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ORIENTATION
August 23, 2026
The Biggest Ram Headlines from 2025-26
Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918
The Ram covered many different campus events, university updates and new administrative hires during the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. These are some of our biggest headlines:
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.
Fall 2025
Website TheFordhamRam.com Email Address theram@fordham.edu Editor-in-Chief Sienna Reinders Managing Editor Ian Nelson Production Editor Sarah Verrastro Editorial Director Molly O’Connor Multimedia Director Hannah Sullivan Business Director Nishanth Aduma News Editor Emma Leonardi Features Editor Caydence Jones Assistant News Editors Kat Rossi Gabriel Capellan Opinion Editor Loresa Zeqiraj Assistant Opinion Editors Erynn Sweeney Elaina Gibson Culture Editors Lara Ejzak Makenzie Smith Assistant Culture Editor Kelly Buban Sports Editor James Nelson Assistant Sports Editors Molly Friedman Ethan Bess Copy Chief Indigo Towers Executive Copy Editors Emma Kelner Amelia Stricherz Grace Kawecki Mia Smith Photo/Graphics Editor Emily McCall Wilson Speller Digital Producers Han Le Marisa House Haniyyah Usmani Advertising Directors Violet Wallace Juan-Pablo Valencia Rishika Lingamdinne 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. Submission Policy The Fordham Ram Reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reasion, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent. Correction Policy The Fordham Ram is committed to fair and accurate reporting. If you are aware of an error, please contact us at fordhamramonline@gmail.com.
“New Delivery Robots Spark Widespread Debates” Sept. 3, 2025 When students stepped onto campus last fall, they were met with a new addition to the community: delivery robots. The six-wheeled machines, complete with an orange flag to mark their presence for passersby, began delivering food to students from several on-campus dining locations. While many students marveled at the new technology, others resisted the addition, citing unknown implementation costs and potential safety concerns. “Fordham’s Evolved Brand is Divisive; Admin Remains Confident it’s the Right Decision” Sept. 17, 2025 Robots were far from the only change students experienced when they returned last August. They were also met with new flags on Fordham’s
light poles, new merchandise in the campus bookstore and a newly designed website, all of which reflected the university’s evolved brand identity. The initiative centered on a new logo and slogan, which were revealed in July 2025, and quickly encountered contention from students and alumni. “Physical IDs Now Only Available Upon Request” Sept. 10, 2025 How do you spot an underclassman? They’re the students scanning in with their phone rather than a physical identification (ID) card. Last fall, Fordham ceased issuing physical IDs to students and made electronic ID cards the default for incoming students. Fordham officials said the decision was made because most students own a smartphone. But students raised concerns about not being able to choose between the two
forms of ID cards. Physical IDs were still available to some students upon request. “Fordham Drops from 91 to 97 in U.S. News Ranking” Sept. 23, 2025 Fordham dropped six spots, from 91 to 97, in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best National Universities ranking last fall. The new ranking tied Fordham with Florida International University, Rutgers University-Camden, Texas Christian University and University of Colorado Boulder. The drop also reflected a consistent decline in Fordham’s ranking over the past three years, during which it has fallen 25 spots. “Saxby’s Officially Opens at Lincoln Center” Oct. 8, 2025 Fordham opened a new coffee shop at the Lincoln Center (LC) campus on Oct. 1, 2025. Saxby’s replaced the previous
LC coffee shop Argo Tea and became the chain’s first New York City location. Since Saxby’s is entirely student-run, the opening also provided new on-campus job opportunities for Fordham students, following an Experiential Learning Platform model. “Students React to Mamdani Win” Nov. 5, 2025 Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election on Nov. 5, 2025, beating former Governor and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. The election was historic in several ways, as it saw the highest voter turnout in New York City since 1969, as well as resulting in the city’s youngest and first Muslim and South Asian mayor. After the election results were called, The Ram spoke with Fordham students around campus about their reactions. SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
Fordham’s fall 2025 semester saw new delivery robots, a new logo, ID card changes, a new coffee shop and the New York City mayoral election.
During Fordham’s spring 2026 semester, tuition increased, Fordham’s acceptance rate decreased and the university passed a new core curriculum.
Spring 2026 “Former Fordham Athletes Allegedly Tied to College Basketball Rigging” Jan. 15, 2026 An indictment unsealed in January 2026 implicated two former members of the Fordham University Men’s Basketball team in a threeyear transnational sports-betting bribery scheme that involved both NCAA Division I men’s basketball and professional Chinese Basketball Association games. The two players were Elijah Gray and a second unnamed player referred to in the indictment only as “Person #4.” “USG Pushes for Contraceptive Policy Amendment” March 18, 2026 Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, Fordham’s United Student Government (USG) began lobbying the university administration to amend the current contraceptive distribution policy to allow the distribution of contraceptives
on campus property. Several USG members conducted substantial research and held a town hall to garner student and faculty support for their proposal, which was ultimately passed by USG. “Fordham Tuition to Increase by 4.5%” April 9, 2026 In April, Fordham announced that the university’s tuition and room and board prices would increase for the following academic year. The changes included a 4.5% increase in tuition and a 3% increase in room and board. The announcement marked the fourth consecutive year in which tuition had increased at Fordham. In an email to students announcing the increase, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Tokumbo Shobowale cited rising education costs and general inflation as the reasons for the decision. He also acknowledged that the change might affect current students and
said that Fordham would increase financial aid to accommodate those with the “greatest need.” “Madeline Ando and Ayden Johnson Win USG Executive Ticket” April 21, 2026 Madeline Ando, FCRH ’27, and Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, won USG’s election for executive president and executive vice president, respectively, in April. They received almost twice as many votes as their opponents, Ashley Garcia, FCRH ’27, and Yeonsu Son, FCRH ’27. Ando and Johnson’s campaign centered around advocacy, action and spirit, and included several initiatives, including the implementation of swings around Fordham’s Rose Hill campus. “Admissions Rate Declines for Class of 2030” April 22, 2026 Fordham’s acceptance rate declined by 11% for the class of 2030, dropping from 58% to 47%. Last year’s application
cycle also saw a 23% increase in applicants compared to the previous year, with a total of 54,000 people applying. Members of Fordham’s administration cited the university’s evolved brand identity as one of the factors that led to an increase in applicants and a decrease in the acceptance rate. “New Core Curriculum Officially Passes” April 29, 2026 Fordham voted to implement a new core curriculum at the end of last April. The proposal went through several rounds of voting, including Fordham’s college councils, faculty and board of trustees. It passed with “overwhelming support,” according to Vice President of Marketing and Communications Justin Bell. The new curriculum, which involved a five-year revision process, was scaled down to bridge multiple disciplines. The new curriculum is expected to be implemented for the class of 2031.
