“Look Up, It’s the CLass of 2029”
FIRST-YEARS: FRIEND OR FOE?
by Lois Lane Investigative Reporter
The class of 2029 has touched down on Fordham ’s campus. As they unload their cars and carry their minifridges, they are set to begin their Fordham journeys. Whether they ’re gearing up for Global Transition, Urban Plunge or just Orientation, it ’s time for them to forge their Fordham identity.
But that begs the question --- who will they be? Will be they be the kind of person who refills the Brita when they leave it empty? Or are they going to return to the room at 3 a.m. loudly on weekday? The choice is theirs.
Every one of us was a first-year once and we made the one choice that defined our college identity, the one thing that makes or breaks who we are. Our favorite deli. Are you a Ram ’ s Deli & Pizza devotee? A Super Best Deli acolyte? A Best Deli & Grill believer? Or do you prefer one of the lesser known delis?
First-years now have to make this choice, and much like a star sign, it defines their personality. So now the question to ask is where will their allegiance lie? What deli flag will they fly? Will they be a friend, or a foe?
PHOTO BY JIMMY OLSEN
Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918
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Nora Malone
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Sienna Reinders
Features Editor
Andrew Massie
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Emma Leonardi
Opinion Editor
Stuart Cremer
Assistant Opinion Editors
Abigail Adams
Loresa Zeqiraj
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Isabella DeRosa
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Erynn Sweeney
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Grace McCarron
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James Nelson
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Emily Tonna
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Indigo Towers
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Molly O’Connor
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ORIENTATION
Fordham’s Biggest News Stories of Fall 2024
By SIENNA REINDERS NEWS EDITOR
Fordham University’s 2024 fall semester saw many changes, including new staff members, phone apps and construction projects.
One of the most exciting university updates for students was the opening of the newly renovated McShane Marketplace on Sept. 3. Students, who had long been waiting for the dining hall to reopen, were thrilled for the new dining options and increased quality of food.
Several other construction projects began in the fall, including the University Church and the Keating Hall roof. While the church scaffolding is still up, the scaffolding on Keating Hall was removed just in time for commencement in May. In addition to the two on-campus renovations, the University began construction on a new waterfront center on Eastchester Bay for the Fordham sailing and crew teams.
Several new staff members were welcomed during the fall semester. Rev. Philip G. Judge, S.J., was hired as the new Executive Director of Campus Ministry, James A. Felton III was hired as the new Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Equity and Inclusion and Joshua Burgher was appointed as the new Vice President of Finance. Charlie Elwood was also appointed as
the interim director of athletics after the departure of Athletic Director Ed Kull.
During the fall semester, the Fordham administration implemented the FitzSimons Presidential Initiative, a year-long project to promote productive and respectful civil discourse. Fordham’s Board of Trustees also voted to implement a new Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing.
Students were also engaged in the 2024 presidential election during the fall. In September, students gathered in Rodrigue’s Coffee House and McShane to watch the 2024 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In November,
Fordham hosted events including “Bark the Vote,” an event to share election knowledge, and a discussion on the role of media in the election. Shortly before the 2024 presidential election, members of the Fordham College Democrats club also canvassed in Pennsylvania, a major swing state.
The university introduced two new phone apps during the first semester, designed to ease student life. Fordham Public Safety partnered with Alertus Technologies to launch a new app that allows students to contact Public Safety in various ways and sends their message to multiple devices in the Public Safety office. Fordham also
launched RamCentral, an app that makes it easier for students to make appointments with academic advisors and access student resources.
Off campus, students saw the opening of Aldi on Third Ave. near Fordham Plaza and the closure of the Walgreens located on Fordham Road.
The fall 2025 semester is kicking off and while some things are changing students can look forward to many continued Fordham traditions this semester, including the President’s Ball, family weekend and Homecoming. Read all about these events and more in The Fordham Rams print edition and website.
Fordham’s Biggest News Stories of 2025
By JACK MCDONALD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Spring 2025 was a time of big change at Fordham University. New hires, academic restructuring and student visa revocations marked the semester.
Fr. Thomas Massaro, S.J., was appointed as the Laurence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society in early January. The position was first created in 1985 “to attract distinguished scholars interested in the interaction of religion with the legal, political and cultural forces in our pluralistic American society,” according to Fordham University.
The Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education (GRE) merged with the Graduate School of Education (GSE) on August 15. “A year and a half ago, the university decided that GRE was no longer viable as a free-standing school within the university,” said Fr. Francis X. McAloon, S.J., acting dean of GRE, in an interview with The Fordham Ram in late January. McAloon said the university was committed to ensuring all GRE students in good academic standing were accommodated so they could finish their degrees.
Fordham hired a new Title IX coordinator, Elizabeth Fanelli, to handle the university’s compliance with non-discrimination laws. Fanelli was appointed in January
to oversee the university’s handling of sexual misconduct and harassment cases based on local and federal legislation.
Congestion pricing in New York City began on January 5. Yet, University Transportation adapted so students using Fordham’s Ram Van service did not face an increased charge. Director of University Transportation Plinio Gonzalez, GSB ’08, said the rush hour commute on the Ram Van decreased following the beginning of congestion pricing.
Fordham announced it will be adding a Master of Science in Physician Assistant (PA) studies in the coming semesters. According to Anthony Davidson, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, the program is currently in its developing stages, and administration is in the process of hiring a program director.
The Office of Student Employment enforced reduced working hours for student workers in February due to university budget constraints. Students are now only permitted to work up to 10 hours per week on campus, a reduction from the previous 15. Decreases in federal funding, as well as an increase in the minimum wage in New York City, influenced this change.
Fordham Dance Marathon (FDM) and the B+ foundation hosted its annual auction
supporting families battling cancer. FDM is a fundraising organization with a goal of raising awareness for pediatric cancer. FDM raised a total of $40,000 throughout the school year, with the auction pulling in 25% of those donations in a single night.
