Fordham Guarantees
Internships for Class of 2029 and Beyond
By JULIANNA MORALES
EDITOR
Fordham University recently unveiled its new Internship Promise for all undergraduate students in the Class of 2029 and beyond. The university website explains that under the policy, “every undergraduate student will have the opportunity to land at least one internship, including research and other experiential learning.” Annette McLaughlin, director of the Career Center, explained that experiential learning is a broad term. “We typically include internships, research, volunteering, study abroad, ROTC and performance or exhibition experience under this umbrella,” she explained.
Currently, 90% of Fordham students participate in at least one internship before graduating, with many completing multiple. Fordham’s Career Center provides students with services to help them obtain internships, such as networking events and various workshops.
“We provide support and resources from as early as a student’s first day at Fordham, including workshops, career counseling, employer connections and an SEE PROMISE, PAGE 5
The Fordham Ram
Young Democratic Socialists Group
Distributes Plan B Outside Walsh Gate
By MIA TERO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Fordham University Young Democratic Socialists of America Club (YDSA) held an event outside of Walsh Gate on Oct. 25 where they distributed Plan B and encouraged students to sign their petition.
The event began with 64 doses of Plan B given to the club through correspondence with the national YDSA organization
and Planned Parenthood. Fordham YDSA members opened the table at 3 p.m. and ran out of Plan B at 3:27 p.m. Along with the distribution of Plan B, the table also had a fact sheet about how to use Plan B, a petition to allow for the distribution of contraception on Fordham’s campus and information about voting for New York residents. After all the Plan B was distributed, the event continued until
Fordham Students Travel to Rome for Synod on Synodality
By NISHANTH ADUMA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A delegation of 11 Fordham University students, led by Dr. Michael Lee, adjunct professor, and Vanessa Rotondo, deputy chief of staff to President Tania Tetlow, embarked on a transformative pilgrimage to
Rome to engage in Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality from Oct. 11 to 19. Rooted in the concept of synodality, this Synod emphasizes Pope Francis’ goal of creating a more inclusive church through attentive listening, sharing and discernment among its members. Synodality represents
a shift toward collaborative decisionmaking and unity within the Catholic Church. For the Fordham delegation, the experience provided a significant connection to the global church and a deep reflection on the diversity within Catholicism. Preparation for the Synod on SEE SYNOD, PAGE 4
4 p.m. During this time, the YDSA club members continued speaking to students about their petition and handing out pamphlets.
Currently, Fordham’s contraceptive and birth control policy states, “While personal possession of contraceptives, contraceptive devices and/or birth control, in any form, is not prohibited, distribution is prohibited on
Halloweek:
CAB Style
By EMMA LEONARDI STAFF WRITER
Fordham University’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted several events to celebrate Halloween from Wednesday, Oct. 23, to Thursday, Oct. 31. Of the events thus far, there were two that were the most popular: the Pumpkin Patch Carving Contest and the Golf Cart Ghost Tour.
The Pumpkin Patch Carving Contest was held on Oct. 23 from 3-6 p.m. on Martyrs’ Lawn. This event included a pumpkin patch for students to get pumpkins to decorate their dorms as well as a carving contest. The carving contest had prizes that included a $200 AMC gift card for first place, a $200 Party City gift card for second place and a Chipotle costume for third place. Entries
SEE CAB, PAGE 4
Professors Aniko DeLaney and Dr. Genevieve O’Connor of Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business presented a preview of their research, Marketing in a Polarized World, at an event in collaboration with the International Advertising Association (IAA) on Oct. 23. Over 70 attendees gathered at WPP’s offices on the 16th floor of 3 World Trade Center. The event, which ran from 4-7:30 p.m., featured a preview of O’Connor and DeLaney’s research, a panel with marketing executives and a networking social hour.
The event opened with O’Connor and DeLaney presenting a preview of their research concerning how Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and marketing executives are helping their brands navigate today’s polarized times while remaining true to their brand values. In today’s climate, brands have been facing heightened pressure to engage in social activism.
“We’ve seen that brands have faced significant pressure from consumers to get involved and take a stand on issues — purposedriven marketing is a key example. There’s also been a lot of research that consumers’ behavior and attitudes change if a brand gets involved or doesn’t get involved,” said O’Connor.
O’Connor and DeLaney’s research suggests the pendulum is swinging back due to commercial pressures. Their initial findings, which are confirmed by recent secondary data, suggest that consumers are generally split on whether a brand should take a stand, with marketers asking what they should do.
“The objective of our research partnership with IAA and Fordham
Opinion
Page 12 in this issue
“Buy Dirt”: The Climate Crisis and Cultural Values Sports
Kolarevic and Nguyen Win Doubles Title a A-10 Master’ s Culture Has TikTok Become the New “Hub” of Young Voters?
COURTESY OF NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
Students table outside of Walsh Gate with Plan B and a QR code to a petition.
Students and professors attended the Synod in Rome this past week.
COURTESY OF VANESSA ROTONDO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Thebaud Hall Oct. 23
10:02 a.m.
On Wednesday, there was a fire alarm in Thebaud Hall. A supervisor and the FDNY responded. The investigation revealed that an employee making toast triggered the alarm. The supervisor reset the alarm panel.
McShane Campus Center Oct. 23
10:11 p.m.
On Wednesday, there was a fire alarm in the McShane Center. A supervisor and the FDNY responded. The investigation revealed workers cleaning the kitchen triggered the alarm. The supervisor reset the alarm panel.
Loschert Hall Oct. 23
10:48 a.m.
On Wednesday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in Loschert Hall. A supervisor responded and notified the elevator company. A technician responded and freed the occupants in the elevator.
Walsh Hall Oct. 27
10:40 p.m.
On Sunday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in Walsh Hall. A supervisor and the FDNY responded and freed the students. The supervisor ordered a work order to inspect the elevator.
Staff applications now open!
Apply at thefordhamram.com
Gabelli 2023 Graduate Creates Olympic Swimwear Company
By JACK MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
Audrey Tirrell, GSB ’23, gained the inspiration to create Freestyle Swimwear after her experience as a Division I swimmer for Fordham University’s women’s swim team. Since then, the suits have been worn by Olympic athletes, such as silver medalist Anna Peplowski, and will be the training uniforms for the Fordham women’s swim team.
Tirrell is also an active member of the Fordham Foundry, Fordham’s central resource for innovation and entrepreneurship, where “students, alumni, faculty, and community members learn to use creative problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, and analytical skills to solve business and social issues of the 21st Century.”
Tirrell shared that developing Freestyle Swimwear was difficult, but she remained dedicated to the business nonetheless. “[I created] this brand while balancing life as a student-athlete and team captain of the women’s swim team,” said Tirrell.
“A typical day looked like getting up at 5 a.m. for training session number one, followed by a morning class, where I would then travel to Brooklyn to meet with pattern makers.”
Since Freestyle Swimwear was in the textile industry, finding the right fabric for her swimsuits was an important part of the construction process. “I would take my swimsuit samples and train in them daily at my practices,” said Tirrell. “I used my own training sessions as a tool to further develop my swimsuit designs.” While developing Freestyle Swimwear while swimming as a Division I athlete was challenging at times for Tirrell, she looked forward to the growth of the business.
The idea for Tirrell’s Freestyle Swimwear came about during her time at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business amid her sophomore year. “It took three years to develop and launch, just in time before graduating in 2023,” said Tirrell. “I launched the brand out of my Conley [Hall] dorm closet spring 2023, where I had hundreds of swimsuits around the apartment, with
my roommates thinking I was insane.”
Tirrell designed her education around Freestyle Swimwear, with a major in business administration and a concentration in entrepreneurship. Additionally, she minored in fashion studies to learn more about her intended industry. “[Professor] Allison Pfingst from the fashion department was an incredible help to me,” Tirell noted. “She was able to initially help connect with pattern makers and was very supportive through my journey.”
Tirrell cited the importance of the Fordham Foundry to her brand’s success, and notably joined the Foundry following graduation to assist other Fordham entrepreneurs. “They guided my process, and even helped me gain class credit for working on my brand,” said Tirrell.