ORIENTATION What Does it Mean to be a Jesuit University?
August 23, 2026
By ERYNN SWEENEY ASST. OPINION EDITOR
When walking on the pathway between the McShane Student Center and Hughes Hall, you will pass by a sculpture of a man on a small pillar, one foot in front of the other, knees slightly bent, arm outstretched and face gazing towards the sky. With a cross around his neck, a heart carved out of his arm sleeves and the phrase “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” carved underneath his feet, this person is St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th-century “Spanish theologian and mystic.” Formerly a soldier, he had a spiritual awakening after receiving a severe battle wound in his leg while defending Pamplona. During his recovery process, he read about the life of Christ and the lives of the saints in the Catholic tradition, resolving to do penance for his sins and commit himself to the service of God. Later, while studying in Paris, Ignatius met two friends named Francis Xavier and Peter Faber, who he found to share similar values and commitments to his own as he journeyed in a life of faith. In 1534, these three men and four others came together to profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and form the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Pope Paul III recognized the Society of Jesus as an official religious order in 1540, and it grew to include more than 1,000 members over the next 15 years. During this time, its members founded Jesuit schools and churches throughout Europe, bearing in mind the goal of “bringing people and cultures closer to the living God.” Jesuit schools and universities
eventually blossomed in the United States, as the members of the society worked to provide education to the increasing immigrant population. Our very own Fordham University was one of the schools that grew out of this need. Originally purchased by then Assistant Archbishop of New York John Hughes, it was sold to the Jesuits in 1846 and became what we know it as today: the Jesuit University of New York. In many ways, the rich history and tradition of the Society of Jesus continue to live and thrive in this school that we call home. Core values to the Jesuit mission, such as “cura personalis,” “magis,” being people for and with others and “ad majorem dei gloriam,” appear not only in the structure of our institution but also in the everyday lives of students as we grow, learn and strive to be the best people we can be. Cura personalis, translated from Latin to “care for the whole person,” is about respecting and attending to all the aspects that make us who we are. As whole human persons, we are in ourselves systems with many parts working together. We are not solely minds, bodies or spirits; we are all of these, and each aspect of ourselves requires care and attention. So while we come to an academic institution like Fordham to form our minds — to learn how to think and to wrestle with intellectual questions and problems — we experience our education holistically, seeking to form ourselves not just as students but as people. Learning does not only happen in the classroom or in the library, but also through our experiences and relationships.
Growth is just as much about how we develop spiritually and morally as it is about how we develop academically and professionally. The Jesuit value of “magis” indicates a striving for “more,” for that which is excellent and holy, in the pursuit not only of our individual goals but also of the common good. It is represented as a seeking of continual improvement in the day-to-day. When I think about it, I realize I see magis everywhere at Fordham. For example, I can see this value represented in my volleyball teammates who complete extra sets in the weight room to try to become faster on the court, and in friends who spend hours in the library reading about the philosophy of Kierkegaard (shoutout Aidan Nanquil, FCRH ’26) or memorizing each different bone in the human body (shoutout Zoe Talabong, FCRH ’26). I see magis when our professors ask us questions during class that challenge us to think in new ways and when they provide feedback on our assignments to let us know how we could have more structure, clarity or specificity in our work. I especially see magis in B-52, the room in the basement of the McShane Campus Center where we produce the student newspaper each week. Each article sent in undergoes a rigorous editing and fact-checking process before it is published, and pages formatted for print are carefully examined to ensure adherence to AP style and structural consistency. The Jesuit value of “being people for and with others” means recognizing that our worlds are bigger than just us, that we are connected to the suffering of others, both
those closest to us and those farthest from us. We are to “be engaged in the struggle for justice” and protect the needs of the most vulnerable; we are to go beyond our comfort zones and the bubbles that we normally exist in, surrounding ourselves with people who have similar backgrounds and experiences to our own, and be in solidarity with the marginalized, not because of what we can do for the people at the margins but because of who we will become when we place ourselves there. As Fordham students, our lives are not limited to our dorm rooms, our classrooms or the gates of our institution. We are part of a community that stretches beyond our immediate surroundings. We live out the value of “being people for and with others” when we not only understand this value but also act on it, and many students are doing just that. For example, the Fordham Food Walks program creatively uses the resources we have at our disposal, our meal swipes, to meet the needs of those around us by donating sandwiches to Part of the Solution (POTS), a community center close to campus. Additionally, programs such as Global Outreach through Campus Ministry offer students the opportunity to grow in relationships with one another and learn from community partners across the country and around the world about the issues that are impacting people’s day-to-day lives. The Jesuit value of ad majorem dei gloriam is about directing all of our actions toward the greater glory of God, or toward a common purpose that will “reveal God’s
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active presence in our work and in our world.” It means that everything we do, we do with intention, that we do not work without working toward something. It means that what we study, learn and experience here is directed toward that which is more, that which is greater. Our education is not transactional; it is not about putting in a certain amount of money or time to then receive a diploma and move on with our lives as if nothing had ever happened. Instead, it is relational; we are learning to listen to ourselves, to one another and to the needs of the world. We are learning to think critically about the issues facing our communities and to redirect the resources we have available, personally and institutionally, to create change. Like the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola that stands along a familiar pathway on our campus, we can look upward and outward, paying attention to the world around us and the inner stirrings of our hearts, using our gifts and experiences in ways that challenge injustice and set the world on fire. Being a part of a Jesuit university means our education is not without purpose and direction. It is not just about our own individual successes but about what we can do for others. It is not about spending four years on the Fordham campus and then moving right along to whatever comes next, but about taking our experience with us, letting what we learn here change how we think and what we think about. It is about sharing our education with others by directing it toward serving the world.
