R
Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918
The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses. Website
TheFordhamRam.com
Email Address theram@fordham.edu
Editor-in-Chief
Allison Schneider
Managing Editor
Adithi Vimalanathan
Production Editor
Sophie Maselli
Editorial Director
Jonah Ring
Multimedia Director
Mary Hawthorn
Business Director
Diana Juarez
News Editor
Nora Malone
Features Editor
Andrew Massie
Assistant News Editors
Caitlin Thomas
Sienna Reinders
Opinion Editor
Indranil Kar
Assistant Opinion Editors
Stuart Cremer
Abigail Adams
Culture Editors
Mia Tero
Chelsea DeLalla
Assistant Culture Editor
Erynn Sweeney
Sports Editor
Grace McCarron
Assistant Sports Editors
Ian Nelson
Elizabeth Collins
Copy Chiefs
Jacob Wolfer
Sarah Verrastro
Executive Copy Editor
Emma Leonardi
Staff Copy Editors
Emilio Marino
Jordan Donegan
Jenny Hong
Julia Cholerton
Alexa Reid
Photo Editor
Cristina Stefanizzi
Digital Producers
Haniyyah Usmani
Molly O’Connor
Hannah Sullivan
Advertising Directors
Jack McDonald
Nishanth Aduma
Violet Wallace
Emily Bustamante
Faculty Advisor
Beth Knobel
Editorial Policy
The Fordham Ram’s editorial reflects the editorial board’s opinions or views. Opinion Policy
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Fordham Ram.
Submissions Policy
The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.
COMMENCEMENT A Letter From the Editor to the Class of 2025
Dear 2025 Graduates,
Congratulations to all of you on graduating from Fordham University! The last four years have not been easy, and you should all be incredibly proud of the hard work you have put in. Graduating seniors, you entered Fordham on the coattails of the COVID-19 pandemic, and had to learn how to make friends and adjust to a new city amidst pandemic restrictions. There were hard classes and tougher exams, flooding and even an earthquake, but you thrived through it all. You saw changes to the McShane Marketplace and watched as scaffolding rose and fell around buildings across campus. Like these buildings, you, too, have been changed by Fordham. Students come from all over the world to learn together at this university and
to share these four years. As you look around at all the caps and gowns and smiling faces at the commencement ceremony, remember the time you have shared with one another and the legacy you leave behind. As much as Fordham has changed you, you all have worked to change Fordham through your leadership, your intelligence, your determination, your athleticism, your innovation and your love for this community. It’s because of your success and your accomplishments these past four years that we dedicate this special issue of The Ram to the class of 2025. Congratulations to you all, and cheers to the bright futures ahead of you!
Wishing you the very best, Allison Schneider, Editor-in-Chief
2025 Commencement Schedule
Friday, May 16
Event
Navy Commissionning
Army ROTC Commissioning
GSB at LC Awards Ceremony
Encaeina (FCRH Awards Ceremony)
FCLC Awards Ceremony
GSB at RH Awards Ceremony
Veterans Bell Ringing Ceremony
LC Baccalaureate Mass
RH Baccalaureate Mass
Time/Location
9 a.m. - Butler Commons (RH)
10 a.m. - Tognino Hall (RH)
12 p.m. - McNally Amphitheatre (LC)
1 p.m. - Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)
3 p.m. - Pope Auditorium (LC)
3:15 p.m. - Fordham Prep Theatre (RH)
4 p.m. - Keating First Auditorium (RH)
5 p.m. - Church of St. Paul the Aposotle (LC)
6 p.m. - Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)
Saturday, May 17
Event
University Commencment Ceremony
Fordham College at Rose Hill Diploma Ceremony
Fordham College at Lincoln Center Diploma Ceremony
Gabelli School of Business Diploma Ceremony
School of Professional and Continuing Studies Diploma Ceremoney
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Diploma ceremony
Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education Diploma Ceremony
Monday, May 19
Event Time/Location
Graduate School of Social Service Diploma Ceremony
Gabelli School of Business Diploma CeremonyMasters and Doctoral Candidates
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Diploma ceremony
10 a.m. Edwards Parade (RH)
4 p.m. Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)
Immediately following - Martyrs Lawn Tent (RH)
Time/Location
Congratulations!
Wilson Speller FCRH ’28
For winning the Fordham Ram Commencement Issue Photo Contest
RUNNER UP: Nicole Phillips, FCRH ’26 (Photo Above) Cover Photo Courtesy of Wilson Speller
10 a.m. - Edwards Parade (RH)
Following Commencement - Edwards Parade (RH)
Following Commencement - Walsh Lawn (RH)
Following Commencement - Moglia Stadium (RH)
Following Commencement - Fordham Prep. Theatrer (RH)
Following Commencement- Martyrs Lawn Tent (RH)
Following Commencement - Keating First Auditorium (RH)
Tuesday, May 20
Event Time/Location
School of Law Diploma Ceremony
Graduate School of Education Diploma Ceremony
9 a.m. Edwards Parade (RH)
4 p.m. Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)
following - Martyrs Lawn Tent (RH)
Students hang out on Edwards Parade on a sunny day.
NICOLE PHILLIPS FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
By ERON MALTZMAN & AVA CASCELLA
Dear members of the Fordham University community,
It is with great pride and gratitude that we address you in our final days as the executive administration of the United Student Government (USG) for the 2024-2025 academic year.
When we started in these roles, we knew the responsibility before us demanded not just dedication but real results. We made it our mission to continue Fordham’s traditions and push forward new initiatives that would leave a lasting impact on campus life. We believe this year marks some of the greatest strides the USG has made in recent memory.
Throughout this administration, we worked to make the USG’s processes more democratic and inclusive. For the first time, Fordham students now have the ability to nominate clubs for Club of the Month, ensuring that this recognition is shaped by the broader student body and not limited to internal selections. We also expanded academic resources for underrepresented pre-professional tracks by creating comprehensive prelaw and pre-health databases, critical tools to empower future generations of Fordham students.
Recognizing the importance of health and wellness, we
COMMENCEMENT
Letter to the Fordham Community from USG
successfully installed a nap pod on campus, offering a new space for rest and care amid busy student lives. We worked alongside Fordham’s Commuter Students Association (CSA) on this initiative, aiming to remedy the daily exhaustion that commuter students often face. Our collaboration with the University Health Center also resulted in significant transparency improvements, including first-visit information one-pagers, visible testing cost posters and clearer resource access for all students. Additionally, we worked with Fordham Dining and Ram Hospitality to evaluate and optimize current meal plan options. We advocated for smaller and lower-commitment plans for commuting students and options to buy packages of swipes in emergencies. These changes were met with optimism and are currently under review.
We understood that keeping students informed needed to be a priority. To that end, we launched the first-ever monthly USG Newsletter, providing consistent updates on our initiatives, projects and ways to get involved. This publication has helped foster a stronger connection between the student body and the USG, and we hope it will continue to grow for years to come.
This year, we also recognized the importance of
standing up for our community in moments of fear and uncertainty. In response to reports of deportations of foreign students across the country and concerns about the potential presence of ICE on college campuses, we issued public statements reaffirming our commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and academic freedom of every student. We clarified that Fordham must be a place where all students feel safe, supported and valued. In standing with our international students, we stood for the very values that
define our university.
Now we leave you with a call to action. It is no secret that the state of higher education is in peril. Attacks on academic freedom and growing inequities threaten the very ideals universities were built to uphold. We urge every member of the Fordham community to stay engaged to advocate fiercely for a more accessible, inclusive and forward-thinking future and to remember that the power to shape this institution, and the world beyond it, lies in your hands. Fordham’s future will
be defined by those bold enough to imagine it and brave enough to build it. Serving you has been the most incredible honor, and we are confident that our work will create a stronger foundation for all students who come after us. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Fordham experience.
