Observer Issue 2 Fall 2024

Observer the

The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

September 25, 2024 VOLUME XLV, ISSUE 2

Fordham, Post Protest

COLBY MCCASKILL & KEI SUGAE/THE OBSERVER

By STEVIE FUSCO & SAM BRACY Managing Editor & News Editor

Fordham University changed after approximately 45 individuals organized an encampment-style

protest on May 1 in the Leon Lowenstein Center lobby at the Lincoln Center campus.

Fordham Public Safety’s request for the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest 11

Athletic Director Departs

By CORA COST Contributing Writer

On Sept. 11, Fordham’s Athletic Department announced that Ed Kull, Fordham’s Athletic Director (AD) accepted the AD position at St. John’s University, thus leaving Fordham. Kull’s last day with Fordham was Sept. 13, after which Charlie Elwood, the now former deputy athletic director, took his place as interim athletic director.

Kull first joined Fordham Athletics in 2017 and by 2020 Fordham appointed him the interim director of athletics. On Feb. 19, 2021, Kull officially assumed the director of athletics role at Fordham.

Kull’s tenure at Fordham was incredibly fruitful both on and off the field. Along with title successes across the many Fordham athletic teams, Kull made strides in the revenue and fundraising foundations of the Fordham Athletics program.

The coaching staff of the Men’s Basketball team at Fordham saw successful changes under Kull’s leadership. Kull hired former basketball head coach, Kyle Neptune, with whom the men’s basketball team reached the Atlantic 10 (A10) Tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2007. After Neptune’s departure in the spring of the 2021-22 season, Kull promoted the Associate Head Coach Keith Urgo. The shift to Urgo NEWS PAGE 3

Communi-Tea

An 11-year-long tradition bonds Fordham students

undergraduate students and four alumni disturbed some students’ opinion of the university.

Manon McCollum, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’24, was arrested at the encampment.

He said although he always distrusted Fordham’s administration, his relationship with the university was irreparably changed after they called for his arrest.

“I do not have a very high

opinion of Fordham after being arrested and then graduating,” McCollum said. see POST PROTEST page 2

Black Student Alliance Hosts Annual Fall Cookout

only saw more improvement as the team clinched a spot in the A10 semifinals for the second time in team history.

Kull helped raise $7.6 million for the Fordham athletics program, surpassing the previous year marker by $2.5 million.

The Fordham Athletics department’s funding under Kull’s tenure flourished as Kull was imperative to increased revenue and fundraising. According to Fordham Athletics, under Kulls leadership the athletics department set a record high in fundraising in the last fiscal year.

Kull helped raise $7.6 million for the Fordham athletics program, surpassing the previous year marker by $2.5 million.

Along with program fundraising Kull was instrumental in signing deals between the program and outside sponsors. In 2023 the athletics department announced that Fordham signed a multiyear deal with Nike to be the exclusive apparel and footwear provider for the athletic program. see ED KULL page 6

SPORTS & HEALTH PAGE 7

Alumni Night

Fordham alumni come together at a Yankees game

SHELBY WILLIAMS/THE OBSERVER

Fordham Lincoln Center’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) held their annual fall cookout on Sept. 21 on McMahon Lawn. The event gave undergraduate students the chance to celebrate their community through food, games, raffles and music.

Jillian Bruno, vice president of BSA and Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’26, expressed the importance of cultural and community-oriented events like

this on Fordham’s campus, especially as one of the cultural clubs operating within a predominantly white institution (PWI).

“Cookouts are very near and dear to Black culture in general.

We’ve all grown up doing cookouts with our families, and BSA is our family on campus,” Bruno said. “So many of these students are from out of state, and so this is your home away from home … especially at a PWI.” Nate Rodriguez, FCLC ’26, said he enjoyed the social aspects of the cookout.

“Dancing and talking to people has been my favorite part of the event,” Rodriguez said.

Gabriel Guy, FCLC ’28, shared similar sentiments as Rodriguez, specifically about the sociability that is inherent in BSA’s programming and said that there is significance in a community coming together for events like these.

“I think a sense of community is an important thing … We all make time to hang out together,” Guy said.

CENTERFOLD PAGE 8-9

OPINIONS PAGE 10

ARTS & CULTURE PAGE 15

By ALISON BEINHAUR News Editor

A NYC Fall

Romantic vibes and autumn chais to celebrate autumn

“iPad Kids”

A debate on whether iPads are harmful or useful

see COOKOUT page 4

Clairo’s “Charm Tour” Indie-pop artist performs new album in NYC

2

News

September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Arrests On Campus Spark Change University policy and culture altered following encampment

POST PROTEST from page 1

He said he was disappointed by how the school’s administration treated him following his arrest, as McCollum was barred from participating in senior week events. He said he was “unceremoniously dumped into graduation with so many of my events being cut.”

On the morning of the protests, according to surveillance camera footage analyzed by The Fordham Observer, protestors entered the Leon Lowenstein lobby shortly before 8 a.m.

No members of the group appeared to scan Fordham IDs as they entered the building and pitched tents, unfurled banners and lead chants.

NYPD officers arrived at Fordham before 10 a.m. and prevented movement in or out of the Lowenstein Center lobby. Almost three hours after protestors first entered the lobby, Fordham Public Safety issued a RamSafe alert announcing the closure of the Lowenstein Center’s entrance.

Fordham administrators determined the encampment to be in violation of this policy.

At around 4:50 p.m., NYPD officers in riot gear arrived and barricaded themselves in between outside protestors and the entrance.

In the days following the protest, Michael R. Trerotola, the president’s chief of staff, wrote in

Forty-five individuals organized an encampment-style protest on May 1 in the Leon Lowenstein Center lobby.

an email that the protestors were not authorized to host a demonstration by student affairs.

According to Trerotola, Michele Burris, vice president for student affairs told the protestors “that the encampment was unauthorized and not in accordance with the university code of conduct and policies.”

The student handbook on the university’s website reads that students are disbarred from gathering “in such a fashion as to physically hinder entrances to, exits from, or passageways within

any university building or other structure.” Fordham administrators determined the encampment to be in violation of this policy.

Dozens of those who initially entered the encampment eventually chose to leave. Conversations between members of Campus Ministry and student organizers facilitated an agreement to allow some protestors to leave the building.

That day, University President Tania Tetlow sent an email to the Fordham community.

“We draw the line at intrusions

into a classroom building,” she wrote. “Especially by people who are not members of our community.”

On Sept. 16, Tetlow held a press conference with the undergraduate newspapers from the university’s two campuses. She highlighted the change in the demonstration policy regarding the encampment.

“Student Affairs worked with the Faculty Senate to take a look at the demonstration policy, which I think most universities in the country spent some

KEI SUGAE/THE OBSERVER

time doing this summer, and the Senate helped us continue to make it better,” Tetlow said.

Fordham University policy requires demonstrators to reserve space for demonstrations — as well as coordinate their activities with the Dean of Students.

Tetlow urged students to properly go through the process of protesting on school grounds.

She said that in the past 30 years, every request to protest on campus grounds was accepted.

Additional reporting by William Lee

THE OBSERVER September 25, 2024

www.fordhamobserver.com

Cultivating Communi-Tea

News

3

A Fordham alumna remarks on her father’s past, the gift of the present and the future she hopes to build with the New York City community

By SOPHIA STEPHAN Contributing Writer

Liz Gannon-Graydon, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’85, held her weekly Communi-Tea party in Bryant Park. This is Gannon-Graydon’s 11th year hosting the event, where she brings orange-cranberry muffins and bottomless vats of various teas to the park.

She collaborates with her nonprofit, What Better Looks Like, to run local workshops. Their goal is to aid in the “development of beloved community” by helping individuals imagine, articulate and create visions for a better world.

Gannon-Graydon said she holds the event to foster community within a city that she said can be intimidating for some.

“I think of New York as a community,” Gannon-Graydon said. “(It) can be an intimate place if you create intimate settings. It can be big and scary, but there are always beautiful little places where you can find community.”

Arnav Bhutada, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’22, said how this event would have helped him acclimate to college.

“ There are very few

places around the world that don’t sit and have some form of breaking bread together … There’s something powerful … in sitting and having a cup of tea, because then you have to sit.”

Liz Gannon-Graydon, FCLC ’85

“College in New York City is different than a lot of other places, so I think it would’ve been helpful to just get introduced to people and be able to see what the community is all about,” Bhutada said. “(Developing) a sense

SOPHIA STEPHAN/THE OBSERVER

Liz Gannon-Graydon hosts her Communi-Tea parties once a week.

of comradery that like you’re not the only one going through such a big change going to college.”

As a born-and-raised New Yorker, Gannon-Graydon prioritizes finding hidden harmony and fellowship in a fast-paced environment.

“There are very few places around the world that don’t sit and have some form of breaking bread together … There’s something powerful … in sitting and having a cup of tea, because then you have to sit,” Gannon-Graydon said.

Amna Basra, FCLC ’28, spoke on the importance of establishing connections as well as finding home, especially as a first-year

and international student.

“I think, like, finding people from diverse backgrounds because I think when you’re a freshman you’re still trying to establish people who you meet and who you enjoy talking to, and it’s just another opportunity to meet people and interact with others,” Basra said.

Gannon-Graydon’s father, also a Fordham alum, taught her the values of Martin Luther King Jr. He was a civil rights activist in the 1960s, which planted significant seeds in her upbringing.

Gannon-Graydon reflects on the impact that King’s and Robert F. Kennedy’s assassinations had on her father.

“I think what my dad saw in (them) were two fathers who didn’t go home to their children.

And I think in that moment he made a decision to choose a different scale for his life … he became the best man, the best neighbor, the kindest soul,” Gannon-Graydon said. “He took a job (that) promised him academic freedom, and that he could be home with his kids.”

She had brought her sons to the park since 2014 for the free Broadway stars events every Thursday.