What is USG? By EMMA LEONARDI NEWS EDITOR
At Fordham University, there are more than 240 clubs and organizations. At the head of them is the group that organizes all the rest: the United Student Government (USG). There are two USGs, with each belonging to a different campus. The Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) USG represents all students residing at the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, while the Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) USG represents students residing at the Lincoln Center campus. The FCRH USG meets every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., historically in either Bepler Commons or McShane Campus Center room 112. The FCLC USG also meets every Thursday from 1 to 2:15 p.m. In the past, this meeting has taken place in 140W, room G73 at the Lincoln Center campus. Both USGs have an executive president and vice president, an executive board with various
vice presidents who hold specific responsibilities and senators for each class. There are spots reserved on each senate ballot every election cycle for both FCRH/FCLC and Gabelli School of Business (GSB) students. For example, the FCRH USG has five spots for each class senate, with two for FCRH students, two for GSB students and the final spot is designated as a swing seat (whichever senator with the next most votes gets it, no matter their school). For the executive board, the FCRH USG has 11 different vice presidents outside of the executive vice president, who are each in charge of a specific area. There are the vice presidents of Operations, Student Life & Experience, Communications & Marketing, Budget & Finance, the Gabelli School of Business, Fordham College at Rose Hill, International Integration, Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Health & Security, and Facilities & Dining. For the executive board, the
FCLC USG operates slightly differently. There are still the executive president and vice president positions, however, there are not only fewer positions on the executive board outside of these two head roles, but the positions are also slightly different in title and role. There is a secretary, treasurer, media relations chair, operations chair, facilities chair, student affairs chair, external outreach chair and humanitarian needs chair. Each issue this semester, The Ram will publish one article on a specific executive board position and member for both the FCRH USG and the FCLC USG. These articles will serve not only to go more in depth on what each position involves, but also what each elected representative is planning on doing with the role over the course of their elected tenure for the 2026-27 school year. Elections for this school year occurred this past spring 2026 semester. The FCRH USG executive
president will be Madeleine Ando, FCRH ’27, and the FCRH USG executive vice president will be Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27. A profile on the executive ticket is expected to be in The Ram’s Volume 108 Issue 11, set to publish on Sept. 2. A full list of the FCRH and FCLC USG officers will be included in the online
version of this article. All weekly USG meetings for both FCRH and FCLC are open to the entire Fordham community, and students are always encouraged to come and share their thoughts during open floor. Look out for The Ram’s recaps of FRCH USG’s meetings in print and online!
EMMA LEONARDI/THE FORDHAM RAM
The Fordham University United Student Government meets every Thursday.
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By THE RAM STAFF Sienna Reinders: It’s tempting to try to put your best foot forward in every single class and to devote any extra time outside of classes to a myriad of activities and clubs. But you have to realize that, unfortunately, putting 100% of your energy into a million different things isn’t realistic and will lead to burnout. Instead, pick your most important one or two classes and one or two extracurriculars/clubs and put the majority of your energy into those. You will reap more benefits from your classes and extracurriculars/clubs by focusing on the ones you are most interested in and passionate about than trying to devote yourself to all of them. Ian Nelson: Your first year can feel like you need to take every opportunity and say yes to every invitation. You don’t. You’ll have a much better time if you leave room for yourself and prioritize what matters. Stretching yourself too thin is the fastest way to get burned out, so give yourself a break. Sarah Verrastro: It’s okay to be afraid — just don’t let it stop you from experiencing everything you want to experience. If you’re thinking about joining a club, do it. Worst-case scenario, you never have to go back. But if you don’t try you may be missing out on incredible opportunities and friendships that could lead you where you want to be in four years. Talk to people, even when it’s scary. They may hold the key to a whole new world of opportunity. Nishanth Aduma: Keep moving, get busy, talk to a lot of people. Try new things, drop what doesn’t serve your goals and narrow down your interests. Never be afraid to go knocking on doors, you’ll find most people are genuinely willing to help. That being said, have as much fun as you can, because only you can do that for yourself! Molly O’Connor: Don’t hold yourself to whatever crazy expectations you have for your first year! It’s so easy to compare yourself to other people on how they’re settling in, finding friends and figuring out classes. Everyone moves at different paces, and more often than not the people you’re comparing yourself to feel just as lost. Hannah Sullivan: Stay curious and don’t get too comfortable! Eventually, you’ll find the things you love, but don’t forget to keep exploring! We’re in New York — there are so many opportunities to learn more about yourself, so try a new cuisine, apply for an internship in a field you’ve never thought of, go to the strangest event you can find and socialize like your life depends on it.
ORIENTATION The Ram’s Advice for First-Years Even if you hate every second, you’re learning more about yourself! Emma Leonardi: Do NOT miss the club/activity fair in the fall. Even though there is one in the spring as well, most clubs run based on the academic year and missing that first semester can mean missing a whole year of being a part of that club. Sign up for everything that sounds remotely interesting, and then narrow them down to your favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything. Gabriel Capellan: Touch some grass! You will gain nothing by being locked up in your dorm all day! Get involved with clubs, office hours, sports: literally anything! There is so much to do and get involved in on campus and you’ll miss out on so much of it if all you do is bedrot. You’ll only be here for four years, so make the most out of it. Time will pass either way, so do everything you can. Loresa Zeqiraj: Trust the process, give yourself and others grace and patience. You’ll make more mistakes than you’ll be able to keep track of, but what’s important and what’ll frame your experience here isn’t necessarily the adversity you face, but rather the way you overcome it. That includes the chances you take in pursuit of happiness and success, the people who support you along the way and the heartfelt moments you’ll share. Erynn Sweeney: Embrace the chaos by moving at your own pace. Starting with Orientation, move-in day and the beginning of your classes, there will be so much to take in; most days may feel like a total overload of information and experiences. It might feel easy to get caught up in all of it, but remember that you do not have to make total sense of it ever, and especially not right away. Take it one step at a time and move at the speed that feels right for you. Elaina Gibson: Build connections with your professors! It can be intimidating, especially as a first-year, but taking the initiative to speak up in class, go to office hours and other events they invite you to is the best way to gain more insight into a field of interest or simply to get a better grade in a class you are struggling with. When your professor knows your name and sees you actively engage instead of just doing the bare minimum, they are way more inclined to help you in times of need, write letters of recommendation or open doors to new opportunities. Lara Ejzak: Don’t be afraid to be the first one to say hello! Everyone is coming into college with a clean slate and most likely internally freaking out, so don’t be nervous to introduce
August 23, 2026
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
On the last night of Orientation, first-years are inaugurated into the community through a candle lighting ceremony.
