Observer Issue 6 Spring 2023

The STudenT Voice of fordham LincoLn cenTer

Undergraduate Tuition Raised by

Percent Change of Fordham Tuition From 2014-24

By MEGAN YERRABELLI Asst. News Editor

In two emails sent to students, faculty, staff and administrators on March 30, University

President Tania Tetlow, J.D., announced that Fordham will be increasing undergraduate tuition and room-and-board fees by 6% for the 2023-24 academic year. She pointed to lingering financial effects of the COVID19 pandemic, inflation and faculty compensation demands as reasons for the increase.

Inflation rates have been decreasing slowly since the end of June 2022, when they peaked at 9%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to its consumer price index (CPI) summary, the inflation rate, which is 4.98% as of March 31, is about 3% less than the average inflation rate of 2022. These rates are above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.

With the recent spike, tuition fees have risen overall by 40.83% over the past decade at Fordham. Ten years ago, in the 2013-14 academic year, tuition was $42,845; comparatively, inflation has increased by 20.76% from 2013 to 2022.

For the 2022-23 academic year, tuition cost $58,467 and for the upcoming academic year, tuition will be $60,335.

Throughout the 2012-13 to 2017-18 academic years, Fordham

had steadily increased its tuition by about 3.75% each year. Subsequently, throughout the 2018-19 to 2020-21 academic years, the university lowered its standard tuition hike and increased tuition by about 3.31% each year.

Fordham did not increase tuition during the 2021-22 academic year in order to provide relief to families suffering financially from the pandemic, a decision made during former University President Joseph M. McShane’s S.J., tenure. For the following 2022-23 academic year, the university increased tuition by 4% to make up for the lack of an increase the year prior.

Fordham is one of many universities across the nation to announce

Anna DeWolfe Transfers to Notre Dame

a large tuition increase for the upcoming academic year. According to Forbes, Stanford University is increasing its tuition by 7%, and other universities such as Duke University and Georgetown University are increasing theirs by 4.9%. Notably, Stanford announced on Feb. 9 that students with an annual household income of less than $150,000 will have their entire tuition bill covered by financial aid. Tetlow also disclosed that the university will be allocating an additional $10 million to its financial aid budget to compensate for students and families who may not be able to afford the tuition spike.

International Students Seek More Support From Office of International Services

By GABRIELLA GUITIERREZ Staff Writer

Anna DeWolfe, FCRH ’23, has scored over 1,800 career points and drained nearly 400 career 3-pointers.

By AURELIEN CLAVAUD

Asst. Sports & Health Editor

Fordham women’s basketball star Anna DeWolfe, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’23, has officially moved to the University of Notre Dame’s (UND)

Fighting Irish through the transfer portal. Due to COVID19, DeWolfe had an extra year of eligibility and has decided to spend it with one of the best

teams in the country. The Fighting Irish are renowned for their developmental work — nine former players are currently on WNBA rosters.

“We are so excited to welcome Anna to our Notre Dame family,” Notre Dame Head Coach Niele Ivey said in a press release. “She will bring experience and a dynamic skill set that will translate well into our system.”

According to a source within Fordham Athletics’ communications department, DeWolfe had been planning to transfer since shortly after the end of the season. Recently minted Head Coach Bridgette Mitchell was aware of DeWolfe’s plans to transfer and did not account for her presence on the roster in preparation for the 2023-24 season.

A recent case decided by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Feb. 1 determined that the U.S. will not reconsider the expansion of Optional Practice Training (OPT). This program provides international students with temporary employment opportunities in the U.S. for at least one year after graduation, which could be extended depending on their field of study. Current international students at Fordham have reported issues with applying to the program and problems acquiring visa sponsorship, work-study and work permits, as well as finding work opportunities pre- and post-graduation.

More than 2,500 international students currently attend Fordham and rely on the Office of International Students (OIS) for assistance with government

programs. Through the U.S. government, OIS is able to offer F-1 students — full-time accredited students enrolled in an academic institution — OPT, which is a year of sponsored employment relating to the F-1 student’s major area of study.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, international students can receive and complete work assignments prior to or after their assigned graduation dates.

Students pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are permitted to extend their participation in the program for up to two years. Regardless of a student’s OPT status and their field of study, they must also file for H-1B work visas — a document allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers that must be completed six months prior to the work start date.

COURTESY OF VINCENT DUSOVIC VIA FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Meet USGLC’s Presidential Candidates for 2023

By ALLIE STOFER Editor-in-Chief

The United Student Government at Lincoln Center (USGLC) is the largest club at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. Every academic year, each office is up for election, with president being one of the available positions. The presidential race for 2023-24 consists of three candidates: Djellza Pulatani, Shadman Sakib and Tanzema Fazal, all Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’24.

Djellza Pulatani, President of USGLC Pulatani, the incumbent president of USGLC, is running for reelection for the 2023-24 academic year. She joined USGLC as a first-year senator in fall 2020. That same year, she was elected president pro tempore and was in charge of running meetings if both the president and vice president were absent.

In her sophomore year, Pulatani founded the Committee on Sexual Misconduct (CSM) and served as its chair for the 202122 academic year. She was later elected as USGLC vice president after Robert Sundstrom, FCLC ’22, stepped down in the fall 2021 semester.

“I really have seen every single perspective and channel that you can throughout a USG career,” she said.

Pulatani added that she is very proud of what USGLC has accomplished this past year and that her reelection bid comes from a desire to continue her work.

The current president’s campaign goals revolve around four main tasks: sustainability, mental

health, creating a scholarship for students, and bringing in speakers that relate to USGLC’s mission statement. The scholarship would be the first one created for students by USGLC and would recognize those who are very active in community engagement and advocating for others in accordance with USGLC’s platform.

Her sustainability goal includes working with the Environmental Club to create a coalition to combat student concerns. In terms of addressing mental health on campus, she also aims to create a committee between the Office of Disability Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, and USGLC for students to have access to a wide range of resources.

“The idea of community here is very important, so I think that all of these goals kind of go into that,” she said. “It’s the idea that we have to create a beloved and safe environment as the advocates on their behalf.”

Shadman Sakib, Junior Senator

that all clubs feel included at Fordham, not just clubs that are made up of predominantly white students — a goal he believes he could do best due to his South Asian American background.

in the hospital, she ran for junior senator and chair of CSM.

By ANDREW ARMOUR Staff Writer

On the third floor of Quinn Library sits a glass case displaying a proposal from 2009 to expand Fordham’s Lincoln Center (FLC) campus. The proposal, titled “The Brick” by the creators of the demo, is a joint effort between different librarians and faculty members. The plans would replace the current 140 West 62nd Street Building and the campus’ parking lot with two additional buildings intended to serve the Gabelli School of Business and the Graduate Schools of Education and Social Services.

These renovations were originally expected to be completed

Sakib

first became involved with USGLC this year as a junior senator. He has also been involved on campus through his role as president of the Coding Club and tutoring people in computer science, two things of which he is very proud.

“Those little things affecting one person at a time is what makes me keep going and wanting to help more people,” he said.

Sakib explained that he was inspired to run for USGLC president due to a desire to best represent the entire Fordham community. He added that he wants to make sure

If elected president, Sakib aims to make sure all clubs can receive the funding they need to accomplish their goals and put on events. He also wants to increase transparency between USGLC and other clubs through better publicizing USGLC office hours and ensuring that USGLC members are more accessible.

“My favorite thing is being able to help all these people and improving their lives one course, one day, one person at a time,” he said.

Tanzema Fazal, Chair of CSM

Fazal joined USGLC as a sophomore senator, which was also her first year in person at Fordham following the start of the COVID19 pandemic. She served in that role until she was in a near-fatal hit and run, after which she was hospitalized. While recovering

She noted that she is very proud of herself for continuing to work with USGLC after the accident, saying that her “desire to keep trying to help didn’t diminish.”

The chair of CSM was inspired to run for USGLC president because she has seen what the organization has been able to accomplish over the past two years. If elected, she wants to build on the progress that has been made and help create a more supportive way for students to voice their concerns.

Fazal was one of CSM’s founding members prior to serving as the committee’s chair. She explained that she has spent this year building on the accomplishments from the committee’s first year, including expanding outreach and events from a single week to the entire month during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Guaranteeing that students feel comfortable to go to USGLC about issues is Fazal’s main goal. She explained that she wants students to know that she and

other USGLC officers will work to resolve any concerns students present to them.

“I truly believe it is our job to advocate for what the students want, and I want to do that,” she said. “That would be my No. 1 priority as president.”

Fazal added that she wants to ensure students know USGLC is not just one person and that they base their work on what students need.

Throughout her time on USGLC, Fazal shared that her favorite memory was the formation of the Humanitarian Aid Committee because it highlights what she imagines USGLC to be. She specified that the formation showed how a student could voice a concern and how USGLC could address it — in this case, by creating a committee.

“I want students to feel comfortable and confident in bringing their ideas and their concerns and their dislikes and likes,” she said.

USGLC elections will take place on April 27 and 28. The Observer will be hosting both a presidential and vice presidential debate at 5:30 p.m. on April 25.

Expansion Plans ‘Still Possible’ at FLC

by 2032. Although they are not being pursued currently, they remain a possibility, according to Marco Valera, vice president of administration.

The plan outlines increased dormitory space to combat persistent issues with overcrowding; a student center located where McMahon Lawn is; and a new library near McKeon Hall in place of Quinn.

According to Valera, every aspect of the proposal remains a possibility. The original plans are yet to be approved by the board of trustees because the designs are still being finalized. The city had approved zoning for the construction in 2009, but currently there is no

set timeline, budget or funding sources for the expansion.

Fordham is still considering building additional dorms on the upper floors of the new buildings. Valera pointed to the first-year dorms above the Law School as an example of how the potential new mixed-use buildings would look if constructed.

A new, taller building similar to McKeon Hall could also be built to house the business school.

“Typically for major construction projects, universities, including Fordham, depend on three major funding sources: donations from donors, construction loans and, sometimes, government grants,” Valera said. “With new construction

at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) it is expected that increased housing and growth of the student (body) would offset the costs of the loans over time.”

The vice president for administration added that Fordham’s leadership and the board of trustees plan to revisit construction at Lincoln Center in about seven years. He shared that the timeline also depends on economic conditions, emphasizing that construction costs have risen astronomically, slowing down projects.

Students revealed mixed reactions to the proposal, with some sharing excitement at the prospect while others reported feelings of dismay at the possible loss of campus hot spots.

“(The proposal) makes sense,” Suchi Jalavancha, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center ’25, said. “Everything is crammed all of the time, and there’s not a lot of space to exist on campus.”

The university has seen an increase in demand for housing on campus in recent years with growing class sizes. The Lincoln Center campus especially has reported struggles with its ability to house students who have applied for on-campus living.