Gannon-Graydon described how Bryant Park became a “home base” for her children.

“Bryant Park is really a crossroads of humanity. I’ve met people from all over the globe because they walk through here … and I think what I have learned (is) that we really, really, really need to connect with one another,” Gannon-Graydon said. “We all want to be seen, we all want to be heard.”

Gannon-Graydon’s Communi-Tea event is focused on creating a table for everyone to be equal and is attended by people from all walks of life.

“ There aren’t a lot of

spaces where everyone is equally valued … And because it’s free, because it’s open to everyone,” Liz Gannon-Graydon, FCLC ’85

Fordham students enjoy tea and companionship with alumni.

AVERY GRAFELD/THE OBSERVER

“There aren’t a lot of spaces where everyone is equally valued … And because it’s free, because it’s open to everyone, and all I know is what you want to tell me.

Everyone is equally welcome … and that’s the truth to community,” Gannon-Graydon said.

Aubrey Hankin, FCLC ’28, applies this to her everyday interactions in efforts to build a new

community as a first-year student.

“I try to be bubbly and talk to a lot of people, and just bring out the most positive energy I can …

I try to just be friendly around campus,” Hankin said.

Zachary Lowe, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center ’25, reflected on his first year at Fordham and how an event like Communi-Tea would have impacted him back then.

“My freshman year (I) wasn’t really involved on campus, I was more of the shy type, so, I was a bit scared to dip my toes into certain events, so I just think that having those events where you go and interact with people and put yourself out there, I think it’s important to have when you first come onto campus,” Lowe said.

Gannon-Graydon attributes her dedication to kindness and inclusivity to her father’s example.

“My dad was a really special man … I never heard (him) say an unkind word at anyone … And I think a lot that was that (Fordham) Jesuit education,” Gannon-Graydon said. “I think my father sensed that was my path … training with rigorous thought, rigorous morality, rigorous intellect.”

Gannon-Graydon reflected on her great experiences at Fordham, saying that she learned lessons and made friendships in and out of the classroom, which have remained constants in her life.

“I also find the thing about the Fordham community is there really is this being there for one another and it doesn’t necessarily have to be around class,” Gannon-Graydon said.

Through the influence of her father, workshops and tea parties, Gannon-Graydon believes that “if you create conditions for community, the community happens.”

She urges Fordham students to start where they are and actively work to cultivate the community they desire by pursuing their passions and staying present.

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News

September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Students Come Together to Uphold Tradition BSA’s gathering allows for students to come together in their ‘home away from home’

Public Safety arrived on the scene first, asking the event managers — student workers from the Office of Student Involvement (OSI) — to lower the music. The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrived after, telling students that they would need a sound permit despite turning down the music after Public Safety had left.

COOKOUT from page 1

Bruno also said she was appreciative of the turnout and the event running smoothly after learning what works for the club’s gatherings over time.

“We’ve just kind of worked out the kinks where now it goes very smoothly,” Bruno said. “We have such a nice freshmen turnout this time and it’s just nice to have everyone here with no hiccups or anything.”

BSA hosts programs throughout the year that provide students with the opportunity to connect with their peers and alumni to help advance their careers and make lasting, meaningful connections. These events range from game nights to alumni speakers coming to speak to students.

“We do have another cookout planned for the spring semester, we do game night,” Bruno said.

“We have a ‘love your hair’ event coming up, during Black History Month we do tons of networking events.”

Rodriguez said that despite not being an official BSA club member, he hopes to attend the upcoming events they have to offer for the year.

Last semester, BSA held a career day event in collaboration with the Career Center in which students were offered free professional headshots as well

In order to remedy this, the school has decided to purchase noise permits with the city of New York

BSA held their fall cookout on McMahon Lawn.

as general internship advice, resume building aid and LinkedIn tips. Their general meetings last semester consisted of a variety of discussion topics, including Black hair, code switching and diversity and inclusion in media.

Rodriguez said that despite not being an official BSA club member, he hopes to attend the upcoming events they have to offer for the year.

“I’m excited, I’m looking forward to the new events,” Rodriguez said. “Last year I wasn’t able

to make the weekly events as much as I wanted.”

Guy said that the meetings he has been to so far as a first-year have been enjoyable for him as everyone is interactive during them.

“I’ve been to two or three …

I like that they’re participatory,” Guy said. “We’re all different but we have a lot in common.”

Jemima Monga, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center ’25, who goes by the stage name “Ms. Worldwide,” was the DJ for the

ALISON BEINHAUR/THE OBSERVER

cookout and frequently works at BSA’s events. She provided music at an event in April of last semester, which was a collaboration with BSA, Student Organization for Latines and Caribbean Students Club entitled “The Family Reunion.”

This event had a similar set-up to the cookout with yard games, a DJ and food on McMahon Lawn.

However it was interrupted when a non-Fordham member of a local residence made a noise complaint about the volume of their music.

This has occurred in the past.

Prior to the family reunion event, Wavelengths hosted their annual “Ravelengths” event, also held on McMahon Lawn. Christina Frankovic-Sepsi, director of OSI, shared that Wavelengths also received noise complaints from the community.

In order to remedy this, the school has decided to purchase noise permits with the city of New York, despite not being technically required to do so on university property.

“We’ve decided to purchase them on behalf of the clubs for any events with amplification on the McMahon Lawn,” Frankovic-Sepsi said.

This year’s fall cookout went undisturbed by both Public Safety and the NYPD, giving students an uninterrupted opportunity to celebrate their community and each other.

Additional reporting by Shelby Williams

Adams’s Inner Circle Shrinks

Corruption probes rock New York City mayor’s administration prosecutors in July requested information from Adams, his campaign committee and City Hall about alleged ties with the governments of Turkey, Israel, Qatar, South Korea, China and Uzbekistan.

Jack Warner, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’25, said the repeated implication of Adams’ allies in federal probes has become expected.

“Honestly, I cannot say I’m surprised by this, and that is extremely frustrating to say about the man who was chosen to lead the city I live in,” Warner said.

By SAM BRACY AND MATTHEW QUIRINDONGO News Editor and Contributing Writer

Early in his administration as New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams liked to flash a smile and rhetorically ask, “When does the hard part start?”

This month, the mayor might have found the answer to his question.

On Sept. 12, Edward Caban, the commissioner of the New York Police Department (NYPD), announced his resignation after federal agents seized his electronic devices as part of an ongoing federal corruption probe.

Days later, City Hall Chief Councel Lisa Zornberg resigned on Sept. 15. Then, Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, deputy commissioner of public private partnerships and economic development, resigned on Sept. 18. On Sept. 20, federal authorities searched the home of Caban’s replacement, interim police commissioner Thomas Donlon, and served Director of Asylum Seeker Operations Molly Schaeffer with a subpoena.

Several federal probes have influenced some New Yorkers’ lack of trust in Adams. Michael Magazine, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’27, had choice words for his fellow Brooklynite.

“The slew of federal investigations represent the fundamental corruption inherent to everything Eric Adams touches,” Magazine wrote in an email.

Sam Glasberg, Fordham Law School ’28, said that he does not believe Adams’ administration is particularly corrupt so much as New York politics are structured

NYPD presence outside Fordham's Lincoln Center Campus on May 1.

to facilitate corruption.

“I think the city and the machinery of the state are designed in a way that makes individual personalities unable to make changes,” Glasberg said.

“We have corrupt or inefficient systems in place almost intentionally.”

Caban’s devices were seized in connection to an investigation involving his twin brother James Caban, an ex-NYPD officer and prominent figure in New York City’s nightlife industry.

Caban said he didn’t want his

legal battle with the NYPD to become a distraction.

“I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD,” Caban wrote in his resignation.

Adams denied any wrongdoing at a press conference on Sept. 10.

“I was surprised as you are to learn of these inquiries, and I take them extremely seriously,” Adams said.

The wave of resignations are only the most recent to rock

KEI SUGAE/THE OBSERVER

Adams’ campaign and administration. In November of 2023, FBI agents raided the home of Adams’ chief fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, in connection to an investigation on alleged campaign fundraising violations. Adams announced that Suggs was no longer his chief fundraiser on Nov. 28.

The FBI seized Adams’ devices in connection to a probe investigating alleged illegal donations made to his campaign by officials in the Turkish government that month.

Subpoenas served by federal

New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks announced that he will resign his position on New Year's Eve after federal authorities seized his devices earlier in September.

Several progressive New York City and state lawmakers have called on Adams to resign. It remains to be seen if Adams himself will be charged with a crime.

Tuesday Sept. 24 marked the latest addition to the resignations.

New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks announced that he will resign his position on New Year's Eve after federal authorities seized his devices earlier in September.

THE OBSERVER September 25, 2024

www.fordhamobserver.com

Fordham’s Debate Takes

News

5

The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump grabbed the attention of the Fordham community

By MACKENZIE COOPER AND TUCKER FLYNN Contributing Writers

Fordham community members came away from the debate divided: The candidates’ onstage behavior aroused determination to cast their vote in November in some viewers, but discouraged others.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met at the ABC News Presidential Debate on Sept. 10.

Tuesday’s debate marked the first time Harris and Trump formally interacted.

“ The only thing that

stood out to me was the fact that a lot of their facts were misleading.”

Dylan Oulman FCLC ’28

Dylan Oulman, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’28, said he was disappointed by how often the candidates presented misinformation in an age of live fact-checking.

“The only thing that stood

AVERY GRAFELD/THE OBSERVER

The Fordham community reacts to the September presidential debate hosted by ABC.

out to me was the fact that a lot of their facts were misleading,” Oulman said. “On both sides the candidates would make either claims that were false or

misleading. I feel like politicians should do better.”

Harris introduced her campaign to millions of Americans, many of whom might have been

unfamiliar with her policies as vice president. Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee after President Biden ended his reelection campaign on July 21, which was in part a response to overwhelming criticism of his performance at an earlier debate in June.