One of the more important ways Tirrell furthered her interest in Freestyle Swimwear was by being able to research it as part of her cumulative coursework.
“Even in some marketing classes I took, professors let me study my own brand for final projects
This Week at Fordham
Wednesday Oct. 30
Dodge Big or Go Home
Edward’s Parade 12-3 p.m.
Join the Residence Hall Association for their Halloween Dodgeball Tournament as teams hailing from dorms around the Rose Hill campus compete for glory and prizes, such as tickets to an event.
Thursday Oct. 31
Tricks, Treats & Trinkets
McShane Campus Center 2 p.m.
Join the Fordham Commuting Students Association for their Halloween event to decorate keychains and plushies. There will be pizza, drinks and candy available as well.
Friday Nov. 1
Let’s Laugh
Collins Blackbox Theater 7-9 p.m.
Free Pizza Comedy is back to make you laugh your socks off in the Blackbox this weekend with a sketch comedy show. The group encourages attendees to wear costumes to their 8 p.m. shows.
Saturday Nov. 2
Saluting to Service
Moglia Stadium 1 p.m.
Support Fordham Football as they take on the Raiders of Colgate University for their Salute to Service game, honoring veterans who served the country. Free camo hats will be given out to fans.
which I was so grateful for at the time,” she said. “Fordham really supported me and gave me the tools to be able to maintain the balance of academics and my own brand development through college.”
Additionally, Tirrell has made other developments to Freestyle Swimwear since leaving Fordham, and sees new developments for the brand in the future. Freestyle Swimwear was recently the official sponsor of Olympic silver medalist Anna Peplowski of Germantown Hills, Illinois, who is a customer of the brand.
Furthermore, Tirrell has provided several Division I college teams in the United States with their official training uniforms. “We aim to grow and evolve Freestyle into the top women’s competitive training swimwear brand globally, inspiring women to achieve remarkable things,” said Tirrell when prompted on her hopes for the future of her brand. “As a swimmer who has experienced the journey firsthand, I’m passionate about empowering others to reach their greatest potential.”
Tuesday Nov. 5
election website for more information.
COURTESY OF AUDREY TIRRELL FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Freestyle Swimwear, an Olympic swimwear company, was created by Audrey Tirrell, GSB ’23, during her time at Fordham.
Dr. Samuel Mortimer Comes to the Gabelli School of Business
By JACK MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
The Fordham University Gabelli School of Business law and ethics area hosted guest speaker Dr. Samuel Mortimer in Hughes Hall on Oct. 25. Mortimer, a psychologist and philosopher with the Saïd School of Business at Oxford University, came to New York City to deliver a seminar on managerial morality and employee behavior in business, engaging Gabelli students and faculty in the discussion.
Mortimer is a specialist in the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation and the Kyoto Institute of Philosophy. He holds a Ph.D. in ethics and legal studies from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and theology from the University of Oxford.
Mortimer’s lecture, titled “The Messy Ethics of Business Organization,” began with a description of how he understood business from a young age.
Being a professor in business ethics, Mortimer has spent much of his career attempting to identify the best possible morals for business leaders. “We look to leaders as the people who control what’s really going on and what is so important in our lives,” said Mortimer. He went on later to say that “organizations should not seek to exploit market failures.”
Mortimer noted that often managers are the ones who command control of the organization’s expectations, but noted that business ethics theories and
organizations (SBEs) are not controlled by a single person: “My claim is that SBEs cannot be decomposed into ethical duties for individuals, given realistic and empirically supported assumptions about how business organizations function.”
Mortimer raised the question of whether or not managers control organizations. “If managers could control how the organization functioned, they would be able to make sure that the corporation achieved its ethical operations,” he said. He cited many philosophers who fall into a stance of thinking businesses operate under the control condition, noting an appearance of hierarchy and control of managers of the people below them.
Mortimer described a situation in wartime Japan, where the military followed the control condition. “The wartime Japanese military had the appearance of a strict hierarchy,” he said. “Managers’ control is limited by inertia, path dependencies and complex systems.” According to Mortimer, situations like this often shape people’s ideas of organizational hierarchy.
“Managerial commands often reflect subordinate influence, and complex companies need to generate information from other people,” said Mortimer. “These people have the ability to hide certain pieces of information but exaggerate other pieces of information. This gives those below the manager and executive power to affect what information is provided to the
people above them.”
He expanded on this idea by analyzing what factors influence managerial decisionmaking. “Managerial power, to a large extent, is at the convenience of those who are governed,” said Mortimer. “They feel they can only say certain things because the people below them will accept them as reasonable things to say. Managerial commands are often things they know the people below them already want to do.”
Mortimer noted that most workers do feel some sense of control, which leads to people believing that managers control organizations. “Workers commonly feel controlled, and they perceive their managers as the source of that control,” said Mortimer.
“But it is compatible to say that workers are extensively and minutely controlled, and managers are neither less controlled.”
“The organization is set up so that you can be replaced,” said Mortimer. He noted that organizations are not just constantly turning machines. “People can fail to follow the organization’s ‘commands,’ and thereby undermine its control, as much as they can a manager’s control… Organizations operate through mechanisms that produce effects over which humans have little intentional control.”
Mortimer shifted topics to discuss the knowledge condition. “Business practitioners, or businesspeople, face epistemic barriers to ethical reform,” said
Mortimer. “If the organization is not already meeting its obligations, the issue is how to reform the organization.” He also raised a question on why it is so hard to have ethical reforms in organizations.
“Wrongdoing is often embedded in organizational processes and structures, these can be sources of inertia,” said Mortimer. “Even when the profitability and survival of businesses is on the line, they regularly fail to overcome inertia.”
Isabella Sill, GSB ’28, attended the lecture and said, “I found the lecture very interesting, as it gave me a different perspective to see how companies work as a biomachine, rather than employees being simple ‘cogs’ in a machine.”
Muslim Students Association Hosts Annual Charity Week
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
The Charity Week for Orphans and Needy Children, an annual volunteer-led event that partners with the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) to raise money for people in need, was held this past week from Oct. 21-26. Fordham University’s Muslim Students Association (MSA) is one of many groups participating in Charity Week. Fordham’s Rose Hill MSA has been participating in the event since 2020.
“Colleges from Fordham to St. John’s [University] to NYU [New York University] are participating to see who can raise the most money,” said Mehak Imran, GSB ’27, MSA’s events coordinator. “Then all that money is donated to charitable causes affecting Muslim relief and Islamic relief all over the world.”
Since 2003, Charity Week has raised over 17,537,165 pounds to aid people in need. The organization provides interested parties with information on what events to do, how to go about doing them and how to publicize them. MSA was provided with a Charity
Week ambassador who helped them plan for the week.
“We had a meeting with [our ambassador] to discuss what events we had to do and then they [the ICNA] approved it,” said Imran. “And then we got it approved through Fordham and then we set it up.”
Fordham MSA hosted a variety of events during the week, with the largest one being their Charity Gala, which was on Oct. 24 in the McShane Campus Center’s Great Hall. This year, the gala was a collaboration between MSA, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, Fordham University South Asian Entity, Fordham Arabic club, Fordham’s Middle East and North Africa club and the Fordham Bengali Student Association. The gala had an entrance fee of $5 and had a mini-auction, with all proceeds going to charity.
“The events were amazing, and the people were so dedicated, I was amazed by the sense of community and the dedication everyone showed in coming together to raise money for such a great cause,” said Sumaiya Lina, FCRH ’28,
a member of MSA. “It was really nice to see everyone come together, have a great time and truly make a difference. I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of it.”
Throughout the week, MSA also hosted a bake sale, a raffle and a hijab and henna event, where students could browse hijabs and get henna done. They also hosted their annual auction on Oct. 26, which raised $13,000 last year.
“This event reminded me of all the things I could do as a student here at Fordham to help Muslims in need on a global scale,” said Ihsaan Alam, FCRH ’28, an MSA firstyear liaison. “Whether it was donating money, serving food or even offering prayer, I felt aligned with my iman in that I was doing what I could during such an important time as Charity Week.”