Abby Wilson, FCLC ’25 and an urban studies minor, explained that the new plan could help resolve issues with housing overcrowding but weighed the potential downfalls as well, one of them being accessibility for disabled people. She also wondered whether investments would be allocated for buildings

dedicated to the liberal and performing arts.

“I’m interested to learn more about their developments for the arts and theater departments,” Wilson said.

The current 140 West 62nd Street Building is also home to Argo Tea, a favorite among Fordham community members. Students shared disappointment regarding the possible closure or relocation of the community hub.

For Kenza Zemzami, FCLC ’25, Argo Tea was her safe space when she was a first-year, and even as a commuting sophomore, she often comes to visit.

Employees of Argo Tea “represent the community,” Zemzami said. “You can ask any freshman — they’ll tell you how much they love (Argo).”

Anissa Quartaro, FCLC ’26, often enjoys drinks and treats at Argo. She believes the reconstruction plans are not necessary.

“I like that it’s a small school — we don’t need more dorms. I don’t think Lowenstein can support more students,” Quartaro said.

Valera noted that the proposal for FLC’s expansion will be revisited upon the university’s completion of outstanding projects at the Rose Hill campus. He cited that one of these projects includes the construction of a science facility due to the growing interest in related subjects among incoming students and that, upon the completion of the science facility, the plan is for the redevelopment of sites at FLC to come into greater focus.

While the blueprint has not been finalized, the proposed construction aims to solve housing shortages and grow the Lincoln Center campus by 2032

The FLC expansion plans include new buildings in place of the parking lot on Columbus Avenue and the 140 West 62nd Street Building.

The elections will occur on April 27 and 28, with a moderated debate between candidates held on April 25

AURELIEN CLAVAUD/THE OBSERVER Shadman Sakib

CHLOE ZELCH/THE OBSERVER Djellza Pulatani

COURTESY OF TANZEMA FAZAL Tanzema Fazal

Academic Careers Affected by Tuition Hike

who cannot accommodate the change

According to US News and World Reports, as of 2020, the most recent year for which data is available, the average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Fordham University was $31,974, with 71% of incoming students receiving needbased financial aid.

In an effort to connect more with the student body, Tetlow hosted an hourlong virtual town hall on April 3. Both undergraduate and graduate students were invited to join over Zoom. The president began with opening remarks in which she expressed how beneficial it has been to hear from students through her recently implemented office hours. Students were encouraged to send in questions for the question-and-answer portion that occurred next. Michele Buris, associate vice president for student affairs, relayed these questions to Tetlow from students.

The first question addressed the reasoning behind the tuition increase. Tetlow explained that the university has made reducing costs a priority. She also noted that it is difficult to do so without affecting the quality of students’ education.

“ Before the tuition increase, graduating early seemed like an exciting option. Now it’s a priority. ”

“The fact is that we need to provide you with the kind of excellence that you require,” she said. “There’s a world where we could disaggregate those two things and what you pay would not be connected to what we offer, but the reality is that we’re a university that’s 90% driven by tuition and fees and residence hall revenue.”

Tetlow expanded upon her explanation of the university’s decision and how inflation has significantly increased Fordham’s costs.

“The reality is that the same inflation that’s kicking all of your families so hard is also hitting Fordham’s cost and everything from utilities (to) insurance to things there’s not much we can do about,” she said.

The president also emphasized that financial aid is “the highest budget priority” of the

administration ahead of the tuition increase. Although the university is increasing tuition fees by 6%, Tetlow noted that due to a decline in graduate school enrollment, the university’s total revenue will only be increasing by 2%. She added in her email that the graduate and professional programs will have generally lower tuition increases.

“ I know for certain families the previous tuition was already such a stretch, and that adding to that is unfair without an earlier warning. ”

Anushka Rao, FCLC ’26

Fordham’s sticker price, which includes tuition and fees, will increase from $56,920 per year to $60,335 for the upcoming academic year. This has caused some students to reconsider their educational path at Fordham.

Vivian Picciotti, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’23, is now graduating in December 2023. She decided to graduate a semester early in response to the announcement.

“Before the tuition increase, graduating early seemed like an exciting option. Now it’s a priority,” she said. “I’m taking a summer class and trying to get in touch with my deans to be completely sure that I will be able to graduate next fall.”

Picciotti also noted that although tuition has increased twice since her first year, her awarded scholarships have not increased at all.

Parker Estrella, FCLC ’25, is a transfer student from the University of Portland. He originally applied to Fordham as an incoming first-year but declined his acceptance because Fordham’s tuition was not affordable to him, even with the scholarships and financial aid he received.

For his first year, Estrella was able to attend the University of Portland at a very low tuition rate, but his plan was always to move to a larger city for college. Due to the rising cost of living in New York City and now the tuition increase, Estrella has decided to transfer back to the University of Portland.

“This year has been enjoyable. However, I was still stretching to make ends meet for my off-campus living expenses,” he said.

“ Our highest budget priority is financial aid. Right now, we are doing everything we can to level the playing field for families, and we don’t even come close to meeting that need. ”

Tania Tetlow, J.D., president of Fordham University

Estrella was already considering leaving Fordham because of the high cost of attendance this year.

“I was awarded the same package, so it became a no-brainer to leave Fordham if they were going to continue raising the price of the already-expensive education,” he said.

Anushka Rao, FCLC ’26, has not had to reevaluate her education at Fordham, but she said that she is extremely fortunate and noted

that many families have to be extra-conscious of their financial situation now.

“With my family, we have to be more cautious of tuition costs and budgeting,” Rao said. “But, we’re privileged enough to have it not be that big of a deal, unlike others.”

Ada Holmes, FCLC ’26, echoed similar sentiments about the announcement’s timing. She suggested that the administration implement the tuition increase for incoming students rather than ones currently attending the university.

“It’s unfair to increase it after people have already committed to paying a certain amount,” Holmes said.

Students have also shared that the tuition increase will negatively affect the quality of their college experience. Picciotti noted that she will not be able to take advantage of some opportunities Fordham offers now that she is graduating early to save money.

“I feel like I’m missing out on taking more electives. I’m not graduating with a minor because it would mean taking more classes, and I can’t spend thousands of additional dollars for that,” she said. “The cost keeps increasing, and I can’t take advantage of all the courses and resources that Fordham offers because I can’t afford to stay here.”

Estrella noted that he was hoping to continue the close friendships he fostered while attending Fordham. Throughout the span of his two semesters at Fordham, Estrella says he has gained a close group of friends with whom he enjoys going out to dinner and playing basketball.

“I think transferring kind of screwed me over because I lost connections with people back home at my school, and now I have to make new connections or revamp those ones,” he said.

Rusmika Nabiha, FCLC ’25, commented on how the added financial stress from this tuition spike will likely affect the mental health of the student body.

“Students have become more focused on the cost of their education than the education itself,” Nabiha said. “Knowing that many of us will have hundreds of thousands of dollars in student debt upon graduation is highly demotivating.”

Undergraduate tuition and room-and-board fees will both be raised by 6%, but the university intends to allot $10 million in financial aid for families

Vivian Picciotti, FCLC ’23

HOWCHOU VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Tetlow expressed that the university is focused on reducing costs, but the tuition increase is still necessary. Students have been impacted by the financial burden, with some changing their undergraduate plans.

Students Weigh-In on Navigating Career Opportunities and OPT Process

The Application Process

To apply for OPT, students access an application portal, and their application is reviewed by an OIS adviser. Following this, students complete documentation verifying their eligibility and enrollment status in the program. International students then file for I-765, an application for employment authorization that requires verified documents including a passport, a social security card from the U.S. government, and a letter of recommendation from OIS to achieve government and employer approval.

of domestic and international students.

“There’s not a great wealth of campus job opportunities, so it’s a matter of dealing with high demand and limited supply,” Edholm said. “We work with students, their academic adviser, their college dean and various education departments to ensure they can work off campus.”

Student Experiences With OIS

Many international Fordham students have expressed that the process of obtaining OPT and sponsored work permits is made more difficult due to a lack of support and resources from OIS.

Minjoo Kim, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’26 and an international student from Korea studying integrative neuroscience, explained that although he has yet to apply for OPT, he feels overwhelmed by the entire process. He defined the application process as “grueling” and added that some resources provided by OIS can feel inaccessible.

they feel overwhelmed and unsupported by staff at OIS and are concerned about the office’s ability to help them stay in the U.S. following graduation.

“Every time I have talked to someone in the office, they are very pessimistic about my prospects of staying in the U.S.,” the student said. “It definitely adds to the experience of feeling like you’re left alone on your path, and it’s your responsibility to figure out.”

While OPT has existed since 1947, uncertainties and anxieties remain for international students due to the availability of jobs or work-study opportunities being lower than for domestic students who do not need to apply for work permits and visas. According to Reuters, nearly 100,000 international students complete the OPT program each year.

The anonymous student expressed frustration with a lack of data about post-grad job placement and international student alumni that could help students understand the terrain of securing a work visa and sponsorship.

understand the specific struggles of the students.

“Of course we hate to hear that students are overwhelmed and don't feel they're getting the support they need,” he said.

Samantha Garcia, FCLC ’26, is an international student from the Philippines studying communications and media studies with hopes of working for a city media outlet. She noted feeling overwhelmed by the limited amount of internship and work opportunities available to her.

“There was one night I was scrolling through a certain company’s internships, and they specifically pointed out that they would not grant visas for non-U.S. citizens and you would have to find your own means of obtaining one, which freaked me out,” she said.

Impact of International Events on Students

Domestic and global events directly impact the work that OIS completes, as the office must adhere to changing policies and political climates. Events such as the Sept. 11 attacks, attempts to limit immigration under the Trump administration, and the COVID-19 pandemic challenged international students’ abilities to complete their studies in the United States, obtain work visas and permits, and acquire opportunities from employers willing to hire international students.

The decision whether or not a student will receive a OPT is determined by the academic department of the student’s major. Assistant Director of OIS Ethan Edholm explained that because of this, the process of applying for OPT sponsorship entails endorsing international students to various academic departments and the government.

Edholm shared that challenges during the process of international students obtaining work opportunities can include competing with domestic students. While Fordham offers on-campus work opportunities through work study, the applicant pool consists

Kim also expressed his concerns about OIS’ ability to support him as he continues to pursue his studies and work in STEM. He added that he feels there is a disconnect between OIS and serving the needs of international students, an area he believes the office can improve on.

“While OIS provides sufficient services, it comes down to the accessibility of resources about connecting us to employers, OPT regulations and work opportunities, which are overwhelming,” Kim said.

One student, FCLC ’23 and an international student from the United Kingdom, requested to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution from OIS. Graduating a semester early in the fall 2023 semester, the student shared that

“Shouldn’t Fordham be able to tell us where we can get employed, and shouldn’t they support us?” the student said.