“ The first debate

proved to me that there needed to be a change that I didn’t want to admit we needed in our government.”

Jill Acosta, FCLC ’85

STEVIE FUSCO/THE OBSERVER

Members of the Fordham community are encouraged to register to vote during on campus tabling.

Biden’s critics were relieved by his decision to step down, as public discourse suggested his age made him unfit for the presidency. Jill Acosta, FCLC ’28, said the first debate confirmed her doubts about President Biden’s competency despite her reluctance to acknowledge it.

“The first debate proved to me that there needed to be a change that I didn’t want to admit we needed in our government,” Acosta said.

“ Whether your rights

are on the line or not, if you claim that you care about issues, pay attention. Show up. Vote, vote, vote.”

Zara Dautruche, FCLC '28

Posters can be seen on campus informing students about voter registration.

STEVIE FUSCO/THE OBSERVER

Acosta said it is crucial that young people get involved in this election.

“I think especially our demographic, we need to register to

vote. You need to know the facts about who exactly you’re voting for,” Acosta said.

Zara Dautruche, FCLC ’28, emphasized the importance of young people participating in politics and staying informed.

“It’s imperative that we pay attention to the news, and that we just don’t sit back and pretend that these issues don’t affect us,” Dautruche said. “Because whether your rights are on the line or not, if you claim that you care about issues, pay attention.

Show up. Vote, vote, vote.”

Dautruche said that young, first-time voters cannot afford apathy; the results of this election will affect them for the longest time of any age group.

Fordham students and faculty also commented on the issues that are most important to them on this ballot. Acosta said that she is most concerned about the future of abortion access and other reproductive healthcare measures if Trump wins the election.

“I have a lot of friends now who go to school in the south, and it just worries me that if they were to ever get into an accident or something were to happen to them, and they could not get an abortion and they were forced to keep (the) pregnancy,” Acosta said. “I would never want that upon them.”

Alma Rodenas-Ruano, associate professor of biology and director of integrative neuroscience program, said that she will vote for Harris. She said Trump will infringe on personal freedoms and the balance of power among the branches of the federal government.

“I’m really concerned about democracy in this country, I think any issues that involve maintaining the democracy, allowing for the three systems to check each other, preventing autocracy, as I feel would happen with Trump, and issues of women’s personal freedoms are important to me,” Rodenas-Ruano said.

The debate might not have swayed many voters in the Fordham community, but in a close race, both candidates needed a strong performance to maintain momentum, rally donors and mobilize volunteers in their campaigns’ final stretches.

Sports & Health Editor Jane Roche

Sports & Health

September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

What’s On Your Plate? A College Student’s Guide to Making Healthier Choices A Fordham student shares how to maintain a nutrient rich diet as a college student

young adulthood — a systematic review and meta-analysis” in 2022 stated that high cortisol in adolescents is linked to depression.

Cut down on the amount of coffee drinking and replace it with substitutes to decrease cortisol levels and reserve energy.

Green tea, matcha and kombucha are examples of caffeine substitutes with health benefits. Each helps to reduce bloating, are rich in antioxidants and boost metabolism. Green tea leaves can help to revert negative bodily changes that stress can cause. For instance, if your skin is breaking out, green tea can help hydrate the skin and reduce acne.

Green tea and matcha options are both available at Argo Tea for Fordham students.

By MONA MUCHA Contributing Writer

As a student at Fordham University who is constantly exploring new healthy food options, I want to encourage my peers to do the same.

The American Heart Association conducted a study around 2013, based on the results of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys’ teen health cases. The outcome revealed that more than 80% of American adolescents live unhealthy lifestyles.

Less than 1% of the 4,673 people from the study had a proper diet and several individuals were at risk for future cardiovascular problems, according to Diana Hassan, Michigan State University Extension representative and journalist who wrote about this experiment.

The good news is, the health threats that come from poor dietary regimens are reversible.

By modifying diets and understanding the nutritional value of foods and vitamins, students can improve their physical and mental health.

Here’s The Thing About Nutrients:

Let’s Keep It Real: How many times has it been repeated that carbs are bad for us? While some foods that contain carbohydrates have a surplus of sugars and trans fats — such as white bread and rice — there is a better solution than cutting out carbs to eat healthier or lose weight. Carbohydrates are found in products that contain sugar, fiber and starch and are responsible for the glucose in blood that helps your brain in creating energy for your body. Without carbs, diseases and mental health problems may develop, as stated by health and wellness specialists Sarah Craig Haverland and Ellen Jones for Hopeway, a mental health clinic in North Carolina.

Ingesting carbs every week is nutritious and useful for brain function. However, there are unhealthy carbs that the average college student may find unavoidable, such as instant ramen noodles.

Eating healthy alternatives like quinoa helps us gain more nutrients and keeps us full for longer.

Instant ramen is made with enriched wheat flour. This product is heavy in carbohydrates and gluten. Cup O’ Noodles is a popular ramen brand that is high in sodium, carbs and calories. Each serving of it is about 290 calories, has 1160 milligrams of sodium and 41 grams of carbs. This brand of ramen is considered an unhealthy carb as it is deficient in vitamins and elevated in sodium, which can cause cardiovascular problems.

A few alternatives to ramen that are made up of healthy carbohydrates and other macronutrients include quinoa, oatmeal and sweet potato. One cup of quinoa is about 222 calories. Quinoa also contains protein, which is good for your muscles and bones, and fat, which helps break down vitamins. Eating healthy alternatives

A good way for Rams to eat healthier is to order customized bowls in the Ram Café.

like quinoa helps us gain more nutrients and keeps us full for longer.

Satisfying The Stomach: Our bodies need roughly two to three meals a day, each one containing a balanced portion of protein, fiber, carbs and fat. The simplest method in which Fordham students can achieve this is through the options at the Ram Café.

For breakfast, order an omelet with spinach, cheese, onions and bacon or turkey bacon. This meal will help provide all the nutrients needed to start the day. Add a piece of multigrain toast as a healthy carb.

Later on for lunch, customize a bowl with chicken, or Quorn’s meatless chicken, rice, black beans and add any of the

vegetable options. With this is a well-balanced meal with plenty of macronutrients and healthy calories.

Another way of incorporating nutrition in a diet is by eating whole foods. Some examples include fish, unprocessed meat, nuts, seeds, whole grains and milk. The consumption of whole foods can help one gain fiber, which can aid in weight loss and high cholesterol and blood pressure. Sufficient fiber intake fulfills the body’s needs and prevents overeating, according to dietitian Victoria Taylor, from the British Heart Foundation.

A carnivore diet can also provide the body with the right amount of macronutrients. One version of it is currently gaining attention on TikTok. This particular dish requires one serving

STEVIE FUSCO/THE OBSERVER

of steak, eggs and avocado. This meal is about 500 calories in total and rich in the three necessary macronutrients: protein, fat and carbs.

The Coffee Epidemic: Students are notorious for being coffee lovers. Although drinking coffee is an effective way to boost energy in the morning, ingesting excessive amounts of it can result in high cortisol levels. Cortisol is a fundamental hormone that modulates stress throughout the body. When cortisol levels are high, the body is overwhelmed by stress which can lead to weight gain, skin problems and poor mental health.

Research from the journal of Psychoneuroendocrinology titled “Cortisol and development of depression in adolescence and

Nutrients play a significant role in our bodies’ health. It is important to balance the consumption of these nutrients daily. Little to no intake of nutrients may be the cause of fatigue or instability which could lead to health problems. Additionally, overconsumption of certain nutrients could cause bodily imbalances. For instance, immoderate use of iron or vitamin B can lead to overstimulation of red blood cell growth.

‘I’m Craving Something Junky’: Sweet cravings can be caused by low blood sugar. Cravings can be satisfied with fruit, cranberries, chia seeds, dark chocolate, peanut butter or greek yogurt.

Salty cravings can be caused by stress and fulfilled with fatty fish, olives, seeds, lettuce and nuts.

The more healthy food one consumes daily, the less unhealthy cravings they will have in the future.

Healthy eating corresponds with good mental and physical well-being. Although bodies need certain nutrients, using extreme dieting tactics is not a solution and can cause further health concerns. The goal is to be healthy and there is nothing wrong with having a treat here and there.

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER

September 25, 2024

Sports & Health

7

Fordham Alumni Night at Yankee Stadium

Fordham alum gathered for the sixth annual ‘Fordham Night’ to watch the Yankees face the Kansas City Royals

By CORA COST Contributing Writer

Before the entrance of the Mastercard batter’s eye deck, a stream of Fordham maroon flowed along the perimeter of the area. Alumni and their families decked in Ram gear chatted and laughed with the people in front and behind them as they waited to enter “Fordham Night” on the 200 level of Yankee Stadium.

On Sept. 11, the Fordham University Alumni Association (FUAA) hosted “Fordham Night” at Yankee Stadium which brought together baseball and the Fordham alumni community.

All those who attended the game this year watched the New York Yankees take on the Kansas City Royals in the last game of their three game series.

As the game fell on 9/11, the Yankees and the Royals took time from the game to commemorate all the lives lost and those affected by the tragedy. Along with the tribute events, Yankees players had the choice to wear either NYPD or FDNY caps to commemorate the role of first responders.

This year marked the sixth time that the Fordham Alumni Association hosted this event for the Fordham alumni community.

For Michael Griffin, the associate vice president of Alumni Relations, the purpose of “Fordham Night” is to encourage the alumni community to experience New York City as they might have when they were students.

“One of our priorities in engaging alumni is making sure that we are providing ways for our alumni base to enjoy New York’s arts, cultural, and entertainment offerings through the lens of Fordham whenever possible,” Griffin said. “So it’s

JANE ROCHE/THE OBSERVER

Alumni gathered at the Mastercard batter’s eye deck in Fordham maroon to watch the Yankees win against the Royals.

not just a discounted ticket — because when we add in the Fordham aspect, it’s more of a one of a kind experience.”