On March 5, Fordham was given a $100 million donation from Maurice Cunniffe, FCRH ’54, and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe, Ph.D., GSAS ’71, to improve STEM programming. This donation will be put towards the construction of a state of the art STEM building at the current site of the outdoor parking lot, adjacent to the parking garage. This comes as the university plans to realign its curriculum to cater to STEM careers.
The U.S. Department of State named Fordham University a top producer of Fulbright scholars for a second consecutive year. Fulbright recipients typically apply for a year of graduate study or research abroad, or they can work as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) under sponsorship of the program.
On April 4, the first Fordham student had their visa revoked, with a total of four students having their visas revoked over the following week. Joining with other universities, Fordham signed an amicusbriefchallengingtheTrump administration’s executive orders.
On April 27, all four students had their visas reinstated. However, on
May 13, the University shared that two more student visas had been revoked.
Lucas Hjertberg and Andrew McDonald won the United Student Government (USG) executive ticket on April 8, being elected executive president and executive vice president of USG, respectively. Their campaign promised transparency from university administrators and USG.
The Catholic Church mourned the loss of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, who died on April 21 at the age of 88. Pope Francis was recognized throughout the world for his compassion and care for those on the margins. Fordham University honored his legacy with a mass memorial in late April. Pope Francis was succeeded by Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States.
Award-winning actress and producer Regina Hall, FCRH ’92, delivered the Class of 2025 commencement address on May 17. Hall was presented with an honorary doctorate in fine arts. “College is a stepping stone to building independence and testing the limits of your moral compass,” Hall said in her address.
More is to come at Fordham this fall, with the launch of Fordham’s updated brand identity and the potential for more visa revocations. Updates can be found on The Fordham Ram’s website.
In the fall Fordham hired several new memebers of staff and several contrsuction projects began.
By LORESA ZEQIRAJ ASST. OPINION EDITOR
Fordham University has a storied history which contributes to its community, values and culture. In 1841, the Rose Hill campus was established by the Rev. John Hughes as St. John’s College and it remained so until it was renamed Fordham University in 1907. Fordham’s campus spans 85 acres with lots of unique buildings to explore.
The William D. Walsh Library sits near the main gate and is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. and then slightly shorter hours Friday through Sunday, which can be found online. The library has plenty of space throughout its five levels. On the first floor there is a writing center which provides printer services as well as peer support. On the lower levels there is also a museum of Greek and Roman antiques. Students can also reserve study rooms on the library’s website.
Moglia Stadium overlooks Coffey Field and during the fall season, and Fordham students have free admission to games. The Rose Hill Gymnasium is an indoor court, used for basketball and volleyball games. During the basketball season the bleachers are packed and students can win free merch.
ORIENTATION
Fordham 101
The Lombardi Memorial Center has locker rooms and more sports facilities, as well as a fitness center. The fitness center has workout equipment for independent training as well as classes. In the basement of the Lombardi Center is also Dagger John’s which offers Asian cuisine and pizza.
Attached to the Lombardi Center and Gymnasium is the Father McShane S.J. Campus Center. McShane holds two levels of lounges and a student center, as well as conference space on the top floor. The newly renovated dining hall is on the first floor along with a Grab N Go and BKG Coffee Roasters.
Fordham’s many academic buildings include Keating Hall, where a variety of courses are taught. The third floor has the large lecture hall and academic advisors offices. In the basement, you’ll also find a POD Express for snacks, a lounge and Fordham’s NPR affiliate radio station, WFUV.
Dealy Hall sits beside the fountain and has a Starbucks on the lower level. Beside it is Hughes Hall, where the Gabelli School of Business resides. Freeman Hall and John Mulcahy Hall (JMH), are home to most STEM courses and have larger lecture halls. Faculty Memorial Hall (FMH) is off campus, right outside the Belmont Avenue Gate. On
the first floor of FMH is Salt & Sesame, which offers coffee and bagels.
Nearby sits O’Hare Hall, a residence hall all the way by the Ram Van site and parking garage. In this area is also the bookstore and in the basement of O’Hare is the Health Service Office and Counseling and Psychological Services. Tierney Hall houses the majority of transfer students and is right next door to O’Hare.
Across campus is Collins Auditorium, which houses the philosophy department and Fordham’s many theater groups. Beside it is Faber Hall and Loyola Hall, a very charming residence hall with outdoor seating. Loyola, home to Manresa scholars, has a very convenient location, practically in the center of many major buildings. Across from Faber is the HawthornRooney Tennis Courts and Bahoshy Softball Field.
Further away from the center of campus are more first-year residence halls. Queens Court, which is the oldest residence hall on campus, and sits beside the University Church. Below Queens Court is the Grotto, a deli style dining option. Behind Queens Court are Alumni Court South and Loschert Hall. Both freshman residence halls are identical and Loschert actually used to be called Alumni Court North.
Martyrs’ Hall is around that side of campus and is the largest first year dorm. It is a large building split into three wings: Jogues, LaLande and Goupil.
By the Webster Avenue gate are Campbell, Salice and Conley Halls. These are upperclassmen residence halls, and it is common for sports teams to live together here. Below Campbell is Così, which offers foods like soup, salads, sandwiches and rice bowls.
By NORA MALONE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Earlier this year, colleges and universities across the country reported that the United States Federal Government was revoking international student visas without providing a reason.
As of April, 280 different institutions reported that students’ legal status had been changed, Fordham included.
On April 4, President Tania Tetlow sent an email informing the Fordham community that a Fordham student’s visa had been revoked. The Ram received a statement from University Spokesperson Bob Howe that stated the University did not know the cause of the revocation. Over the following week, four total student visas were revoked.
Fordham and other institutions learned of these revocations by monitoring the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
In reaction to the revocations, the University signed an amicus brief challenging President Donald Trump’s executive orders that targeted international students. Fordham also launched a resources and
guidance page for international students.