With endless gratitude and high hopes, Eron Maltzman, FCRH ’25 and Ava Cascella, FCRH ’26 United Student Government Executive Administration, 2024-25
Regina Hall Selected to be 2025 Commencment Speaker
By EMMA LEONARDI
EXEC. COPY EDITOR
This year’s commencement speaker is making her return to Fordham University after graduating in 1992. Not only will Regina Hall, FCRH ’92, address the Fordham University Class of 2025 on May 17, but she will also receive another degree from the university: an honorary doctorate of fine arts.
Hall started her higher education at Fordham in 1988, studying English at Fordham College at Rose Hill.
After four years of studying at the Bronx campus, Hall received a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her graduation, former congressman John Brademas, Ph.D. delivered the commencement address on Edwards Parade, the same lawn where Hall would share her own address 33 years later.
Following her time at Fordham, Hall stayed in New York City to study journalism at New York University (NYU). However, during her first semester, her father
died, changing the trajectory of her career. Hall remained at NYU to finish her master’s degree in journalism as her father wished, before pursuing her true passion: acting.
During the late 1990s, Hall appeared in many projects as a bit part actor, playing roles involving minimal dialogue and screen time. But in 2000, Hall caught her big acting break playing the main character Brenda in a spoof of the horror movie “Scream,” named “Scary Movie.” Hall reprised her role in three of
the current four sequels, all spoofs of other classic horror movies.
Hall is also known for her role as Ryan Pierce in the 2017 comedy movie “Girls Trip,” which consists of four friends turning a work excursion into the titular girls’ trip. Hall is set to reprise this role as “Girls Trip 2” is currently in pre-production. Only a year later, Hall took a career turn from comedy to acting in the movie adaptation of “The Hate U Give,” a film about racial discrimination and police brutality in the United States. Hall played the mother to high schooler Starr Carter played by Amandla Stenberg, as she examines how stereotypes are used against people of color to justify bigotry within society. Hall’s performance and how she helped bring author Angie Thomas’ impactful and relevant story to life remained with viewers even after the film’s conclusion.
Alongside her acting roles, Hall also has experience in producing. She not only starred in the 2019 film “Little,” but also executiveproduced the project. In 2022, Hall helped produce “Master” and “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.” Her most recent
producing job was on the 2023 film “Gonzo Girl.”
When asked why Hall was chosen to be the commencement speaker for 2025, Associate Vice President for Media and Public Relations Bob Howe noted her impact on society and her work ethic. “She’s got range in acting … look at her wildly different roles in ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘The Hate U Give.’ She’s received ten awards, many from film critics (she was the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress), and been nominated for more than 30 others. She’s the kind of smart, talented, and broadly educated graduate we want to celebrate,” he said.
University President Tania Tetlow also commented on Hall appearing to address the class of 2025. “Regina is an inspiring role model who will show our graduates what it looks like to live out our Jesuit values. Her remarkable talent, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to justice make her the ideal speaker for our commencement ceremony. We’re thrilled to honor her,” she said. As has been tradition for many previoucs ommencement speakers, the university will award Hall a Doctor of Humane Letters for her influence on society.
Regina Hall Graduated from Fordham College at Rose Hill in 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts in English.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM NOW
Eron Maltzman and Ava Cascella served as USG President and Vice President for the spring semester.
COURTESY OF MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
Ramses Revealed: Abby Hartlieb Takes Off the Mask
By GRACE GALBREATH ASST. NEWS EDITOR EMERITUS
Some of Abigael Hartlieb’s, FCRH ’25, favorite memories at Fordham University were spent anonymously, in the Fordham Ramses mascot costume. But now with graduation looming, Hartlieb is ready to take the mask off, reveal her identity and say goodbye.
For the Hartliebs, mascotting runs in the family. Hartlieb’s three-year stint as Ramses was in part inspired by her grandfather, who was his high school’s mascot.
Her dance background also played a role in inspiring Ramses’ character.
“I was a dancer growing up — until about middle school or high school. I did ballet, I did pointe, I did all of that stuff. The rhythm and that kind of fun energy, I got from dance. I guess it was just that love of
movement and self-expression that got me interested in the role,” she said.
But Ramses was not the first mascot costume Hartlieb donned. In high school, she wore a water ice suit for her parents’ Rita’s Italian Ice store.
“We had the Ice Guy costume in the back of the store. It started with my parents asking me to put it on for a few videos, and then there would be people that would request the Ice Guy for neighborhood parades and fundraisers. I would do it, and then I realized it was kind of fun,” she said.
After her first year, Hartlieb reached out to Fordham Athletics about the possibility of being Ramses. By sophomore fall, she was suited up for almost every game.
“I would go anywhere, to any sport that wanted me to come. It wasn’t always required, but I would always show up,” she said. “There
were some days where I just felt like putting on the suit and making a team smile. I’d put it on, I’d get the crowd going and get the energy up. I’d frolic around.”
She added, “If clubs or organizations wanted to collaborate, I would do it. With my ballet background, I was so excited to collab with the Jetés. I also did Sláinte, I did stuff with FDM and orientation.”
When not in the suit, Hartlieb could have been found in meetings for the many clubs she was a part of. Her resume is extensive, featuring Dean’s Council, Senior Week Committee, Fordham Dance Marathon, Leading Women of Tomorrow and more.
Balancing Ramses, clubs and classwork as an international studies major and peace and justice studies minor was difficult, but Hartlieb said it was always worth it.
“I loved when I would take a photo and hear a family say, ‘that’s a Christmas card photo.’ I always wanted to ask them to send the cards to me. I loved interacting with alumni and kids, pulling them up out of the crowds to dance or to take a photo. It’s great when I know Ramses made their day,” she said.
To help balance her hectic schedule, Hartlieb’s pregame routine also included a lot of Red Bull.
“Caffeine is the trick! I have a caffeine addiction. There were a lot of games this season where I would be running right off the Ram Van after class. I
would chug a Red Bull to get myself ready, and then go right to athletics and start the game,” she said.
As Ramses, Hartlieb went above and beyond by participating in special events. She did everything — from ringing the Nasdaq Exchange bell to taking engagement photos with alums. Junior year, Hartlieb even started an Instagram account: @fordhamramses.
“I wanted to bring more of a character to Ramses. It’s been really fun bringing more
engagement into athletics, into Ramses. I’ve loved being able to have outreach through it,” she said.
Her next steps include a gap year before getting her masters in public health. Although she is putting down the mascot costumes for now, Hartlieb will cherish the memories she made.
“I loved meeting people and interacting with the other team’s mascots. I’d just have really fun, positive interactions. It was just so much fun!” she said.
KATE CASSIDY FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Abigael Hartlieb, FCRH ’25, has suited up as Ramses for the past three years.
ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM Ramses reads a copy of The Fordham Ram.
Seasons Are Changing and So Are We
By EVAN MCMANUS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Fordham University has been shining in its spring glory for the last few weeks. The leaves on the trees have a bright and healthy green look. Arthur Avenue is bustling with activity. Eddies lawn is packed full of students pretending to do homework. Despite my pollen allergies, I’ve always liked this time of year because Fordham feels at its best. An energetic environment full of possibilities. But for me and my fellow Class of 2025 members, our time here is coming to a close.