yourself to someone or initiate a conversation; the other person will most likely be excited and grateful for connection in a new place. The first weeks push you out of your comfort zone a lot, embrace it!!! Makenzie Smith: Be kind to others, but, most importantly, to yourself. This is one of the biggest transition periods in your life so far, meaning you are going to have some growing pains. However, what comes out on the other side is so worth it if you give yourself some compassion and embrace every step of the way! Kelly Buban: Remember that everyone is adjusting to something new, even if it doesn’t always look like it! Don’t compare your first weeks to someone else’s experience. Give yourself time to find your people, get into a routine and make Fordham and New York City feel like home! James Nelson: Explore the city! You will get sick of hearing the phrase “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school,” but please take it to heart. Get on the subway without a rigid plan, go on a walk and get lost, try food you wouldn’t normally eat and never let a bad experience deter you. Molly Friedman: Use all those student discounts! Your Fordham ID is basically a discount card at hundreds of businesses throughout the city and even online. As a broke college student, you’ll find that asking “Is there a student discount?” becomes second nature. Whether it’s
buy-one-get-one-free Chipotle for Fordham students or free entry to The Met, you’ll want to take advantage of it. Don’t be embarrassed, use it for the resource that it is! Ethan Bess: College is a very wild time in your life, especially within your first year, so don’t lose yourself in the highlights of the action. Being yourself in a school like Fordham and a city like New York can be a very telling factor when interacting with other students and New Yorkers. If you remain true to who you are, you will naturally succeed in the concrete jungle. Indigo Towers: Remember who you are. College is inherently a time of change and development and in your first year you will meet so many new people and have so many new experiences; it’s important to not lose yourself in all of the changing places and faces. In other words, be true to yourself and you will find that everything falls into its right place! Emma Kelner: As a first-year with an unlimited dining plan, do NOT worry about running out of dining dollars. Spend them as you see fit! Trust me, if you ration your dining dollars even a little bit, you will end up with one week to spend $400 — an incredibly difficult, and time-consuming, feat. Emily McCall: As important as classes are, do not let them overtake you. Work in time to go out and meet new people, join a club or explore the city. Having a life outside of homework and
assignments will make the year pass by so much easier and give you some much needed breaks. Wilson Speller: Go to campus events and join clubs! Spending as much time as you can outside around campus and the city is a great way to make friends and find new experiences. Caydence Jones: First semester, sit outside as much as you can. The campus is beautiful, and you will miss it come winter. Take advantage of the hangout spots, sit on the lawn between classes, eat outside with friends and do your homework on Eddies. You have enough of the year to spend in your dorm! Han Le: There are so many activities in NYC that you can do in any aspect — sports, art, etc. Be sure to explore them through your friends/TikTok, have a great time and take it as an opportunity to relax your mind. The best days for me are the unplanned ones. Just go to the coffee shop you want to go to, you might make a new friend (or connection)! JP Valencia: Don’t be afraid to make new friends. Your first year is a trial run to see what groups you will click well with. There’s no sense in running your relationships on a first come, first served basis. That special person/group may appear on the first day, or maybe even not until mid April. Regardless, keep your options open and when it’s right you’ll see the signs.
August 23, 2026
ORIENTATION
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A Local’s Guide to the Bronx By GABRIEL CAPELLAN ASST. NEWS EDITOR
The Bronx is amazing, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It’s an ever-evolving cultural hub with some of the most down-to-earth people in New York City. You have the privilege of going to school in such a fantastic place, and although it may not seem like it, there’s much to do around here! Fresh out of Rose Hill’s gates lies Fordham Road. On this street, you’ll find many student essentials: Super Best Deli, The Best Deli & Grill (the two are a family business), Rams
Village, Rams Deli & Pizza, our fabled Dunkin’ and Pugsley’s Pizza (which is on 191st Street rather than Fordham Road). For any immediate hunger needs, turn your attention to these places. Go a bit further down on Fordham Road and you’ll find Arthur Avenue, or its more common name, Little Italy. Some of my favorites here are Colima Taqueria, Mezza Luna and Burning Beaks. Colima is a Mexican restaurant with some of the best birria tacos I’ve ever had. Mezza Luna Pizza, in my opinion, is better than Pugsley’s, and it’s not a close comparison.
Burning Beaks is a mom-andpop chicken restaurant with incredible buffalo wings that are a must-get. These places are great if you want to get a quick bite with some friends and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere while staying local. If you ever want to take a scenic walk, look no further than across the street at the New York Botanical Garden. Admission is free for Fordham students, so enjoy a beautiful view at no cost. Plus, it’s a great way to clear your mind of stress. However, the Bronx is more than our immediate Belmont/ Little Italy surroundings. It
GABRIEL CAPELLAN/THE FORDHAM RAM
There are many great things to do in the Bronx, and most of them are just a train ride, bus ride or even a walk away.
is the greenest borough, the birthplace of hip-hop and home to so many different communities. One of my favorite places to catch my breath after a hectic day is Morris Park. The neighborhood is only 15 minutes away from campus via the Bx12 bus. Morris Park is home to Italian, Albanian, Hispanic and Asian communities, making it a unique blend of nationalities. VPho Pizzeria is a VietnameseItalian fusion restaurant in Morris Park and is a holistic representation of the area. If you’re ever there, take a moment to walk around Williamsbridge Road and Morris Park Avenue to take in all the different cultural influences. There are so many shopping options in the Bronx as well. If you go east from Rose Hill, you’ll find Bay Plaza Mall. It has a wide selection of stores if you ever need to upgrade your wardrobe. If you go northwest, you’ll find MyUniqueBronx, a thrift store with a wide selection of apparel. If you want to stay local, the T.J. Maxx across the street from the MetroNorth gate is a game-changer. I got a pair of Hollister baggy jeans for $12! Truly an impeccable deal, if I do say so myself. Last but certainly not least, the South Bronx is where the
Bronx gets its reputation. From hip-hop to slang, much of New York culture was made here, and it continues to be to this day. The Bronx Museum can serve as your orientation to this borough. There, you can learn about the borough’s history and how it came to be (admission is free for Fordham students). After that, you can head down a bit further and find Mottley Kitchen, arguably one of the best cafes in New York City. It has an incredibly calming atmosphere where you can relax, read, study or have a little coffee date with some friends. To top it all off, they have a rooftop! And you can’t forget the New York Yankees, whose home stadium is located in the South Bronx, only 20 minutes away from campus via the D, B or 4 subway trains. They’ve been doing well this season and there’s still time to catch a game before it ends. And who knows, you might just see some home runs. With that being said, enjoy the Bronx! It’s truly a one-of-akind place with so many things to do. Remember to respect everyone here since you are in a new place, and they will meet you with that same respect back. The Bronx is special, so treat it that way.