“It’s a really good tradition,” said Imran. “It’s really rewarding and fulfilling and definitely solidifies my role on campus as part of the MSA… It’s definitely one of the best times to be [in the MSA] community.”
COURTESY OF JACK MCDONALD FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Dr. Samuel Mortimer visited the Gabelli School of Business to speak about managerial morality and employee behavior.
COURTESY OF MEHAK IMRAN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
The Muslim Students Association hosted their Charity Ball last Friday.
COURTESY OF MEHAK IMRAN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Fordham students attended the gala on Friday and won raffle baskets.
Fordham Joins Global Conversation on Synodality in Rome
FROM SYNOD, PAGE 1
Synodality involved both practical and spiritual elements. Students engaged in weekly sessions on topics like Vatican II, Synod history, Ignatian spirituality and global Catholic perspectives. This foundation helped Fordham’s delegation understand synodality’s purpose and approach the experience with open minds.
Lillian Mercado, FCRH ’27, said she found that learning about early Christianity and Vatican II made the pilgrimage especially impactful. Reflecting on how the classroom setup mirrored the synodal process, she noted, “We sat at round tables, communicated openly and shared meals together.”
Bradley Birne, FCRH ’27, said the journey to Rome was filled with meaningful experiences, but one moment stood out above all: seeing Pope Francis speak at a general audience. “Pope Francis is the living leader of the Catholic Church, so being able to see him speak was astonishing,” Birne said. He described the
experience as “a surreal moment,” capturing the profound connection between faith and leadership embodied by the Pope.
“Being in the presence of someone who has such a profound impact on millions around the world brought a whole new depth to my understanding of the church,” Birne added. For him, the audience was not just a highlight of the trip but a deeply spiritual encounter that underscored the significance of the Synod’s message on unity and inclusivity within the church.
Nadia Blouin, FCRH ’25, found that her academic preparation for the trip came to life in unexpected ways. Her study of Catholic history and the synodal process equipped her to engage meaningfully with delegates and appreciate the complexity of their discussions. “The way we perceive the Catholic Church and the way it influences its followers is constantly evolving,” she said. For Blouin, witnessing the convergence of
tradition and progress within the Synod revealed a church not only rooted in history but also adapting to contemporary needs, embodying a mission that resonates globally.
Gabriella Chinnici, FCRH ’27, found that her experience at the Synod challenged her preconceptions about finding peace and belonging in traditional sacred spaces. While she had anticipated a profound sense of tranquility at places like St. Peter’s Basilica, she was instead met with feelings of “chaos and intimidation,” realizing that her connection to faith wasn’t confined to any particular location. “Peace does not come from a specific building or site but rather… from within,” she said. Chinnici’s journey underscored for her that the heart of the church lies in its people and the community they create together, not in physical spaces alone. This revelation deepened her appreciation for the church as a spiritual home that lives within the shared experiences and relationships of its members.
The Fordham delegation returned from Rome with varied reflections on the future of synodality in the church. While many found inspiration in the Synodal process as a bridge for global Catholicism, they also recognized its complexities. For Hailey Baker, FCRH ’27, the pilgrimage’s spiritual aspect brought to life the vision of “walking together.”
“Being in Rome helped me see synodality as more than just a concept; it’s a call to unity in faith, despite our differences,” Baker shared. She was struck by the diversity of opinions within the church, noting that not all Catholics embrace synodality’s progressive aspects. “I spoke with students and delegates who questioned how the church could honor traditions while still moving forward,” she said. This experience deepened her understanding of the church’s effort to balance tradition with openness to change, a tension she believes will shape Catholicism’s future.
As the Synod on Synodality calls for a church united in
mission yet reflective of diverse regional perspectives, questions arise about its future direction. This year, Fordham distinguished itself through its active involvement. Fordham’s leadership in last year’s Synod inspired 33 other institutions to participate this year, including Jesuit universities like Georgetown University, Santa Clara University and Loyola University Chicago, contributing to a greater dialogue among Catholic institutions. “It was gratifying for us to hear that Fordham was a pioneer and model for other schools,” said Lee.
“There are many uncertainties about the future of the global Church, but the future relies on engaging our students in such events,” added Rotondo. Through experiences like these, students gained the opportunity to shape a church that seeks to “walk together” while respecting the distinct paths of its many communities.
CAB Hosts Golf Cart Ghost Tours and a Pumpkin Patch
to the contest were due on Oct. 27, and the requirements were to get a pumpkin, follow @fordhamcab on Instagram and post a picture of the carved pumpkin on their Instagram story.
While the event included the carving contest, Nadia Garriga, FCRH ’27, was among many students who attended the event to get a pumpkin, but did not participate in the contest. “I thought it was a great fall activity for students, especially during the midterms season when everyone is stressed,” she said. Compared to other CAB events she has attended, Garriga said that the Pumpkin Patch Carving Contest was less organized. “I don’t think they were anticipating as many people to show up as they did,” she said.
The Golf Cart Ghost Tour event was held on Oct. 25 from 7-9 p.m., with rides starting at the CAB table in front of the McShane Campus Center. The
CAB table was decorated for Halloween with a witch’s cauldron full of candy for participants to take. The tour took students from the McShane Center to Alumni Court South, Martyrs’ Court and Campbell, Salice and Conley Halls. From there, the cart turned back towards Edward’s Parade, driving past Walsh Library, Duane Library and Dealy Hall to finish in front of the bronze ram statue.
The first campus ghost story, told while driving past Loyola Hall, regarded an alleged ghost inhabiting O’Hare Hall. According to the tale, a construction worker had a heart attack while working on the O’Hare roof and fell to his death. Apparently, students who live in O’Hare have reported hearing construction sounds through the walls, while no construction is currently taking place.
The second story was told while driving past Martyrs’ Court, and involves the first-year dorm directly.
Supposedly, a Fordham student was in the Martyrs’ showers and heard crying from one of the shower stalls. When she went to investigate, she found an open curtain with a girl sitting on the ground inside the stall. The student asked her repeatedly what was wrong, with no answer. One of the student’s friends walked in and the student asked for her help, only to find the girl gone when they went back over to the stall. Apparently, the most frequently reported supernatural event on the campus is student reports of hearing other showers turn on when they think they are the only students in the bathroom.
The third ghost tale involves a supposed ghost haunting Duane Library. According to the Oct. 21, 1976 issue of the Ram, there have been “strange happenings” with a priest by the name of John Shea. One particular student had several encounters with Shea,
including one where the ghost introduced himself as Shea and shared he worked in the Economics department. However, when this student asked the departmental secretary about Shea the very next day, the secretary told the student that Sheahad died two or three years prior. While telling this story, the cart drove past the library, with some CAB members even jumping out of the bushes to scare the students as part of the experience.
The fourth ghost story was about Finlay Hall and was told while driving past the Starbucks in Dealy Hall. This story is about the medical school, once housed in the now upperclassmen dorm building. According to reports, students living in the lofted rooms have woken up to look up at the loft and seen several people in lab coats staring down at them. Students who reside in the basement have also reported the
feeling of their toes being tugged, as this space used to be a morgue.
The fifth legend isn’t a ghost story, but a theory of a potential tunnel network under Edward’s Parade. As told on the tour, it is likely that these tunnels existed to allow an emergency exit route for the Jesuits in case they needed to escape to safe locations. Proof of these tunnels is cited from the indentations left behind on Edward’s Parade after a snowfall, where the tunnels are said to exist.
The tour ended in front of the ram statue, and the CAB drivers shared one final potential haunting in Keating Hall. There have been multiple reports, some of cold spots or the feeling of being watched, and even several instances of witnessing a chair tumbling down the stairs without anyone around.
This event was Mary Lien-Gonzalez’s, FCRH ’27, first time attending an event held by CAB. “I thought the event was very well planned out and well-executed, and made for great student involvement,” she said. “This one was a lot of fun and now I’d be willing to explore the other events.”
YDSA Shares Demands and Petition at Event
FROM PLAN B, PAGE 1
Fordham University property, using University resources, and at University-sponsored events.”