A movie I recently watched deals with this theme. One of my roommates put the film “American Graffiti” on our television and I ended up watching it. The movie is about a group of high school seniors enjoying the last night in Modesto, California, before going to college or other parts of their lives. Throughout the film, one of the teenagers, played by Richard Dreyfuss, drives around the town and reminisces about his high school days. At the
By SOFIA DONOHUE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS
I am someone who has always thrived on routine. Over the summer, my friend Grace asked me what I was going to do once I no longer had the crutch of regular classes after graduation. Nine months ago, I laughed it off, but now I’m forced to confront this reality headon. As I’ve been thinking about graduation these past few weeks, I’ve begun the process of mourning the routines I’ve built for myself at Fordham. I realized that some of my favorite moments of college are the mundane, minute habits I’ve slipped into the still moments of my busy weeks. While pondering what I should write about for my last article ever (ouch!), on the topic of appreciating the mundane, I am going to write about sitting outside. While there are many scary aspects that come along with graduating from college, one
film’s start, he is nervous about leaving, but by the end, he gets on the airplane and flies away to his future. Honestly, this was not my favorite movie, but it resonated with me; while I have not been cruising around the streets of Belmont in a nice car like the movie’s characters, I have been reflecting on what this period of my life has meant to me.
My first few days at Fordham were somewhat chaotic. Going to my first classes and trying to make friends was overwhelming, and I felt miserable. Then a major flood happened on campus and the whole university shut down. I remember thinking that things could only get better from there, and they did. As the semester continued, I got into my classes and learned a lot; I forced myself to get out of my dorm room and meet people. That strategy paid off, and I met people who eventually became some of my best friends. While my Fordham experience had a chaotic start, coming to a new environment helped me grow, and by my sophomore year, I was very happy here.
One choice I made back then that paid back in
dividends was to sign up to write articles for The Fordham Ram. I was looking for a community to join on campus that would help me meet more people and let me engage in my hobby of writing. I loved being able to see my byline in an actual newspaper, so I continued to write and decided to apply to join the staff. I passed my interview and became an assistant opinion editor for Volume 104. Through this position, my passion for good writing grew as I got to read other students’ opinion pieces. Then, in Volume 105, I had the opportunity to grow as a writer and journalist by being the Editorial Director. The role helped me feel engaged with my community and appreciate journalism’s power on a group of people. During my years at the Ram, I met a whole community of people that I quickly felt comfortable being a part of. I think my friends outside of The Ram thought I was a little crazy when I told them about the long Tuesday nights we would have editing on InDesign. Yet, those late nights with the other members of The Ram staff were filled with teamwork, numerous jokes and
Sitting on the Edge of
wonderful conversations, which made it all worthwhile. I will always be grateful to this organization for allowing me to grow professionally and as a person.
Like the characters in “American Graffiti,” we seniors are almost at the moment when we say goodbye to our friends and move into our post-grad futures. At this moment, I’m feeling a little nervous and scared about the changes ahead,
but I’m also excited. While change can be nervewracking, it’s a necessary part of life. As much fun as college has been, there is so much more to experience in the world outside of Rose Hill. So let’s not end this chapter of our lives with melancholy about leaving Fordham. Let’s celebrate all we’ve accomplished over the last four years and be excited for all the possibilities to come.
Graduation
of the most daunting to me is that I will have limited time outdoors once I start working full-time. As I’m writing this, I am sitting on Edwards Parade at 3 p.m. on a Monday. I’ve probably sat on every bench on campus at least once, typically either working on a reading for
class, eating a meal or calling my mom or sister. When I was asked about my hobbies during a job interview, I described this as “benching.” Perhaps sharing this passion was a bit premature because I did not make it to the second round of interviews, but that’s besides the point. Sometimes I just sit, which is also nice. My friend Frances caught me doing this on Keating steps the other week and she asked me if I was on the phone with someone; nope, I was just sitting and staring aimlessly. Often, there’s a retired Jesuit from Ciszek Hall sitting nearby doing the same thing — I think he’s onto something. Spring is my favorite season at Fordham, prime benching time, and I know it’s officially
arrived when the groundskeepers plant flowers around the Dealy Hall fountain. The past four years, I’ve been sitting on a bench watching it happen.
One of my absolute favorite things about sitting outside on campus is that I almost always find a friend — one of my favorite parts of attending a small school. I was actually sitting alongside Eddies earlier this week, admiring the plethora of people sitting on the lawn, when I ran into Evan, a friend and former editorial director of The Ram. With some time to spare, we took the time to catch up and, unavoidably, the topic of graduation came up. After I told Evan how scared I was to leave Fordham, he surprised me by telling me that
he’s excited for the change, for something different. He told me that he feels too old to be on campus and, as I looked around, I realized that I didn’t recognize any of the underclassmen. I’ve grown into Fordham over the past few years and changed in ways I would’ve never expected when I was 18, and maybe now I’ve outgrown it. The likelihood of being uncomfortable and having opportunities to challenge myself in new ways is pretty exciting, I suppose. For the first time, I felt a sense of security in the uncertainty. Thanks, Evan.
Back in November, I wrote that the prospect of graduating felt like staring into a foggy abyss. I’m not going to disillusion myself and say that I feel any differently now, but rather, I will say that I have leaned into that feeling. As I enter what may just be the hardest, most tumultuous years of my life, I feel prepared to carry with me everything I’ve adopted at Fordham: deep friendships, steady confidence in myself and the ability to lead and make hard decisions. Most importantly, I am ready to carry the stillness I practice here — the pauses between the chaos, my mundane habits which have grounded me over the past four years and my ability to recognize purpose in the quiet. And wherever I end up, I just hope there’s a good bench nearby.
Senior Evan McManus reminicses about his time at Rose Hill and on The Ram. THE FORDHAM RAM
A photograph of the benches that sit outside of Keating Hall, a few of the many on Fordham’s Rose Hill campus.
SOFIA DONOHUE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Senior Sofia Donohue remembers the beautifully mundane moments at Fordham. THE FORDHAM RAM
By SIENNA REINDERS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
As Fordham University seniors get ready to end their undergraduate careers and embark on new adventures, they have reflected on the past four years.
Mia Guzzo, FCRH ’25, is an English major with minors in both women, gender and sexuality studies and marketing. She says that she has tried to prioritize herself and the things that make her happy during her time at Fordham.
“I really tried to prioritize, maybe not like the most conventional things that other people prioritize in college, but I made sure to do the things that made me happy. So, like, I put a lot of my heart and energy into doing my thesis last semester, and when I was abroad I really focused on my academics,” she said. “I think one of the main things I would say to other people as well is just to focus on what fills your cup and what fills your heart, because you’re here, these four years are for you to do what will help you grow, but also what will make you happy and keep you sane while you’re here.”
When asked what advice she would give to current underclassmen, she said that it is important to try new things.
“I would say that my biggest piece of advice, and it sounds cliché, is to just like put yourself out there,” she said. “Try as many spaces
Advice from the Class of 2025
and as many clubs as you think you would like, because you can go to one meeting and meet new faces and decide that that’s like your passion, and you would never have known that.”
Lily Paturzo, FCRH ’25, is a journalism major with minors in women, gender and sexuality studies and marketing. She said that although college has been difficult at times but that she has learned that everything will work out in the end.
“I’ve loved it here. I’ve definitely had my ups and downs,” she said. “I think freshman year is really scary, and you’re gonna want to transfer, you’re gonna be confused, you’re gonna not know what you want to do …just kind of lean into your interests and you’ll find your path. It will be okay. And I’m just saying this as someone who just figured out it’s gonna be okay like two months ago. So like, even if you’re a senior, you’re still gonna be okay. Everything will work out. I know it sounds scary, but just do what you love and keep going for it.”