The Yankees are to thank for the annual event: “Several years ago the New York Yankees approached us with this concept and we thought it was a great opportunity to bring two beloved Bronx institutions together,” Griffin said.

“Fordham Night” consisted of discounted tickets to the game and a ticketed pre-game reception that, for the first time this year, was moved into the stadium overlooking centerfield. Along with entry to the Yankees game every year, there is a co-branded Fordham and Yankees item. The limited

give-away this year was a Fordham-Yankees quarter zip pullover.

The Fordham lens, as Griffin described it, was highlighted by the diversity of alumni experiences present at “Fordham Night” this year.

Phil Horton, Fordham College at Lincoln Center ’97, a New York native and Yankees fan, shared how “Fordham Night” brought together the Fordham alumni community.

“It is not so much my fellow classmates that I see so much, but the Fordham community, you know, like a sort of bond of strangers. That we all went to Fordham, that is the camaraderie I like,” Horton said.

The crowd consisted of

Fordham alumni from over a range of years. One of those alumni was Mary Guardiani, Undergraduate School of Education ’62, who attended Fordham when the Manhattan campus was in the Vincent Office Building at 302 Broadway. Mary said FUAA events are always welcoming.

“People are friendly and always there to help,” Guardiani said.

For alumni like Cecilia Brady, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’88, who is not necessarily a Yankees fan, “Fordham Night” was a chance to bond with other alumni.

Brady said what she took away from Fordham Night was the “Connections to other

Fordham alum and just kind of growing your connections in New York City and meeting new people.”

This network within the greater Alumni base is not exclusive to events like “Fordham Night.” Claire Dillon, FCRH ’19, who went to the game with a group of friends from her graduating class, said that she participates in the Fordham Mentorship Program.

This program connects Fordham students with alumni in the students field of interest. As a former new media and digital design major, Dillon shared that she likes to guide students currently in the program.

“In general it is so hard as an art student at Fordham to get that network that the business students have built into the school, so I like to try to give back that way,” Dillon said.

Harry Ortof, Gabelli Graduate School of Business ’22, who is one of many Rams in his family, implored the importance of the alumni role in the Fordham community.

“It is important that Fordham alumni understand that it is a community after you graduate,” Ortof said.

The cherry on top of “Fordham Night” was that the Yankees beat the Royals in extra innings. Yankees center fielder, Jazz Chisholm Jr., closed out the game in the 11th inning by hitting a walk-off single bringing home third baseman, Jon Berti, from third to win the game.

The home team won 4-3, putting them in a 2-1 standing and winning their series against the Royals.

Griffin said that since the inception of “Fordham Night” each year has been more successful than the last.

Edward M. Kull Leaves Fordham After Seven Years

Ed Kull accepted the same position at St. John’s University and left Fordham effective Sept. 13 work in the broader athletic marketing scene but would ultimately return to collegiate athletics. In 2011 Kull returned to St. John’s University and worked with the university’s president in revenue programs in regards to the Athletic program.

Kull’s departure from Fordham marks his return to both his alma mater, as he received his Master of Business Administration from St John’s, and his previous institution of employment.

ED KULL from page 1

During the 2023-24 season the athletic program introduced a new Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program called The Rose Hill Exchange. According to the announcement of the program on the Fordham Athletics website the NIL portal helps connect Fordham student-athletes with local organizations.

“ My time at Fordham

has been nothing short of amazing, I have been honored to be part of the Ramily for the past seven years and I am immensely proud of the work we have done to further this storied institution.”

Ed Kull, Former Athletic Director

“With our unique location in New York City, The Rose Hill Exchange is a great step forward in our efforts, as local businesses, donors, alumni, and fans who want to connect with Fordham and our outstanding student-athletes for NIL opportunities can now do so in one central location. We are thrilled to give our Rams another resource in the

“ I want to thank Ed for his service to Fordham Athletics, and especially to the student athletes, who thrived under his leadership.”

Tania Tetlow, University President COURTESY OF ED KULL

Former Athletic Director, Ed Kull, accepted the same position at St. John’s University, his alma mater.

NIL space,” Kull stated in the announcement on the Fordham Athletics page.

Kull reflected on his time at Fordham University with a statement posted to the Fordham Athletics Instagram page.

“My time at Fordham has been nothing short of amazing, I have been honored to be part of the Ramily for the past seven years and I am immensely proud of the

work we have done to further this storied institution,” Kull shared.

Kull thanked all those in the athletics program, athletic department and those who supported their work for making Fordham such a great place to be.

“I also want to thank our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors and fans for their support and dedication to Fordham. You are what makes Rose Hill a truly

special place,” Kull wrote in the post on Instagram.

According to his bio on the Fordham Athletics page, Kull received his bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook University, where he was a collegiate baseball player.

In the earlier part of his professional career after graduating from Stony Brook, Kull worked for St. John’s University. Kull parted ways with college athletics to

In a statement released by Fordham University pertaining to Kull’s departure, University President Tania Tetlow, thanked Kull for his contributions to the Fordham Athletics Department.

“I want to thank Ed for his service to Fordham Athletics, and especially to the student athletes, who thrived under his leadership,” she said. “He has been a highly capable leader and fundraiser, and we wish him the best of luck at St. John’s.”

Autumn in New York

Tis autumn, finally, and every mid-80s New York City rom-com and fall ballad makes sense

By AVERY LOFTIS Editor-in-Chief A chill is in the air, the leaves

“When Harry Met Sally.” My

to look forward to in the

are changing and everything

daily walks around the Upper

quieter moments. Through-

is color graded like a Nora

West Side look and feel more

out my four years living on

Ephron film. It is once again

colorful and fantastical. I

the Upper West Side, I have

autumn in New York City,

find it easier to romanticize

retraced my steps to crunch

my favorite time of the year.

life amidst the stress of

piles of leaves and have

Now I can layer with aban-

academics and career woes

stared at halloween deco-

don; this means dressing like

when there are pops of color

rations like they are street

I’m both Harry and Sally in

and piping hot cups of chai

exhibitions.

The sun now sets before 7 p.m. but that simply means a

Upper West Side brownstones behind a nearly-bare tree.

Bright yellow leaves pop against the buildings around L

Pumpkins line the steps of an Upper West Sider’s walk-up.

a golden hour glow over couples in row boats.

The central park lamps turn on early, illuminating the early falling leaves.

Lincoln Center.

Halloween decorations vivify doorsteps on the Upper West Side in early October.

Opinions Editors Avery Grafeld Laura Oldfather William Lee

Opinions

Septmeber 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

The AI Race is Heating Up, But So is the Planet

AI might steal your job, but it’s definitely stealing your water TUCKER FLYNN Contributing Writer

In place of all the buzz surrounding innovations made possible by artificial intelligence (AI), there should be massive concern for the effect of its water consumption on the environment.

AI has managed to insert itself into our everyday lives in a myriad of ways: students find new and exciting ways to cheat on assignments, and adults use AI to perform the otherwise impossible task of refining their emails. However, both remain blissfully or perhaps willfully ignorant of its potential to grossly exacerbate the climate crisis.

According to the Associated Press, one conversation with ChatGPT is estimated to utilize approximately 16 ounces of water. This consumption occurs in two stages, illustrated in a graphic from the OECD.AI Policy Observatory.

The image shows that water is first required to produce the power plant’s electricity to run the machines. Then, the AI servers must be cooled with water, to run the massive amount of data processing done by ChatGPT on a daily basis.

“ We are on the verge of

doing irreparable damage to our already struggling planet, and almost nobody seems to realize how close we are. ” According to the United Nations, an estimated 700 million people will be forced to relocate due to drought and water insecurity by 2030. However, contingency plans are being traded for technological advancements as the rush to advance AI only becomes more frantic. We are on the verge of doing irreparable damage to our already struggling planet, and almost nobody seems to realize how close we are.

Tech giants like Apple, Google and Microsoft — all equally hungry for a

Observer the

Editor-in-Chief Avery Loftis Managing Editor Stevie Fusco Online Editor Megan Yerrabelli

slice of the limitless potential profit from AI — have astoundingly effective marketing strategies for erasing global awareness of AI’s massive water footprint. They use buzzwords and hype, all while stripping away our planet’s most vital resource.

“ Taken in sum, this brings the water consumption of AI to roughly the same amount of water as 1.6 million people every single day.”

To quantify that usage, according to AI consulting firm HyScaler, AI requires roughly nine liters of water for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy it consumes. Additionally, The New Yorker reports that ChatGPT alone uses over half a million kWh of electricity per day. Taken in sum, this brings the water consumption of AI to roughly the same amount of water as 1.6 million people every single day.

We cannot allow unchecked corporate ambition to overshadow the stark reality. While this may seem like a relatively tame figure considering the global population, that number is likely only a small fraction of the amount of water AI will consume if left unregulated. AI integration has already become a primary focus for major tech companies, with AI responses now at the top of every Google search, and Apple announcing last week that AI will now be integrated into all iPhones, iPads and Macs.

In an article by Forbes, tech CEO Cindy Gordon estimates that AI could be responsible for the withdrawal of 6.6 billion cubic meters of water in 2027, which is equivalent to 6.6 trillion liters.

Just recently, according to Bloomberg, Google stopped considering itself carbon neutral, a claim that has supposedly guided its company’s ethos since 2007. Also leading the charge into disaster, Microsoft’s water withdrawal rose by almost 2 billion liters in the past year.

When I first became aware of the

staggering amount of water consumed

by AI, several thoughts ran through my head, but chief among them was a morbid curiosity as to what trickle-down effect this setback for water conservation efforts might have.

“ Do people only care about greenhouse gas emissions when they are criticizing Taylor Swift?”

The United States Environmental Protection Agency said that reducing water consumption can actually decrease greenhouse gas emissions, because it decreases use of water treatment plants, while also mitigating some of the pollution caused by human activity.