On April 9, Fordham students held a rally to protest Fordham’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and show support for the student whose visa was revoked. Protestors expressed displeasure with Fordham’s reaction to the revocations.
Universities and students nationwide filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s actions. After several court rulings, the federal government restored the students’ SEVIS statuses on April 25. All Fordham student visas were restored on April 27.
However, on May 13, the University shared that the U.S. Department of State had again started revoking students’ visas. This included two Fordham students, according to Howe. The last update provided by the University was on July 16 and shared that F/J Visa Appointment Scheduling would resume, but would now include mandatory social media screenings.
This is an updating story. Read The Fordham Ram’s continuing coverage on our website and in print.
Keating Hall was constructed in 1936.
MARY HAWTHORN / THE FORDHAM RAM
Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe Fountain is between Hughes Hall, Dealy Hall and Cunniffe House.
SOPHIE MASELLI / THE FORDHAM RAM
Collins Hall is home to the Collins Auditorium.
SOPHIE MASELLI / THE FORDHAM RAM
Nora Malone, FCRH ’27: Don’t hide in your room! Spend time in McShane, on Eddies or in your lounge. It’s easy to want to hide yourself away but it makes it harder to meet new people. Try to make a friend in every class, it’s good for both academic and social reasons!
Sophie Maselli, FCRH ’26: Phone numbers first! Meeting a potential friend is the first step, but staying in contact with them is the hurdle. Make sure to get the phone number of someone you want to befriend, because social media is a fickle way of staying in touch. And on top of that, aim to get at least one person’s phone number from each of your classes. That way, you have someone to reach out to with any questions (or annoyances).
Jack McDonald, GSB ’28: Take a few of your friends to explore Arthur Avenue and try out some of the restaurants and pastry shops. Arthur Avenue has a rich and storied history which is apparent through its architecture and old-world charm. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether enjoying some italian ices at Egidio’s in the early fall or a cappuccino at Morrone Pastry Shop & Cafe in the middle of the winter.
Andrew Massie, FCRH ’27: Live and die by the syllabus. Download them all and put them into a folder on your desktop. Get a physical ID, not electronic. Delete Snapchat and call people instead. Open a Roth IRA and track your finances because your money is important. Hit the gym and take care of your body. Learn and use all of the transit options. Be kind to others and the neighborhood. Love yourself. Call your parents often.
Jacob Wolfer, FCRH ’26: Talk to new people and interact with others in class. Collaborate on projects and assignments, and utilize office hours with your professors. At Fordham, you will get out of something what you put into it. So make sure to give your all to everything you’re involved in.
Abigail Adams, FCRH ’26: Take advantage of the communities here at Fordham and in New York City! Join Fordham clubs, NYC groups and more! The people make the place, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet and grow alongside friends. And take the leap of faith to join unexpected communities — you never know what kind of beauty you’ll find in the newness.
Grace McCarron, FCRH ’27: Everyone says this, but they say
ORIENTATION Advice For First-Years
it because it’s true: get involved, and do it early! Take advantage of the club fair during the first week of school, and sign up for whatever interests you. You don’t have to end up in every club you put your name down for, but just test the waters and see what sticks. I’ve met some of my best friends through the clubs and organizations I’m involved in, and I have no idea what my life at Fordham would look like if I hadn’t gotten involved, so immerse yourself in the vast student organization scene early.
Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26: Attend office hours for every course! Office hours allow for you to to ask questions about content, receive guidance and organize study materials early. Professors are always willing to help you achieve academic success. Prioritizing your academic goals is the most important, and office hours are incredibly helpful in mastering material!
Emily Tonna, FCRH ’26: As the late Anthony Bourdain once said, “Show up on time. Do the work.” 80% of life is simply showing up. Join the clubs you think you wouldn’t like alongside the ones you think you would. Forge good connections with your professors. Make friends with the transfer students at orientation; you may have more in common with them than you might think! Contribute to Fordham’s relationship with the neighborhood, whether that be befriending your new neighbors, doing volunteer work (CCEL is an excellent resource for this!) or supporting local businesses. The Bronx is an excellent place to study and live in, so it’s worth getting to know it well.
Indigo Towers, FCRH ’28: Give yourself some grace! No matter what this transition may look or feel like, there are going to be things you have not yet figured out. Seek out new experiences, challenging opportunities and unique people, and then be patient with yourself along the way. Once you have found your footing, extend grace to someone else! If you see a first-year who is still struggling to get comfortable adjusting, lend them grace!
Violet Wallace, FCRH ’27: Stop worrying so much about what other people think of you! It’s super easy in college to start worrying about how you come off — like, am I saying the right thing? Do I look the part? Am I doing what everyone else thinks is “right?” But honestly, most people are way too busy overthinking their own stuff to be judging you. Everyone’s trying to be someone, and it can feel like you’ve got to keep up or get left behind. Slow down
and breathe. You will be okay! ^__^
James Nelson, FCRH ’28: Be who you are! Freshman year is a brand new start. Now is the time to enjoy your newfound freedom and follow your passions. Step out of your comfort zone as often as you can and be true to yourself.
Meghan Cattani, GSB ’26: Don’t put pressure on yourself to find a group of friends on the first few days at college. As long as you stay true to yourself and pursue things that you are passionate about, your friends will find their way to you naturally.
Ian Nelson, FCRH ’28: Don’t stay cooped up in your room. There are so many different ways to explore the city. You should join or get on the mailing list for as many clubs as you want. If you end up not liking a club you can always quit it, but you might meet some people there that make the experience worthwhile. Finally, don’t stress too much about your schedule during your first year, odds are you won’t get most of what you want anyway.