When asked what advice she would give to current underclassmen, she said that it’s okay to not know what you want to do..
“It’s never too late to try something new,” she said. “I think when we come to college, we think we have to know what we’re doing and have to have everything planned out. We really don’t. I switched my major like four
million times, and I joined WFUV my senior year, which is like something that I feel like you’ll never like, that’s kind of really late to start something, but I just asked and got myself in the place where I wanted to be. And it’s not too late to figure out where you want to be. Just ask and just do it, because you’ll actually maybe find out something that you really, really love to do, or maybe figure out your career path or figure out what you don’t want to do.”
Grace Glennon, FCRH ’25, is an integrative neuroscience major with a minor in women, gender and sexuality studies. When asked what advice she would give to underclassmen, she said that it is important to be kind to oneself.
“I think my biggest piece of advice is to be kind to yourself,” she said. “I think freshman year can be really difficult, I know, I came in, I thought, you know, this is gonna be my time, I’m going to study all the time. I lived in Walsh Library, and I think that you’ll have to come in and know that everyone’s on the same playing field. You’re all new to this. You know this is a new experience for everyone, and you really just have to take it day by day with everything, whether it be the social scene, whether it be academics, all of that kind of stuff, and I think also to kind of help with that, and I told this to my younger sisters when they were going into college, whatever it is
you have to join something. You have to find your community. Because especially at a school like Fordham, I think clubs are really what define our culture, and that’s where you meet your people, your friends, and you know, school can’t just be about academics, you also have to find, you know, the place where you can forget about all the crazy things going on in your school life and in the world and find your happy place and find your friends and just have a great outlet.”
Sydney Flood, FCRH ’25, is an English major with minors in medieval studies and religious studies. When asked what advice she would give to underclassmen, she said that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others.
“I think my biggest piece of advice is to not worry about being on the same track as everyone,” she said. “I took a semester off, and I was really worried about not being able to graduate at the same time as my friends, but it all worked out, and it really wasn’t that big of a deal. And I was also worried about, like, all my friends were studying abroad, and I didn’t really want to study abroad, so I didn’t. But yeah, everyone’s on their own path, and it’s okay.”
Adeyinka Maddy, FCRH ’25, is a digital technology and emerging media major with minors in marketing and business administration. He said that during his time at Fordham, he has learned
how to maintain a healthy balance between academic life and social life.
“I think I had years, like during freshman and sophomore year, where I was totally social and less academic and educational and I didn’t find that fulfilling,” he said. “And then I had stuff junior year where I was completely academic, extracurriculars, everything I was doing had to have some type of purpose, and that also wasn’t fulfilling, I got burned out by the end of it. But I think coming to senior year and truly having a Monday to Thursday afternoon to keep it fully, everything I do has a purpose, to like Thursday to Sunday, try to be more social with my friends. Once I hit that place, I found out that I really loved everything I was doing.”
When asked what advice he would give to the current underclassmen, he said that it is important to stay true to yourself.
“Just be you and do yourself,” he said. “It’s really easy to get lost in the sauce, just with everybody having everything going on and the opinions of everybody that’s watching you because I feel like we’re on a pseudo small campus. So it’s easy to get wrapped under people’s opinions of others and opinions of yourself. But I think the biggest thing that I realized is that you kind of just keep doing you and not really giving a care about what other people think of you or what they think you should be doing.”
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
Mia Guzzo, FCRH ’25.
Lily Paturzo, FCRH ’25.
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
Grace Glennon, FCRH ’25.
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM Sydney Flood, FCRH ’25. Adeyinka Maddy, FCRH ’25.
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
Fordham Athletes and Moments to Remember
By GRACE MCCARRON, ELLIE COLLINS & IAN NELSON
Highs and lows walk hand in hand with sports fans. In the end, it’s all about commitment. As the sports section of the Fordham Ram, we have followed our school’s sports programs with watchful eyes. Athletes broke records, won awards and exceeded expectations. Teams won nailbiters, competed at a high level and kept fans coming back for more. Here are a few standouts that we would like to put in the spotlight for this
year’s final issue: Water Polo was the most major story of the year for Fordham Athletics. An incredible run that lasted from the fall of 2021 saw the Rams do nothing but win. The team won four consecutive MidAtlantic Water Polo Conference titles in addition to four straight automatic bids into the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championship. The team’s success was even noted in an article published by The Wall Street Journal titled “Is This Undefeated Team the Best Story in College Sports?” Maybe they were, especially considering the squad was
During her five-year career with the Fordham Women’s Volleyball, nowgraduate student Whitley Moody was a leader, playmaker and record-setter. As a freshman, she was named the program’s first-ever American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-East Region selection while simultaneously being awarded Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year. Her tenure with the Rams got its cherry on
top when she achieved her 1,444th kill, breaking alumna Valerie Bosticco Kolb’s Fordham record for career kills. She achieved this feat during the first set against the University of Rhode Island on Oct. 9, 2024, with her family in attendance. Before the season’s end, Moody would tack on an additional 193 kills to give herself a grand total of 1,637, shattering the previous record and establishing
Lorraine Bergmann was a quintessential leader on the Fordham women’s tennis team in her four years on the team. This included the team’s Atlantic 10 Championship in 2023, when they claimed the championship title for the first time in program history. During that season, Bergmann set the stage for the championship, defeating the University of Rhode Island’s Ava Grnja in the tournament’s first match. Bergmann was a solid competitor in both singles and doubles over the course of her four-year Fordham University career, as she
won several A-10 tournament matches. In the 2023 championship season, Bergmann went 9-1 in doubles matches and played several singles positions, performing her best at the third position with a 4-0 record. She was the lone senior on the 2024-25 team, which clinched the #1 seed at the Atlantic 10 Championship with a 15-4 regular season record and a perfect 6-0 record at the home Hawthorn/ Rooney courts in the Bronx. Overall, Bergmann will be remembered for her leadership and consistency throughout her career on the courts at Fordham, including incredible team successes in her tenure on the team.
ranked No. 3 overall in the Collegiate Water Polo Association national polls — the highest ranking ever given to a non-California program. The team’s only loss of the season came at the hands of the University of Southern California (USC) during the semifinal of the NCAA tournament, putting an end to the best season ever for the Fordham University water polo program at 32-1. The season also marked the farthest a Fordham team has ever gotten in an NCAA Championship. The team’s accomplishments cannot be overstated and will live on.
Over the course of her swimming career at Fordham University, now-senior Ainhoa Martin has made her mark on the Fordham and Atlantic 10 record books. In her 2023-24 junior season, she was named the Most Outstanding Performer at the A-10 Championships and became Fordham’s second-ever participant at the NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving Championships. At the A-10s, she became
herself as the gold standard for future volleyball players at Fordham. All in all, during her final year she tallied 363 kills to go along with the best season-long average of her career at 3.74 kills per set across 97 sets played. Her stellar career has sadly come to a close this season, but Moody will be fondly remembered for her record book performances and leadership on and off the Rose Hill courts.