Do people only care about greenhouse gas emissions when they are criticizing Taylor Swift? Or are they being duped — made to believe that a tool that cannot even determine the number of times the letter “r” is contained in the word strawberry is somehow worth wreaking further havoc on our planet?

I may never be certain, but what is evident to me is that in the absence of a source of sustainable clean energy, ChatGPT will continue to double dip, drawing on massive amounts of energy to simply function, while also needing enormous, ecosystem-disturbing amounts of water to cool its processors.

All of this in turn requires even more greenhouse gas emissions from water treatment plants.

In the case of ChatGPT, do not allow marketing that heralds AI as the future we have all been waiting for to distract from the fact that the marginal benefits it provides to the average user do not remotely excuse the immense burden it will place on the planet. Humanity will not have to wait to be displaced by “smarter machines.” Instead, it will simply cease to exist without adequate water supply.

If it’s a choice between AI-generated essays and access to clean water, I’ll write my own essays, thank you very much.

DEI Chair Shelby Williams Layout Editor Anum Ansari Photo Editors Joshua Auskalnis Durga Desai Head Copy Editors Smile Butt Emily Davis Grace Ehle Asst. Copy Editor Leeya Azemoun News Editors Alison Beinhaur Samantha Bracy Sports & Health Editor Jane Roche Opinions Editors Avery Grafeld Laura Oldfather Asst. Opinions Editor William Lee Arts & Culture Editors Julia Jaramillo Aditi Praveen Kariyanahalli Asst. Arts & Culture Editors Katie Hohman Eleana Kostakis Features Editor Colby McCaskill Asst. Features Editor Charlie Kuster Fun & Games Editor Abby Grunzinger Asst. Fun & Games Editors Damian Grove Jasmine White Social Media Editor Sofia Strelnikova Podcast Host Anesiah Watson Podcast Producer Sukriti Varma Editorial Adviser Richard Rosen

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES • No part of The Observer may be reprinted or reproduced without the expressed written consent of The Observer board.

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• The Editorial is the opinion held by a majority of The Observer’s editorial board. The Editorial does not necessarily reflect the views held by Fordham University.

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One conversation with ChatGPT is estimated to utilize approximately 16 ounces of water.

AVERY GRAFELD/THE OBSERVER

The Observer is published on alternate Wednesdays during the academic year.

Printed by Five Star Printing, Flushing, N.Y.

www.fordhamobserver.com

THE OBSERVER

September 25, 2024

Embrace Being an ‘iPad Kid’

Opinions

11

Why being glued to your screens (in moderation) can have some benefits to your college lifestyle AILANI ROACH Contributing Writer

“iPad kids”: we know the type.

Nowadays, hordes of youngsters are sprawled on their living room couches, nestling their handheld devices with meticulous care and violent obsession.

As they position themselves in a manner that makes you doubt the welfare of their spinal cord, they fix their attention to the critical component of their unexperienced lives. The object in question that could grasp their cognitive awareness for sheer hours at a time is obvious — their iPad, or their mom’s.

Either way, the recent “iPad kid” craze has spiraled out of control, leaving parents bewildered as to how they could possibly handle effectively disciplining their heavily addicted kids in the presence of a technological device.

“ In my experience, I

have noticed that being a self-proclaimed ‘iPad kid’ brings unexpected advantages. ” You may ask: what’s my deal with “iPad kids?” In light of starting my first semester of college, I have achieved a noteworthy goal for myself: cutting my screen-time in half, despite not making any deliberate lifestyle

Students at Fordham’s Quinn Library stare at computer screens.

changes — other than starting school in a completely different environment than previous years.

As ironic as it may seem, I put my academics above everything else in high school; to some extent, I intend to uphold that same standard for the next four years. My life consisted of waking up at an ungodly hour, slugging through eight periods of classes, engaging in several afternoon extracurriculars and grappling with poor time management to complete my homework for the following day.

Although I somehow managed to sustain myself in high school, my schedule caused detriment to my physical and mental well-being. In fact, after officially committing to Fordham,

I succumbed to the effects of pent-up burnout and finally decided to relax, knowing that my hard work finally paid off.

Until this summer, I had never truly experienced the tranquility of taking time for myself and partaking in the cozy, plain pastimes. Recently, Netflix has become my best friend; from current hits like “Bridgerton” to modern classics like “Jane the Virgin,” I relish in the newfound serenity without my phone. Despite many young adults sharing the same guilty pleasures in periodically consuming media, a majority of them lack pride in passing the time. After all, how could they rightfully expose the harsh reality that they choose to “rot in bed,” a universal college norm,

LIVIA SARNELLI/THE OBSERVER

instead of fulfilling themselves with something productive?

While engrossing oneself in mindless hours of technology is justifiably taboo, as it has become a recent epidemic mainly affecting younger children, it does yield some advantages to the average college student. Realistically, we are already too occupied with academic expectations to partake in classes, clubs and our social lives. We usually cannot devote an unhealthy portion of our daily living to our devices, but we have enough time to squeeze it into self-regulated recreational activities. Whether it be games, shows, or simple forms of communication, most modes of entertainment via technology can rejuvenate the mind amidst

the consequences of school.

Studies have even shown that there is no correlation between higher stress levels and social media usage in university students, suggesting that moderate engagement in one’s devices does not come at the grave expense that society frequently assumes.

In my experience, I have noticed that being a self-proclaimed “iPad kid” brings unexpected advantages. I usually set aside 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the day, to engage in recreational screentime activities, such as watching Netflix or FaceTiming my family.

I still have ample time to complete my homework and study for classes on a daily basis, and I do not have any worries about my technological usage hindering my academic performance in the foreseeable future.

As mentioned, my screentime has even decreased, and I noticed that it is significantly easier to balance my social life without worrying about my phone usage. Maintaining a strict screen-time has made my transition to college and adulthood smoother than I had anticipated.

Embracing the “iPad kid” lifestyle is not for everyone, but it could definitely garner new attraction if defined differently.

Nonetheless, as such trends shift in and out of style and the current technology-driven generation ultimately matures into contributing members of society, there is one unspoken truth that cannot be forgotten: At least you were (hopefully) never a “Sephora kid.”

iPads Do Not Belong at the Dinner Table There is so much more than staying glued to devices and watching other people live their lives ARSHIA CHAKRAVARTTI AND LYDIA LU Contributing Writers

Younger demographics are gaining largely unrestricted access to the intense and oftentimes inescapable world of social media.

The influx of these so-called “iPad kids” has become an epidemic throughout recent years.

While I, Arshia, grew up with a TV and a shared family desktop, I was also surrounded by other offline activities and was not allowed to have personal electronics until age 10. Being raised with limited forms of electronics helped teach me how to naturally connect with my peers.

Now, opportunities to interact with technology are present even in the smallest circumstances.

For example, as kids, some people were presented with a set of crayons and a coloring page at some sit-down restaurants. Now, those stimulating activities have been replaced by the blinding screens of iPads and phones. The shift in how kids are distracted in public settings can be considered rational given our ever-increasing reliance on technology; however, it is essential to understand the harmful effects that this heightened exposure has on kids and college students.

Young children can develop warped conceptions of reality from all-encompassing forms of media like Instagram and TikTok. According to the National Library of Medicine, excessive screen time can lead to behavioral problems, delayed language development, and

LIVIA SARNELLI/THE OBSERVER

Free of technology, students chat in the Outdoor Plaza outside of the Gabelli School of Business.

decreased emotional understanding.

We have both experienced the rapid development of these decreased social skills firsthand by looking for a job through Handshake or LinkedIn as opposed to in-person networking or crowd-sourcing my way into a job. This is where the term “video deficit” can be applied.

The term, which was cited in an article published by New York Behavioral Health, refers to the idea that children learn more effectively through face-to-face interactions instead of screens.

Children are not the only ones impacted by the glamorized facades projected through social

media. Even college students are susceptible to idolizing people we do not personally know. Influencers upload snippets of their life to draw in viewers and profit from those numbers. But as viewers, people see those snippets as encapsulating their whole life.

These misguided perceptions lead viewers to doubt their own lives.

One visible effect of how social media usage can impact young people is through the popularized albeit unrealistic beauty standards promoted by niche influencers. Studies by organizations such as the American Psychological Association found that by simply reducing social media

use, participants reported feeling more confident with their overall appearance and body image.

While there are a plethora of impacts that excessive screen usage can have on students’ development in their academic and social life, the former often takes the brunt of the blow.

Although it has only been a month since the school year started, both of us have noticed the revival of excessive screentime habits. Whether it is coming back from only two classes for the day or even opening the computer to complete an assignment, the bright colors of the Instagram icon are tempting. As most people know, even if you

open the app with the intention of taking a 15 minute scrolling break, that “break” can quickly extend to three hours.

Social media apps like TikTok provide fast-paced information that allow the brain to switch to autopilot, but academic work requires a slower process to better understand the information. Therefore, the former seems to be the efficient and better choice for students. These apps are developed to stifle critical thinking skills and exploit your craving to be entertained quickly.

The tendency to use technology as a crutch has led to one particular topic being seen as an actionable item: screen time.

Many people use tactics like screen detoxes and challenges to lower their time spent online.

I, Arshia, even participated in a detox with my siblings during the summer in an attempt to go outside more and break out of the “doom-scrolling” lifestyle that is all too familiar in today’s social media age. While I was able to cut down the time I spent on my phone, those hours rose back up once the challenge ended.

So what can we do to combat this prevalent issue of being “iPad kids” and “screen-agers?”

My suggestion would be to take some time to be outside and touch some grass. Whether it’s taking a short stroll in Central Park with your friends or even lounging on the Outdoor Plaza, having plans and activities to occupy your time will show you that there is so much more than staying glued to devices and watching other people live their lives.