Since the Fordham YDSA club is not a recognized club by Fordham, they do not receive any funding from the university to go towards club events or resources.
Fordham YDSA Co-Chair Matthew Smith, FCRH ’27, stated that the main demands of the club are to “allow for the distribution of contraceptives on campus and provide more comprehensive sexual health.” Fordham YDSA’s Instagram
has a complete list of demands that include allowing for birth control to be prescribed through Fordham Health Services and providing students with condoms free of charge at the university health center. The petition that was available to sign at the event further explains the demands, stating, “Currently, orientation [New Student Orientation] primarily focuses on consent… It does not adequately address safe sex practices or inform students about the available resources for sexual health.” The petition continues to discuss
the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, the university’s responsibility and the demands listed on Instagram. The petition is planned to be shared with Fordham administration in the following weeks.
After being asked about their thoughts on Fordham’s contraceptive policy, Carolina, FCRH ’28, who asked to be referred to only by her first name, stated that she thinks Fordham “should have contraceptives available, especially on a college campus.” Carolina explained that she heard about the event through her friend, who was a
member of the YDSA club.
At 2:50 p.m., before the start of the event, Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers talked with YDSA club members working the table. He continued to sit near Walsh Hall until around 3:15 p.m. The Fordham YDSA members explained that Rodgers said they could keep their table since they were located off campus.
At 3:30 p.m., Walsh Hall’s Residential Director (RD) Chanique Peart came up to the table and explained that she was sent to shut down the event. The RD said that she was told that the club
event was located off campus and that they were not allowed to hold this event. Smith explained that Rodgers had allowed the event to continue, and the RD confirmed this and left. Later, a Public Safety officer approached the table and left after determining that the event was allowed to continue since it wasn’t on Fordham’s campus. Smith explained that the club plans to “keep doing Plan B and condom distribution events” and have the tables located outside of Walsh Gate and off campus. Fordham YDSA members said they would continue through the process of becoming a recognized club by the university as well.
FROM CAB, PAGE 1
Gabelli Professor Hosts “ Marketing in a Polarized World” Event
FROM MARKETING, PAGE 1
is that we know that we are all living in highly polarized times. We wanted to understand how CMOs and marketing executives are helping their brands navigate these polarized times and then offer best practices to their peers,” said DeLaney.
Dr. Mohammad Nejad, chair of the marketing area at Gabelli, is also participating in uncovering the theoretical explanations of the results and interpreting them to build informed recommendations.
“[Dr. Nejad and I] are looking at the theoretical underpinnings to build the foundation for our research,” said O’Connor. “We are hoping to better understand why and how people behave by looking through various theoretical lenses.”
During the first phase of their research, O’Connor and DeLaney interviewed over 20 CMOs and marketing executives across
FROM PROMISE, PAGE 1
online library of tools and platforms,” McLaughlin said. “When it comes to internships specifically, students are able to book appointments with us to prepare all of their application materials and interviewing skills. We also have workshops that cover these topics.” One of the main resources students use to find and apply for internships is Handshake, which the university website states posted over 27,000 internships in 2022-23.
Bob Howe, associate vice president for Media and Public Relations, explained that of the undergraduate students completing internships currently, 92% have a job or other substantive post-baccalaureate opportunity within six months of graduation. “Fordham helps its students get experience with companies like Disney, Amazon and Goldman Sachs, and
several industries including finance, fashion and media. The second phase includes surveying Fordham students and leveraging the IAA network to reach consumers of all demographics to ensure that the research reflects a diverse opinion base.
Gen Z is a particularly interesting population to study because they are focused on “values” and supporting brands that are making a positive impact on the world, but sometimes their consumer decisions are driven by “value” in terms of price, according to DeLaney.
To further illustrate the urgency and necessity of brand incident readiness to event attendees, DeLaney and O’Connor moderated a discussion panel including Carol Schuster, SVP of Marketing and Business Information at Lafayette 148 and president of IAA North America; Lisa Clunie, co-founder and CEO of JOAN Creative; Isys
Caffey, SVP Communications Strategy at Stripe Theory; and Sarah Biegel, Demand Generation associate at Forbes.
The conversation touched on topics including the challenges of resonating with Gen Z’s values and the importance of having a crisis plan that engages all levels of business, from sales associates to CMOs.
Alaina Stanisci, GSB ’26, was involved in the planning of the event. As a marketing intern with the IAA, she kept detailed lists of attendees, sent invitation emails and wrote the event description and reminder emails. In addition, Fordham undergraduates and graduate students joined the event as volunteers and attendees.
“I think a major opportunity at this event for students was the networking social hour. Getting to talk to these people about what they do in their day-to-day, introducing yourself and making that connection is so valuable,” said Stanisci.
A follow-up event with IAA North America, hosted at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus on March 27, 2025, will feature the synthesized research results and highlight several methods to help CMOs develop proactive strategies to navigate brand incidents, including best practice recommendations and frameworks to streamline the incident management process.
“We want to give brands a best practice guideline and we want to offer them a tool that they can
use to help better understand how they can be authentic, be transparent and connect with consumers while adhering to their brand values,” said O’Connor.
“What we’re trying to do is help the CMO and marketing executive community because… it’s not an ‘if’ there will be a brand incident, it’s a ‘when,’” said DeLaney. “We will develop a framework and best practice guide to help the CMOs contain a brand incident and reduce the risk of it becoming a brand crisis.”
Fordham Announces Internship Promise
organizations like PEN America, the New Settlement Community Center and the Brooklyn Museum,” stated Howe.
Howe commented that the Internship Promise was built off the success of Fordham’s Serving the City Internship Program. “Thanks to generous donor support, [the Serving the City Internship Program] places undergraduate students in paid internships with nonprofits that align with our Jesuit mission,” said Howe. “The program has grown quickly in just four years, providing internships for about 150 students.”
Fordham President Tania Tetlow expressed that she views providing students with internships as very important for preparing students for post-graduate success. “Employers increasingly look to us for graduates who are academically accomplished, adaptable, can think critically and
work collaboratively,” Tetlow said. “In the last decade, the workplace has become more diverse, and jobs (and the skills required to perform them) are evolving rapidly. We know how critically important it is for students to have an opportunity to put their many new skills into practice and get some real work experience before leaving the classroom. Students need internships.”
McLaughlin explained that she believes the Internship Promise will also have positive impacts on Fordham as an institution. “On an institutional level, the enhanced internship reporting will give us better insights as to what students are interested in, what they need and how we can allocate our resources to better serve them,” McLaughlin explained. “This benefits all students, not just
the Class of 2029 and later.”
Enhancing internship reporting is just one part of the plan that the Career Center has to help ensure the promise. “We are currently evaluating all of our resources and identifying additional platforms to increase our reach and accessibility,” McLaughlin said.
“We are working with multiple departments across the university to partner on implementing more Career Readiness Programs, expanding our Career Exploration Courses and improving student’s reporting of experiences.”
She explained that the Career Center wants to expand its employer relations and industry-specific resources in order to be able to connect students with opportunities that are well suited to their interests. McLaughlin added that many other departments support the work of the promise and will participate in its planning and implementation.
Current students have mixed feelings about the Internship Promise. Though they think it is a good idea, students feel as though they missed out by attending before the promise was initiated. “I think it sucks that it wasn’t promised to former students. However, I think it’s amazing that they are trying something new like this. It will definitely take away some stress from those students. It’s getting harder and harder to get internships so it’s a very cool promise,” commented Touheed Kamran, FCRH ’24.
“The Career Center is excited to be able to implement initiatives that we have researched and considered in order to highlight the Fordham students and their experiences which will benefit the world of work,” said McLaughlin. “The world needs employees with Jesuit values who have fire, faith and focus for the future of work.”
USG Meets with Women’s Basketball and Hears Budget Proposals
By ANDREW MASSIE & EMMA LEONARDI
Fordham University Rose Hill’s United Student Government (USG) met with Fordham Women’s Basketball and heard budget proposals on Oct. 24.
