind. There was a Delco pope! A pope who has maybe been to Wawa! And St. Joe’s grads — including those on this magazine’s staff — were forced to conclude that the Holy War had finally been lost.

Lastly is 20-year-old Villanova student Matthew Nawn, whose finish in the 2025 Boston Marathon made him a viral sensation.

Check out the write-up on Nawn below:

We could all use a little bit of this Villanova student’s grit. During this spring’s Boston Marathon, Nawn made it 26 point allllmost 2 miles before collapsing just 30 feet from the finish line. After watching runners get pulled off the course earlier in the race, Nawn was determined to finish — so he got onto his hands and knees and crawled across the line. The video went viral, and he’s become an inspiration for runners around the world.

See all winners in Philly Mag's annual list here.