Observer the
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center
January 24, 2024 VOLUME XLIV, ISSUE 1
Michele Burris Named VP of Student Affairs By STEVIE FUSCO Asst. News Editor
COURTESY OF MICHELE BURRIS
Michele Burris has been named vice president of student affairs after holding the associate vice president of student affairs position for 17 years.
Insight from a Fordham Climate Protester By KENNY MOLL Contributing Writer
The constant consumption of “scorched earth” news headlines and learning about those in power jeopardizing our future for profit is inescapable. Processing such information alone is becoming a heavy load to bear. This poses a question for those looking to create real change and are wondering how they should go about doing so. What would be the best course of action for actualizing progress, spreading awareness and uplifting others — if not through community and cooperation — together? Protests are the most effective course of action for environmental justice. Protests and demonstrations allow participants to process an onslaught of intense
NEWS PAGE 2
information with those advocating for the same cause in meaningful ways in hopes of accomplishing change. It is hard to fully grapple with the reality of this corrupt and unjustified system in which we unwittingly taking part. I am certain that I am contributing to companies’ efforts to pollute natural ecosystems or low-income neighborhoods via federal subsidies and tax breaks. On Sept. 18, I participated in a demonstration in which over 100 environmental activists occupied the Federal Reserve Bank in Lower Manhattan. After refusing to disperse and to leave the Federal Reserve Bank, demonstrators were arrested — including myself.
SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE 4
ARTS & CULTURE PAGE 10
‘Carcelén’ Exhibit
CENTERFOLD PAGES 6-7
FUN & GAMES PAGE 12
Students join protest in solidarity for Palestine.
By SAKUNTHALA SANKAR Contributing Writer
Fordham University’s Campus Ministry, along with the Muslim Students Association at Lincoln Center (MSALC) and the United Student Government at Lincoln Center (USGLC), worked in collaboration to renovate the prayer room on the street level of the Leon Lowenstein Center. Renovations began after initial conversations took place during the summer and concluded in December. Erin Hoffman, director of Campus Ministry for Lincoln Center, said that as the Muslim community continues to grow at
Lincoln Center, the street level prayer room expanded capacity for Muslim students to pray on campus. According to Hoffman, a second prayer room located on the third floor of the Lowenstein Center will soon undergo similar changes. She explained that these renovations were the product of larger conversations between Campus Ministry, USGLC and MSALC. Hoffman added that members of the campus community hadn’t “looked holistically at the space and how it was meeting the needs of the community” in quite some time. The prayer room required updated maintenance and
practical decor, Hoffman expressed. While the room had undergone regular upkeep and was repaired when needed, Hoffman says that an “intentionality” and “holistic” approach were key in looking at the needs of the prayer room. Zayn Price, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’27, described it as critical that students of the Islamic faith have access to “traditional and proper” Islamic praying areas. Price believes that renovations made to the prayer room are a positive improvement for Muslim students. see PRAYER ROOM page 3
Students benefit from daylight saving.
Men’s Basketball
SJP Protest
Campus Ministry To Renovate Muslim Prayer Room
OPINIONS PAGE 8
Daylight Saving
Hit-and-miss season grows promising.
see BURRIS page 2
see ACTIVISM page 9
Snow Day
Students return to campus amidst record-breaking snowfall.
Following an intense, nationwide, seven-month competitive search, Michele Burris assumed the position of vice president of student affairs on Jan. 10. The announcement was made in a university-wide email from University President Tania Tetlow on the same day, noting that Burris would begin her position immediately. Burris emphasized her dedication to two Jesuit values that she aims to encompass as both an administrator and educator. “There are two Jesuit tenets that are at the core of who I am as an administrator; the first is cura personalis, care for each and every person; care for each and every student,” she said. “The second tenet is magis, striving for more, not being satisfied with the status quo.” Tetlow emphasized Burris’ career-long commitment to Jesuit values in the email, noting that comes to this position with 35 years of experience working in Jesuit higher education. “Vice President Burris understands ‘cura personalis’ at her core,” Tetlow said. “Her tireless commitment to student well-being and development is inspiring, as is the collaborative approach she brings to the role,” Tetlow said in the email. Burris began serving in the
position on an interim basis during the search to replace Jeffrey Gray following his resignation in June 2023. The vice president of student affairs is responsible for overseeing all student affairs functions and plays a role in managing the university’s budget. As she transitions from serving in the interim to officially assuming the position, Burris highlighted her desire to spend ample time at both of Fordham University’s undergraduate campuses — Lincoln Center and Rose Hill — in an effort to further bridge the gap within the university community. She referred to her intercampus travel as her “roadshow” and expressed her plans to keep the momentum going by attending more student organizations and club events. Burris also noted that she has attended student government meetings at both Lincoln Center and Rose Hill. Rev. John Cecero, S.J., vice president for mission integration and ministry and the chair of the search committee to fill the position, praised Burris’ ability to balance a “historically informed understanding” of student affairs with a “bold creative vision” for the future of the division. “Her vision is grounded in a commitment to listening closely to the needs of students across the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses,” he said.
Venezuelan refugee photos showcase community.
Noble Names
Play the 15x15 crossword along with our other classics.
MARYAM BESHARA/THE OBSERVER
The prayer rooms are being remodeled to better accomodate the growing Muslim student population.