The Student Experience Committee submitted a budget request for $715 to purchase the licensing required to show “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at their upcoming Halloween Night event on Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. in the Keating Rotunda. Vice President of Student Experience Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, noted that Fordham is required to purchase a license to show the movie. This event will also include candy and arts and crafts for students. The budget proposal passed after a vote.
Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, said that USG will use discretionary funds from the USG budget to support catering for Commuter Student Services’ (CSS) “Mid-Day
Breakfast.” Because the traditional Midnight Breakfast event held around finals is late in the evening, many commuter students can’t participate. CSS hopes to hold a separate event so commuter students can participate in the tradition.
Hjertberg shared that President Tania Tetlow said that the Office of Disability Services (ODS) will soon move to an accessible building. However, the new location has not yet been announced. Hjertberg said there will be new paid positions for student workers within ODS. USG hopes these student jobs will mitigate the understaffing issues ODS has faced while increasing student work experience at Fordham.
Two Fordham Women’s Basketball members, Miya Giles-Jones, FCRH ’27, and Camila De Pool, FCRH ’28, asked USG for advice and ideas to increase game attendance. Ideas proposed by USG included an ugly sweater night
for their game on Dec. 8 and a jersey day on Feb. 8 in celebration of National Women and Girls in Sports Day. The team’s first game is on Nov. 4 and is set to be a white-out game where the team will be giving out free shirts.
Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Nyla Patel, FCRH ’25, announced several updates on Bronx Appreciation Week and related initiatives.
Bronx Appreciation Week is expanding outreach to local artists for a concert planned for next semester and will invite clubs to sponsor and support the week’s events. Efforts to improve accessibility include follow-ups on past proposals and plans for a fundraising tabling event. The Cultural Thanksgiving Potluck with Campus Religious Services is also in the works. Bronx integration efforts have also progressed, with the team’s first volunteer outing to Part of the Solution this past Wednesday.
Vice President of Health and Security Aidan Costella, FCRH ’27, shared recent and upcoming initiatives from the Committee for Sexual Misconduct (CSM) in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. CSM will host a screening of “It Ends With Us” on Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the O’Keefe Commons in Loyola Hall, discussing its portrayal of domestic violence, real-world implications and audience reflections.
Vice President of Facilities and Dining Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, recently met with new committee members to discuss ways to rotate the breakfast menu and address portion limitations in the cafeteria. Rodriguez also raised concerns with Aramark over students being limited to one serving, emphasizing that students paying for meal plans should receive additional portions upon request.
Senator Grace Shin, FCRH ’28, said that the Class of 2028
Senate is researching student subway usage to explore providing MetroCards through USG. The senators also worked with a dean to add an accessibility statement to the “Admitted Students” and “Fordham Bound” pages; they did not state which dean they met with. Shin said it will be implemented by December.
Dean Catharine McGlade recently met with Aramark to discuss food safety for Feel Good, a student-run organization aiming to establish an official chapter at Fordham in partnership with The Hunger Project. Previously, USG tabled Feel Good’s application due to safety concerns with cooking equipment. Aramark recommended either fully overseeing food distribution and training for the group or having Feel Good complete food safety training with Aramark, though distribution logistics would still need separate handling.
COURTESY OF SABRINA BEE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
The event was held at 3 World Trade Center.
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Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918
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From the Desk | Grace Campbell
Small Leaps of Faith Make a Big Difference
College is the best four years of your life. Right? That’s what everyone says, so that’s what I always thought. That’s why I spent all of middle school waiting to go to high school, so I could spend all of it waiting to go to college. And now, here I am, nearing the end of those four years. Were they the best four years of my life? I’m really not sure. I’m not sure of anything anymore. No one sums up my feelings on the matter better than Taylor Swift: “How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22?”
Coming into college at 18, I was sure of exactly what the next four years would look like and who I would become. I had thought college would make me hard-working and thoughtful, like my brother Matt. Smart and curious, like my brother Mike. Proud and loving, like my dad. That I would be cool and fun, like my brother Steve. Successful and considerate, like my mom. I thought that going to college would solve all my problems and nothing could go wrong. Now I understand
why adults always say teenagers know nothing.
Floundering after my first year, I knew one thing for sure: I needed a change. I was dreading all my core classes, unsure of my major, and I looked back at my first year at Fordham University, realizing I hadn’t really done much at all. In response, I turned to the one solid thing I know I like. Really, the only thing that I know for a fact that I am good at: writing. I applied to be a digital producer at The Fordham Ram, and, to my luck, I got the job.
So there I was, returning from Thanksgiving break to shadow the Ram’s digital team in the Dagger John’s basement with three girls I’d never met before: Frances, Rory and Julia. And when January came, and it was time for our first Ram meeting, something felt different. Over that semester, the three of them became some of my favorite people at Fordham. Funny, kind and smart, all of them made me feel lucky to get to call them friends. I truly don’t know if I would’ve
had the same college experience if it weren’t for meeting them at the Ram. I don’t even know if I would be at Fordham at all. Sometimes, something so benign and small can really change everything. I don’t know if they all know how happy I am to know them. And Claire, too, of course. I have every thanks to give to The Fordham Ram, to the staff of Volume 104 for accepting my applications and to everyone I’ve gotten to know, work with and become friends with since. Being a
Editorial | Voting Decisions
part of this newspaper and the people in it has turned me around and changed my life for the better. If I had any advice to give an incoming freshman, it would be to take a chance, join a club, and trust yourself because there’s a good chance it will all work out.
I have a lot to be grateful for when I look back at my four years here. I’m not sure if I’m where she thought I would be at 21. Actually, I don’t think I am at all. But I know that I’m happy to be here.
Choose Democracy, Choose Harris
In six days, the United States will elect a new president. Fordham University students are casting their ballots by mail, voting early in person or waiting for Election Day to make their voices heard. This election is special for most editorial board members because it will be the first time we cast our ballots in a presidential election. We are excited to exercise our right to vote because it allows us to determine the future of our nation. Over the course of this volume, we have closely watched the campaigns of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. While both candidates are imperfect, it is clear to us that Trump’s vision for America goes against our values as an editorial board. That is why we concluded Harris is the best choice for president.
Throughout this volume, we have been clear with our stances on multiple issues that have impacted this election. In April, we wrote about how reproductive rights were unjustifiably under attack across the country. In September, we warned about the dangerous consequences Project 2025 would have on Americans. Last week we expressed disgust at Trump’s usage of dangerous language during his presidential campaign. It has become clear to us that Trump’s vision for America goes against our values of respectful leadership. His vision for
the country is dark, selfish and focused on retribution. If you don’t believe us, as we have said before, listen to Trump’s words. He has promised to seek revenge on opponents like Special Council Jack Smith by firing him within “two seconds” of becoming president. Trump incited an insurrection to overturn the 2020 election results and recently called Jan. 6 a “day of love” during a Univision Town Hall. He refers to his opponents as “the enemy from within.”
Some may dismiss our argument as dramatic and base their vote on the hope that Trump will somehow return prices to 2019 levels. However, people who served in Trump’s first administration, like his chief of staff John Kelly, have raised the alarm about his “dictator approach to the government.” Those individuals will not be serving in Trump’s second administration, meaning his worst impulses may not be restrained. This is a risk our country cannot take. We are not afraid to say that a second Trump term would be dangerous, and we are voting to prevent it.
Another reason we are speaking out is because the L.A. Times and the Washington Post announced they would not be endorsing a presidential candidate. These choices were made by the owners of these papers, who overruled their editorial boards that were ready to endorse Harris. As a result, current and previous employees of
both papers have expressed outrage with the decisions. In protest, Mariel Garza, L.A. Times Editorial Editor, decided to resign from her role. 200,000 people canceled their Washington Post subscription. Former Post Editor Martin Baron wrote on X, “History will mark a disturbing chapter of spinelessness at an institution famed for courage.” We ask the owners of these papers that of all the elections to end presidential endorsements, why did they choose 2024?