Caroline Lehman, FCRH ’26: One of the hardest parts about college is finding balance in your newfound independence and freedom, and not just with the obvious lecture about having good grades and a social life. Another balancing act is maintaining connections, both old and new, at home and at Fordham. Coming to college not knowing a single person, or being from another state, can be really intimidating! My home friends and I send each other super short, informal voice memos each week with life updates, lovingly called the Wednesday Waffle. It keeps me grounded and ensures I am nurturing my long-distance relationships. Coming to college does not necessarily mean abandoning the village that got you there. On the other hand, it is a great place to meet new people, many of whom will become your forever friends.
Sienna Reinders, FCRH ’28: Don’t overload your schedule! It’s easy to sign up for every club and try every new activity when you start college. It is definitely important to try new things, don’t get me wrong, especially because it allows you to meet new people and find what you enjoy. But make sure you pick and choose where you put your time and energy. It’s not possible to do
everything that you want to do, there is just not enough time in the day. Rather than putting a little bit of energy and focus into lots of different things, put a lot of effort into a few things. Prioritizing what you put energy into saves you from burnout and allows you to be more passionate about the things that you do.
Sarah Verrastro, FCRH ’28: Do things even though you’re afraid. If there’s something you want to try, do it. Even if you have to go it alone, the possibility that you could meet someone that will make it worthwhile makes up for the initial loneliness. If a classmate strikes up a conversation, engage. The worst that could happen is you never speak again, but at least, for that small space of time, you felt less alone. Let people get to know you. Clamming up because you’re afraid could lead you to missing out on a beautiful new friendship. Fear is fuel — instead of using it to hide, use it to propel you forward into a bright Fordham future!
Erynn Sweeney, FCRH ’27: Check your email! The online mailbox is not only a place where you can communicate with professors, but also a place where many events and opportunities outside of class are shared. If you go to the club fair, you can connect your Fordham email address with the groups you are interested in. After that, you don’t have to go far to search for on-campus opportunities; many of them will be neatly presented to you in your gmail inbox in the comfort of your own dorm room. So, set a time to sort through emails before you end up with 1,000+ unread messages.
Hannah Sullivan, FCRH ’28: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Sign up for a new sport, go to the gym, try a new food or take a class on a topic you don’t really know. Everyone always says college is the time to try new things and Fordham makes it easy as long as you put yourself out there. There are so many clubs that make it easy to learn a new hobby or skill and meet new people. The core requirements are meant to push you to try new things too, so take a few classes on topics you don’t know a lot about to take full advantage of your education, even if it doesn’t end up making you change your major. Being in New York also offers its own opportunities as it’s rich in cultures, history and activities so get out there and try at least three new activities or see three new places.
Loresa Zeqiraj, FCRH ’28: Apply yourself in all your courses and don’t limit yourself. Register for courses that sound interesting and unique, choose essay topics that you’re passionate about, and find literature and films within the scope of your studies that you can
enjoy on your own time. Dedicate time to going to a library or café in the city to do your schoolwork. Don’t be shy! Organize study groups with classmates and prepare for midterms/finals together. Raise your hand in class! I cannot stress enough how good it feels to actually participate in class and engage with your peers and professors. You feel like a much greater part of the community at Fordham when you make yourself known throughout classes and become a familiar face to others. You’ll look forward to going to long lectures, be proud of your hard-work, make friends and find ways to romanticize a rigorous education.
Julia Cholerton, FCRH ’28: Don’t forget to have fun! The first semester of college can be really overwhelming as you are learning new things, juggling a more difficult workload, joining clubs, making new friends and living away from home. It’s extremely important to remember to focus on having a good time and enjoying yourself. Freshman year goes by quickly, so make sure you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Caitlin Thomas, FCRH ’27: Talk to anyone and everyone! Your classmates, upperclassmen, professors and people in the surrounding community. Try to make a new friend, have a new conversation or gain a new perspective everywhere you go. As you seek out new experiences, give yourself lots of grace. The adjustment to a brand new environment can be overwhelming, so reach out to friends, family or CPS on campus if you need to. Have fun! You’re living in NYC and have so many fun adventures ahead of you!
Haniyyah Usmani, FCRH ’27: Don’t overwhelm yourself, but don’t isolate yourself either. Know what opportunities are available for you by getting involved and stepping out of your comfort zone. Go to the club fair and put your email down if something’s even remotely interesting. Open those emails about events in the Career Center, talk to your professors outside of class. Building relationships with professors will never hurt, and don’t shy away from going to office hours. Professors genuinely like talking to students, and if you need help with anything, it’s that much easier to reach out to them. At the beginning of the year, everyone’s looking for someone to talk to, so strike up a conversation with whoever you come across and get their contact information. You’re not alone, and you’ll be okay! It’s your college journey, and it might seem like a lot at first, but remember that it’s just one day at a time.
The Best of the Bronx: What to Do Around the Rose Hill Campus
By LORESA ZEQIRAJ ASST. OPINION EDITOR
The Bronx is now your new home away from home. A fact you can find comfort in, during a time of change, is that you’ll never get bored.
New York City is yours to explore, and so long as there is an alleyway of shops or a skyscraper terrace you haven’t visited, you’ll have plans.
New York’s five boroughs are full of hidden sights and adventures, but the best place to start is your own area. Here are some of the best of the Bronx.
A classic locale for the Fordham University student body is the New York Botanical Gardens (NYBG). Fordham students get free admission on any day or time of the week. Almost every day, you’ll see fellow Rams crossing the road to or from the NYBG entrance. The proximity allows students to be able to visit frequently or even just take a walk in between classes. To many students, the NYBG feels like an extension of our campus, and you will, without a doubt, find yourself there often. Keep up with events being held there and seasonal exhibits. Certain areas might require a fee, but other fun activities, such as the farmers markets on
Wednesdays, are free for anyone to explore!