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Opinions September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Preparing for Storage Limits on Fordham Email Accounts

How to use your Fordham email with new storage limitations being implemented this fall MATTHIAS LAI Former Opinions Editor

Fordham students will have to adjust to a new storage limitation being implemented to their Fordham Google accounts this fall. Beginning on Oct. 30, 2024, students will be limited to 10GB of storage on their school Google accounts. This cap is a disappointing shift from the current system with unlimited storage, and will require students to clean up their drive to keep their accounts running smoothly.

At the end of 2021, Google announced that it would no longer be providing schools with unlimited storage, a service it had granted since 2006. Instead, schools will be forced to limit students, faculty and staff to strict data constraints on their institutional email accounts, taking effect on Oct. 30, 2024.

Not quite the Halloween surprise we wanted.

If you are over the storage limit, which includes any files saved to a fordham.edu Google Drive, Google Photos or Gmail account, you will not be able to upload any new files, documents or photos to Google, or use Google’s suite of collaborative creative tools. This means you will not be able to edit Google Docs, Slides or any other cloud file services. It is important for students to maintain their storage quotas so that they can continue to use their Google account for all the essential functions that every student needs.

The new guidelines are extremely frustrating for students who want to use their Fordham account for creative work.

I am a new media and digital design student, and I work a lot in video production. These new limitations will make it almost impossible for me to work collaboratively through my Fordham account since video files are so large. I routinely work on projects with multiple files over 10GB each. However, I will be begrudgingly reallocating my files in order to maintain functionality on my account. Here’s how I’m planning to make it work, and a few other options for Fordham students to consider to ensure they stay below the data limit.

“ If you are over 10GB, you have some time to reduce your storage usage before Oct. 30, but it is best to begin that process as soon as possible. ”

First, check your storage. You can find your storage usage in your Google account. Make sure you’re logged into your Fordham account. If you are using less than 10GB of storage then the new limit will not affect your account, just be mindful of how much space you have to spare so you do not accidentally breach the limit. If you are over 10GB, you have some time to reduce your storage usage before Oct. 30, but it is best to begin that process as soon as possible.

There are a few different types of files that take up storage space on a Google account. These

Fordham students will be limited to 10GB of storage to their student email on Oct. 30, 2024.

are Google Drive files, Google Suite documents, emails and Google Photos.

You can save Google Drive files by downloading them onto your computer or an external storage device, like a flash drive or hard drive. These are the best way to move and access files on any device, because they do not require internet access, cloud storage or even computer storage space to use on a different device.

You can also use a different cloud storage account, like a personal Google account, iCloud, DropBox or another file hosting service. This is a good option if you need to share files with other people or do not want to worry about keeping a hard drive handy whenever you want access to your files. Many of these services have free limited storage plans or paid subscriptions which offer more extensive storage.

Once you’ve transferred your files, delete them from your Fordham Google account to clear your storage space. It is also a good idea to look through your drive and delete any old files you do not need anymore which are taking up excess space.

The most disappointing adjustment for me is losing my Google Photos storage. For the last few years, every photo and video I’ve taken on my phone has been saved on my Fordham Google Photos account, which adds up to over 125GB of data.

To keep my photos, I will be transferring the photos to my personal Google account using

the photo sharing feature, and buying a larger storage plan for that account.

This is not the only way to save your Google Photos from the flame, but I love the Google Photos user interface so it is an unfortunate but necessary purchase for me. Students who are less loyal to Google Photos can also download their photos and videos from Google and save them in an external device or cloud storage service, similar to the Google Drive files. Either way, I recommend backing up your photos regularly so that your memories are safe if anything happens to your phone.

Did you know that Google Suite files, like Google Docs and Google Slides take storage space on your account? College students work with hundreds of these documents every semester, and let’s be honest: most of them do not need to be saved for the rest of time. I recommend taking a designated chunk of time to look through your Google Docs account and delete any old Google Docs you will not ever look at again.

This process can be like a walk down educational memory lane — I know I forget about most of my old essays and assignments the moment the semester ends. Google Docs are not that large of files, so this likely will not be the primary way to clear up your Google account storage.

However, it might be the purge you need to push you over the edge, and it is a good practice to be mindful of your storage usage.

Finally, your emails also take up space. Fordham students receive thousands of emails over the course of a semester, and these can add up, especially messages with attachments included.

You can go through your Fordham email and filter your messages by date or by attachments and delete old emails and messages with large attachments to clear up space. You might even stumble on a message or two that you missed.

“ Either way, I

recommend backing up your photos regularly so that your memories are safe if anything happens...”

If you need more information, the Fordham Information Technology webpage has a great resource page to help you out.

Cleaning up your storage can be a tedious process, but it can also be nostalgic, and even freeing. Looking back at all the work that you have done, and releasing yourself from old files can be a good milestone reflection of how far you’ve come and a look forward to what you have ahead of you.

Personally, I would prefer if I did not have to be so stingy with my storage, but since it does not

CIARA LYSCIO/THE OBSERVER

seem like this policy will change any time soon, it is important to begin doing so sooner rather than later. However, I am a bit perplexed by the storage quota that has been imposed on students.

It seems like we could easily be provided with 15GB of storage, 50% more than the current limit, because that is the amount of space granted to a free personal Google account. Fordham could also invest in providing 100GB for students, since that costs $10/year for a regular account and they should certainly be able to get an educator bulk discount. Since we already pay technology fees, that should not be an issue.

I realize that will likely never happen, but I am frustrated that Fordham cannot offer paid data plans. I intend to buy storage in another Google account and transfer my files over to that one, but it would be much easier to be able to buy a larger storage plan on this account at the same rate and not have to go through the hassle of transferring my files over.

These data limits are prohibitive for digital media students, and do not reflect the requirements of modern day files. I hope the Fordham task force working out these changes can find a more viable solution to the new Google storage situation which better serves students. Until then, I will be moving my data using the techniques I outlined, and I recommend my fellow Fordham students do the same.

Arts & Culture Editor Aditi Praveen Kariyanahalli Julia Jaramillo

Arts & Culture

September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

El Gusto Es Mío

SOL’s Mucho Gusto Mixer welcomed new members to a new year at Fordham

By MCKENNA DIXON Contributing Writer

Multicolored lights illuminated the dance floor, flags of Latin American countries enhanced the walls and Bad Bunny’s “Tití Me Preguntó” transformed an otherwise neutral G76 into a party on Sept. 20. Student Organization of Latines’ (SOL) Mucho Gusto Mixer welcomed club members and interested Fordham students alike to an evening full of festivities.

SOL is a club based at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus. According to their Instagram account @sol_fordham, their purpose is to “celebrate, learn about, and share Latine culture, tradition, history, and heritage” among students of Latine backgrounds and those interested in Latine culture.

Promptly at 7 p.m., students lined up outside G76 to check in for the event. A neon green wristband qualified as an entry ticket.

“ SOL is kind of like a home on campus. ” Karina Garcia, FCLC ‘25

Once inside, students gravitated toward the aromas of Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine catering.

Platters of ropa vieja — a dish of shredded beef, bell peppers and onions — roasted pork, empanadas, salad, rice and plantains sprawled across a table. Students piled their plates with food and then sat around the tables.

Everyone shared the meal together, accompanied by conversation, laughter and music.

Once the hearty food vanished, slices of tres leches cake made their way from platter to plate to mouth.

“Corazón Sin Cara” by Prince Royce, followed by more upbeat tunes, lured students onto the dance floor. Friends greeted each other with smiling faces, embraced, and the dance floor became the hotspot for line dancing. About half of the crowd participated in the dance itself, while the other half cheered from the sidelines.

Amid the chaos of academic life, SOL has provided a comforting and fun space for people to gather.

Everyone was beaming — including Karina Garcia, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’25, who applauded as the dance went on. Garcia has been involved in SOL since her sophomore year.

“My family is from Mexico,” she said. “So I wanted to join an organization that represented my heritage.” Since then, Garcia has remained an active member of the club because “SOL is kind of like a home on campus,” she said.

The line dancers caught their breaths just as SOL’s PR Representative, Alexandra Aurora Pupo, FCLC ’26, took to the stage to announce a game for everyone: a hula hoop contest. Whoever could keep their hula hoop twirling the longest would be awarded a mystery prize.

As SOL’s PR Representative, Pupo creates content for the club’s social media. She pointed out how each member of the E-Board looks different, highlighting the

SOL, a club dedicated to Latine Culture, held their Mucho Gusto Mixer on Sept. 20.

diversity of the Latine community. The club is dedicated to Latine culture, but any Fordham undergraduate, regardless of cultural identity, is invited to join.

“The community that is not even Latines coming here and enriching the culture with us … dancing along with us, eating our food — I think that’s what creates the impact of the cultural clubs more than just us carrying it, as Latine people,” Pupo said.

The hula hoop contest commenced, and one by one, hula hoops dropped to the floor. After a round of tough competition, Gabe Guy, FCLC ’28, reigned victorious and won himself a brand new Hydro Flask.

As the mixer wrapped up, handfuls of students scurried towards the floral backdrop to

take some final group photos, capturing their memories from the night.

Fabiola Alejandra Santiago Ruiz, FCLC ’25, stuck around to ensure a smooth cleanup postmixer. She has served as President of SOL since 2023. Santiago Ruiz and the E-Board have been planning Mucho Gusto since the beginning of the school year.

The quick turnaround from the start of planning to the night of the event “makes it hard to get appeals for more money,” but “we make it work,” Santiago Ruiz said.

And “make it work” they did.

Beyond the logistics of the event, Santiago Ruiz said she hopes the new students attending Mucho Gusto found a warm sense of community. “I think that’s the goal of SOL at large,

KATIE HOHMAN/THE OBSERVER

but specifically this event,” she said. “‘Mucho gusto’ means ‘Nice to meet you,’ so it’s a really good way for people to get to know each other and to feel like they are home here as much as they are back home.”

The spirit of home, community, and gathering was a common theme among Mucho Gusto attendees and E-Board members alike. “I think it’s the best club in the world,” said Santiago Ruiz.