To us, it seems these papers have committed an act of cowardice. Instead of letting the editorial boards provide their perspective on this historic moment, the owners are self-censoring in an attempt to minimize criticism from presumed right-wing groups. However, these owners don’t seem to understand the point of an editorial board. An editorial allows for a group of individuals to write with one united voice on issues that matter deeply to them. What these owners did was rob their newspapers of their voice and that sets a horrible precedent. Since the stakes of this election are so high, we believe sitting out this election or voting for a third party will increase Trump’s chances of a second term. The editorial board does not agree with Harris on every issue. While we appreciate her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and bringing the hostages home, we believe she must clarify how she will
achieve this. Two million Gazans have been displaced since the conflict began and tens of thousands have died. Also, 97 Israeli hostages are still held captive by Hamas. Since the United States supplies Israel $3.8 billion a year, our nation’s influence cannot be understated, so we implore a potential Harris administration to prioritize the prevention of more suffering in the region. As a board, we value the ability of a leader to respectfully listen to all groups even if they don’t agree. We believe Harris has repeatedly demonstrated this ability over the course of her career, while Trump rarely does. For this reason, we have cast our ballots for Harris. We heavily debated endorsing a presidential candidate because it is not a choice other editorial boards at The Fordham Ram have made for recent elections. However, last week’s decision from the L.A. Times and the Washington Post reminded us of the importance of an editorial. Editorials are powerful because they allow us to show the Fordham community what we, as editorial board members, value and the unique ability to say something with one unified voice. In her resignation letter from the L.A. Times, Garza wrote, “Staying silent isn’t just indifference, it is complicity.” She is right, and so, in this historic moment, we will not be silent. We will proudly let our voices be heard.
OPINION
“Buy Dirt”: The Climate Crisis and Cultural Values
By ABIGAIL ADAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Economics classes have always driven home the importance of consumer confidence in the market. If consumer confidence is low and the economy is in an overall state of anxiety, you know we’re in a sticky situation. Zillow’s recent addition of climate risk scores is designed to instill consumer confidence in the website with the increasing presence of natural disasters. More importantly, Zillow’s move ought to inspire low consumer confidence in the way our materialistic culture functions. With rising insurance premiums and plummeting home values, people from all over the political spectrum need to come together to shift our focus. Without this shift, vital human and American values are at risk.
Zillow’s new climate risk score feature contains information for five key climate-related disasters. These include flooding, wildfires, extreme heat, poor air quality and wind damage. Zillow has partnered with First Street, a climate research nonprofit, to develop these new features. First Street is a research nonprofit merging climate-tracking software with property development. Their most recent finalized funding round earned them $46 million to continue developing these technologies. Clearly, investors have confidence that technologies like this will be crucial in the future housing market.
Across the board, multiple
By STUART CREMER STAFF WRITER
I consider myself a lefty in more ways than one. I have been writing with my left hand since first grade. I kick with my left foot when playing soccer. I throw with my left hand and bat on the left side of the plate when playing baseball. I have been to the Lefty’s Store in San Francisco, where they sell exclusively left-handed goods, from scissors to spiral notebooks. I cannot begin to tell you how frustrating it is sometimes to live in a right-handed world. Some may say that sometimes struggling to use scissors, doors, desks and other mundane objects is only a minor inconvenience. I disagree. I think the world needs to be built more ambidextrously. Sadly, my laments often fall on deaf ears, as left-handed people only make up 10-12% of the population. Why is this?
Paleoarcheology shows us, through preserved human tools and remains, that the rate of left-handedness has remained relatively steady throughout all of human history. A variety of sociocultural, environmental and genetic factors influence whether someone will become left-handed. A common hypothesis among some evolutionary scientists is that left-handedness has both some
organizations prioritizing climate resilience have been growing. People are in a state of anxiety, given the re-occurring natural disasters. People need research like this to secure their confidence before weighty purchases, especially with land. If these risk factors are accurate, concerns could be eased and the housing market could be more open. Ideally, this enables increased buying and selling of property. Moreover, with this information publicized, individuals will avoid risky purchases and insurance rates will fall.
In my opinion, this is all well and good. Hopefully, these climate risk scores will be accurate so consumers can regain confidence, and the home buying and selling market will return to a peaceful state. However, the introduction of these risk factors conveys a much deeper message. Zillow’s decision ought to inspire us to examine our own risky relationships with the earth. News of frequent climate destruction ought to make that evident. Recent natural disasters, like Hurricanes Milton and Helene, have destroyed homes, land and lives. Utter destruction like this can never be properly rectified. In North Carolina, Chimney Rock will almost certainly never be Chimney Rock again. These stories can be demoralizing. It is shocking to see lives destroyed in ways completely out of anyone’s control. However, these stories ought to encourage a reexamination
of our own perspective on the earth. Land is something that has been given to us and something that can be taken away from us. This recognition of land’s proper place in the world — not as something owed to us, but received as a gift — ought to inspire a cultural transformation away from exploitation towards grateful cultivation.
In a Catholic Social Teaching course I took last spring with Father Thomas Massaro, S.J., we often spoke about restructuring our relationship with the earth. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si, spoke of a throwaway culture. It is a throwaway culture that has led us to the ecological disasters of our contemporary time. A throwaway culture manifests in the insatiable desire for more — especially profit. Our current throwaway culture must be transformed into a culture of integrity and gratitude. Changing our daily priorities alone won’t solve the climate crisis. However, it can allow each individual to take part in an effort of solidarity with the earth.
The fact that Zillow would include a climate risk score indicates how serious of a problem is at hand. Yes, economically speaking, this addition supports consumer confidence in their product and allows them to maximize profit. However, I truthfully think that a lot of properties will be having issues with climate risk. I know half the homes in my neighborhood in northern Virginia are in a floodplain. Zillow is potentially
risking itself by adding these features. We ought to listen. Our culture and its impacts on the climate ought to be an issue of interest to all. The right to private property is protected in our Bill of Rights. Any American should be worried about increasing climate disasters which harm their ability to buy a house. Isn’t the American Dream built upon the idea of land ownership? I am reminded of the song “Buy Dirt” by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan. The song’s end line rings true: “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy dirt.” Davis and Bryan sing of how land ownership is a path to dedication in family life, solidarity with a broader community and an acknowledgment of the earth’s value. If one is increasingly unable to purchase land to foster these values, this particular path to fulfillment is hindered. Today’s word “economics” comes from the Greek word “oikonomia,” which means household management. While the new Zillow climate risk
There’s No Rights for Lefties
evolutionary benefits and drawbacks, keeping its frequency in the population relatively stable. Benefits include potentially being better at sports or hunting because left-handed brains work slightly differently. Drawbacks include social stigma and being less suited to use righthanded tools. Importantly, in chimpanzees, who also use sticks like tools and tend to have dominant hands, the distribution of right-handers versus left-handers is right now the middle, with 50% of each. This fact raises the possibility that social preference for righthanders over time has reduced the number of left-handed individuals in the gene pool. This kind of stigma is made plain in even the words for left and right. The word “left” comes from Anglo-Saxon word “lyft,” meaning weak. The Latin word for left is “sinister,” a word associated with trickery and evil, and the opposite of sinister is “dexter,” a word associated with skill and righteousness. Furthermore, many cultures around the world still have a pronounced stigma towards the left-handed. China claims that only 1% of its population is left-handed, a stark difference from the global average of 10-12%. One explanation is that many written Chinese characters require using the
right hand. Some parts of the Muslim world and Africa consider the left hand as dirty and disrespectful to offer to others. Smithsonian Magazine claims as many as two-thirds of lefthanded people globally face discrimination. In fact, in the United States, left-handedness seemed to occur below 4% of the time in 1900, less than half of what it is today. When adults stopped punishing or discouraging school children from writing with their left hand, the proportion of left-handed people increased. In terms of differences between the left and right-handed, one study found that higher state levels of lefthandedness in the U.S. led to a more liberal state population. Left-handedness very well may demonstrate differences in the ways some people think and act. Regardless of actual differences, many people have strong beliefs and superstitions about using the left or the right hand that are baked into the very language we use to describe them. A decisive answer on what causes left-handedness and why left-handed people might behave differently would be nice. But no such answer exists. Lefthandedness and its frequency in the human population is a complicated phenomenon, influenced by our genetics, our upbringing, our environment
feature appears to be an economic decision, it really is a matter of household concern. If climate disasters are destroying the physical houses of many Americans, how can values that are innately linked to home life be fostered?