While only playing on the team for one season, senior guard Jackie Johnson III established himself as one of the most notable players for Fordham men’s hoops. Johnson averaged the highest points per game in this year’s Atlantic 10 conference with 19.5 points and scored the most cumulative season points of any Ram in the past four decades with 642. He led the team to some of their most
In his three years playing for the Fordham University men’s soccer team, junior captain Daniel D’Ippolito has asserted himself as one of the program’s all-time midfielders. After starting in three games and playing in 15 during his first season, D’Ippolito started all 17 matches in 2023. Throughout his sophomore season, he had three assists and netted four goals for 11 points, securing him a spot on the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team. This past season, D’Ippolito helped lead his team to their first bid in the NCAA tournament since 2021, with his combined 14 goals and seven assists for 35
the first Fordham swimmer to ever win three events in a single championship, taking home first place in the 200 individual medley, 400 individual medley and 200 breaststroke, setting the A-10 record in the latter and school records in all three. In her senior season, Martin won another two individual events at the A-10s, defending her titles in the 400 individual medley and 200 breaststroke. She is a two-
time Claire and Jack Hobbs Memorial Award winner (2024 and 2025) for Fordham’s top female student athlete, having brought consistent success to her competitions during her illustrious four-year career. She concludes her college swimming career as the winner of six A-10 titles, tied for the most of any Fordham swimmer in school history. She leaves a significant mark in the record books.
memorable moments in the 2024-25 season, including their thrilling buzzer-beater win against Seton Hall University last November (their first road victory over a high-major team since 2005). Johnson netted 18 points, two of which were from his last-second 17foot floater that earned the Rams a 57-56 win with, as the announcer yelled, “his son watching.” In addition to his strong regular sea -
points. D’Ippolito additionally recorded two hat tricks (one of which earned the Rams all three goals in their 3-0 win against Duquesne University in A-10 quarterfinals), making him the first Fordham player to register multiple three-goal games in almost three decades. In November, D’Ippolito was named this year’s A-10 Midfielder of the Year, becoming the second Fordham player to ever earn the title. He also earned First-Team AllAtlantic 10 honors and was named to the Atlantic 10 AllChampionship Team in honor of his play. D’Ippolito’s career will go down as one of Fordham Soccer’s best.
son performances, Johnson guided the Fordham Rams through their two A-10 tournament matchups, gaining 29 points and five rebounds against the University of Rhode Island and 35 points against George Washington University. Following the conclusion of their season in mid-March, Johnson was named Second Team National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-North Atlantic District.
Ainhoa Martin set the standard for Fordham Swimming over her career.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Fordham University Water Polo had themselves a season for the ages.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Whitley Moody made her mark on the record books for Fordham Volleyball.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Jackie Johnson III made many memorable Men’s Basketball moments.
Bergmann helped carry Fordham to an A-10 Championship in 2023.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Daniel D’Ippolito is one of the best midfielders Fordham Soccer has ever seen.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COMMENCEMENT
The Last Four Years at Fordham... 2021-2022 Academic Year
Sept. 15, 2021: Fordham Facilities Sustain Damage From Flash Flooding
“On Sept. 1, the first day of Fordham’s fall semester, heavy rain and floodwaters from Tropical Storm Ida damaged facilities across the university’s Rose Hill campus. The damage prompted university officials to cancel in-person classes for the rest of that week and temporarily close some areas on campus.”
Sept. 15, 2021: Father McShane Announces His Departure from Fordham in June
“Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, announced in an email to the Fordham community on Sept. 2 that after 19 years he will be stepping down from this position at the end of the academic year.”
Feb. 10, 2022: Tania Tetlow, J.D., Announced as the New President of Fordham University
“In a post on the Fordham University Instagram, Fordham announced Tania Tetlow, J.D., as the 33rd president of Fordham University.”
April 11, 2022: USG Fails to Disclose Prior Sanctions Against Candidates
“With United Student Government (USG) elections starting today, Monday, April 11, The Fordham Ram conducted an investigation into USG election processes which uncovered a lack of transparency about candidates who break the organization’s lengthy rules while campaigning, raising questions about why USG does not disclose important information to voters.”
2022-2023 Academic Year
Sept. 7, 2022: Dagger John’s Reopens in Student Center
“Dagger John’s reopened on Wednesday, Aug. 31, in the basement of the McShane Campus Center with all new food options.”
Oct. 26, 2022: Fordham’s Faculty Union Holds Rally in Front of Inauguration
“On Oct. 14, members of Fordham’s Faculty Union (FFU) congregated outside of Edwards Parade directly before the inauguration of President Tania Tetlow.”
March 22, 2023: Fordham Lifts Vaccine Requirement on All Campuses
“President Tania Tetlow sent an email to the Fordham community on March 20 announcing that the university will lift COVID-19 vaccination requirements for members of the Fordham community and visitors to campus starting on May 15, 2023.”
March 29, 2023: McShane Marketplace to Close for 2023-24 Academic Year
“The McShane Campus Center cafeteria will be closed and under renovation during the 2023-24 school year. Its closure will coincide with the start of ‘destination dining.’”
2023-2024 Academic Year
Nov. 8, 2023: University Responds to Security Breach
“On Nov. 3, an emotionally disturbed man entered campus through the Walsh Gate turnstiles and entered a suite in Walsh Hall. The man was subdued by Public Safety officers and then transported by NYPD to a local hospital where he was later arrested.”
Jan. 24, 2024: Office of Residential Life Prematurely Announces Change in Guest Policy
“The Office of Residential Life prematurely announced a new policy allowing residents to have overnight guests of the opposite gender beginning in the spring semester.”
April 10, 2024: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles the Northeast
“A 4.8 magnitude earthquake originating in New Jersey was felt in the New York City area on Friday, April 5. Students share their experiences of feeling an earthquake on campus.”
May 1, 2024: Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine Organize Encampment and Protest at LC
“On Wednesday, May 1, the Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine organized a Gaza Solidarity Encampment in the Leon Lowenstein Center lobby at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus to urge Fordham to divest from Israel. After several hours, the NYPD entered the encampment and arrested 11 students and four alumni.”
COURTESY OF TWITTER
ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM
ALEX ANTONOV/THE FORDHAM RAM
NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
AMANDA YAROLIN/THE FORDHAM RAM
...Told Through the Ram’s Headlines 2024-2025 Academic Year
Sept. 4, 2024: McShane Marketplace Open After Months
“After over a year of construction, the newly-renovated Rose Hill Marketplace opened on Sept. 3. Located on the first floor of the McShane Campus Center, the Marketplace renovation features nine different food stations and expanded menus, new seating options that hold a capacity of 800 people and updated kitchen technology.”
Sept. 25, 2024: Thomas More College: 60 Years of Women at Rose Hill
“When the Fordham College at Rose Hill opened to women in 1964, it looked a bit different from the law and business schools’ coeducation journeys. The university opened a separate undergraduate school, Thomas More College, for women to enroll in.”
Oct. 2, 2024: Vatican Secretary of State Visits Fordham
“The Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin presided at the 11 a.m. Mass in the Fordham University Church at the Rose Hill Campus on Sunday, Sept. 29. Alongside him at the Mass were over 15 other priests and several student altar servers.”
Nov. 6, 2024: Bronx Residents and Fordham Students Talk Voting
“As polls close across the country, Americans wait in anticipation of the news of who the next president of the United States will be. In 2020, the election between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden was called on Nov. 7, five days after Election Day, due to how close the candidates were in the polls. The 2024 election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be similarly close, with the potential that a winner be disclosed days after the election itself. On Election Day, The Fordham Ram reached out to students, alumni and community members on their feelings and engagement with the election.”
Jan. 29, 2025: Celebrating a Century of the Rose Hill Gymnasium
“Rose Hill Gymnasium reached its 100th anniversary on Jan. 16, marking a milestone as one of the oldest active gymnasiums in the United States.”