Another great spot nearby is the Bronx Zoo, which I believe everyone should go to at least once. This isn’t like the NYBG, where you can go on a whim. If you want to catch good sights, you should go earlier in the day. Wednesday allows free general admission if you make a reservation online through their website. For a more planned-out activity, seeing a Yankees game is always a fun way to get friends together and be immersed in NYC culture. In order to avoid nosebleed seats, try to get tickets a few days or weeks in advance. Planning accordingly will ensure the best
experience possible. Every year, the Fordham Alumni Association hosts an event at Yankee Stadium during a game where students and alumni can come together in a specific section and obtain Fordham themed Yankees merchandise. Restaurants nearby such as Michaelangelo’s and Enzo’s of Arthur Avenue are classic spots for authentic Italian food. They’ve been established in the Bronx for decades and are definitely going to be staples in your dining choices. Both places have great atmospheres and even better serving sizes. They’re close by and affordable options for a pleasant lunch or dinner with friends or family.
Though it’s known as the original “Little Italy,” Arthur Avenue has been influenced by Albanian immigrants. Located near campus on Arthur Avenue, Cka Ka Qellu is a traditional Albanian restaurant. The restaurant’s cozy interior is decorated with old relics of Albanian history and could be a lovely way to discover new cultures. A visit is definitely worthwhile and another good way to get to know the community. Both fancy and casual dining options are available off campus. My favorite place near campus is M&G II. Located on Arthur Avenue, this diner is a sister of the M&G restaurant.
Their food is affordable, and they offer a variety of cuisines. Almost every day, I get food at M&G or at Quick Hero City Deli Grocery, which is my preferred deli. Everyone debates whether Super Best Deli or Rams Deli & Pizza is better, but I’ll happily gatekeep this underdog. For more good eats, explore Morris Park. Similarly to Arthur Avenue, there are heavy Italian and Albanian populations in this neighborhood. Emilio’s was voted one of the top 25 pizza places in New York by the New York Times. They’re famous for their chicken vodka pizza, a must-have. G & R Deli has gone viral this past year for its original “Italian Ice Cream Cone.” Influencers from all over pay a visit to get a taste of a true Bronx-Italian family’s recipes, and so should you. To travel to Morris Park from the Rose Hill campus, take the Bx12 bus from Fordham Road to the Pelham Park and Williamsbridge Road stop, which is a 15-minute trip. In summary, it’s important to be respectful when exploring the Bronx. You are a new member of the Belmont community, so be mindful of those who live around campus, don’t litter and always stay aware of your surroundings.
The neighborhood surrounding the Rose Hill campus has a lot to offer, including the Bronx Zoo.
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
What Does It Mean To Be A Jesuit University?
By ABIGAIL ADAMS ASST. OPINION EDITOR
Before coming to Fordham University, I had little idea what Jesuit universities were. My conservative friends said Jesuits were all left-leaning, and my Catholic friends seemed to like St. Ignatius of Loyola. Everyone else was mostly confused about why I was going to college in New York City when I had claimed to hate cities. After three years at Fordham University, I think I am fairly apt at describing what a Jesuit education entails. It is an education rooted in caring for the whole person. It emphasizes “magis,” meaning “be more.” This life of going beyond informs the Jesuits’ focus on the service of our neighbors. A Jesuit education should be oriented towards finding God in all things. These qualities fuel not just our education as Fordham students, but also our friendships and daily lives.
All of this preaching is great, but it only matters when the rubber meets the road. After three years, I believe that an authentic Jesuit education is fundamental in a world like ours. If more people were authentically Jesuiteducated, we would live in a more rightly-ordered society. The keyword there is “authentic.” Our mission fails if we don’t live it boldly.
President Tania Tetlow’s
email message for the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola spoke about listening. She wrote of a call to “deep openness … [an] eagerness to learn, with curiosity and delight.” This inquisitive theme is fundamental to our experience as authentic Jesuit university students. This enthusiasm for knowledge and wisdom stretches forth from our classrooms into all our experiences. We learn from our friends as they share the joys and sorrows of their day in a cozy Martyrs’ Court dorm. Our delight in beauty grows as we look up at the winding elms surrounding Edwards Parade. We seek wisdom in small and large places, from our course books to the seemingly never-ending line at Super Best Deli. Our entire life can be a school of love, and the Jesuit appreciation for listening allows us to cultivate that sensibility. Curiosity and delight fuel authenticity. Classroom conversations are remarkable testaments to the authenticity of Fordham students. I witness that extend outwards into serious conversations about faith on the Metro North, prolife and pro-choice students conversing honestly and openly at a tabling event and Global Outreach attendees coming home to share the deep joys and sorrows of their experiences. A Jesuit education is not
superficial. Instead, it is a deep encounter with the good in every area of one’s life.
This boldness towards openness seems paradoxical in our society. People scream their opinions behind a screen on social media. People all over this country (and world) seem bitterly divided on not just economic theories, but deep social issues. However, these Jesuit themes find their harmony in the fact that listening isn’t for listening’s sake. Instead, seeing the faces of others removes our own mask of indifference.
A Jesuit education unmasks the heart. Students can be bold and different, but still laugh in the hallways together after class. Fordham makes this possible through its faculty, who can lead through inspiration, and the students it recruits, who are authentic and valueoriented. It’s represented in the finer details of our education, like our small class sizes and wellrounded core curriculum. A Jesuit education promotes the centuries-old belief, “be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
An institution like The Fordham Ram is a hallmark of my own Jesuit educational experience. Writing articles encourages me to be reflective on my
experiences in and out of the classroom. Editing articles that I don’t always agree with encourages the practice of listening and discernment. Collaborating with a diverse group of students on The Ram allows me to foster friendships with people I may not have encountered otherwise. Who can’t be friends when it is 11 p.m. on a Tuesday and you’re laughing over a
third-read eating four-hourold Pugsley’s margherita pizza?
Appreciating your Fordham education may look like writing your first byline in our weekly newspaper, or coming to copy night on Monday evenings. Even if it is regrettably not with The Ram, take advantage of the countless opportunities on and off campus to become “men and women for others.”