Kim echoed these sentiments, sharing that the process of attaining work is difficult, especially in the context of competition for on-campus work and securing a stable income after graduation.

“It is discouraging for international students to receive work opportunities versus domestic students on or off campus because, in general, there is always a long and difficult process for the international population to attain a solid income in the United States,” Kim said.

In response to these student sentiments, Salvatore Longarino, director of OIS, shared that due to the “vagueness” of the complaints, it is difficult for him to

Although Garcia appreciates the work and effort OIS provides for its international student body, she also expressed the desire for more resources and information. She proposed workshops, infographics, webinars and frequent question-and-answer sessions as helpful tools.

“There is an anxiety for international students regardless of having the security of documentation because of factors like competition, securing residency and opportunity availability,” Kim added.

Students continued to report feeling that the process of applying for work permits in the United States is frightening and anxiety-inducing.

Longarino said that Fordham has many departments that are available to provide support to students, including the Office of Student Affairs and Residential Life, as well as academic deans and academic advisers. He added that students also have Counseling and Psychological Services, Public Safety, and University Health Services available if needed.

“ Employers get scared off as soon as you indicate anything about work visa sponsorships. ” anonymous student,

Longarino, who has served as director of Fordham’s OIS for over 40 years, commented on the growth of the OIS department and government policy changes.

He cited the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center as a turning point, leading to the federal government perceiving international students as “terrorists.” As a result of this generalization, increased regulations were implemented on international students.

He added that while different presidents and political parties have come and gone, the effects of previous legislation remain.

Federal policies such as the Immigration and Nationality Act under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 are still put into use today. As part of the act, employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals based on their citizenship or immigration status, yet Longarino feels employers still have the option to be “smart or fearful” in choosing whether to hire an international student.

“It comes down to the employer’s mentality, and the goal of OIS is to empower international students with their knowledge of what they can and cannot do,” she said. “We always tell our students to get as much experience as an undergraduate and build relationships with employers to keep an OPT job after graduation, and that’s the strategy.”

The anonymous student also spoke about their feelings on employers being wary of hiring international students.

“It doesn’t matter if you apply for an internship that runs three months which does not require sponsorship; employers get scared off as soon as you indicate anything about work visa sponsorships,” they said.

Edholm shared that he hopes that prospects for international students improve, emphasizing that he is currently in talks with United States Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Sen. Chuck Schumer’s offices, advocating for international students’ needs.

“We are involved outside of the university in communicating with other schools, as well as the U.S. government in regional or national conferences,” Edholm said. “Whenever we have these opportunities, we do the best we can to raise concerns and awareness for better opportunities and resources for our international students.”

Many are wary of the university’s efforts to guide them in obtaining work permits and request more concrete support from administrative resources

“ There’s not a great wealth of campus job opportunities, so it’s a matter of dealing with high demand and limited supply. ”

Ethan Edholm, assistant director of OIS

FCLC ’2\

ANDREW DRESSNER/THE OBSERVER

OIS serves international students by providing guidance with work permits and career opportunities. Some students have expressed trouble with accessing these resources and navigating the difficult OPT application process.

Sports & Health

Fordham Swim and Dive Receives All-Conference Academic Honors

The Atlantic 10 awards highlight classroom success following one of the Rams’ best seasons

By AURELIEN CLAVAUD Asst. Sports & Health Editor

On April 13, five graduating Rams on the men and women’s swimming and diving teams were honored by the Atlantic 10 (A10) for their academic achievements alongside their excellence in the pool. The award — the Academic All-Conference Team — is given to those athletes who maintained a 3.0 GPA or above throughout their college athletics career.

Taras Zherebetskyy, Graduate School of Arts and Science ’23; Clare Culver, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’23; and Millie Haffety, Paris Raptis and Megan Morris, all Gabelli Graduate School of Business ’23, were the five selected to receive the award. This year’s nominations break the previous record-high of four Rams from the 2009 season and shine a light on the ability of Fordham student-athletes to thrive outside of their sports.

The swimmers are not only good students, but they have also proven themselves in the pool. They have contributed to excellent seasons for both the men and women’s teams. This year, both teams placed fifth in the A10 championships and posted incredible performances throughout the regular season.

For those unfamiliar with swimming and diving competitions, both men and women’s teams compete simultaneously in the regular season, and many meets feature more than one university. This format makes for a tough but slow-grinding season as the Rams go from natatorium to natatorium, dueling in consecutive slews of events. Additionally, medals are awarded in championships only and not typically during the regular season.

The men’s team had an 8-1 record, and the women went undefeated, 10-0. They began with a 177-64 dismantling of

rival school Manhattan College on Oct. 14 in the Bronx, winning all 32 events that night. Victories against Monmouth University at home and Marist College in Poughkeepsie kept the momentum going until Nov. 5, when the men lost 159-131. The women, on the other hand, extended their winning streak with a 196-104 victory. Not only did the Rams win 13 events that day, but diving star Haffety swept her heats.

Following that tournament, both teams went undefeated for the rest of the year. The regular season closed out with a threeway competition hosted by the Rams at the Colonel Francis B. Messmore Aquatics Center against St. Francis and Wagner colleges. Nearly every event was a sweep for both Fordham teams, and the memorable season came to a close.

Zherebetskyy, a freestyle sprinter and relay expert, was invaluable to the Rams when the A10 Championship arrived. He was part of the 400 medley and 400 freestyle races and earned a silver medal in the 100 freestyle event. Additionally, he marked bronze in two freestyle and medley events during championship week. Over the year, he set an impressive five school records, including four relay events during the championship.

Culver, another freestyler with a penchant for longer distances, is no stranger to the Academic All-Conference team, having been selected for the second year in a row. Like Zherebetskyy, she had an excellent run in the championship. She medaled in two events, winning a silver in the 500 freestyle and bronze in the 1650 freestyle. She

also posted a school record for the 1000 freestyle. Outside of the pool, she holds many accolades, including vice president of the Student Affairs Student Advisory club.

Haffety spent only one year at Fordham — previously swimming at the University of Miami — but she outdid everyone’s expectations with her performances from the diving board. She set multiple records, was invited to the NCAA Zone A Diving Championship, and became the first Ram to earn gold in a diving event.

Raptis was an all-around allstar in the water, winning three golds during championship week in the 100 breaststroke, 400 medley relay and 400 freestyle relay events. He added to his hardware with a silver and two bronzes to come home as one of

the most medaled swimmers on the team this year.

Morris, a transfer from Texas Christian University (TCU), scored in six races and helped the women’s team earn bronze in the 400 medley relay. At TCU, Morris proved herself as a top competitor, earning 11 podium finishes in the Big 12 Championships and holding nine of TCU’s top 10 times across all events. She also helped TCU win the National Invitational Tournament in 2020. At Fordham, her versatility and experience were valuable additions. Although the season ended in March, the A10 recognized these five swimmers in April for their enduring commitment and dedication to their sports and studies. Beyond these awards, the five swimmers contributed to a revitalized program. While the women’s team has enjoyed success for more than a decade, the men’s team had been faring worse before now. In 2018-19, they had a 3-4 record, and last year, they struggled to break out with just a 5-3 record to show for.

As graduating swimmers move on and the team readjusts and develops younger talents, it seems that the program is in good hands. Christian Taylor, FCRH ’26, is already performing well for the Rams. Even as swimmers come and go, the Fordham swimming and diving teams are still holding fast and continuing to move in the right direction.

Swimming and diving is one of Fordham’s most successful athletic teams, and the recent awards shine a light on the positive impact it has on student-athletes’ potential beyond the pool. The strength of the teams should carry into yet another swing at the A10 Championship in 2024 — this time with the hopes of winning it all.

Rams in Full Rebuild Following DeWolfe’s Pivotal Move

Fordham women’s basketball mainstay will finish out her college career with the Fighting Irish in Indiana

DEWOLFE from page 1

While wearing the Rams’ uniform, DeWolfe became an impactful player and icon for the program. Across her four years here, she scored over 1,800 points with an average of 17 per game. She was named the 2020-21 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and made the All-Conference Team for the third year in a row at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.

Her ability to stretch the floor has been impressive and invaluable for Fordham. The Rams have struggled to diversify their shooters, but it hardly mattered whenever DeWolfe had the ball. She knocked down threes at a 33% rate, draining 238 over four years and 79 in the 2022-23 season alone.

The Fighting Irish had a 15-3 record and made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA championship tournament last year; they have appeared in 18 Sweet 16s prior, posting a 10-9 record. Notre Dame has played in 94 March Madness games and is 69-25 in the tournament. They have advanced past the first round 85% of the time. Suffice to say, Notre Dame offers an enticing opportunity for a player of DeWolfe’s caliber.

Notre Dame plays in an undeniably higher tier of basketball than Fordham, competing in the elite Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The roster features sharpshooters such as Sonia Citron, UND ’25, and Maddy Westbeld, UND ’24. DeWolfe will likely have more freedom to develop her myriad of already-strong skills and will excel when playing off others. It remains to be seen how the Fighting Irish coaching staff will leverage DeWolfe’s proven abilities, which range from her shooting to her slashing and offball movement.

The transfer also comes on the heels of a change in the coaching staff in the Bronx. Interim Head Coach Candice Green is stepping down to make way for Mitchell, the official replacement for former Head Coach Stephanie Gaitley. Green was once an assistant under Gaitley, and with Mitchell’s ascension, it is unclear if the rest of Gaitley’s assistants from 2021-22 — Liz Brown, Anita Jennings and Lauren Holden — will stay on with the team.

It is also unclear what direction recruiting will take next year. Fordham has a lot of paths laid out before it, and Mitchell’s game plan for the team has yet

to be made public. However, with Gaitley’s tenure in the past, changes are coming. Mitchell has declared her intention to return to Fordham ready for a recruitment push, and her staff will likely be prowling the transfer portal. With a lot of movement on the horizon, uncertainty looms in the future for the Fordham women’s basketball team.

While DeWolfe is the first to depart, she won’t be the last. Sarah Karpell, FCRH ’23, is not returning to the team despite having another year of eligibility. Karpell has been with Fordham since the beginning of her career. She consistently improved and officially posted her best statistical performances last season, scoring 4.7 points and 3.2 assists per game.

Everything must come to an end, and last year was the last hurrah of Gaitley’s decadelong saga. Gaitley radically transformed the Rams, and the development of individual players can be attributed to her successful coaching. With the burden of winning on their shoulders, the new Rams will have to redefine themselves while upholding the legacy of a transformative and highly effective coaching system.

past defenders during a Dec.

game against

University. The Rams won 85-54, and DeWolfe scored 18 points.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The men and women’s swimming and diving teams placed fifth in the A10 conference championship, despite winning multiple medals and ending the season with impressive records.