Finding Food at Rose Hill By ELAINA GIBSON ASST. OPINION EDITOR
Becoming acquainted with the many dining options available on campus is one of the first steps in your Fordham experience, but it can seem daunting when you haven’t found your go-to place or mastered the quickest way to get food without having to walk across campus after a long day. However, with just a few clicks on Grubhub or a swipe of your campus ID, your hunger will be satiated with a home-cooked meal from the McShane Marketplace or a tasty sandwich from The Grotto. Starting with the largest campus eatery open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week, the Marketplace offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine. After paying or using a meal swipe with your Fordham ID, you are greeted with everyday nonnegotiables like the omelet station for breakfast, the pasta bar for lunch and the salad station. My biggest piece of advice is to get breakfast on the earlier side before the gym-goers form long lines, especially if you are in a rush before a morning class, but still want some delicious eggs. For lunch and dinner, there are multiple different stations that vary throughout the week, including a taco bar, soul food, a halal option, soups and sandwiches, burgers and fries and some sweet treats for
dessert. It is important to note that the Marketplace closes on the earlier side, so it is not the best option for those looking for a late-night snack. Within McShane, just a short walk from the Marketplace, is BKG, which offers lots of coffee options for between classes or before a long study session, as well as Grab N Go snacks, drinks and prepackaged meals. In the lower level of McShane by the gym is Dagger John’s, where you can get an assortment of sushi rolls, poke bowls, boba tea, bagels, Bánh mì and more. For a meal anytime of day, a popular spot to turn to is Urban Kitchen in O’Hare Hall, whose early opening time of 7:30 a.m. and late closing of 1 a.m. makes it a saving grace for students operating on any schedule. You cannot go wrong with the healthy options of a smoothie or a chicken and rice bowl with different choices of toppings (my personal favorite). But, if you are in the mood for a Caesar salad wrap with fries, it never disappoints when you need a quick fix. Located in the basement of Queen’s Court is The Grotto, which has any combination of sandwiches you could desire, from hot to cold. The meatball sub is a weekly staple for me, especially when I order it during the less-busy lunch hours of the late afternoon to avoid the long lines. It should also be noted
that they do have gluten-free bread for my fellow intolerants out there. Beyond the sandwiches, they have a market-style set up with lots of nonperishables like cereal, candy and chips while keeping freezers stocked with frozen meals, ice cream and some fruit. They also sell some toiletries and cleaning supplies if you are ever in a pinch. Every first-year meal plan comes with dining dollars and this is a prime spot to use them up before the end of the year. Cosi is another cafe-style dining spot that provides many healthier alternatives. They make a plethora of wraps, salads, soups and bowls, with their specialty being their fresh flatbread pizzas. A not so secret tip: if you stand by the oven section, you may get a bite of some fresh flatbread while waiting for your meal. Whether you’re chatting with friends or getting
a little homework done on a lunch break, it’s a delicious spot with fast service. Once you get acquainted with your new favorite spots, you’ll be able to figure out when they get the busiest, and if you have limited time between classes or just want to quickly pick up your meal, I recommend ordering through the Grubhub app. Once you download the app, you can put in your Fordham information and upload your meal plan and dining dollars to spend at the various dining options. It is very simple and should only take about two minutes. Setting up the app opens up even more doors to Fordham dining, including helping you keep track of how many meal swipes you have left for the week and your dining dollar balance. Most importantly, it gives you access to the
Grubhub robots, which deliver your food to over 30 outdoor and indoor locations, including all residence halls, Walsh Library, Edwards Parade, etc. It may seem silly now, but when the last thing you want to do is walk across campus for the meal you’re craving when it’s cold out. Delivery via robot is a lifesaver. It is important to note that when using the robot delivery system, you cannot use meal swipes and have to use your dining dollars, which does make it a great way to spend them before the end of the year. The diversity of menus, cuisines and ordering options at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus makes it really hard to go hungry, as long as you know where to look. My advice is to give every place a try and soon enough, you will develop some new hyperfixation meals that will get you through your first semester.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM NOW
The Marketplace in the McShane Campus Center serves as Fordham’s dining hall at the Rose Hill campus.
ORIENTATION The Ram Runs on Ramily
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By LORESA ZEQIRAJ OPINION EDITOR
The Fordham Ram has been the official journal of record for Fordham University since 1918. That means 108 years and 108 volumes, which have been made possible by the staff and readers alike. In 2012, The Ram created a website, so every Wednesday, our issues are published both in print and online. While it takes editors, writers and leaders to keep the newspaper running and produce meaningful work, The Ram wouldn’t have a cause without the readers and especially the rest of the Fordham community, who we serve through our reporting. The Ram is a team of dedicated and thoughtful people who have a voice they chose to use, time and skills they offer for a purpose and a commitment to truthful and accurate reporting. Joining The Ram staff is an opportunity to become a source of news and opinion, to inform minds and challenge thoughts. But there are plenty of ways to contribute to The Ram: Reading our print edition, engaging with our social media, signing up for our briefing and reading articles on our website are just as impactful as being on staff. The Ram is always looking for new writers for all four of our major sections: news, opinion, culture and sports. Students who are interested in the digital, business,
photography or copy teams are also encouraged to inquire about getting involved! Copy editors typically meet on Mondays for copy nights and have a crucial role in preparing articles for publication. Executive copy editors are full-time staff members and are also required to attend production nights on Tuesdays. The digital team is also responsible for meeting on production nights, but is required for less time than the section editors. Any undergraduate at Fordham University can contribute to The Ram in some capacity. The main ways to contribute are by becoming a contributing writer, a staff writer or a section editor. The Ram considers a range of experiences, skills and perspectives when looking at applications for staff positions, but no prior journalism experience is needed. Some titles hold more responsibility than others and, in turn, entail greater commitments. In order to become a contributing writer, all you must do is write at least once for any section of The Ram. This position is the lowest commitment, and you have the freedom to choose if and when you would like to write an article. You must adhere to the guidelines and deadlines of the section you’re writing for, but regardless, you get to choose how often you write and for which sections, with no necessity to commit to one. In order to become a staff
writer, you must have written at least three articles for any given section; however, you can only hold this title for each section separately. For example, you can be a staff writer for news and sports but not for culture and opinion. You can also be a staff writer for one section and continue to be a contributing writer for others. The reason for this is that a staff writer commits to writing at least two articles each month for the section in which they hold that title. This means you take on slightly more responsibility, so if you would like to be a staff writer for any sections, you should reach out to the section editor, see where you stand in terms of requirements and make sure you are able to meet the expectations. In some instances, staff writers are trusted to write more important articles that demand a certain discretion and quality that editors trust staff writers with. Staff writers may also work more closely with editors. A full-time staff member must go through an interview and application process and be reviewed by the Executive Board members in order to accept a staff position. This is simply because staff positions require more time and commitment, and once you accept the role, you are responsible for being at each meeting and completing your workload on time. To be eligible for a section editor position, you must have written at least
five articles for The Ram and there must be a position opening. Staff members typically meet on Sunday nights for budget meetings and Tuesday evenings for production meetings (unless specified otherwise). If you’re interested in contributing to The Ram in any of the ways mentioned above, please find more information on how to do so on our website. To be a contributor or learn more about getting involved, you can email the editor(s) of the section(s) you are interested in contributing to. They will add you to the section’s email list, where they will send budget emails every Sunday with the articles that need to be written that week. If you are interested in copy editing, email our production editor and you will be added to the email list and GroupMe. If you are interested in becoming a photographer or joining the business team, contact our multimedia director and business director, respectively. Emma Leonardi, News Editor: fordhamramnews@gmail.com Loresa Zeqiraj, Opinion Editor: fordhamramopinions@gmail. com Makenzie Smith, Lara Ejzak, Culture Editors: fordhamramculture@gmail.com James Nelson, Sports Editor: fordhamramsports@gmail.com Sarah Verrastro, Production Editor: fordhamramcopy@ gmail.com Hannah Sullivan, Multimedia
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Director: fordhamramdigital@ gmail.com Nishanth Aduma, Business Director: fordhamrambusiness@gmail.com The Ram is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have during your time at Fordham. You develop skills in research, reporting, copy editing, publishing and writing, which can help you in almost any field you may choose to go into. More importantly, you are joining a team that feels like a family, and you are dedicating your time and energy to upholding honest and unbiased reporting. You are exercising the freedom of speech and the right to voice your opinions. You are shining a light on student athletes here at Fordham and giving them the attention they deserve while keeping your peers in the loop. You are exploring the city to the fullest extent, reviewing and recommending as you go! Ultimately, being a part of The Ram means you are observing this campus, its students and the city around them and reporting back to them in a way that matters to you. Whether it be by reporting breaking news, writing timeless profiles of Fordham community members, explaining the season our athletes are experiencing, sharing your favorite ways to spend a weekend in Manhattan or sharing your disagreement with a federal policy change, The Ram has room for you.