“ Wait...We Have That?” A Guide to Fordham’ s Most Slept-On Resources
By VIOLET WALLACE
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
You’ve unpacked your minifridge, met way too many people on your floor (whose names you probably won’t remember tomorrow) and maybe even survived the uphill battle of moving into Martyrs’ Court Jouges, upon discovering there’s no elevator. Yes, you really do have to drag your suitcase up three flights of the narrowest stairs known to man.
While syllabus week and roommate icebreakers are all part of the college kickoff package, students often overlook a whole side of campus life, especially when it comes to the free stuff.
From therapy sessions to DSLR cameras, here is your go-to guide for the most underrated (and free) resources Fordham offers.
“Wait … There’s a place that edits my papers for free?”
Yes, there is! The Writing Center is where real humans (fellow students, trained tutors) will help you brainstorm, structure, revise or de-2 a.m.-ify your essay.
Location: Walsh Library,
Lower Level, Room 121
Appointments: fordham. mywconline.com
Contact: writingcenter@ fordham.edu
“Wait … I can get a free tutor for Calculus?”
Yup! Fordham partners with Knack to offer peer tutoring. You can book sessions online with students who’ve taken the same class.
Website: fordham.joinknack. com - sign up with your Fordham credentials Book early during midterms!
Tip: If you excelled in a class you can sign up to tutor your peers via Knack
“Wait … There’s free therapy on campus?”
Yes. Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) offers free, confidential, shortterm individual therapy, crisis support and wellness workshops: no insurance, referrals or catch. Just support when you need it.
Location: O’Hare Hall Basement
Contact: counseling@fordham. edu
“Wait … Fordham has
its own Netflix?”
Kind of. Fordham Libraries give students free access to streaming platforms like Kanopy and Swank Digital Campus, which are packed with indie films, documentaries and classroom-required viewing.
How to watch: Visit Fordham Libraries and search “Kanopy”
Library Help: asklib@ fordham.edu
“Wait … I can rent a DSLR camera for free?”
Absolutely! Fordham Media Services rents out high-quality equipment like DSLR cameras, tripods and projectors, all at no cost. Ideal for club events, class projects or content creation. Contact: Hopeton Campbell, Walsh Lab Director
Email: hcambell@fordham. edu
Phone: 718-817-5781
“Wait… I can get extra time on exams?”
Yes, if you qualify. The Office of Disability Services helps students with documented conditions access accommodations like extended test time, note-taking support,
accessible dorm setups and more. It’s confidential, and it’s here to help you succeed.
Contact: disabilityservices@ fordham.edu
Website: fordham.edu/ disabilityservices
Don’t Sleep on These Perks Between navigating through
core requirements and hunting down a study spot during midterms, it’s easy to miss these resources Fordham has tucked away. But these free services can significantly impact your college experience, academically, mentally and creatively. Use them.
The Writing Center is in Walsh D. Family Library.
MARY HAWTHOTRN/THE FORDHAM RAM
SOPHIE MASELLI/THE FORDHAM RAM The University Church was built in 1845.
By EMILY TONNA EXEC. COPY EDITOR
Throughout the history of Fordham University, it has hosted many filmmakers on campus to produce numerous iconic movies and television shows.
The campus’s gothic architecture and beautiful landscaping are especially attractive for academic or period-piece settings, such as “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (2017) and “The Exorcist” (1973).
Given its location as an idyllic oasis in the boroughs of New York City and having notable alumni in the entertainment industry, such as Denzel Washington and Lana Del Rey, it’s no wonder that Fordham and its New York roots hold a permanent place in pop culture.
In the Belmont neighborhood’s Hughes Avenue, you’ll spot a mural honoring the 1993 crime-drama film “A Bronx Tale,” which starred Robert De Niro and Chazz Palminteri. The film is set in 1960s Belmont — right in Fordham’s backyard — and if you’ve got a good eye for
Fordham, As Seen In Film and Pop Culture
backgrounds, you can spot signs that feature Fordham. But “A Bronx Tale” was actually filmed in Astoria, Queens, which was made to look like Belmont.
The Rose Hill campus has been featured in numerous box-office successes and televsion hits, and Keating Hall in particular is no stranger to the spotlight throughout Fordham’s brushes with Hollywood.
For example, the 2001 biographical drama film called “A Beautiful Mind,” which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, centers around the true story of mathematician John Forbes Nash, also known as Russell Crowe, and features several scenes in the basement of Keating Hall. The movie touches on Nash’s real-life struggles with mental illness during his studies at Princeton University. Nash is eventually called upon by the Pentagon to help crack encrypted enemy codes, with Keating’s basement serving as the background for the Pentagon scenes. Similarly, the 1973 blockbuster horror film “The Exorcist” also
filmed scenes in the basement of Keating Hall, as well as Hughes Hall.
Moving up a level, you may have become well acquainted with Keating First, the auditorium on the first floor of Keating Hall. The political drama movie “Fair Game” (2010), which featured Naomi Watts and Sean Penn, filmed a scene there, as well as “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps” (2010), which stars Michael Douglas and Shia LaBeouf. In a scene from “Wall Street 2,” Douglas’ character is seen lecturing a class of students, some of whom were real Fordham students who got to play as extras.
In front of Keating are the encompassing Keating Steps and Edwards Parade. Here marks the location for a scene in the movie “The Adjustment Bureau” (2011), in which Matt Damon plays a Congressman who ends up falling in love with a ballet dancer (Emily Blunt). Damon’s character delivers a political speech to a massive crowd gathered around Edwards Parade, as he stands atop the Keating Steps. The film’s director, George
Nolfi, decided to film at this particular spot on campus after seeing Irish rock band U2 play there for “Good Morning America” in 2009.
In terms of more recent Fordham features in film and television, the Amazon Prime Video hit “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” filmed several scenes of its final season around Fordham’s campus in September 2022, notably in front of the Cunniffe Fountain, Edwards Parade and, of course, Keating Steps. Fordham’s architecture and timeless look were the perfect backdrop for the show given its early 1960s setting.