Fordham Baseball and the Push for the Postseason

By CHRIS MURRAY

Former Sports & Health Editor

All it takes is a semester of studying in London to remind a New Yorker that the start of baseball season each year is a magical time. We are now past the halfway point of Fordham baseball’s 2023 campaign, and the team sits at a lackluster 14-22 overall record. Still, there is much to play for.

The Rams only trail their conference rivals by one game for a qualifying spot in the Atlantic 10 (A10) postseason. With 15 conference games remaining, the team has ample opportunity to make the tournament that it missed out on a year ago. Let’s take a step back and evaluate how Fordham has fared this season and what needs to be done to end up in the 2023 A10 Championship.

If you’ve been following Fordham’s baseball season thus far, you’ve probably noticed one trend: high-scoring games. In the Rams’ nine conference games this season, they’ve allowed 8.89 runs per game. It is extremely difficult to average nine runs per game on the offensive end, so Fordham is not working with a recipe for success. In fact, despite strong offensive outputs from numerous Rams, Fordham has only managed to average 5.56 runs per game with its bats. Nearly six runs a game is respectable by many accounts, but it’s not enough to overcome the pitching staff’s woes.

While it is easy to point at Fordham’s pitching struggles as an impediment to their success so far, a clear bright spot for the squad has been the offensive accomplishments of several players.

Veteran

Ryan Thiesse, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’24, has hit .436 with an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of 1.115 — meaning he hits the ball for power and gets on base at a high rate — and stolen five bases through nine conference games. First-year catcher

Tommy McAndrews, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’26, has emerged as a potential star in the making. He is hitting .307 with an OPS of .945 overall this season.

Statistically, the Rams have a deep offensive lineup that has scored runs throughout the season.

Another young contributor has been Daniel Bucciero, GSBRH ’26, who is slashing at a .304 batting average, a .412 on-base percentage and a .440 slugging percentage on the year. Additionally, seniors Zach Selinger, FCRH ’23, and Will Findlay, GSBRH ’23, have put together productive seasons. Selinger leads the team in home runs and trails only McAndrews

in OPS this year. Meanwhile, Findlay’s OPS sits above .800, and he has started all nine conference games so far.

Statistically, the Rams have a deep offensive lineup that has scored runs throughout the season. Despite this, the team’s results this year have been less than

spectacular. A main reason for this is likely that the team has only two pitchers with ERAs (earned run averages) under 6.00 in conference play so far. Although that is not good by any means, it is fortunate that the Rams have an identifiable problem. If Fordham can figure things out in the pitching staff, the

offense has proven itself more than capable of scoring runs.

Needless to say, the groundwork may be in place for an exciting end of the season and a possible postseason run, but drastic improvement is required among the pitching staff if the Rams want to make some noise.

Football Program Releases 2023 Match-Ups

By CHARLES BINNS and AURELIEN CLAVAUD Asst. Sports & Health Editors

Fordham Football has released its schedule for the upcoming season. Without stars such as Tim DeMorat, Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) ’23, the Rams’ program heads into a rebuild. However, Head Coach Joe Conlin is still fielding a skilled squad. Players including James Conway, FCRH ’25 — a linebacker who has excelled even in the shadow of Ryan Greenhagen, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ’23 — and MJ Wright, Gabelli School of Business at Rose Hill (GSBRH) ’23 — a receiver who hauled in 11 touchdowns last season — are likely going to carry the team into 2023.

The Rams will begin their season by visiting the University of Albany in the state capital on Aug. 26. Although Fordham leads the all-time series with a record of 5-4, Albany is never an easy matchup; last season, Fordham won by just three points on Sept. 17. It will be an interesting opening game, as Albany struggled in 2022 and ended with a 3-8 record.

The Rams will then fly to the nation’s capital for their first Patriot League game of the year on Sept. 30 against the Georgetown University Bulldogs. It will be the 69th meeting between the two programs, and Fordham has won nine of the last 10. The Bulldogs, who had a 2-9 season in 2022, likely won’t cause the Rams much concern.

On Oct. 28, the Rams will go head-to-head against the College of the Holy Cross Crusaders. The bitter rivalry between both programs is nothing new. Last year on Oct. 29, in the most consequential game of the season, the Rams fell by a single point in overtime, 53-52.

Fordham will once again conclude the regular season against the Colgate University Raiders on Nov. 19. In 2022, Fordham

knocked down Colgate, 52-38, in what was a consolation game in the wake of the defeat to Holy Cross. The schedule is a helpful tool for early predictions, but it should be taken with a grain of salt. What makes a football team is skill and determination; records don’t mean much when one team wants to win more than the other. With four months to go before the season kicks off, all the cards are on the table for the Rams.

Sept.

Taking a look at the state of the Rams’ season with just over a month of regular season games left to play

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Tommy McAndrews, FCRH ’26, has had 92 at bats this year and hit four home runs.

‘Copland Dance Episodes’: A Nod to the Golden Age of American Film

Choreographer Justin Peck

the New York City Ballet

By BRETT DALIS Contributing Writer

Justin Peck, resident choreographer and former soloist of the New York City Ballet (NYCB), debuted his 23rd work for the company ballet on Jan. 26. In his first full evening work — or performance that is long enough to be presented for an evening performance — “Copland Dance Episodes,” he reintroduced the beauty of composer Aaron Copland’s compositions with NYCB’s trademark minimalist NYCB staging.

Even before the lights dimmed, the audience was met with a preview of what was to come with an array of vibrant colors and geometric shapes on the stage’s curtain, designed by artist and sculptor Jeffrey Gibson.

Gibson drew from both his Choctaw Cherokee heritage and his experiences with urban culture across the country as inspirations for his artwork, utilized here to create a display of neon as a “Welcome” to the audience.

Peck is no stranger to dividing his ballets into episodelike movements. In fact, “Copland Dance Episodes” is an expansion of his 2015 work, “Rodeo: Four Episodes,” a reimagined take on the classic score created by Copland for dancer Agnes de Mille in 1942.

Peck’s intention behind dividing the ballet into four distinct parts was to convey different choreographic themes based on various Copland scores. These scores include selections from “Appalachian Spring,” “Billy the Kid: Ballet Suite,” “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Rodeo.

Each movement took inspiration from ideas such as the weather, flight and engines. The resulting sections of the ballet presented the audience with a highly energetic and playful work.

Among these works that reflect a similar amount of vigor include NYCB staples such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Andantino.” These pieces helped establish the individuality of the company as a force in the ballet industry that challenged the romanticism of European ballet companies in the early 20th century. That being said, NYCB is no stranger to performing the classics, with their own versions of “The Sleeping Beauty” and “Swan Lake.” A factor of what makes “Copland Dance Episodes” stand out is the decision to create a ballet that rivals the length of these classics while maintaining the neoclassicism that NYCB is known for.

As the curtain opened on his Jan. 26 show, the stage revealed the company dynamically posed with white tulle draped over

gives us a taste of midcentury dance and style in his first evening-length work with

In true NYCB fashion, both the costumes and set avoided being too extravagant in order to keep the focus on the steps and expression of the piece.

ALICE MORENO/THE OBSERVER

The simple colors of the dancers’ outfits evoked 1900s cinema while sticking to the NYCB’s simplistic styling.

The David H. Koch Theater is the primary venue for the NYCB

their bodies. In true NYCB fashion, both the costumes and set avoided being too extravagant in order to keep the focus on the dance and expression of the piece. The dancers were dressed simply in color-blocked neon leotards and tights — with the women in shorts — and staged on a completely white background.

Peck reminded the crowd of the carefree nature of mid-1900s cinema. He did this through incorporat-

ing tropes that are reminiscent of the movies from this era in the choreography, such as musical films “Hello, Dolly!” and “Singing in the Rain.” He made room for moments of humor and created a sense of familiarity between the choreography and media of the time, which allowed the work to become more accessible than a classic story ballet would be to a general audience.

Full-length ballets such as “Swan Lake” are subject to losing their

appeal to crowds without a background in ballet or other kinds of concert dance, as they are often long and very story-driven. Even as a ballet dancer myself, I can say that sometimes the classics seem to drag on. Peck did a good job at avoiding this by making the episodes comparable to the movie musicals of the 1900s that are so beloved. Where this ballet falls short, ironically, has little to do with the choreography or staging.

Instead, my biggest grievance with the performance is that it seemed to lack cohesive movement in the ensemble.

NYCB and its affiliated school, the School of American Ballet, train their dancers in a style of ballet developed by George Balanchine. This pedagogical method, aptly named Balanchine, takes from the Russian style of ballet and develops it further in its athleticism, dynamics and energy.

Balanchine has become a standard school of training for ballet in America, with major companies such as Pacific Northwest Ballet and Boston Ballet all adopting it.

Returning to the lightheartedness of postwar-era media

Difficulties can arise with the Balanchine style when attempting to choreograph works for a corps de ballet, especially for a ballet as exciting as “Copland Dance Episodes.” Because Balanchine is so focused on individuality and Peck’s choreography fully embodied that trait, the piece arguably looked disjointed at times when the ensemble danced synchronously.

Something that piqued my interest about this ballet was the decision

to abide by the NYCB tradition of keeping the costuming and staging to a minimum. In the original ballet, the costume design (done by Reid Bartelme, Harriet Jung and Peck himself) aligned closer with what many typically think of clothing during the midcentury, using a lot of period-appropriate colors, cuts and styles of garments, and overall aesthetics. Knowing this, the move toward the vibrance of costumes in this production brought up the question of why Ellen Warren, costume designer for “Copland Dance Episodes,” fell back on the simplicity of other NYCB works.

The effect this direction has on the piece removed it from what is physically identifiable for this time period. With the effort made to match the choreography and the themes to Copland’s music, it could be off-putting to see such distinctly modern costumes and staging. However, I believe that this decision transformed “Copland Dance Episodes” from what could be dubbed as a period piece to a tool used to refresh these themes. Returning to the lightheartedness of postwar-era media ensured that audiences could associate that same tone with new works today. Peck wants audiences to not be ashamed of enjoying feel good, innocent classic films.

Peck’s “Copland Dance Episodes” returns to the David H. Koch Theater for another five performances from May 12 to May 25. For affordable ticket options, check out NYCB’s $30 for 30® program. Tickets can also be purchased online or at the box office in the lobby of the theater.

ensured that audiences could associate that same tone with new works today.

PRODUCTION PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIN BAIANO

Peck gracefully transformed the period-piece into simple and impactful modern ballet.

Opinions

Going to an Ivy

Doesn’t Make You a Genius

The United States is no stranger to oppression. Here in New York, we seem to embody the classist values of our forefathers to a T. Ranked the most unequal state in the country, it’s no surprise that New York also harbors the most Ivy League schools. When examining the stark inequalities of race, class and income in the U.S., it is imperative to look at education.