This year’s E-Board — the team behind the Mucho Gusto Mixer — includes President Santiago Ruiz, Vice President Chelsy Veras, FCLC ’26, Treasurer Valeria Carballo, FCLC ’25, Secretary Taylor McPartland, FCLC ’25, PR Representative Pupo, and Event Coordinator Francine Castaing, FCLC ’26.

The 76th Emmys and a Fresh Era of TV

This year’s awards highlighted the diverse and evolving world of television

By KATIE HOHMAN Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

The Television Academy hosted the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 15, a night dedicated to honoring the best of television this year. Hosted at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, the night was filled with first-time wins, surprising victories and a glimpse into the future of the television industry.

This year’s show, hosted by father-son comedy duo Eugene and Dan Levy, aired nine months after the 75th Emmy Awards, which were pushed back to Jan. 15 due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Despite having two Primetime Emmy Awards in one year, the 76th Emmys saw a ​​54%

increase in total viewers, according to Variety magazine, following a record-low viewership of 4.3 million people during the ceremony earlier this year.

That increase in viewership can be largely attributed to the hosting abilities of Eugene and Dan Levy, who brought a fresh perspective to the worn down award show model. The hosts decided to avoid drawn out bits and crowd work, so the duo kept the show moving while also highlighting iconic actors and shows in new ways.

One refreshing change to this year’s ceremony was the decision to have some awards presented by groups of actors who have each played the same character archetype. These pairings brought

COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS

The 76th Emmys honored the ever-changing landscape of television and also reported an increase in overall viewership.

a wide variety of performers together in a fun and entertaining way, with one standout group being the “TV Villains” (featuring Antony Starr, Kathy Bates and Giancarlo Esposito) who presented the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie.

This year’s changes did not stop with a shift in the show’s organization. The 76th Emmys also marked the first ceremony since 2019 to not feature HBO’s hit drama series “Succession,” which ended in mid-2023 and amassed 19 wins throughout its four seasons.

Other notable behemoths of television that were no longer in the running this year included “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (Amazon Prime), “Better Call Saul” (AMC) and “Barry” (HBO).

With Netflix’s “The Crown” also done collecting its final awards, it seems that this year’s Emmy Awards signified the end of an era in television programming.

Yet as one era ends, another begins. This year’s Emmys brought long-awaited attention to actors and actresses from diverse backgrounds who have gone decades without getting the recognition they deserve. Fans of the hit comedy series “New Girl” expressed on the app X, formerly known as Twitter, that they were excited to see actor Lamorne Morris bring in his first nomination and win after years in the industry. Morris won the award for outstanding supporting actor in a limited or anthology series

or movie for his work in the latest season of “Fargo” (FX).

Another standout performance last year came from veteran actress Liza Colón-Zayas, who won the award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her work as Tina in “The Bear” (FX). While viewers were likely not shocked by the awards given to her co-stars Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (who both won last year), ColónZayas’s win comes as an exciting surprise for fans of “The Bear.”

Colón-Zayas gave an emotional and empowering acceptance speech following her win, and spoke to those watching who could see themselves in her.

“Thank you to my beautiful cast — Chris Storer, Joanna (Calo) — thank you, thank you, for giving me a new life with this show,” Colón-Zayas said during her acceptance speech. “And to all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing and vote. Vote for your rights.”

Amidst recognizing established actors, the 76th Emmy Awards also highlighted fresh talent, new shows, and shed light on the future of the television industry. The critically acclaimed drama “Shōgun,” which aired its first season on FX this year, received a historic 25 nominations and won 18 awards in total.

The show took home the awards for outstanding lead actress in a drama series (won by first-time nominee Anna Sawai), outstanding lead actor in a drama series (given to decorated

Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada) and outstanding drama series.

“You guys greenlit a very expensive, subtitled, Japanese period piece whose central climax revolves around a poetry competition,” producer Justin Marks said of the executives at FX who decided to fund the show. “I have no idea why you did that, but thank you for your faith in this incredible team … ‘Shōgun’ is a show about translation, not what is lost but what is found.”

By backing shows like “Shōgun,” FX has been able to cement their place as the leading television network. Despite long being considered an underdog of the industry, FX received the most wins of the evening, overtaking their long-standing competitor HBO, as mentioned in Variety magazine. These wins represent a changing television landscape, with new networks that are backing a diverse range of shows rising to the top.

While this year’s Primetime Emmy Awards might have been missing some familiar faces, the evening was rife with new and inspiring talent, and rewarded the networks that were willing to give that talent a chance. Hosts Eugene and Dan Levy, by ushering the show along, let that talent shine.

This year’s Emmys served as a reflection of the ever-changing, diverse, television landscape, proving that the award show model is not exactly dead but must evolve alongside the industry it represents.

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Arts & Culture September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

www.fordhamobserver.com

Clairo ‘Charms’ Audiences in Webster Hall The bedroom pop artist completed her sold-out five-night residency in NYC

By ADITI PRAVEEN KARIYANAHALLI Arts & Culture Editor

On a warm summer night, a crowd of 20-somethings began to form outside of one of the most iconic music venues in the East Village, Webster Hall.

Which is where, on the previous day, Sept. 14, iconic indie-pop artist Clairo began the first show of her five-night residency.

Her brief pit stop in the East Village was part of a larger international “Charm Tour” to celebrate the artist’s first self-released album, with shows in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Dublin. This tour marks the release of her third critically acclaimed album “Charm,” which debuted at number eight on the U.S. Billboard 200 earlier this summer.

They stopped to “cheers” with each other, drink a couple sips and then officially begin their set. A carefree, relaxed atmosphere took hold in the ballroom.

Released in July, “Charm” marks a deviation from Clairo’s earlier work, with more intimacy and experimentation laced within each track.

Throughout her second show, on Sept. 15, she continuously referred to the album as a “rebirth” and expressed her gratitude toward audience members for their positive reception of

ADITI PRAVEEN KARIYANAHALLI/THE OBSERVER

Indie-pop star Clairo concluded her sold-out Webster Hall residency on Sept. 19.

her work. Clairo described the cohesive theme of the album as “connection” and the “coming together of people.”

“I came to the conclusion that, to me, charm is the moment when two people meet, and they have separate life experiences, all their own stories and feelings, and then they tell each other the first layer,” the singer said in a New Yorker profile shortly before the album’s release.

Given the intimacy of the record, Webster Hall was the

perfect venue to host her residency. The sway and closeness of the audience in the general admission pit created the perfect atmosphere to experience the singer’s jazz-soul songs. Her dreamy, light voice carried through all corners of the room — and to me, marked a cozy beginning to the fall season.

The show began as Wendy Rene’s song “After Laughter (Comes Tears)” began to blast through the speakers. Clairo — accompanied by the members

of her band — walked onto the stage, toting a tray that held several glasses of red wine. As each member of the band took their respective wine glasses and settled down into their positions, they stopped to “cheers” with each other, drink a couple sips and then officially begin their set.

A carefree, relaxed atmosphere took hold in the ballroom.

Surprisingly, however, for such an intimate show, Clairo herself was only backlit with one spotlight the entire time, slightly

obscuring her face from the audience; an interesting artistic decision given the intimacy of the album’s themes. You may think you know her, you may think you “get her,” but you’ll never quite see her entirely.

Beginning with tracks, such as “Nomad” and “Second Nature,” I admired the love and appreciation that she and the audience members provided this album. I entered the concert thinking that she would reserve a chunk of her setlist to nostalgic hits, such as “Sofia;” “Bubble Gum” or “Pretty Girl.” But, I was pleasantly surprised to realize this show was the opposite.

With the exception of a few songs — this was the “Charm Tour” with a capital C. And I admire that an artist with as many hits as her still has the confidence to center her work that might not have been as “TikTok viral”.

The audience’s favorite songs of the night were “Juna” and “Glory of the Snow,” initiating an iPhone flashlight sway among few people on the left side of the ballroom. And although Clairo’s interactions with the audience members were brief, there was an unspoken familiarity and amusement between the two parties.

“Everyone, ‘boo’ if you think we’re sexy,” the singer said as the band began to play “Sexy to Someone.”

Although the 85-minute set ended with no encore — I can officially testify to the fact that it was one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve ever experienced.

Clairo officially completed her five-night residency on Sept. 19 at Webster Hall, but the “Charm Tour” will continue until March 2025.

Dashboard Confessional Rooftop Concert A nostalgic night for elder millennial rock fans

By GRACE EHLE Copy Editor

Fans dressed in all black packed The Rooftop at Pier 17 for the sold out Dashboard Confessional show on Sept. 12. The alternative rock band drew a crowd of millennials, excited to be brought back to 2006. The Brooklyn Bridge was the perfect backdrop to sing sad rock songs from the 2000s.

The “Dashboard Confessional Fall Tour 2024” is a celebration of the early 2000s emo scene.

“Bridging multiple generations of emo, alternative and indie fans, this power lineup of artists not only shows the versatile staying power of Dashboard Confessional, but the lineage of artists it has inspired,” the band stated in a press release.

In true emo fashion the crowd became a community to make the best of a show without lights.

The opening band, Boys Like Girls, gave the audience a chance to record the beginning of their top song on Spotify, “The Great Escape” before stopping to tell everyone to put their phones away. Enjoying a song in the moment, without phones was a nostalgic feeling for many and showed me what attending a concert in 2006 must have been like.

Dashboard Confessional played hits off of their early albums, “The

Swiss Army Romance” and “Dusk and Summer,” reminding fans of their teenage years. The crowd laughed as the lead singer, Christopher Carrabba, joked about how that night was a big night for babysitters, bringing fans back to reality.

The stage lights unexpectedly went out during their performance of “Turpentine Chaser,” but Dashboard Confessional didn’t miss a beat. The band could not stop to fix the lights if they wanted to finish their set before New York City’s 10 p.m. noise curfew. Fans responded by turning on their phone flashlights and waving them in the air, creating a sea of light for the band.