We cannot live in the ceaseless cycle of spending and selling any longer. We need a restoration of the value of simplicity. Perhaps I see the “Buy Dirt” vision with rose-colored glasses, but I know crucial values are absent from society when we cannot recognize land as a gift. Zillow’s introduction of climate risk scores ought to serve as a warning for our culture. Something needs to transform to prevent our values from disappearing before we can even tell they are gone. We need to inspire more confidence, not just in our markets but more importantly in our fellow humanity.
AbigailAdams,FCRH’26,isaphilosophy major from Alexandria, Va.
and a little bit of pure chance. My best friend in first grade was also left-handed, but only because he broke his right arm when we were first learning to write. One thing we do know is left-handedness probably isn’t causing significant differences in how someone’s brain works or how they act. Rather, it’s most likely an underlying symptom of some more nebulous difference. Regardless of causes and effects, left-handedness is a good example of how people react when they are confronted with differences and what we can learn from that reaction. Lefthanded people aren’t inherently weaker or more evil, though that would be really interesting if it was true. Rather, some people are just more comfortable using their left hand or left foot for some tasks. Given it is such a trivial difference, it should be easy to provide infrastructural
support for left-handed people. Of course, in a world of primarily right-handed people, the world will always be built for the super-majority. Doors will likely, and probably should, open to the right. But maybe we don’t need doors that open in any particular direction. Maybe we should have a pair of left-handed scissors in every elementary school classroom. A few desks in every classroom at Fordham University should be built for the left-handed. If we can’t make the smallest effort to accommodate a minor difference, how will we ever be able to confront larger structural differences that affect other groups of people in significantly more detrimental ways?
Stuart Cremer, FCRH ’26, is an environmental studies and English major from Mountain View, Calif.
Fordham University needs to consider its left handed students.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
COURTESY OF MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM Zillow’s climate risk feature poses a warning to think more about our planet. score
OPINION
Take Your Chances: Gambling My Democracy Away
By ANDREW MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
The 2024 presidential election is less than two weeks away, and an unusual player is increasingly shaping polling narratives and your uncle’s pocketbook this cycle: political gambling. Traditional polls show a tight race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, but prediction markets — where users bet real money on election outcomes — tell a starkly different story. These platforms, including PredictIt, the offshore Peter Thiel-backed Polymarket, and Kalshi, which recently became the first regulated prediction market in the United States, have all turned the 2024 campaign season into a betting frenzy with billions in volume to win and lose, but also potentially predicting the election. These market’s “backers” argue they offer more accurate, real-time insights into voter sentiment by having people “put their money where their mouth is.”
There is, though, a warning that turning elections into speculative ventures risks undermining democratic values. However, one might argue the world’s rich and powerful have already been gambling with democracy accelerated by Citizens United. I’m going to be watching these markets as bets continue to pile up as we get closer to Nov. 5. However, two questions have been looming over me as I’ve done so: what will these “markets” become in the next election cycle if their predictions are even vaguely correct? And for a more bloated question, I’m wondering if political prediction markets
can really coexist with democracy, or is their new allotment a sign of a political structure and culture increasingly willing to gamble with its own integrity?
While regulated platforms like PredictIt and Kalshi operate using U.S. dollars, the platform Polymarket — the largest prediction market and technically based in New York City — maintains its quasi-legal status through offshore operations and cryptocurrency transactions. Political betting was once common in many elections until the Federal Wire Act of 1961 effectively banned it. Today, Polymarket and similar platforms have revived this practice by exploiting cryptocurrency’s anonymity and borderless nature to skirt regulations. The contrast between traditional polling and these markets is striking: The New York Times national poll tracker currently shows Harris leading with 49% to Trump’s 48%, Kalshi gives Trump a 62% chance of victory and Polymarket places his odds at 66%. The stakes are massive — Polymarket alone has seen over $2.5 billion in total betting volume on this election.
Recent developments have thrust these markets further into the mainstream spotlight, with Kalshi’s court approval marking a historic shift toward legitimizing election betting. However, concerns about market manipulation have emerged with force. A group of linked polymarket trading accounts — Fredi9999, Theo4, PrincessCaro and Michie — controlled by a single French trader with, according to Bloomberg, “extensive trading experience,” has placed a staggeringly high $28.6 million
in bets favoring Trump’s victory. While Polymarket claims their investigation found no manipulation, the case highlights fundamental challenges in these platforms’ operations, with loose rules/limits allowing the richest and bullish traders like Fredi9999 to have an excised impact on the market, not to mention Polymarket’s reliance on cryptocurrency and the “fact” that “Americans are barred” from trading on the website despite being the focal point of their business model, but U.S. users can bet easily with a VPN and a crypto wallet.
The scale of these Fredi9999 bets — which represent over 1% of the $2.4 billion wagered on Polymarket’s presidential election market — demonstrates how prediction markets can be susceptible to what experts call “dumb money” — identitybased betting reflecting political loyalty rather than rational analysis. This has contributed to a stark disconnect between polling and market predictions, as evidenced during the 2020 election when some markets continued showing Trump with significant chances of victory weeks after the results were clear.
These platforms’ current legal and quasi-legal market structures raise serious concerns about the lack of transparency and regulations. While Kalshi now operates under U.S. regulatory oversight, platforms like Polymarket operate offshore using cryptocurrency, limiting the pressure the U.S. can leverage toward accountability. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has repeatedly warned about manipulation risks in these markets, more
specifically when they operate outside traditional regulatory frameworks. Yet these challenges haven’t deterred institutional interest, with major trading firms like Susquehanna entering the space and traditional financial media increasingly citing prediction market odds alongside polling data. The need for regulatory oversight is more pressing than ever to ensure the integrity of these markets and protect democratic interests.
The rise of prediction markets raises fundamental questions about how we measure democracy’s pulse. While proponents claim that putting money where your mouth is creates better forecasts than traditional polling, this logic crumbles when examined closely. Unlike polls that survey actual American voters, these markets turn our elections into a global casino where anyone — from French millionaire traders like Fredi9999 to anonymous speculators — can profit from predicting American democracy’s future. The irony of Polymarket “barring” U.S. citizens while any American with basic tech knowledge can easily place bets using a VPN and crypto wallet only highlights
the absurdity of these platforms’ supposed restrictions. With Kalshi’s recent court victory legitimizing election betting in the U.S., these markets seem poised to become a permanent fixture in our political landscape, especially if their users “predict” the outcome. The question isn’t whether prediction markets will influence future elections — they already are. The real challenge is preventing our democracy from becoming just another gambling product. As Jeremiah Johnson, founder of the Center for New Liberalism, noted concerning using these markets as a tool, “Smart money driving out dumb money isn’t an automatic process.” And these markets are “real,” and if our government can regulate sports betting to protect game integrity, surely it must act even more forcefully when billions are being wagered on the future of American democracy itself — even if recent court decisions suggest an uphill battle for critics of these platforms.
Andrew McDonald,
’26, is a history and political science major from Sacramento, Calif.
Victoria’s Secret Wings Almost As Floppy As the Fashion Show
By MOLLY O’CONNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After six years in hiding, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned with a new message: “the women hold the reins.” But even with a significantly more diverse group of models, this message felt inauthentic at best. Back in 2019, the show was canceled for a multitude of reasons, most prominently because Victoria’s Secret finally got called out for its problematic behaviors, visible in the show’s sinking viewership. The previous year, former marketing executive Ed Rezak had made some out-of-line comments, stating that transgender and plus size models had no place on their runway. On top of that, the CEO of Victoria’s Secret parent company, Les Wexner, was revealed to have had long-time ties with sex offender and alleged trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. Overall, it’s clear Victoria’s Secret was absolutely not a company “for women” like they claim they are now — but is it really possible for them to come back from all of that?