Despite being one of the most educated countries in the world, the U.S. education system is rampant with discrimination. The Ivy League stands today as the gold standard of American higher education and intellectualism at large. It has earned both domestic and international praise while (supposedly) producing and nurturing only the finest minds.

And yet, the Ivy League rests on a bedrock of colonialism and white supremacy, a lasting vestige of the first American class hierarchies. Seven of the eight current Ivy League colleges were among the first nine universities established in the original colonies. These schools have also been private universities for the entire duration of their existence — eternally closed to the general public, catering almost exclusively to those who can afford high tuition and supply the school with their generous donations.

These institutions manage to largely avoid the glaring eye of “cancel culture” and growing class resentment because of their reputation as an intellectual hub and place of free expression. But it is these very institutions that directly contribute to the rigid hierarchies of the modern world. While Fordham is certainly not immune to these criticisms, the Ivy League takes elitism to another level.

Here, the next generation of oppressors is trained in exclusion and wealth accumulation, through strategies such as trust funds and insider trading that are inaccessible to most. It is on these ancient campuses where students learn to exploit the systems built for them. It is time to recognize that American education has shifted from a parlay of ideas to a competition for the biggest check.

This is the critical flaw of the Ivies: Instead of being hubs of ideas and intellectual discussions, these colleges become echo chambers, reflecting their biases back onto the students. Does it make rational sense that eight universities have produced most of the industry leaders throughout the entire lifetime of our country? The answer is no, and the prevailing truth is that these colleges are merely very large cradles for the ever-hungry nepotism babies who flock through their gates every year.

Ivy League institutions are geographically clustered around historical wealth centers, with every Ivy League school located in the Northeast. (The most equitably educated state in the country is Iowa, and yet it houses not a single Ivy League college.) Having long been a hub for those with access to generational wealth, these colleges are found in the oldest and wealthiest parts of the U.S.

Economic Research article reported that “children whose parents are in the top 1% of the income distribution are 77 times more likely to attend an Ivy League college than those whose parents are in the bottom income quintile.” Ivy League schools serve as the bassinet for the adult-children of the wealthy elite. Attaching an Ivy name to any young student in the country can instantly elevate one from the lower and middle classes to the life of a sixfigure professional, regardless of their intelligence or talent.

Editor-in-Chief Allie Stofer

Managing

What does the modern Ivy offer students that outclasses every other American university? There are campuses just as expansive, facilities just as state-of-the-art and test scores just as high, but at the end of the day, it is the shiny name of the school that opens doors for its students. The Ivy League is not the pinnacle of intelligence and does not produce the best students bar none.

These institutions undoubtedly promote a rigorous academic atmosphere and have been responsible for many great American minds, but they have also been responsible for some of the richest and most tyrannical capitalists this nation has ever seen. These schools are flooded with students who have guaranteed futures and padded wallets. For every true intellectual to walk the halls of an Ivy League college, there are 10 who stumble through them in a stupor.

The Ivy League remains out of reach for much of the population. The laurels of the American education system are truly owed to the state universities, which are constantly expanding their course selections and are an accessible means of higher education for those living in America. They are owed to the state lawmakers who fight to provide college loan assistance for in-state students. They are owed to the community colleges that harbor trade schools and provide alternative forms of education in diverse fields. These are the components of the education system that form the real foundation of education for Americans and truly help improve our polarized culture of misinformation, which feeds off of media illiteracy.

American education is phenomenal because American teachers are phenomenal. Its excellence comes not merely from existing for so long but from the rigorous standards established by Horace Mann for the first public schools. The reality is that an “Ivy” education should be available to every willing student, but the Ivies will likely keep their doors closed no matter the cost, clinging to the exclusivity that defines them.

While the Ivy League maintains high academic standards and does not exclusively accept the uber rich, there are still massive inequities that prevail among its ranks. A National Bureau of

There is no class education or equity training that can possibly reconcile the inherently unequal nature of these institutions. As much as we try to address the issue with programs like affirmative action and equity education initiatives, its resolution requires the Ivies becoming incongruent with the American education system.

The point of education on a national scale is to cultivate minds for progress. We only lose potential by locking it behind a price barrier. American education doesn’t get its prestigious reputation from the validation of foreign countries who go bug-eyed at a name but from the intellectual standards we have defined and cultivated over the years. I would like to claim my nation as one of heritage and innovation, yet is it an inequitable cesspool where knowledge is power.

The Ivy League represents nothing but a faux intelligence drowning in gaudy classism. The next Einstein might very well be getting bachelor’s and master’s degrees from a state university or community college right now. Education is what we make of it, and those thirsty for knowledge will always find it. If I know one thing, it’s that to become a genius, one doesn’t need to have the right connections or name — simply the right mind.

Clavaud

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The self-proclaimed kings of academia are really just leaders in elitism and gatekeeping

JAKE ERACA Asst. Opinions Editor

For every true intellectual to walk the halls of an Ivy League college, there are 10 who stumble through them in a stupor.

The point of education on a national scale is to cultivate minds for progress. We only lose potential by locking it behind a price barrier.

GRAPHIC BY NYCKOLE LÓPEZ LEÓN/THE OBSERVER

Fordham Cinephiles Can Finally Know Peace

Have no fear, film fans: Here’s the definitive ranking of every movie theater in New York City (more or less)

ANA KEVORKIAN Head Copy Editor

Like many incoming students, I came to Fordham wide-eyed, ready to live life to its fullest, to seize the day, et cetera. So, naturally, I began a quest to find the best movie theater in the Big Apple — a journey for which I was deeply qualified, having spent six weeks tearing tickets at my hometown’s AMC — because nothing says “living life to the fullest” like sitting silently in a dark room with a group of senior citizens.

Throughout my time at Fordham, I’ve traversed the city in search of the perfect theater. I’ve spent countless hours on downtown trains, camouflaging myself into crowds of New York University students in A24 merch as I successfully prove my taste more esoteric, niche and simply better than everyone else’s.

To be clear: You don’t need to travel very far to see a good movie. We have two world-famous theaters within a five-minute walk of campus — Film at Lincoln Center and AMC Lincoln Square 13 — both of which show a wide array of contemporary and repertory programming. But, if you’re like me, you might be looking for something different — so, I present to you, dear reader and fellow cinephile, the definitive (and correct) ranking of my top New York City movie theaters.

5. The Paris Theater

Operated by Netflix, The Paris Theater is a historic New York

fixture, as it’s currently the only single-screen theater in the city. Often, it’s the only option to see Netflix original movies on the big screen. It also programs a sizable amount of older, repertory content.

While the uncomfortable, tightly packed seats and limited programming — it’s hard to have a wide range of films when you only have one screen to work with — have knocked this theater down a few places on my list, the inexpensive concessions and old-style vibe make The Paris Theater a must-visit.

4. Film at Lincoln Center

If you want to watch an esoteric, arthouse film with a group of 15 senior citizens, I know just the place for you: Film at Lincoln Center, located around the corner from Fordham Lincoln Center. From the breakout indie “Aftersun” to Golden Lion-winning documentary “All the Beauty and the Bloodshed,” the films I’ve seen at Film at Lincoln Center have been some of my favorite moviegoing experiences so far.

Every year, Film at Lincoln Center hosts the world-famous New York Film Festival (NYFF), hosting premieres for some of the biggest movies of the year. In 2022, NYFF premiered the Netflix documentary “Sr.,” focusing on the life of Robert Downey Sr. I was able to attend a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers afterward, including Robert Downey Jr. The festival also hosted the U.S. premieres of Oscar-winner “Women Talking” and Oscar-nominee “Triangle of Sadness.”

3. IFC Center

Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, the IFC Center is a fixture in the just-moved-to-New-Yorkand-thinks-they’re-cool community, screening everything from new indie releases to iconic repertory programming. (As of writing this ranking, they’re screening Richard Linklater’s “Before” trilogy, and I’m typing this through tears because I’m not there.)

If you’re reading this article in 2030 and Sight and Sound magazine’s “Greatest Films of All Time” list just came out, get excited: The IFC Center is probably screening many of them in celebration. During finals last semester, I saw “Beau Travail” with 17 (probably) college students who have definitely unironically proclaimed themselves “film bros” on more than one occasion. Totally worth it.

2. AMC Lincoln Square 13

In addition to being the centerpiece of Fordham Lincoln Center moviegoing culture, AMC Lincoln Square 13 is a national treasure. Home to one of the largest IMAX screens in the country, AMC Lincoln Square is the only place for a true cinephile to see the latest blockbusters. And, luckily for Fordham Lincoln Center students, it’s just a five-minute walk from campus. In addition to the famous IMAX screen, AMC Lincoln Square has a Dolby Cinema, which has, in my opinion, the most comfortable movie theater seats in the city and the best immersive sound experience. I’m a Dolby-over-IMAX truther — argue with the wall.

1. Film Forum

At long last, we’ve arrived at the top of my list. The summit of Mount Cinephilia, my personal favorite movie theater in New York City — and probably the world — is Film Forum.

What isn’t there to love about Film Forum? The concessions are cheap; the programming is reliable; and it’s located directly across from the Houston Street subway station, where the 1 train stops. (For those unfamiliar with the subway, that means it’s very easily accessible from Fordham Lincoln Center.)

I lost my Film Forum virginity to a screening of the first film by “Uncut Gems” directors Josh and Benny Safdie, “Daddy Longlegs,” which was accompanied by a question-and-answer session with the

directors. Since then, I’ve made the trip on the 1 train for countless films, from Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Waltz” to Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Conformist.” Each month, I receive excited texts from my dad with photos of listings he’s circled in Film Forum’s newsletter for the upcoming month, asking if I want to go with him.

New York City is a cinephile’s paradise; there’s always a new film to see, a panel to catch, or a premiere to attend, and we’re lucky to still have a relatively thriving arthouse cinema scene. While I love the AMCs around the city, you should support the smaller theaters! You never know what new favorite you’ll discover, surrounded by 80-year-old retirees at Film at Lincoln Center. And, worst case scenario, at least you’ll save $10 on the popcorn.

AURELIEN CLAVAUD/THE OBSERVER

Film at Lincoln Center is one of the top movie theaters in New York City and is only steps away from Fordham Lincoln Center’s campus.

Nine Roommates and Counting

An account of the trials and tribulations of Fordham’s apartment-style Ramily living

McMahon Hall: the unassuming dorm at Fordham Lincoln Center. This building isn’t necessarily in the front of one’s mind when walking around Lincoln Center, but it’s certainly important, as the structure houses the majority of Lincoln Center’s residents and is called home by undergraduates, graduates, law students and Fordham faculty alike.

For the 2022-23 academic year, living in McMahon costs anywhere from around $6,700 to $10,900 per semester, depending on the room type. At other universities, this amount could buy you an entire frat house, but considering McMahon’s expensive neighborhood, this price is a steal — especially when you take into account amenities such as the ban on overnight guests of the opposite sex and getting to live above the world’s smallest gym.