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ORIENTATION
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ORIENTATION A Guide to Fordham’s Campus
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By EMILY MCCALL PHOTO EDITOR
For many new students, Fordham University’s campuses can feel jarring, full of large and confusing buildings that make it seem as if one will never find their way. Even after multiple tours, some places can still feel unfamiliar. Here’s a written tour of Rose Hill to give you a head start: The eastern end of the Rose Hill Campus, near the university’s main entrance, is home to the parking garage and Ram Van Office, as well as two residential buildings: O’Hare and Tierney Halls. O’Hare’s first floor houses the bookstore and Urban Kitchen, one of the dining options on campus, while the Health Center as well as Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) reside on the lower level. Just outside the pedestrian entrance and located behind O’Hare and Tierney is Faculty Memorial Hall (FMH), an academic building with classrooms, the departments of communications and media Studies, University ID Services, medieval studies and Salt & Sesame, a bagel café. Moving away from this end of campus and down Clavius Way, you are first met with John Mulcahy Hall (JMH),
which is home to the STEM department. Neighboring is Walsh Hall, an upperclassmen apartment-style residential building. Across from Walsh is Freeman Hall, which houses the department of physics and applied physics, as well as lecture halls and labs. At the end of this road is Finlay Hall, another upperclassmen residential building. Facing Finlay, located on Rose Hill Manor Drive, is the Office of Public Safety. When it’s warm out, the Chomp Truck, a food truck-style dining option with a rotating menu, will be parked out front. Move north up this road and you will find Dealy Hall, which contains the psychology, English and sociology departments, to name a few, as well as the campus Starbucks. Next door is Hughes Hall, home to the Gabelli School of Business. Between these two buildings are the iconic Ram Statue and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe Fountain. Behind them is Cunniffe House, the location of many academic and administrative offices. All of these buildings face outward towards Edwards Parade, a hub for student activities and commonly nicknamed “Eddies.” On the other side of Eddies is Keating Hall, arguably the most recognizable building on
campus due to its bell tower on the cover of Fordham University brochures. Keating’s basement is home to the University’s radio station WFUV, as well as a food concession called POD Express. Academic advising can be found on Keating’s third floor. The north side of Keating looks out across Constitution Row towards Jack Coffey Field and Houlihan Park, where the football and baseball teams play, respectively. Moglia Stadium is directly next to Jack Coffey Field and is the 7,000-seat stadium in which students gather to watch their football team play. West of this field is Rose Hill Gymnasium, where Fordham’s basketball teams play and many university events are held. The 101-year-old gym is connected to the McShane Campus Center, the most active building on campus. In terms of dining, McShane houses the Marketplace, Grab N Go, BKG Coffee Roasters and Dagger John’s, which offers a variety of sushi, pizza and bagel options. McShane is also the location of the Career Center, the Office of Student Involvement, Campus Ministry, the Center for Community Engaged Learning, Ram Fit, the post office and numerous club spaces, including The Ram’s
very own B-52. Even though there is a post office within McShane, there are also many Amazon lockers scattered across campus. Behind McShane is Lombardi Fieldhouse, which has many athletic features, including a swimming pool. Next to this, on Bellarmine Road, you can find Murphy Field, Hawthorn/Rooney Tennis Courts and Bahoshy Field, home of Fordham’s Atlantic 10 champion softball team. It is in this northwest section of campus that most firstyear residential buildings are located. In the furthest corner, closest to Fordham Preparatory School, is Loschert Hall, which, in addition to first-year dorms, is the location of the Office of Residential Life. Adjacent to this hall are Alumni Court South, Alumni House and Queen’s Court. Alumni House is also known as Rodrigue’s or “Rod’s” and is a student-run coffee shop. In the basement of Queen’s Court, another first-year residence, you can find The Grotto, containing a Boar’s Head Deli counter and Grab N Go. Behind the University Church are firstyear residence halls Faber Hall and Loyola Hall. Faber also houses many offices, including the modern language and political science departments,
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as well as Bepler Commons. Loyola, one of the Integrated Learning Communities, has a handful of classrooms on its first floor. Mixed in with all of these residential buildings is Collins Hall, home to the department of philosophy and Collins Auditorium. Moving south, Martyrs’ Court, another first-year residence hall, sits atop Martyrs’ Lawn. Next to it is Mill River Road, where Campbell Hall, Salice Hall and Conley Hall (known to most as CSC), a trio of upperclassmen residence halls, sit in a row. Campbell Hall is also the location of Cosi, a salad and sandwich restaurant chain. Along Old Elm Road and parallel to Fordham Road is Walsh Library, the main library of Rose Hill. Walsh houses the Study Abroad Office, the writing center and many study rooms that can be booked in advance online. At the end of Old Elm Road is Duane Library, the location of the Office of Admissions and the department of theology. While all of this detail may seem overwhelming, the campus truly is a “learn as you go” process. It has so much to offer, making it nearly impossible to utilize everything, but it is good to have a little guide to get you ready.