Additionally, a short ride on the Ram Van to Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus will take you to the filming locations for many other television shows and movies — such as the 2023 Netflix FBI-centered thriller “The Night Agent.”
Additionally, Netflix’s “Zero Day” (2025), starring Robert De Niro as a former U.S. president investigating a series of cyberattacks, was also filmed at Lincoln Center.
“The Night Agent” and “Zero Day” both featured
the Lowenstein Center; the former had slated its 12thfloor lounge as a mock-up for the United Nations, while the latter transformed Lowenstein’s second floor into the CIA Headquarters. As an additional nod to Fordham, De Niro is seen wearing a Fordham sweatshirt in one of the episodes’ opening scenes.
These are far from all of Fordham’s appearances in film and television. Just this summer the television shows “Law and Order” and “Friends and Neighbors” were seen filming on campus. The next time you start watching a show set in New York, keep an eye out for Fordham.
Both campuses of Fordham University have had an enduring legacy in film and television, and its future as a staple film location in New York City is bright. Who needs Hollywood when we have Keating Hall? But we as students need to stay alert; you never know when you might accidentally stumble into your television debut on the way to class.
“Zero Day,” 2025 (Courtesy of Fordham Stories)
“A Beautiful Mind,” 2001
“A Bronx Tale,” 1993
“Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps,” 2010
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” 2017 Hughes Ave. Mural Fordham’s campus has been featured in many films in the past decades.
Your Guide to Rose Hill’s Jargon
By SOPHIE MASELLI PRODUCTION EDITOR
When I first toured Fordham University in 2021, mask and all, I was perplexed when my tour guide called the lawn in front of Keating Hall “Eddie’s.” It wasn’t the “Edwards Parade” I had studied on the map before visiting the Rose Hill campus. During that tour, I learned multiple acronyms and abbreviations of building names, and was left clueless when faced with the formal titles of each, unable to connect the two. I still learn new Fordham slang every year, as it can vary between school years and within social circles, and it took me three years to learn that the grammatically correct spelling was “Eddies,” without an apostrophe.
If you are new to the Fordham Rose Hill campus, you might notice that students have abbreviated versions of terms, mainly for locations on or surrounding campus.
Here is a guide.
• New York Botanical Garden (NYBG): Botans
• Edwards Parade: Eddies
• Arthur Avenue: Arthur/ Arthur Ave
• Joseph M. McShane, S.J. Campus Center: McShane
• Faculty Memorial Hall: FMH
• John Mulcahy Hall: JMH
• Campbell Hall, Salice Hall and Conley Hall: CSC
• Marketplace: Dining Hall/The Caf
• Urban Kitchen: Urban
• The Grotto: POD/ PODS /Boar’s Head/ Boars
Daniel Bucciero’s Road from Fordham to the Big Leagues
• Dagger John’s: Dagger
• Ram’s Deli & Pizza: Ram’s
• Super Best Deli: SB/ Super Best
• The Best Deli and Grill: Best
• Best vs SB: Best and SB are two delis on Fordham Road. Only a six minute walk away from each other, SB is located on Hoffman Street and Best is on Lorillard Place.
• Pugsley Pizza: Pugsley’s
• Howl at the Moon: Howl
• Barnyard BBQ: Barnyard
• Fordham Preparatory School: Prep/Fordham Prep
• Alumni Court South: South
• Alumni House/ Rodrigue’s Coffee House: Rod’s
• Belmont Avenue
Security Gate: FMH Gate
• East 191st Turnstile Gate: Walsh Gate
• Bathgate Avenue
Security Gate: Bathgate
• Third/Webster Avenue Gate: Metro North Gate/Fordham Plaza Gate
• Fordham Preparatory Gate: Prep Gate
• Matteo Ricci Circle: Roundabout Gate
• Fordham University
Emergency Medical Services: FUEMS (Pronounced: Fumes)
• United Student Government: USG
• Office of Student Involvement: OSI
• Campus Activity Board: CAB
• Residence Hall Association: RHA
• The Fordham Ram: The Ram
• The Mimes and Mummers: Mimes
• Counseling and Psychological Services: CPS
By IAN NELSON & JACOB WOLFER
Fordham University’s own Daniel Bucciero heard his name called in the 9th round as the 260th pick of the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft on July 14, 2025. Bucciero, who will be headed to the Athletics, became the 38th Ram to be selected in the draft and the first since 2021.
On July 18, The Fordham Ram interviewed Bucciero to discuss his journey and feelings of achieving every young baseball player’s dream: playing professionally in MLB.
Before college, Bucciero wasn’t highly recruited: “I didn’t really have many offers coming out of high school, it was really just Fordham,” he said. He was spotted by a Fordham coach his junior year at a tournament in Georgia.
Bucciero said he visited Fordham and liked the business program at the Gabelli School of Business. Although he is now leaving Fordham after completing his junior year, he does expect to eventually graduate.
“I definitely want to finish my degree at some point,” he said.
While Bucciero may not have had many offers coming out of high school, he certainly left his mark on the Fordham Baseball program. During the 2025 season, Bucciero was the team’s most valuable player.
An iron man, he was the lone Ram to start all 58 games, putting up career bests in batting average (.320), runs scored (54), hits (72), doubles (16), runs batted in (RBI) (37), total bases (116), walks (34) and stolen bases (35).
His stellar showing puts him alongside Fordham great Bobby Kingsbury as the only Rams to reach 125 runs, 40 doubles, 20 home runs, 100 RBI and 60 stolen bases in their collegiate careers.
Numbers like these in the past few years earned Bucciero a spot in the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) in 2024. The CCBL is a premier summer baseball league for college players known for attracting top talent and players from all around the country, serving as a stepping stone for many players who go on to play in MLB.