McMahon is the only dorm for returning students on campus, which means that the building houses 19 floors of your closest peers, worst enemies and total strangers. Any of these people could suddenly appear in your home at any time.

The building also provides furniture with a rich and slightly terrifying history. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fordham founder John Hughes himself was able to enjoy McMahon’s state-of-the-art fabric couches. My couch is covered in stains and tears from its extended use. If you don’t want to think about the storied past of your living room furniture, you can cover it with a blanket. Easy fix! At least you don’t have to buy one yourself.

Things that might seem like negatives in other dorms are just blessings in disguise at McMahon. If having a ridiculously outdated kitchen really does “build character,” as my naive McKeon friends say, then I will be canonized by graduation. My sink and counters are warped from years and years of moisture buildup. The cabinets are disgusting, with chipped facades showing the cheap material underneath.

My stove rocks back and forth like a mother lulling a screaming newborn to sleep. When I try to fill a pan with oil, it goes to one side and one side only. My oven is currently being “stabilized” by a folded-up napkin. The floors are embedded with food remnants, as are the walls. Oh, if those hallowed walls could talk, they would scream.

Don’t get me started on my fridge, which does not even have a light. Having to fight to find food in your fridge in complete darkness is a rather humbling experience, establishing a real will-they-won’t-they dynamic between me and my dinner.

If the kitchen walls would scream, what about the carpets? Excellent question. They would screech like banshees. The floors pale in comparison to the carpets, which are veterans of who knows what wars — wars, plural, because they are an accumulation of years, if not decades, of college student grunge.

The doors are made with the least soundproof materials ever produced. When sitting in my bedroom, I can hear every noise made in my living room. Even more impressive, I can hear the elevator beeping down the hall from the comfort of my own bed. Thank God! I was worried I wouldn’t be able to track every movement of my fellow residents.

In addition to reverberating all possible sounds, the doors in McMahon do not even reach the floor. While replacing the doors with a full floor-to-frame fitting would eliminate the noise pollution, is that really what Fordham residents want? How can they maintain the McMahon Watch™ if they are not aware of their neighbor’s day-to-day activities and private conversations? I’m just looking out for everyone.

Phew, all this talk about problems has made me sweat. Let me go run a nice shower. What do you mean my bathroom is steamy and has no ventilation system? Steam hovers in the small space, leading to the ceiling dripping onto the shower caulk and making me wonder where the mold begins and where the caulk ends. I know if I removed the three panels (yes, panels) in my shower, I would find a fun new ecosystem. My core science requirements are coming in handy, just like Fordham said they would!

Tell me why there are 18 washing machines for an entire building — a community, a Ramily, if you will. Eighteen. There are floors of residents in this building. Eighteen washers is a generous estimate given how many machines are out of order for weeks at a time. I must have missed the memo that one of the Office of Residential Life’s policies is that the laundry rooms are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity.

Many members of the Class of 2026 live with up to eight other roommates in a three-bedroom apartment meant for no more than six people. The small apartments of McMahon are already very cozy with their intended number of

residents, but it’s an entirely new level of exhilaration to be faced with eight different people from the moment you wake up.

Since Fordham clearly has no issue with over-admitting students to rake in more tuition dollars despite having nowhere to house them, it may be time for Fordham to look for additional housing opportunities. Manhattan real estate is by no means cheap, and it may be difficult for the school to build or buy new residence quarters, but what are Fordham’s other options? I propose renting out classrooms in the Leon Lowenstein Center.

Think about it: Fordham could house up to 35 students in each classroom, since this is usually the maximum number of students that can enroll in a class. Students would be able

to reexperience the childhood dream of constantly sleeping under a blanket fort — or better yet, sitting up in their chairs — all while bearing the responsibilities of young adults.

This exclusive dorming situation would also come with a free alarm via a professor stumbling in for their 8:30 a.m. class as the occupants jump out of the classroom bundled in their sleeping bags (which the bookstore could sell for the low price of $150) like children in a potato sack race. What a refreshing wake up — plus a free cardio workout.

The McMahon experience has made me feel closer than ever to my Ramily, mostly because I have so many roommates, but I’m excited to live there again next year and uncover the many mysteries the building has to offer.

The Metro-North Should Go to Penn Station

This past month, I visited the recent expansion to Grand Central that houses the newly constructed Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks. As a resident of Westchester County who has been going to school in Manhattan for almost five years, I’ve taken the Metro-North Railroad to Grand Central and back more times than I can count, so I’m a fairly qualified person to speak on the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and its commuter railroads.

I was hesitant at first to accept the fact that I was going to have to share my beloved terminal with Long Islanders; after the completion of East Side Access, however, I believe that the LIRR and Metro-North’s cohabitation is not only beneficial for commuters but also necessary for Penn Station.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a huge fan of Long Island — most Long Islanders are loud, arrogant and annoying. When East Side Access was announced, the thought of sharing Grand Central with people from Long Island made me physically sick. However, after educating myself on the struggles Long Islanders had to face pre-East Side Access, I realized that this expansion was a sorely needed improvement.

Before East Side Access, Long Islanders who wished to travel to Manhattan’s East Side had to trek through the frequently overcrowded Penn Station to reach the uptown 1, 2, 3, A, C or E trains, then journey through Times Square to reach the shuttle to Grand Central. This process usually only takes around 20 minutes, but it always feels like you’ve aged five years by the time you get to your destination on the East Side. Some commuters had to do this every day to reach their workplaces or schools on the East Side before the MTA took initiative to fix this problem.

The shuttle is intensely crowded during rush hour, and the walks through both Penn Station and Times Square are torturous. It makes sense that instead of simply upgrading the existing shuttle service or renovating the Penn Station and Times Square stations to be bigger, more walkable and more efficient, the MTA instead opted to spend more than $12 billion redirecting some LIRR trains to Grand Central, making East Side Access the most expensive transit project in New York City’s history. If you ask me, though, saving Long Islanders a measly five to 10 minutes from their commute is definitely worth $12 billion.

I was truly overwhelmed with joy for Long Islanders’ new, easy commute; however, when I was taking the shuttle from

the West Side to reach the Metro-North while on my way home for break, I was struck by the injustice of the entire situation. Why should Long Islanders be able to reach both the East and West Sides at will, while I’m still resigned to taking the shuttle (or, God forbid, the 7 train) every time I’d like to visit my parents back in Westchester?

This is how I came up with a new project I’d like to pitch to the MTA: West Side Access.

Why should Long Islanders have all the fun? I’d like to be able to travel directly to the West Side. I don’t travel to the gloriously chaotic Penn Station nearly as often as I should — if the Metro-North’s train lines were to extend to reach Penn, I’d be able to enjoy the omnipresent construction, the crushing crowds of Long Islanders trying to reach their trains last-minute, the abhorrent New Jersey Transit area, and the delightfully unimpressive architecture of Moynihan Train Hall, a classic Manhattan spot for sitting on the floor. It would also make connections between the Metro-North, the LIRR and New Jersey Transit much easier. Who

doesn’t want easy access to the beautiful lands of Long Island and New Jersey?

Some may raise concerns about the cost of this project and suggest that the limited transit budget should be spent on refurbishing subway stations that flood frequently during the summer rain season or making New York’s public transit more affordable for riders. However, West Side Access would make the best use of our transportation budget because these issues do not affect me. My life is inconvenienced by having to transfer to the shuttle at Times Square.

If Long Island commuters’ complaints are dealt with by the most expensive transit project in the MTA’s history, why not give every neighborhood in the tristate area more rail service?

Put a stop every three blocks all the way into Pennsylvania! Since the MTA has decided to prioritize massive and inexplicable projects over any reasonable changes to existing infrastructure, they might as well! The Metro-North serves a more geographically diverse (and generally more polite) population than the LIRR, reaching Westchester County,

upstate New York and Connecticut. Are we no less deserving of an easier commute?

It’s clear that New York’s transportation system, one of the biggest and most impressive in the world, is in dire need of some modernization. It’s this writer’s opinion that the MTA should prioritize giving Metro-North commuters the same ease of access to Manhattan as the LIRR’s commuters. West Side Access should be the next project the MTA pours decades of planning and billions of dollars into — because if I miss the eastbound shuttle by mere seconds one more time, I’m seriously going to lose my mind.

CHRISTA TIPTON-NIGRO Staff Writer

ANA WINSTON Staff Writer

GRAPHIC BY ALEXA STEGMULLER/THE OBSERVER

Arts & Culture

Dionne Ford: Unearthing History in ‘Go Back and Get It’

The Fordham English professor and alum chronicles her family’s rich history in her recently released memoir

By MADELEINE SIGNORE Asst. Features Editor

When Fordham English professor Dionne Ford took on the staggering task of documenting her ancestors’ history in the U.S. — a history that’s deeply entwined with slavery and complex familial relations — she wasn’t sure what she’d encounter. However, Ford didn’t anticipate stumbling upon her great-great-grandparents’ family photograph via a Google search on an unassuming afternoon. And she certainly couldn’t have known that, in the process of recording a sweeping, rich story of family and identity, she’d undergo a transformation herself.

Ford’s connection to Fordham is twofold: She’s both a proud ’91 alum of Fordham College at Lincoln Center and a current English professor specializing in creative writing. She’s also a lifelong, fervent proponent of the written word.

“I got a diary when I was 7 — one of those little pharmacy ones that had a lock and key — and that was it,” she said. “I just started writing and didn’t stop.”

including the aforementioned photo of her great-great-grandparents, the physical copy of which is now in her possession.

Ford scoured a myriad of institutes, archives and libraries across the country in search of sources; her writing and research processes largely occurred in tandem. Writing immediately after research allowed her to draw upon both material and the very real emotional experience of uncovering it.

“If I went to an archive and found documents that had to do with my family, I would try to absorb the documents and what they revealed as much as possible, and then write something about it right away so that it was fresh in my mind,” she said.

Much later, when the documentation was compiled, Ford began to craft the arc of the story.

Researching a topic as sensitive and oftentimes taxing as family history requires substantial stamina — especially when said family history is linked inextricably to slavery and sexual violence.

“I was surprised by just how much it affected me, though,” Ford said. “Something that had happened, you know, so many decades before ... really kind of gutted me. So that was a little surprising, just how deeply impactful it was.”

The personal nature of Ford’s research also sustained the project; she hadn’t anticipated the ways in which this exploration would enable her to dig deeper, to tap into a continuing passion for the content.

I feel like it’s kind of scant from an enslaved person’s perspective.”

Ford’s memoir, titled “Go Back and Get It,” was published on April 4 and thoughtfully considers race, inheritance and intergenerational healing. It’s an intimate family photograph and a piercing story about the ways in which deeply seeded trauma manifests itself. But it’s also a poignant picture of healing. Through personal anecdotes, rigorous research and connections to contemporary conversations of race, Ford explores what it looks like to unearth a history — and to make meaning of it.