April 23, 2025: Fordham Community Reacts to the Death of Pope Francis
“Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, died at age 88 on April 21. Francis served as Pope for 12 years and was the first Latin American Roman Catholic pontiff. Known for his progressive policies and frugal living, Francis changed the idea of what a pope could be after the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.”
April 23, 2025: Fordham Men’s Basketball Penalized by NCAA in Major Infractions Case
“On April 22, the NCAA reported that it had officially sanctioned the Fordham Men’s Basketball program for past recruiting violations, handing down numerous penalties as a result of major infractions committed during the team’s recruitment of student-athletes from June 2021 to April 2023.”
April 27, 2025: BREAKING: All Fordham Student Visas Restored
“All four previously revoked Fordham University student visas have been restored by the federal government as of April 27, according to Fordham’s webpage “Updates on Evolving Political Landscape.” … This comes two weeks after the students had their visas revoked without a provided reason, and follows the first Fordham visa reinstatement on April 25. Across the nation, international student visas have been reinstated by the federal government following a slew of legal challenges brought by universities to the initial revocations. Fordham is among these universities, signing on to an amicus brief that challenges President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.”
SOFIA DONAHUE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
ALLISON SCHNEIDER/THE FORDHAM RAM
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
COURTESY OF FORDHAM NOW
Maddie Tayler, GSAS ’25
Congratulations, Maddie Tayler, on your masters of Science degree from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. We are so proud of your achievement and look forward to your continued success in the field of Cyber Security!
Love, Mom, Dad, and Zach
Cassandra Carmichael, FCLC ’25
Congratulations on your college graduation, Cassandra! Four amazing years at Fordham, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, in Psychology and PreLaw, and Summa Cum Laude! We cannot be prouder of you!
From the age of two, you were speaking full sentences, and learned to sing the Greek national anthem, making us all proud, especially your Yiayia and Papou!
From an early age you have always been very curious, asking many questions, and always open to trying something new!
From the age of 12, you declared you were going to “…be a lawyer, when I grow up!”
You have continued to amaze us with your determination, focus, dedication, and hard work. You certainly have had a plan, specific goals, and have worked extremely hard to achieve them.
When you were researching colleges, you were completely focused on Fordham University. Fordham’s reputation, competitiveness, programs offered and of course their Lincoln Center location all convinced you this was the place for you! You also declared “New York” was where you were going to live!
Fordham University was your top pick, and the day you were accepted, was the beginning of more accolades from your hard work!
You have grown into an exceptional, thoughtful, even more inquisitive, well-read, young lady
who also subscribes to The New Yorker and Wall Street Journal.
While at Fordham, you have been inducted into Psi Chi — the International Honor Society in Psychology as well as serving as Senior Senator with the United Student Government. You were admitted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and received a Senior Leadership Award for founding Fordham University’s Forensic Psychology Society! You have amazed us, and I know you will continue to do so!
As Frank Sinatra’s song, “New York, New York,” inspires the belief to succeed, especially in the line, “if I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere,” we fully believe in YOU!!
As one chapter closes, another one opens. And you have achieved yet another goal … your acceptance to St. John’s University School of Law, Fall 2025!
This is just the beginning … we love you so much!
Love, Mom, Dad, Nicoletta & Adriana
Indira Kar, FCRH ’25
Four years ago, Indira Kar set off for Fordham University at Rose Hill, sight unseen, from her home in Saint Louis. Her journey began with Urban Plunge, which opened her eyes and heart to the Bronx community. This experience also sparked her passion for leadership and service with Urban Plunge, and she has welcomed incoming students while giving back to the community for the past three years as a leader.
Indira’s professors and classmates, her refugee and immigra-
tion work, and her travels in and around New York, Granada, and beyond, have all led to the development of the brilliant, brave, and fierce young woman we knew that she would become. Congratulations Indira (Dee) on this signature moment, and we look forward to what the future has in store.
With love from Mom, Dad, Indranil, Ani, Lena and Gita.
Demetrios Kaparos, GSB ’25
Congratulations on your graduation! As you step into this exciting new chapter, always remember that your family stands behind you with unwavering love and support. We believe in you, and we are so excited to see all the amazing things your future holds.
With all our love, Mommy, Baba & Mia
Cary Wittenberg, GSB ’25
Cary, we are incredibly proud of you as you prepare to graduate from Fordham. It has been a wonder to watch your academic journey — your discipline, razor-sharp focus, and natural curiosity shine through in everything you do. Whether diving into complex spreadsheets, passionately debating football stats, or quoting “Seinfeld,” you bring the same energy, thoughtfulness, and heart to school, your friendships, your work and your recreation. We love your mix of drive and enthusiasm — and how you’ve built meaningful friendships and made your mark through all your activities. We’re especially proud of your
character, values, and ability to make a positive difference in the world. Starting a new club on campus where you saw a specific need is just one example of your entrepreneurial spirit and desire to turn ideas into impact, and we’ve loved watching you “pay it forward” to help future students in learning and recruiting. We can’t wait to see how you continue to channel that in your career and life.
We’re so excited for your first big steps into finance — and for all the ways you’ll inspire those around you, including your incredibly proud family. We’ll be there for you always, wildly cheering from the sidelines!
Congratulations, Cary — your future is as bright as your ambition, passion, and purpose.
Yasmina Buhl, GSB ’25
Yasmina: We could not be more proud of you! You are the same person who got up at five in the morning to swim untold miles year after year, you are the same person who has traveled to the ends of the earth without the slightest reservation, who up and moved countries and cities. You have earned this day through years of hard work and determination, characteristics that will no doubt propel you forward in what will be an extraordinary adult life full of achievements and amazing experiences. As you know, there is nothing you cannot
make for yourself with your wit, intellect, kindness, creativity and that sheer force you have when you put your mind to something. Choose the right path, the one you love, the one that is perfect for only you and never look back. Work hard, do everything with integrity, think of the world around you and always remember the people that are rooting for you who love you and will always be by your side. The world is yours (please make it better, particularly for Palestine). And always remember: love is a verb.
— The Whole Family
Zachary R. Tomassi, GSB ’25
Congratulations Zack! It’s hard to believe that Graduation Day is here — four years truly went in a blink. We have watched you grow into the most amazing young man. We know that your bright mind, unending talents and truly kind heart will take you far. The world is yours! We cannot wait to see what comes next for you! Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey. You make us unbelievably proud every minute of every day. We love you more than the moon and stars in the sky! Love, Dad, Mom, Alyssa, Mia, Meme, Papa, Grandpa & Grandma
Caroline Turner, GSB ’25
Anthony J. Ambrose, GSB ’25
Dear Anthony,
As your graduation from Fordham approaches, we find ourselves filled with overwhelming pride and joy. Watching you grow into the person you are today has been one of the greatest gifts of our lives. You’ve reached this incredible milestone not just through talent, but through hard work, grit and a level of determination that has truly inspired us.
You’ve overcome so many obstacles along the way, and through it all, you remained disciplined, focused, and driven. There were challenges that could have knocked anyone down, but not you.
You faced them head-on, learned from them, and kept moving forward with strength andpurpose.
Balancing your responsibilities with the hockey team and playing in the band was no small feat. We know how much you enjoyed both and how much of yourself you poured into them. You didn’t just participate — you gave your all, even when your schedule was packed and your days were long. That kind of commitment says so much about who you are: passionate, loyal, and always willing to give your best.
What’s always made you stand out is the way you think — creative, curious, and always outside the box. Whether it was diving into a new project, exploring an unexpected path, or saying yes to a new adventure, you’ve never been afraid to try something different. You embraced life with enthusiasm and a fearless spirit that we absolutely admire.