“It was a lot different than other summer ball teams,” Bucciero said. “You’re playing the best of the best, probably the best players in the country.”
His stint in the CCBL with the Orleans Firebirds was a mixed bag. The increase in the level of competition saw Bucciero experience a decrease in his playing time when compared to his time with Fordham Baseball, but he still contributed nicely with four home runs, leading the team.
Bucciero’s success at Fordham and in the CCBL helped open the door for him to play professionally. Heading into the 2025 MLB draft, he expected to be selected by someone; the question was when.
“I wasn’t really sure how long we were going to be waiting. I was just hanging out at home,” Bucciero said. “I found out probably at the end of 7th, early 8th, that the Athletics were going to take me in the 9th. I was probably sitting on the couch watching already for three hours, so it was like ‘Oh, finally I don’t have to sit here anymore.’ But mostly happy that everything paid off and I’m going to the next level.”
Skill alone didn’t allow Bucciero to make it to MLB. “Always work harder than the person next to you,” he said, when asked what advice he would give his younger self. “Bring everybody else with you.”
As Bucciero continues his baseball journey with the Athletics, the Fordham community will continue watching and wishing him all the best.
Fordham’s own Daniel Bucciero was selected by the Athletics in the ninth round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
COURTESY OFFORDHAM ATHLETICS
Daniel Bucciero signing after being drafted by the Athletics.
FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Fordham students have established their own phrasing for campus locales.
SOPHIE MASELLI/THE FORDHAM RAM
By GRACE MCCARRON IAN NELSON
With the dawn of a new school year comes the excitement of watching Fordham University sports. As the sports section of The Fordham Ram, we will follow our school’s 22 NCAA Division I sports programs with watchful eyes.
The world of college athletics has changed significantly over the past few years, especially when it comes to offseason roster moves and the transfer portal. With many new faces predicting success or failure is unrealistic at this point. Still, we would like to give overviews for a few of our teams.
Football
Fordham’s Football will open their season on the road against the Boston College Eagles on Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. They’ll look to improve upon a lackluster 2-10 record in 2024, which put them tied for last in the Patriot League with Colgate University.
Returning to the Rams is star linebacker and graduate student James Conway, who was recently named to the 2025 Buck Buchanan Award
ORIENTATION
Previewing Fordham Athletics in Fall 2025
Preseason Watch List. Conway is the Patriot League career tackles leader with 436, a record he clinched last November in a dominant Rams win over Georgetown University. Conway only appeared in four games in 2024 due to injury, but still received 2024 First Team All-Patriot League honors.
On the offensive side, there will be competition for the Rams’ starting quarterback position following CJ Montes’ transfer to Kent State University. Senior Jack Capaldi and sophomore Tripp Holley each started multiple games for the Rams last year, with Capaldi starting nine and Holley starting two.
The Rams are also welcoming junior transfer Gunnar Smith to the quarterback room, who played at Highland Community College in 2024. These three will lead the starting quarterback competition, with sophomore Thomas Rosso and freshman Matt Ivaldi rounding out the quarterback room.
The Rams will return home to the Bronx’s Moglia Stadium on Sept. 6 to face Monmouth University at 6 p.m.
Water Polo
Expectations are sky-high for Fordham’s Water Polo team
who are coming off their best season in program history.
In 2024, the Rams went 32-1 and lost in the semifinals of the national championship to #2 University of Southern California. The team gained national attention as they challenged the narrative of West Coast dominance in the sport.
The Rams will look to earn a fifth consecutive MidAtlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) championship in 2025, but it won’t be an easy road. Fordham’s schedule was released in June, and it’s one of their most challenging in recent memory, including 13 matchups with opponents that received votes in the final 2024 poll, and four with teams coming off an appearance in the 2024 National Collegiate Championship.
With their eight-player 2025 recruiting class, Head Coach Brian Bacharach emphasized the need to retain roster depth after athletes at almost all positions graduated following the historic 2024 season.
The Rams will open their season at the Bruno Classic in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, facing Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, University of the Pacific and Long Island
University on Aug. 30 and 31. Their first home matchup will be Sept. 27 against Princeton University. Fordham will host the MAWPC Championship from Nov. 21 to 23 at the Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center in the Bronx.
Men’s Basketball
Fordham’s Men’s Basketball will look to bounce back after a poor showing during the 20242025 season where they finished 12-21.
After Head Coach Keith Urgo parted ways with the University in March, Fordham hired Mike Magpayo to take over the program. The team will have a new look as they lost their two top scorers from last season, Jackie Johnson III and Japhet Medor.
In search of some players to fill the void, Magpayo and company hit the transfer portal hard. Key acquisitions include Zarique Nutter (Georgia State University), Christian Henry (Eastern Michigan University), Abass Bodija (University of California, Riverside), Jace Howard (University of Michigan) and Dejour Reaves (Iona College). Additionally, they have added Akira Jacobs
(University of Hawai’i), and Rikus Schulte (University of California, Riverside).
When The Ram spoke with Magpayo in April he did not promise immediate greatness; something that would have been unrealistic. Instead, he simply encouraged students to come watch the games.
Women’s Basketball
Fordham’s Women’s Basketball showed flashes of excellence during the 2024-2025 season, but sloppy play and inconsistent shooting led to an overall mediocre season at 15-15.
After losing a few key players to the portal including junior Rose Nelson, Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell and staff added a quintet of transfers. The group included Ornella “Lala” Niankan (Wichita State University), Ugne Sirtautaite (Providence College), Lakresha Edwards (Miami University (Ohio)), Alexis Black (Appalachian State University) and Tia Morgan (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff).
These transfers will bring some much needed experience to an otherwise inexperienced squad. It will be interesting to see how Coach Mitchell chooses to utilize the team’s new talent.
Hannah Johnson, GSB ’26, is a finance major from Medfield, Mass.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
IAN NELSON/THE FORDHAM RAM