A Complex Legacy

The genesis of “Go Back and Get It” was a conversation between 12-year-old Ford and her grandfather, a native of New Orleans. She inquired about his fair skin and was captivated by his response.

“He told me about his grandparents, a woman who had been enslaved and the man who had enslaved her, although that’s not how he put it,” Ford recalled.

And so, propelled by a remarkable seedling of information regarding her great-great-grandparents, Ford resolved to know everything she could about their lives. It’s an apt origin story, given the memoir’s theme of intergenerational relationships, and it manifested into a project that spanned decades.

“I tried over the years to gather information, but it’s not that easy to find documentation about enslaved people,” she said. “Also, I lived in the North, it would have required some trips to the South for records. I just often lost my footing with it — it was difficult.”

But then came the internet. With the power of search engines to aid her research, Ford uncovered revelatory information,

“On the other side of the spectrum, finding surprising, wonderful information about my great-great-grandmother was just so exhilarating and sort of lit a flame under me,” she said.

Indications of Ford’s greatgreat-grandmother’s longtime commitment to the Methodist Episcopal Church emerged in the research process. When memorialized in text, distant relatives gained new, personal dimensions, as evidenced by discoveries like this one.

Ford sought to explore, in depth, the implications of the issues on which her family members’ stories shed light. The memoir format afforded her the space to conduct intimate, historical research.

“It was pretty imperative for me to be able to look deeply at what was happening in society, both at a larger scale, like in the country, but also in the places where my ancestors had lived, like their towns,” Ford said.

Ford’s findings offered her a nuanced insight into what life might’ve been like for her greatgreat-grandmother, a Black woman living by the coast in Mississippi from the 1840s to the 1910s.

“It turns out that it was a different thing to be on the Gulf Coast in that particular town than more on the interior,” she said.

With a background in creative writing, Ford considered fictionalizing her family’s story. But as her research came into focus, it became apparent that the narrative necessitated realism.

“I knew that I wanted to tell their real story,” Ford said. “It seemed important to chronicle this aspect of my family’s history and our country’s story. I didn’t know what I would find, but I hoped that I would be able to find documentation of my enslaved great-great-grandmother. And it just seemed important to be able to add that to our collective understanding of slavery because

Ford described the memoir as an earnest effort to tell her relatives’ stories — and to pin down the ways in which these narratives are woven into the fabric of her own life.

Fordham Family

Ford’s journey as a creative writer has roots close to home — she credits Fordham as the institution that first introduced her to preeminent Black thinkers such as Frances Ellen Watkins Harper and Henry Louis Gates Jr. and prominent topics that are now woven into “Go Back and Get It.”

“Many of the things that I first learned at Fordham (made) their way into my book,” she said. “Fordham was the first place that I was introduced to the idea that race is not a biological reality.”

Though Ford isn’t Catholic, the Jesuit approach to education ran parallel to her worldview, yielding a strong foundation for further studies of Black literature, Black history and creative writing. Today, she fosters intellectual curiosity as well as organic and inspired prose in her classroom.

Ford profoundly understands her students’ perspectives — it’s a sort of Fordham spirit in which she shares. “One of the things that has been really gratifying is working with my students and feeling this kinship — sometimes a student will say something, and I’ll recognize that understanding in myself. There’s a certain aesthetic that we share, which is lovely.”

Reckoning and Reflection

Ford is hopeful that readers will feel compelled to face the histories that remain entrenched in their own families. As she knows intimately, “It really is my experience that the only way to fully heal and thrive is (to) face things honestly.”

Ideating, researching and writing “Go Back and Get It” has made an indelible and lasting impression on Ford. “This book has opened my eyes to just how

monumentally foundational slavery was to our country’s history and ascendance,” she observed.

She hopes that readers will walk away with a richer understanding of the deeply seeded systems of oppression that continue to impact Americans today.

Ford is aware that there’s a certain weight to “staying the course.” “So, I think for me, it was really an esteemable act to stay with the sometimes-difficult research and then to also stay with the publishing process,

which is its own animal,” she said.

“Go Back and Get It” is a testament to a life of deep reflection. It’s the product of decades of dedicated research, undertaken with great reverence and thoughtful reflection.

Ford summarized her work by explaining that, “more than anything, it was something I really wanted to do to honor myself and to honor my ancestors. It just feels like such a monumental gift to be able to have their story memorialized in this way.”

“ Fordham was the first place that I was introduced to the idea that race is not a biological reality.”

Dionne

Ford, Fordham English professor, FCLC ’91

Ford, FCLC ’91, credits her time as a Fordham student with introducing her to much of the literature and history she discusses in her memoir.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DIONNE FORD

Ford’s memoir is close to her heart, capturing generations of her family’s storied history.

NCT Dream Lights Up Prudential Center in Green

K-pop boy band made their US tour debut in Newark and sat down with college student-journalists over Zoom

By SANSAN LIANG

Contributing

Writer

NCT Dream, a South Korean boy band formed by SM Entertainment in 2016, kicked off the U.S. leg of their world tour, “The Dream Show 2: In a Dream,” on April 5 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The seven-member group will continue their world tour in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and Seattle before going to Southeast Asia for their final stops.

NCT, which stands for Neo Culture Technology, is a K-pop group made up of 23 members and split up into five subunits: NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream (which is referred to as 7Dream by fans), WayV and NCT DoJaeJung. Once every few years, all 23 members come together to release an album under the name NCT U.

NCT Dream differs from other K-pop groups because of their futuristic-sounding music, as their fans would describe. But Renjun, a member of the band, explained that it is due to “our history and the story that we created since our debut.” As NCT 127 completed the U.S. leg of their world tour earlier this year, NCT Dream embarked on their firstever U.S. tour in April after their Europe tour dates.

The K-pop group began the show with “Glitch Mode,” the titular song of their second studio album, which was released in 2022. They continued the set with a few more of their upbeat and energetic songs, including “Countdown (3, 2, 1),” “Stronger” and “Dreaming,” before they introduced themselves to the audience.

The arena was illuminated with green lights — the band’s

signature color. The fans waved NCT’s official group lightstick, a fanlight that is popular among K-pop concertgoers.

NCT Dream continued the show with two tracks, “My First and Last” and “Chewing Gum,” both of which are from their 2017 debut album “The First.” They then jumped into a series of ballads that highlighted the group’s vocal power. NCT Dream proved not only that they have impressive voices but also rapping ability, which was shown in their performance of “Saturday Drip,” another song from “Glitch Mode.”

panel of college student-journalists from across the country. The event, “NCT Dream x Virtual Student Roundtable,” was organized by R&CPMK, a distinguished entertainment and culture agency that represents over 400 influential figures. R&CPMK led a discussion of the band members’ lives and their connection to the band.

Mark Lee, one of NCT Dream’s members and the band’s main rapper, spoke on behalf of the group in English.

The group talked about the activities they do to recharge between shows. Haechan said that he plays video games and goes shopping in his free time. Chenle jumped in to say that he likes to play basketball to reenergize himself.

The performers also shared advice they would have liked to receive. Jisung, the youngest member, said that he would advise his past self not to be shy.

I was very excited for the next set of songs, which included their most popular tracks throughout the years. “Ridin,” “Boom,” “We Go Up,” “Hello Future,” “Hot Sauce” and “Beatbox” were just some of the songs they played; I’d recommend them to anyone who wants to give NCT Dream’s music a listen.

Lastly, the concert ended with a beautiful encore of my personal favorite song, “Candy,” a remake of the song of the same name by the ’90s K-pop boy group H.O.T., SM entertainment’s first K-pop group to whom I’d also recommend listening.

Right before their Atlanta show on April 9, NCT Dream attended a Zoom call with a

“Back then, I was concerned about what people would think of me, but now I understand there’s no need for (shyness),” he said.

Jisung’s confidence can be seen on stage in his dance performances, as fans have pointed out his improvement in dancing since he joined the band at age 15.

On personal growth represented in their music, Lee explained that their development is visible in their emotions and experiences that are portrayed in their songs.

“We’re still growing,” Lee said. “I feel like our fans are growing with us as well.”

Because NCT Dream’s concept is based around youth and achieving one’s dreams, the group shared advice they have

for college students who want to achieve their goals. Renjun said, “It’s during your college years that you have the most passion and strength to pursue your dreams, so I would say do what you want to do and study hard without any regrets.”

The seven members also talked about activities they did while exploring the many countries on their world tour, and both Renjun and Jisung said that the group enjoys visiting famous landmarks in different countries, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Times Square in New

York City. The band is looking forward to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California’s Universal Studios.

Renjun ended by explaining, “Every K-pop group has their own uniqueness, but for NCT Dream, it’s really the hope that we give to the youth, the story that we have, and just the fun we’re able to show through our music and performances.”

In the end, NCT Dream is a great introduction to the K-pop world and stands out from the rest of the pack with their authenticity and style.

“ We’re still growing. I feel like our fans are growing with us as well.”

Mark

Lee, NCT Dream Member

SANSAN LIANG/THE OBSERVER

The Prudential Center filled with “Nctzens” who lit the arena green with their lightsticks.

Ram Jams: Fall Out Boy’s New Album and Era

The iconic pop punk group reimagined their sound with their newest release ‘So Much (for) Stardust’

By LARA POPOVIC Staff Writer

Genre: Emo/Pop-Punk

On a Playlist With: “Death of a Bachelor,” “Scaled and Icy,” “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys”

March 24 marked the release of Fall Out Boy’s (FOB) eighth studio album, “So Much (for) Stardust,” the first after a five-year hiatus. The band teased new music back in December 2022 with the launch of a website featuring a short clay animation of a Dobermann embarking on a colorful journey with strange creatures.

The band then posted the official cover for the new album, portraying an oil painting of a doberman opening its mouth to catch bubbles.

FOB released the song “Love From the Other Side” along with an accompanying music video on Jan. 18. The song and video were an absolute hit, portraying an old Pete Wentz (bassist/ lyricist) telling the story of FOB to his granddaughter. It also included nods to other bands in the pop-punk/emo genre such as Panic! At The Disco, Taking Back Sunday, Good Charlotte, Blink-182, The Plain White T’s, Weezer, My Chemical Romance, and Of Mice & Men.

In the music video’s story, the band lives in a small town called Winnetkaland, where they dream of seeing the outside world, but are forbidden by the mayor who hates the band’s music. The band escapes to “Emo Island,” where they are protected by the power of music. The emos of the island gift them a necklace depicting the band’s new logo: a black-and-white half-smiling and half-frowning face. The video had a plot reminiscent of FOB’s past musical film, “The Young Blood Chronicles.”