And yes — we’ll always
have “Enzo’s,” Anth! That little inside joke will forever be one of our favorite memories. It reminds us of the love, laughter, and connection we share as a family. No matter where you go next, no matter what the future holds, know that those moments — and the bond we have — will always be with you.
You’ve never wasted your talent. In fact, you’ve done the exact opposite: you’ve honored it. You’ve worked hard to grow it, to use it, and to turn it into something meaningful. And that’s something that can’t be taught — it comes from within.
We can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings. The world is wide open, and we know you’ll make the most of it, just like you always have. Your story is only beginning, and it’s going to be a great one. Congratulations, Anthony. We love you more than words can say — and we are so proud of you.
With all our love, Mom, Dad, Craig and Gianna
Caroline Susan Turner — You make us proud every day and can’t wait to see what you do next! Keep on shining! Congratulations! Love you, Mom, Dad, Alli, Leah, Emmett, Grandma Susan, Grandma Emmett, Grandpa Emmett, Aunt Ashlea, Uncle Chris, Wren, Phoebe, Uncle Brian, Uncle Brad, Aunt Amy, Gates, Grey, Hoppy, and Fame.
Amy Herd, FCRH ’25
Cunniffe Presidential Scholar Mannion Society Member International Studies and History Major
Fordham Political Review — President, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Fordham Undergraduate Law Review — Senior Editor
Judicial Intern, NY State Supreme Court
Public Corruption Intern, SDNY
Citizenship and Immigration Intern (Ukrainian Legal Team)
VSFS EducationUSA Intern (Ukraine)
Fordham Undergraduate Student Researcher
BronxWorks Research Intern
“It’s not bragging if it’s true.” - Harvey Specter
Congratulations, Amy! Love, Your very proud Mom
COMMENCEMENT
Kyle P. Molinari, FCRH ’25
Dear Kyle,
From the moment you first told us you wanted to pursue medicine back in high school, we knew you were destined for something extraordinary. Today, as you graduate from Fordham University, we are overflowing with pride — not only for your academic accomplishments, but for the compassion, grit, and integrity you’ve shown every step of the way.
You’ve taken on one of the most challenging paths with determination and heart.
Your work in emergency departments, palliative care, and public health shows not just a brilliant mind, but a deep sense of purpose and humanity.
We have watched you, Meghan, grow from a daring, adventurous, little girl to a smart, mature, and kind young woman. We have enjoyed being with you every step of the way and cannot wait to continue the journey with you. You are a college graduate and have achieved so much already. We can’t wait to see your bright future ahead.
Your graduation from Fordham University is more than a day! It is a celebration of your life, your hard work, your dedication, and your perseverance. Whether it was struggling through a math problem, writing too many papers to count, competing on the big stage of Irish dance at the highest levels, traveling around Europe, or making new friends, you have excelled and learned new things
Your GPA, your leadership roles, your honors — all speak volumes about your discipline and ambition. But it’s your empathy, your moral compass, and your steady commitment to helping others that make us most proud.
You’ve already touched lives — and this is only the beginning.
Whatever comes next — whether it’s medical school, a hospital floor, a research lab, or something entirely new — we have no doubt that you will make an incredible impact.
You have the skills, the heart, and the spirit to do anything you set your mind to.
You are going to be an extraordinary doctor or healthcare leader — but more importantly, you are an extraordinary person.
We love you more than words can say, and we are so proud of the man you’ve become.
Keep aiming high, stay true to yourself, and know that we’ll always be here cheering you on.
With all our love and admiration,
Your Family — Dad, Mom, Julia, and Jason
every step of the way. We are so proud of you and proud to call you our daughter and sister. We remember and cherish the girl who waved goodbye at Willow Grove, lined up to parade into St. Bart’s, strolled nervously into Union Catholic, and walked away after mass to begin orientation on Eddies at Fordham.
This is a beginning and not an ending. You now have the foundation to learn more, meet new people, and maneuver this thing they call life as an adult. And we promise you, it only gets BETTER. Remember, we are ALWAYS there for you to listen, to guide, to hug, to talk, and whatever else you may need. This is your year, this is your time, this is your day, this is your graduation.
Continue to strive, to love, to care, to give back and always remember the kickball games, the feis days, the losing basketball teams, the traveling, the buddy club, the “tell me what’s the plan for tomorrow,” Phase 10 and sleepovers, the family games, the uniforms, the beach and pool days, the grilled cheese, the forts, and all of the things we’ve done together and grown together.
We love you always. Mom, Dad, Michael, and Bailey
Joseph Giraldi, FCRH ’25
Congratulations, Joey! Today we celebrate you!
During your time at Fordham, you have been dedicated to your studies, acquired and applied new skills, and made friends that will last a lifetime. We are so proud of all your academic achievements and how humble you continue to be.
Your resilience to always be the best version of yourself inspires all those around you. May this milestone in your life be a stepping
stone to all the wonderful things God has planned for you.
As you go on to continue your education at Columbia, always remember that you can do all things through Christ, who gives you strength, and that you are surrounded by friends and family who love and support you. Be blessed and be a blessing!
We love you bunches!
Mommy, Daddy, Deanna, and Victoria
Lauren Schumacher, FCRH ’25
Lauren, we can’t believe how fast time has flown and here we are preparing for your graduation.
We will never forget the day you learned you were accepted to Fordham. You always loved New York ever since you were a little girl and you knew that is where you wanted to be (even though Daddy was petrified!).
We can’t seem to find the words that will fully convey or describe how much we love you and how very proud of you we are.
Our emotions are so strong and so overwhelming. You have always made us so proud. It has been incredible watching you
What a remarkable and memorable four years at Fordham and in NYC. You knew Fordham at Rose Hill was the school for you, and you poured your heart and soul (and countless hours in the library!!) into your coursework and made the most of your college days.
In addition to your STEM requirements, you found the time to get involved and make an impact as an active member of Students for Environmental Action and Justice, the Sustainability Council, the University Divestment Working Group and various leadership positions, including President of the University Student Government’s Sustainability Committee (and produced, wrote and edited three short films for your film minor). It was in these roles that you put your commitment for the environment into action, creating the Fordham Flea
grow and become the woman you are today. All of your hard work paid off, baby! We never doubted it and knew you would succeed.
When we tell people where you are graduating from, people say wow, Fordham! Our thought is wow, that’s our daughter! You did the work to get into this amazing school and now you are graduating. The future is yours. Live, love, and be happy.
We will be there with you always and we just can’t wait to see what’s next and ride that ride with you.
Love, Mom and Dad.
Market and other green initiatives to benefit the campus community. Last summer, you were honored to serve as a Fordham Calder Summer Undergraduate Research (CSUR) intern and experienced your first East Coast summer at the Calder Center’s beautiful biological field station in Armonk, NY. Special thanks to Professor Steven Franks in the Department of Biological Sciences, whose support and guidance over the years has been invaluable and made an impact on your education and future path.
In your free time, you became a true New Yorker and fell in love with the city. Outings to Lincoln Center, museums, jazz clubs, comedy clubs, concerts (Billy Joel at MSG!), thrift stores, book stores, movie nights, dining on bagels, burgers and steaks, and endless shopping runs to Target and Trader Joe’s. Thank goodness for the Ram Van and Metro North!! What’s most special though are the friends you made at Fordham. We were thrilled you and Bianca loved spending four years together as roommates; and then came Maddie, Sophia and Nicole — thank you for all the fun, love and support you gave Meredith. We hope you will come to Seattle to visit, and wish you all the best.