Carrabba’s friend Adam Duritz, the lead singer of Counting Crows, who was watching the show from the side of the stage, quickly grabbed a flashlight and shined it on Carrabba’s guitar.

In true emo fashion the crowd became a community to make the best of a show without lights.

Fans were making friends with other fans. I even met a group of friends that were kind enough to let me take their spot at the barricade. That type of thing is rare these days.

The band took to Instagram a few days later with a post thanking the fans for a great show and wrote, “Yes the show must go on … this show went OFF!” The lights going out may have been an accident, but it made the performance of “Carry This Picture” — which was featured in the new film “It Ends With Us” — a more intimate experience. The song is about holding onto memories from a past relationship.

GRACE EHLE/THE OBSERVER

Abigail Kelly, backup vocalist for Dashboard Confessional, with Scott Schoenbeck playing the bass in the back.

Lights shine down on the band as they play their 2006 track “Don’t Wait.”

Carrabba was on stage alone with his guitar, singing to the crowd in the dark, it felt like listening to the song alone in your room.

By the end of the song the lights came back on, taking the crowd out of their bedrooms and back to the rooftop.

Martin Johnson, the lead singer for Boys Like Girls, joined Dashboard Confessional on stage

to perform their then unreleased song “Watch the Fire.” This is the first time the two lead singers collaborated on a song and performed it together, which must have been a teenage dream for “longtime emos” in the crowd.

Before ending the show with their most popular song, “Hands Down,” Carrabba told the audience to picture themselves

GRACE EHLE/THE OBSERVER

listening to this song with their friends back in their college dorm room. I may not be able to relate to what being a teenager during the height of the emo subculture was like, but that night gave me a glimpse into it.

The 28-city “Dashboard Confessional Fall Tour 2024” will make its way across the U.S. now through Oct. 27.

Arts & Culture

THE OBSERVER September 25, 2024

www.fordhamobserver.com

15

‘My Old Ass’ Offers Little Outside of Its Intriguing Title This typical coming of age story elicited occasional laughs and over-hype

By AVERY LOFTIS Editor-in-Chief

Tears ran down cheeks and sniffles echoed in Regal Union Square’s outdoor lobby after the credits for “My Old Ass” rolled.

However, my eyes were dry and all I could think of the film was that I had seen some version of it so many times before. “My Old Ass” claims to be a progressive and fresh take on the coming-ofage genre, but there are no surprising moments outside of quirky gags that make this film unique.

Written and directed by Megan Park, “My Old Ass” had an advanced screening on Sept. 10.

“My Old Ass” follows 18-yearold Elliot (Maisy Stella) on her birthday during the summer right before she leaves for college. Elliot takes magic mushrooms with her friends and has a “bad trip,” conjuring a 39-year-old version of herself (Aubrey Plaza) dubbed her “old ass.” Naturally, Elliot asks her future self for advice, but older Elliot declines to disclose much of anything.

The crux of the story relies on the first mushroom trip that Elliot has and her attempts to replicate it when Elliot’s “old ass” will not reappear.

I applaud the film for decentering men from the beginning ...

Mostly, these tripping scenes functioned as a cop out to fit the comedy genre. A trip typically facilitates insights at any stage

in one’s life. And using the trip as a comedic device is a troupe that films never seem to try to get right. To accomplish an accurate mushroom trip scene, filmmaker Megan Park leans into absurd yet innocent teen girl visions. Which only works for audiences susceptible to quick chortles at the cringe and quirky.

Elliot’s “old ass” is the most authentic character because of the actress’s trademark dry delivery. Plaza primarily serves as a mentor to prop up the younger actors in the film, but ultimately outshines them with her emotional and comedic delivery.

The one piece of advice that Elliot’s “old ass” does offer her, however, is to avoid a guy named Chad (Percy Hynes White).

As a woman with a few runins with guys having seemingly harmless names, this line was admittedly funny. But, Chad then becomes the centerpiece of this woman-driven film from the first mention onward.

I applaud the film for decentering men from the beginning, but that one line reverted the film to clawing its way through the previously established decentering.

Most of the film did become about the lanky boy-next-door Chad, but in a manner in which Elliot relearns and discovers love and her sexuality. Still, the film did not have to become about the boy, especially with the queer framing and “progressive” drug trips that drove the first act.

As the film rolled on, I became slightly disappointed because it strayed from what at first made the plot feel fresh. Scrolling online after the film, influencers I follow on Instagram posted about

AVERY LOFTIS/THE OBSERVER

After premiering at the Sundance Festival in January, “My Old Ass” will be released worldwide on Sept. 27.

how much they thought the film was new, exciting and tear-jerking. Reading those comments and Letterboxd reviews with four and five star ratings made me think I went into the wrong theater.

However, the piece of advice that tugged on people’s heartstrings the most was for Elliot to spend more time with her family

before going away.

Maybe I’m heartless, but the scenes with family heart-to-hearts and tearful goodbyes seemed overly played out. Although the conversation between Elliot and her mom seemed to choke up everyone in the theater, the “when you were a kid …” talk was a sweet yet cliche resolution to

the mother-daughter tension that I have seen numerous times in other coming-of-age movies that focus on teenage girls.

What Elliot and her “old ass” really learned is if you change much about the messy experiences of love and pain, then that is not much of a life — or much of a movie.

‘Amarcord’: Generational Art by Alumni

A new installation at Fordham’s Butler and Lipani galleries depicts 20 years of alumni work

By ELEANA KOSTAKIS Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

Dozens of alumni gathered in Fordham’s Ildiko Butler gallery on Sept. 20 for a reception to display their artistic creations.

The exhibit titled “Amarcord” depicts the past, present and future of the Fordham Department of Visual Arts and is showcased between the Butler and Lipani galleries.

The reception began promptly at 6 p.m., with drinks and appetizers set out for viewers. Gallery programmer Vincent Stracquadanio, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’11, is the mastermind behind this generational exhibit.

“We have 30 artists representing 20 years of Fordham visual arts alumni, it’s the first alumni show we’ve had in over two decades,” Stracquadanio said.

“It’s been a long time since we had (one).”

The installation featured the creativity of Fordham’s alumni body and depicted the artistic evolution of the students that have passed through these halls.

The exhibit consists of 14 artworks from over 30 alumni. The gallery contains various types of artwork from video, paintings, sculptures and drawings.

As the event kicked off, the number of attendees increased and many of the featured artists found, embraced and chatted with their former professors.

Many viewers admired the gallery and the artistic evolution of the Department of Visual Arts This year already, the visual arts department settled into their newly renovated classrooms. The

ADITI PRAVEEN KARIYANAHALLI/THE OBSERVER

In a watercolor piece created by James Vanderberg, FCLC ’02, different images featuring various types of line work depict images seen in everyday life.

ADITI PRAVEEN KARIYANAHALLI/THE OBSERVER

In an artwork created by Slav Velkov, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’23, a woman is depicted gazing at her lap.

moment of reflection the gallery offered married a celebration of a progressive past and the Fordham visual arts of the future — an area

that is already bounding toward innovation.

This exhibition will be on display until Oct. 12.

ELEANA KOSTAKIS/THE OBSERVER

Fordham alumni gathered in Ildiko Butler Gallery on Sept. 20 to attend the opening of “Amarcord.”

Fun & Games Editor Abby Grunzinger

un & ames

September 25, 2024 THE OBSERVER

Crosswords: Do You Remember the 21st Night...?

Celebrate the rest of this wonderful month with these four mini crosswords. Grab a friend and race to see who can solve faster!

Across

Down

Across

Down

1. Dance for backpack kids?

6. Currency in India, or Hyrule 7. Unskilled 8. *In between “very” and “mother” in this classic mnemonic device?

9. Commonly impersonated agency via phone scam (Abbr.)

1. What some privileged people on TikTok want you to just put in the bag 2. Many moons 3. One might be haunted by a masked phantom 4. **The seventh prefix?

5. NBC “Late Night” host Meyers

1. Usually written on a ticket: “___ ONE” 6. Prepare for discomfort 7. The lowest title in the British peerage system 8. *“To break ___,” in relation to 9-across 9. Shrek’s companion, for one

1. Low-grade wool 2. Luck of the ___ 3. Tony’s love interest in “West Side Story” 4. Graphic symbols on a computer screen 5. Works the bar

Across

Down

Across

Down

1. ***Granny’s least favorite season?

5. Homeric epic 7. Dance genre inspired by the Cuban word for “party” 8. **Glowing component of 1-down 9. Only

1. *To let go of an employee 2. Lana Del Ray and Denzel Washington are two of Fordham’s 3. Where you might get stuck in uncertainty 4. Identifier 6. Challenge that takes the place of a truth

1. *Classic improv response starter “yes, ___” 4. Standoffish 6. 2024 Sabrina Carpenter song “Lie to ___” 7. To cut gear teeth on a wheel 8. Tennis legend Arthur

1. Pseudonym 2. Glinda is the Good Witch of this region in “Wicked” 3. Sweet, in Milan 4. Prefix for farmers: “___rian” 5. Swimming creature with no eye?

MINIS BY DAMIAN GROVE

KenKen

BY ABBY GRUNZINGER

Instructions: 1. Each row and column of the KenKen puzzle should be filled in with a number from 1-5 exactly once.

2. The bolded lines break the puzzle into multiple sections of 1-4 cells, with each section containing a target number and mathematical operation in the top left. The numbers in each section must be combined using the given operation to create the target number. For example, in the top right section made up of two cells and given the rule of 20x, the two cells should be multiplied together to get the target number 20, but should not violate the first rule.

3. A number can be used more than once in the same section, as long as the first rule is not violated.

Connect the Dots

BY ABBY GRUNZINGER

GRAPHICS BY ABBY GRUNZINGER