A Guide to NYC for Non-Native New Yorkers By MOLLY O’CONNOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
You made it! New York City! The place you might have dreamed of living your entire life. So much to see, taste, do and experience! But how can you possibly navigate it all? In this brief introductory guide to the city that never sleeps, I’ll try to break it down so you can channel any overwhelmed feelings into pure excitement. First things first, let’s talk trains. Native New Yorkers, you know this article isn’t for you, so please spare me the embarrassment of reading this. If you’re directionally challenged like myself, you will take the train in the wrong direction at first. To avoid this, let’s go over some vocab. Uptown trains are headed north, or towards the higher street numbers. Downtown trains are headed south, or towards the lower street numbers. If you at all find yourself in Manhattan and want to get back to our Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, you will be headed uptown. There are three train lines very easily accessible from the Rose Hill campus: the Metro North, the B and D subway lines and the 4 train. The Metro North train is NYC’s commuter rail, bringing Connecticut and upstate commuters straight into Grand Central Terminal. Luckily for us, it also provides a direct 20ish-minute link from
Fordham’s Rose Hill campus to Midtown Manhattan. The B and D, as well as the 4, are a little farther down Fordham Road, but they can take you throughout the Bronx and Manhattan, all the way down through Brooklyn. It’s good to note that if you want to go to the Upper West Side, you’ll want to take the B or the D, and for the Upper East Side, you’ll take the 4. Aside from public transportation, our students have access to the Ram Van, our intercampus transportation shuttle that takes you directly to the Lincoln Center campus on 60th street. One of my favorite moments from the beginning of my first year was my trip to the top of the Empire State Building with a few of my new friends. It was as touristy as you can get, but seeing the beautiful city in front of me for the first time, knowing I had finally made it there, was so exciting and validating. If you’re willing to shell out a little cash, I would highly recommend finding a rooftop in your first few weeks to get the greatest view of your new home. As a student who intentionally chose NYC as your new home, I would say it is fair to assume that many of you reading this are fans of Broadway. But do not fret! There’s no need to be rolling in the dough to afford a couple of shows each semester. Simply show up at the box office of whatever theater has
a show you want to see on the day of the show, and ask if they have tickets! I’ve gotten tickets to shows including “The Great Gatsby,” “Mamma Mia” and “John Proctor is the Villain” for just $40 because I took some time in my afternoon to wander around Broadway and find some cheap tickets. Whoever called NYC the concrete jungle was severely missing out on the wonderful green spaces throughout the city! I find some of my most productive study days are spent sitting in a park, with just enough external brain stimulation from people watching to get me as locked in as this scatterbrained girl can get. The subway trip down to Washington Square Park is absolutely worth it just to soak in the environment, and Central Park is an incredible option in any season, but there are so many more little parks sprinkled throughout the city that are worth a visit, too. I saved the very best for last. Have you ever wondered who makes up the live studio audiences of the biggest shows on TV, and how they got there? It isn’t nearly as hard as you might think! The greatest experiences of my time in NYC have been in Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) might be more well-known for its lottery system for tickets, but the standby is another option for locals or those willing to travel. On NBC’s booking site, you can
find thousands of SNL fans every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. entering their information as fast as possible for the chance to be in the audience of the following Saturday’s dress rehearsal or live show. If they’re lucky and quick enough to make it through the form, they will receive an email with their line number later that day. At 7 p.m. on Friday, just outside Rockefeller Center, standby hopefuls line the sidewalk in order of the numbers, crossing their fingers that the people in front of them weren’t able to make it before they get their new number at midnight. The most committed will show up again on Saturday night at the NBC store, where they might not know if they will be in the audience until mere seconds before the show begins. If you’re lucky enough to make it into the show, you’re in
for an unforgettable night. SNL isn’t the only show you have the chance to attend. “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” “The Drew Barrymore Show,” “The Daily Show” and more all have simple online systems on the website 1iota. com if you have just a little bit of luck and some time on your hands! In general, take advantage of free experiences in New York; they aren’t as rare as you might think! I hope this article gave you a nice peek into how wonderful this city is to live in, but there is still so much more! From international cuisines to museums to concerts, it’s impossible to be bored here. Take advantage of your four years at Fordham and explore as much of NYC as you can. I promise you won’t regret it.
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
You can take the B, D or 4 trains to 14th Street to explore Union Square.
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ORIENTATION
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ORIENTATION
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Emma’s Guide to the Fordham Core By EMMA KELNER EXEC. COPY EDITOR
Hello, new Rams! Welcome to Fordham University! Since you’re reading this, you’ve probably already registered for classes — hopefully with the help of your advisor. But even though you have a schedule ready to go for Aug. 26, you might not really know why you’re taking certain classes. I mean, philosophy? Chemistry? Music history? What could these courses possibly have to do with your major? And what potentially crazy-sounding classes will you have to take in the future? Well, my dear first-year, question no further! Welcome to Emma’s Guide to the Fordham College Core (™ pending). The core may seem complex, but with this handy-dandy guide, you’ll be able to create your four-year plan, no problem! Let’s begin with the basics.
Each student in Fordham College at Lincoln Center or Fordham College at Rose Hill is required to take a beginner English class (Composition I or II), a math class (typically Finite Math), a history class (Understanding Historical Change), a social science class, a fine and performing arts class and two natural science courses — one of which must be a physical science (e.g. chemistry, physics) and the other must be a life science (e.g. biology). For all you science majors out there, the option to take two science courses is limited to non-majors. Those majoring in science must take a sequence of four science courses. And if you’ve taken AP courses, don’t worry — it’s possible to bypass certain requirements with scores of 4 or 5 on select AP exams. In addition to the previously mentioned courses, you will need to take a language
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
Fordham students must fulfill rigorous core requirements in order to graduate
sequence of up to four classes. Fordham offers a variety of language courses — from Spanish to German, Italian to Russian — and the language is up to you! If you already have experience with a language, you can test into a higher-level language course. If you want to start fresh, that’s fantastic! For a language you have little to no experience in, you’ll need to take four courses, but with enough experience, you can finish the language requirement in one class. I, for example, tested into Russian 2300 and satisfied the core requirement with just one language course. You also have philosophy and theology requirements. Both of these requirements begin with beginner courses: PHIL 1000, or the Philosophy of Human Nature, and THEO 1000, or Faith and Critical Reasoning. These two classes are surveys of various concepts throughout philosophy and theology, and they’re usually taken in your first year at Fordham. After you complete those classes, you’ll need one more advanced class in each subject. In philosophy, for example, you’ll need to take PHIL 3000, or Philosophical Ethics. In theology, you’ll need to take a Sacred Texts and Traditions course, in which you’ll dive deeper into one theological tradition. Once you get a little farther in your coursework at Fordham, you’ll also have to take one advanced course in two of the following three disciplines: history, literature and social science. Again, you do not have to take an advanced course in all three of these, just two of your choice. For example, I have completed my advanced history
requirement (I highly recommend Muslims, Christians, and Jews in Medieval Iberia with Professor Comuzzi), and most upper-level economics classes count as advanced social science courses (such as Intermediate Microeconomics, which I’ll take in Spring 2027). Together, these two classes will satisfy my advanced courses requirement. Now, you might be thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of classes!” and you are correct. Yet that is not all; you also have some attribute requirements to satisfy. All courses have a series of attributes, and you’ll be able to satisfy most of these requirements through a careful selection of core and major courses. For some attributes, however, you’ll need to deliberately choose a course that will satisfy them. Here is a list of necessary attributes: four Eloquentia Perfecta seminars (EP), one global studies course, one American pluralism course and one interdisciplinary capstone core. We shall begin with the Eloquentia Perfecta seminars, which you may have already heard of. In these classes, your professors will focus a lot more on writing and, sometimes, speaking. Thus, classes are typically smaller, and professors get to know students a little better. Typically, you take one EP each year. Also, your EP 2, or the second EP course you take, must be a Texts & Contexts (T&C) course, almost like an English III course. Your EP 4 must be a Values Seminar. On the other hand, the EP 1 and EP 3 attributes only appear on certain sections (or specific classes) within a general course. For example, my EP 1 was also my Understanding Historical Change (UHC) class, but not
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Across 2. This alumna studied in the Bronx, but she's a "Brooklyn Baby." 3. Your new home! (school) 7. In "Midnight Sun," Zara Larsson says this season isn't over yet. 8. The largest freshman dorm, housing Jogues, Goupil and Lalande. 9. The botans, an escape from the concrete jungle. 10. The Bronx ___, where you can see snow leopards in NYC.