Meghan Mahaffey FCRH ’25
Congratulations, Meredith!
Meredith Leahy FCRH ’25
Sofia Williams, FCRH ’25
Dear Sofia,
Words cannot describe how grateful and blessed we feel to be here today celebrating you and your accomplishments. We are bursting with joy and pride that you completed your four years at Fordham with grit and grace. Since you were little, you always had that gift — you made everything look easy — and I see that
gift has followed you into adulthood. But we know this journey has required significant effort, and this moment is the reward of many sleepless nights studying. Your hard work paid off! You graduated early and with honors, and we know how hard you worked to achieve that goal, balancing school, work, internship and the college experience. Inspired to make a difference, you joined She’s The First (STF) in your freshman year, rose to leadership by becoming President in your junior year, and continued in that role until your early graduation in 2024. As you led STF you brought others along with you, empowering them to also lead.
You made so many memories and surrounded yourself with amazing people. I know, without a doubt, you made friends for a lifetime.
We are overjoyed to celebrate the closing of this chapter and even more excited for the endless possibilities your future holds.
Your forever cheerleaders, Mommy and Daddy
P.S.
Love you more
Dear Sofia,
Congratulations on graduating college, Fifi!!! Words cannot describe how proud I am of you. I’m so lucky to call you my big sister, and even more lucky to call you my best friend. Ever since I was little you’ve been my biggest inspiration; in soccer, dance, school, and ultimately in life. Your kindness, passion, and dedication has been admirable throughout all of your accomplishments.
It feels like just yesterday we were making silly YouTube videos, choreographing dances to Taylor Swift, making TikTok dances during quarantine, binge-watching Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy’s videos
until we fell asleep, and singing our hearts out to “Someday” from the “Zombies” Disney Original. Now you’re graduating college, starting your life. I have no doubt you will embrace challenges with grace and confidence, and navigate your way to gain everything you’ve ever wanted.
You’ve paved the way for me to be the person I am today. Thank you for introducing me to your favorite songs that are now my favorite too. Thank you for holding my hand at night when I was scared of the “monsters” under my bed. Thank you for teaching me how to swim and how to ride a bike. Thank you for letting me tag along to your playdates with your older and cooler friends. But ultimately, thank you for making me, me.
Throughout my life I’ve been known as your little sister. It only took age for me to realize that is the biggest compliment in the world. There is nothing more I want in life other to make you proud, it’s all you’ve ever made me. I love you, Sof! CONGRATSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Bella and Parsley :)
We are extremely proud of this amazing milestone! We’ve seen and heard you give your all, with so much passion, joy, hope, humor, thoughtfulness and wisdom. The only limits are those that you give yourself, so continue to grow without limits. We are in awe of everything you have accomplished, and even more so of the incredible person you are. Keep shining, Sofia! We love you.
Love,
Abuela Betty, Abuelo Jaime, Tia Grettel, Tia Cheryl, Tio Jaime, Tio Hansel, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Channell, Uncle Ronny, Isaac, Emily, Lucky, Maya, Benny and Lexi!
My dear Sofia, never forget what I’ve always told you: you are a star, shining bright wherever you go. And never forget how much I love you!
Abuela Betty
Dear Sofia,
Congratulations on your graduation!
What a beautiful reflection of your dedication, talent, and growth. Your creativity, positivity, vision, and heart have left a lasting mark on the Hope Center for Wellness. From your vibrant designs to the thoughtful messages you craft to the marketing and social media guidance you share
with us, your contributions have helped us connect more with our community, inspire others and spread mental health awareness in powerful ways. We’re excited for all that you’ll continue to create and the impact you’ll make throughout your life.
With gratitude,
The Hope Center for Wellness Team
Sofia,
The Ram’s Seniors On (and Off) The Job
The Fordham Ram Seniors
The Fordham Ram’s Seniors Reflect on Their Favorite Memories
Sofia Donohue was the Editor-in-Chief for Volume 106. She said, “It’s so hard to pick just one! One of my favorite memories at The Ram was putting together our annual orientation issue. It was our first time back in B-52 after summer break and since we were producing a shorter paper there was more leniency to goof off. Everyone was high-energy and we were just all excited to be back together.”
Evan McManus was the Editorial Director of Volume 106. He shared that his favorite Ram memory “was in Volume 105 when we all did a table read of a play written by a staff member. It was very funny, and remembering the moment still makes me laugh!”
Frances Schnepff was the Multimedia Director for Volume 105. She shared that her favorite Ram memory is of “The Digital Team in the Sports Room with our makeshift table that constantly wobbled.”
Lauren Lombardi was an Assistant Culture Editor for Volume 105. She shared that “One of my favorite memories was being able to attend the New York Film Festival on behalf of The Ram! Also, spending nights getting to know the rest of the staff and making so many wonderful new friends.”
Rory Donahue was the Social Media Director for Volume 105. She shared that her favorite memory at The Ram was “Spending my Tuesday nights in McShane with the amazing digital team, talking all things Fordham. I made special friendships during my time there!”
Indira Kar was an Executive Copy Editor for Volume 106. She shared that “My favorite memory at The Ram would be winning a coloring contest during production with my winning art hung behind the EIC desk or my little brother and I’s articles being formatted on the same page of an issue last year (#ramily).”
Madelyn Gerth was the Assistant Copy Chief for Volume 106. She said, “My favorite memory at The Ram has to be this past Ramsmas. Many of our amazing staff members gathered for a party with a homemade dinner spread, accompanied by games full of laughter, particularly the Hunger Games simulator on the living room TV. I’m so grateful for all the little moments spent with all of you at The Ram.”
Hannah Boring was the Production Editor of Volume 106. She shared that “Some of my fondest memories of The Ram are walking home in the middle of the night after production with Allison and Sofia (and whoever else made it all the way to the end). It was always the perfect ending to a usually very stressful night.”
Grace Campbell was the Multimedia Director for Volume 106. She shared that her favorite Ram memory is “Staying too late and laughing too hard with the rest of the 105 digital team.”
Emma Kim was the News Editor for Volume 105. She said, “There were so many great moments working on The Ram. From late nights editing and talking in B-52 to every other moment that led up to production night, it was always busy and interesting. While it’s hard to choose one memory, I think my last production night as News Editor on Vol. 105 was my favorite. Everyone on e-board and staff was there. We reminisced about the past and had a great final time together. After leaving college, I know the creative and welcoming atmosphere of The Ram is always going to stick with me.”
Grace Galbreath was Assistant News Editor for Volume 105 and creator of GG’s Crossword. She shared that her favorite Ram memory is “Captaining the Ram’s official intramural volleyball team, the Rambearables and writing the student athlete column about our trials and tribulations on the court.”
Cailee Zeraat was Copy Chief of Volume 106. She shared that “My favorite memory was when election day coincided with production night at The Ram. Watching the results of the election in real time, constantly refreshing the live results page and filling out the map we printed were the best reminders of the importance of the work that we were doing and how much everyone in that room was truly committed to journalism. Experiencing such an important moment in history with some of my favorite people at Fordham is something I will never forget.”
Lusa Holmstrom was the Assistant Opinion Editor for Volume 106. She shared that her favorite Ram memory was “Sitting at the printing computer every production night and having everyone ask me to print their pages in a fun new way every other minute.”
A warm congratulations to all of our departing seniors! We are so grateful for all of your dedication, time and joy that you’ve brought to this paper, and can’t wait to see what you do in the future.
Best,
The Fordham Ram, Volume 107