FOB then posted the official cover for the new album, portraying an oil painting of a Dobermann opening its mouth to catch bubbles. The Dobermann is surrounded by a black border and stardust particles with the name of the album, “So Much (for) Stardust,” in bubble writing.

Following the release of the new music video and album announcement, the band’s lead guitarist, Joe Trohman, released a statement on FOB’s Instagram that he is taking a temporary break for mental health issues. Fans were saddened by his leave but wished him a speedy recovery while expressing their gratitude toward the band’s openness regarding mental health.

On Jan. 25, a week after the first release, FOB revealed another song, “Heartbreak Feels So Good,” accompanied with a music video in which the band pulls a prank with River Cuomo, frontman of Weezer.

Six days later, FOB announced their tour with supporting performances from Bring Me The Horizon, New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, The Academy Is..., and Royal & the Serpent.

FOB also released the music video for “Hold Me Like a Grudge”

on the same day their eighth studio album debuted. The music video is the third in a trilogy with the preceding music videos being “Dance Dance” and “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.” The music video tells the tale of the band getting back together following their split due to an effort to save their music and prevent a space-time continuum. In this world, Wentz moves on to become a Flash-like superhero; Patrick Stump, lead vocalist and guitarist, becomes a buff wrestler; Andy Hurley, lead drummer, becomes a monk; and Trohman becomes a motion caption actor.

The fourth track on the album, “Fake Out,” takes influence from the punk rock band The Cure and is reminiscent of one of FOB’s most-recognized songs, “Dance Dance.” Hurley revealed that his favorite off the album is track five, “Heaven Iowa,” because Stump absolutely captivates listeners with his powerful vocals. Track six, “So Good Right Now,” provides fans with a light melody and bittersweet lyrics, reminding them of FOB’s early album “Take This to Your Grave.”

The one that intrigued me the most following its initial reveal was “The Pink Seashell,” the seventh track features actor Ethan Hawke reading a monologue his character gave in the movie “Reality Bites.” This particular monologue stood out to Wentz as it discusses death and the meaning of life. The album follows a similar pattern later with the track “Baby Annihilation,” originally titled “A Little Annihilation,” in which Wentz reads lyrics in a poetic tone.

FOB’s new logo has relations to both tracks, as the halves in the

logo are representative of two parts of the record. “The Pink Seashell” embodies finding meaning in life while “Baby Annihilation” marks breaking out of nihilism. The pure emotion and poetic thought emanating from these tracks remind me of the beauty of Jim Morrison’s “An American Prayer.”

Personally, the songs “I Am My Own Muse” and “Flu Game” have been stuck in my head, with the latter referencing Michael Jordan’s iconic basketball game in which he played effortlessly while being sick with the flu.

Finally, the titular song “So Much (for) Stardust,” provided a nice closing to the album, a repition of lyrics from the first track such as “What would you trade the pain for?”

Overall, the album was an absolute 10/10, and each song is a must-listen. These anthems

are perfect for the upcoming summer. The band incorporated their authentic pop-punk sound from their old albums, contrasting from their last album, “Mania,” in which they explored a new sound. With its authenticity, community and Wentz’s genius lyrics, this new FOB era helped remind fans why the band is such a special group and one that many hold dear to their hearts.

The Bottom Line: “So Much (for) Stardust” is perfect for the summer and reminds listeners of the band’s timelessness.

The Peaks: “Hold Me Like a Grudge,” “Flu Game” and “Baby Annihilation”

The Valleys: None

The Verdict: 10/10

Ram Jams: Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Fordham Lincoln Center

Lana Del Rey’s newest album, ‘Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,’ feels like a diary recited over piano ballads and the occasional trap beat

By ALLY REAVIS

Contributing Writer

Genre: Alternative

On a Playlist With: “Songs of Leonard Cohen,” “When The Pawn…,” “French Exit”

“Handmade beauty sealed up by two man-made walls,” Lana Del Rey, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’08, sings on the titular track and first single on her new album, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.” The singer’s ninth studio album was released on March 24.

Del Rey’s newest creation was inspired by the Jergins Tunnel in Long Beach, California. Once an opulent gateway to the beach, it was abandoned and sealed for 55 years. She worries that the public will discard her one day, like they did the tunnel. “Don’t forget me,” she echoes.

However, unlike the Jergins Tunnel, the public will never forget about Del Rey, especially after this release, which some critics have called her magnum opus. The album is an intimate collection of songs, focusing on her personal fears of being forgotten, her legacy and familial relationships.

Del Rey offers glimpses of hope in “Let the Light In,” the 12th song on the track, which features a verse and harmonies from indie rock artist Father John Misty. Misty and Del Rey

have a long collaborative history: He brought Del Rey onto his heart-wrenching 2022 EP, “Buddy’s Rendezvous” and has opened for her three times. In the song, Del Rey reflects on the good parts of a relationship in the midst of an argument.

“Tunnel” is like a big hug from Del Rey. “So if you don’t know, don’t give up / ’Cause you never know what the new day might bring,” she sings on the track “Margaret” featuring the rock band Bleachers, the solo project from Grammy-winning producer and co-producer of the album Jack Antonoff. The song was inspired by Antonoff’s fiancée, Margaret Qualley.

“Kintsugi” is another warm embrace, reminiscent of “Sweet Carolina” from Del Rey’s 2021 record “Blue Banisters.” It features some of the most dreamy lyrics on the album and refers to “kintsugi,” the Japanese art of mending broken pottery. Del Rey sweetens this philosophy with the refrain “That’s how the light gets in,” borrowed from Leonard Cohen, one of her greatest influences.

Rolling Stone called “Tunnel” her most “soul-searching album yet.” The poetic yet energetic trap production is something only she can achieve. Her most iconic trap moment in her career was in this album’s finale, “Taco Truck x VB.”

The song was divided into two parts, with the first part being a sensual love ballad. Then, the

first-time listener gets a surprise. The “VB” stands for “Venice Bitch,” the title of the third track on her 2019 album “Norman Fucking Rockwell!” Del Rey’s final gift to her fans is the trap remix of that iconic song.

The second single, “A&W,” is a fan favorite for its alluring romanticism. Del Rey also divided this song into two parts. The first part is lyrical, and the second gracefully drops into a dark, trap production. “But I don’t care, baby, I already lost my mind,” she repeats in the song.

Del Rey draws on gospel influences, too. The opening track and third single released, “The Grants,” features Melodye Perry and Pattie Howard, former backup singers for Whitney Houston, on the hymnlike intro. “I’m gonna take mine of you with me,” they sing. Del Rey promises to carry the memories of her loved ones with her, even into the afterlife. The lyrics are inspired by John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High,” and the song’s title alludes to Del Rey’s birth name, Elizabeth Grant. This song is about more than just romantic love — it’s about lineage and family.

Del Rey, a former philosophy student, must have paid attention in her Rose Hill classes. Her lyrics are metaphorical, morphing into a stunning mosaic of all types of love: familial, friendly and romantic. Fordham students who are fans of her keep her legacy alive here, in the tunnel under Lincoln Center.

The Bottom Line: “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” is breathtakingly serene with deep, self-explorative lyrics. It’s a step above “Blue Banisters” and ties with the indulgent “Norman Fucking Rockwell!” for my favorite Del Rey record.

The Peaks: “The Grants,” “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” “Margaret (ft. Bleachers),” “Taco Truck x VB”

The Valleys: “Judah Smith Interlude,” “Jon Batiste Interlude,” “Candy Necklace”

The Verdict: 10/10

FREEDOM TO MARRY VIA FLICKR

Coming out of a five-year hiatus, Fall Out Boy’s newest album goes back to their pop-punk roots.

ALEXA STEGMULLER/THE OBSERVER

& ames

Crossword: Quick Bites

1. Bi-, tri- or quadri- muscle suffix

4. Short metric units

7. Remnants of the Big Bang (Abbr.)

10. Orangutan (2 wds)

13. Hey, in Madrid

14. “___, I Did It Again”

16. *On the same block as 43 Across, pop in this TexMex joint for quesadillas and tacos

18. Black-Eyed Peas’ “___ Be”

19. Weasley’s witchy girlfriend

20. A composer is often also this

22. Goes ___ ___; battles

23. “The clawwww” creatures from “Toy Story”

25. *From 57 Across, walk a block eastward past St. Paul, cross the street, and make a left to this studentfriendly deli sandwich shop

30. -ivious and -igation prefix

51. Carry a rifle, for example (3 wds)

54. Down under : Up above :: ___ ___ : Yes God

56. Diocesan bishop’s assistant

57. *From McMahon, turn right and cross the street south and grab some takeout from this Peruvian food stop

59. Busy traveling; ___ the ___

60. Country code for the Eiffel Tower’s home

61. “Nobody” and “Me and My Husband” singer

62. “___ bei”; Chinese cheers

63. French, L’Oréal-owned luxury fashion house (Abbr.)

64. Learning period for toddlers and children (Abbr.)

BY IRENE HAO

32. Belonging to this firebending “The Legend of Korra” character

33. Conflicting, for short?

34. Fragile

36. Something you might do to a child or puppy?

38. “Shy shy shy” TWICE member

39. Rift or gorge

42. Fire remnants

43. *Head south from 25 Across past Starbucks and Morton Williams to this 24-hour American restaurant

47. “You will learn ___ ___”; master to student

48. Virtual medical supervision perhaps?

1. Sensual

2. Short witty poems

3. Former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Davidson

4. Dance ___

5. Nearsighted conditions

6. More attractive

7. This can be found in arcade, vending or washing machines

8. Cher: “___, ___ am a rich man”

9. Pulse rates (Abbr.)

10. ___ ___-shirt; top celebrating the second female Supreme Court justice, initially

11. German currency

12. What a child might do in the dirt with a stick when they want personal space? (3 wds)

15. Optional high school exam

17. “___ ___ the grinning bobcat why he grins”

21. What the McDonald’s logo is (2 wds)

24. Four-member American boy band

26. Negative vote

27. Mechanical gadgetry

28. “___, ___ always”; text response to “ty”

29. “O, she ___ teach the torches to burn bright”

30. Irish March holiday: Feast ___ ___ Patrick

31. Humdrum

35. Italian crime gang leader (2 wds)

36. Greek letter before omega

37. Partial memory loss; forgetful

39. “Rolling in the Deep” and “It’s My Life” are in these sad keys

40. Cloth edge, often of a dress

41. Relating to glands prefix

44. Compressed fuel (Abbr.)

45. “Farm Animals (___ ___ Book)” by Rose Nestling

46. Ballet position with one arm and leg in the air

49. Shelf, often containing spice or shoes

50. Sumerian god of water and wisdom

51. Overstock URL

52. Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme

53. Mythical serpent

55. “Take ___ ___”

58. Girl, slangily

Rams Create: The Comic Section

BY HANNAH BERGRENN