Down 1. The portal that made you question your commitment as you picked your classes. 2. Walsh, Duane, New York Public, etc. 4. The reason freshmen move in a day early. 5. Where you gather with your orientation group, familiar. 6. Your new home! (borough)
all UHCs have the EP attribute. While these classes may seem daunting at first — I mean, a class focused on writing? Yikes! — they may be the best classes you take here at Fordham. So far, I’ve taken two EP courses — UHC: American History with Professor Stoll and T&C: Nature Writing with Professor Zimmerman — and both have been fascinating looks into what makes the English language resonate. Next are the global studies and American pluralism attributes. Both of these are relatively straightforward. Classes that involve America, such as American history, Civil Rights and, best of all, a class called American Pluralism — doesn’t get clearer than that — satisfy your American pluralism requirement. The global attribute is a little more complex: it involves certain courses that span the world. Examples include UHC: Africa, Introduction to Archaeology and Introduction to Art History in Asia. Lastly, there’s the interdisciplinary capstone core, which is — you guessed it — interdisciplinary. The course focuses on an idea from multiple perspectives, including literature, history and social science. So, congratulations folks! You’ve finished the Fordham core! But keep in mind, while this is the core you’ll follow during your four years here, a new core curriculum is coming soon, potentially starting as early as next year. To conclude, please enjoy Orientation, the beginning of your time here at Fordham University and all that it will entail. If you have any questions about the core, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Best of luck!
August 23, 2026
ORIENTATION Recapping Fordham Athletics 2025-26
By JAMES NELSON SPORTS EDITOR
The 2025-2026 Fordham Athletics season saw impressive achievements, championship victories and the continued development of several programs. As we enter the new school year, here is a look back on the essential stories of Fordham Athletics throughout the previous season. A year out from their ascent to the NCAA Semifinal game, expectations were high for the men’s water polo team, and they did not disappoint. The squad went a perfect 11-0 at home and 12-0 in conference games, finishing with an overall record of 26-4. Sophomore attacker Andras Toth set a Fordham single-season record with 134 goals scored and also led the team with 72 steals. While the Rams once again fell short in the National Semifinals, they proved themselves to be one of the most consistent and dominant teams in all of college sports. Women’s Tennis had one of their most successful seasons to date, playing their way into the Atlantic 10 (A10) Championship. The Rams played what may have been
the best stretch of tennis in school history to close out their season. From March 8 until April 24, the team did not drop a single point, winning 11 straight games in convincing fashion. Their flawless play carried on into the A-10 Championship, where the Rams conceded a point in their victory over Davidson College in the semifinals. Ultimately, the Rams fell short in the final in a narrow defeat at the hands of one of the top teams in the conference, Virginia Commonwealth University. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Rams’ stellar run heading into the final will stand out as one of the most impressive in program history. Senior Nevena Kolarevic had a strong season, being named both the A-10 Women’s Most Outstanding Performer and First Team All-A-10. Kolarevic and her doubles partner, junior Julianne Nguyen, became the first athletes in program history to qualify to play in the NCAA. At first glance, the numbers are very deceiving when it comes to Fordham Softball. On the year, the team posted a record of 27-28, including a 2-7 start to the season.
However, the conclusion to the team’s season is what will be remembered for years to come. The Rams captured the A-10 Championship, going 4-0 at the tournament and defeating the top-seeded Loyola University Chicago in the final. The victory was softball’s first A-10 Championship since 2022 and a satisfying redemption after the Rams suffered a crushing walk-off defeat in the final the year before. Notable performances for softball included senior pitcher Holly Beeman, who posted a 3.05 ERA with 15 complete games and senior outfielder Neleh Nogay, who batted .380 with a .460 on-base percentage. After finishing with a 12-21 in their 2024-25 campaign, Men’s Basketball would have considered anything an improvement from their previous season. Under first-year Head Coach Mike Magpayo, the odds seemed stacked against the program with six players graduating and five transferring to other schools. The Rams defied expectations, going 17-15 in a roller coaster season. After starting off with a conference record of 1-6, the Rams grinded it out to a
respectable 8-10. Graduate student Dae Dae Reaves led the Rams and the A-10 as a whole with 17.9 points per game. A point of promise for the Rams is junior 6’9” forward Rikus Schulte, who averaged 9.1 rebounds per game. In year two of the Magpayo era, the Rams will look to build upon the foundation they established this season. Some programs will undergo drastic changes after the 2025-26 season. For example, Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Basketball both hired new head coaches in an effort
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to improve after difficult years. Other programs will suffer significant departures by graduating or transferring students. NCAA Division I all-time tackle leader James Conway graduated from Fordham after yet another dominant performance. Dae Dae Reaves’ league-leading performance this season marked the end of his collegiate career as well. The changing landscape of these programs provides an opportunity for new players to make their mark, and for returning players to improve upon their athletic careers.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Women’s Tennis rides an 11-game winning streak into the A-10 Championship.