Victoria’s Secret has returned
to their flashy visuals, seductive designs and, of course, extravagant wings for this year’s runway. But something about this year’s show felt somewhat lackluster, especially in comparison to past shows. The runway itself was bland, and the gaps from the moving platforms created problems when it came to the model’s stilettos. Many models carried a more serious tone, with much less excitement and crowd interaction than in previous years. Most notably, the wings took a serious plunge in terms of both quality and significance. Almost every single model on the runway had them, as well as performers LISA and Tyla, so those that didn’t felt like an afterthought. Some of the wings kept the grandeur of the classic Victoria’s Secret Angels, but many looked like they came from a cheap fairy costume from Amazon — wiry and flimsy, flopping around as the models attempted to strut normally. With this decline in quality, many viewers on social media were left longing for what once was, which was unhealthy and unethical. If they
continue moving in this direction, it will be no surprise if, in the future, Victoria’s Secret pulls away from this inclusive casting and excuses it by citing the backlash from this show. All in all, most of the changes made, besides the casting, were for the worse, and it still did not really look like a show for empowering women.
The signature finale with all of the models was led by Tyra Banks, returning after 20 years away from the runway. Though at a glance she might seem like the cherry-on-top of this inclusivity showcase, Banks is far from a body-positive role model. As the creator, producer and host of “America’s Next Top Model” from 2003-18, Banks, along with other judges, ruthlessly body shamed contestants. Anyone above a size zero was considered “plus-sized,” and more often referred to as “fat” or “huge.” She constantly tore women down and, in turn, hurt a large audience of young women who internalized these comments. Though the show is over and she delivered a halfhearted apology on X, saying, “those were some really off choices,” it
is ignorant and inconsiderate to so many women to put her on a pedestal for a show that’s supposed to be all about uplifting women. By closing with Banks, Victoria’s Secret is showing that they are not truly committed to this “women first” message, but simply checking the necessary boxes to patch their shattered reputation.
To truly change the culture of this show, Victoria’s Secret needs to take a holistic approach to their changes. While they modernized the cast, they also tried to repeat exactly what they used to do in the show, which didn’t translate to this modern era. The entire show
needs to be revamped, and if they want to make it a show that’s actually for women, they need to listen to women about what they want to see and how they want to feel from this fashion show. When it comes to casting, it is great that they added more models of color, plussized models, gender queer models and models of various ages. However, they still need to be conscious about their casting and choose models that exemplify their values, not just check a diversity box.
FCRH
Molly O’Conner, FCRH ’28, is a journalism major from Weymouth, Mass.
Victoria’s Secret’s new mesage is poorly done and not in line with values.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
Political gambling makes us question the current state of democracy.
COURTESY OF MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
Why Trump’s Campaign into Blue States Matters
By MICHAEL DUKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Former President Donald Trump hosted a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Sunday, Oct. 27, and it is a symptom of the greater variable at play for the Trump campaign: it knows no bounds.
In early October, NBC News reported that Trump was beginning to campaign in blue states. Since this headline appeared in the media, Trump has campaigned in some of the most “solid blue” states, like California, Colorado, Illinois and New York. These states are considered “solid blue” due to the fact that the last time a Republican presidential candidate won any of them was nearly two decades ago or more.
As far as concrete facts go, the last time a Republican won the
state electoral vote in Illinois or California was in 1988, Colorado in 2004 and New York in 1984. Any other imaginable Republican candidate would never consider campaigning in any of these states like Trump has, let alone step one foot in them this close to the election. Republicans would normally agree that time spent in blue states is time well wasted. However, this election is far from normal.
The difference is that, regardless of where states currently poll, Trump is not leaving any state, county or district unturned. Covering how Trump campaigned in California in early October, The Associated Press noted that Trump would certainly lose the state despite spreading his campaign’s messaging to thousands of voters at a rally in Coachella. Even though Trump might lose
the state of California, the element that most reporters and analysts in the media can’t grasp is why he’s doing rallies in these solid blue states.
With states such as Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania still considered a “coin toss,” Mike Murphy, a Republican strategist, claimed in a segment on PBS, the strategy of Trump going to blue states is deeper than what’s presented at a first glance.
Undeniably, these core states have been crucial for any presidential candidate to obtain to push them past the 270 votes necessary to win the Electoral College. Any of these states are just as crucial to Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as the sole state of Nevada was to former President George W. Bush in 2000. Without Nevada, Bush’s electoral count would have placed him five electoral votes behind Gore and would have lost him the presidency.
That being said, Trump’s campaign into blue states appears bizarre. Trump is deciding to spend so much time in a conservative’s no man’s land that Republican strategist Matthew Bartlett has criticized the decisions from Trump as being solely for the sake of “optics and vibes.”
Doubling down on Bartlett’s criticisms, some analysts would likely also argue that Trump holding rallies in the Bronx, Long Island and at Madison Square Garden is a move to shake up Harris’ headspace and put her on the defensive. An argument can also be made that Trump’s rallies in Democrat strongholds are his
campaign’s cry for help to attract disgruntled Republicans who have flocked to the Democrat’s side.
However, many voters see these blue states’ rallies as an expansion of the platform that Trump seeks to bring with him to the Oval Office. For months, Trump’s campaign has honed in on a promise to “unite our country by bringing it to new and record levels of success,” as his campaign’s platform outlines.
Before even getting into office, Donald Trump has united Republicans while also attracting new supporters. An example of this is in the state of Arizona, where Senate candidate Kari Lake has received unanimous support from Republican leaders after Trump endorsed her. The most astounding effect of the Trump endorsement was how the moderate former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey endorsed Lake after firing off a few shots at her during her 2022 gubernatorial run.
Building beyond Arizona and into the national scale, Trump has also been able to get key endorsements from prominent figures amongst Democrats, which has allowed him to further outline what unity under a second Trump term looks like. For instance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed Trump in August. For more than a year before this, Kennedy Jr. had been gaining traction with both disgruntled Republicans and Democrats, and offered himself as an exiled, traditional Democrat. So much so that his former party members affirmed his status as an outsider
by seeking to keep him from appearing on ballots in some states when his campaign was still active.
Beyond Kennedy Jr., there are other influential figures who are building up support for Trump as well. Tulsi Gabbard not only switched from being a rising star in the Democrat Party to being an independent and then to a Republican, but has now fully endorsed Trump. Imam Belal Alzuhairi and other leaders of Michigan’s Muslim community fully endorsed Trump, representing a voting block that leans heavily in favor of Democrats, as outlined by Pew Research. To boot, the former Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich endorsed Trump. Amongst the many endorsements that Trump has gained, Blagojevich’s is electrifying as the former governor had previously won the governorship of Illinois with 62% of his state’s support.
The momentum building behind Trump is unparalleled and undoubtedly bolstering him to continue his campaign’s reach into every American’s consideration this election. That is why Trump is in blue states; he wants to continue to reach out to all Americans, not just those who would stereotypically support him.
If anything can be said about Trump’s strategy to appeal to voters in blue states, it is that Trump clearly wants to be a president for all Americans, not just those in red states.
Michael Duke, GSB ’26, is a business administration major from Scottsdale, Ariz.
Why Fordham Needs A Fall Break
By JACOB WOLFER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Many college students, including myself, look forward to time off from school that allows us to go home, see family, blow off some steam and catch up on school work as it piles up during the semester. However, unlike other schools across the country, Fordham University does not have a fall break.
Although Fordham gives students days off on federal holidays, there simply is not enough time for many students to make plans to visit family or take trips anywhere on a three-day weekend. Instead, parents, mine included, are seemingly forced to take a trip to New York City in order to see their kids before Thanksgiving break.
Universities that have implemented a fall break include the University of Notre Dame, the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia. William and Mary’s fall break includes a four-day weekend that starts on Thursday of the selected week. UVA reserves three days in the middle of the week called “fall reading days,”
which are meant to encourage students to catch up on any work they are behind on. Lastly, Notre Dame has a week-long break dedicated specifically to midterm exams.
Notre Dame hits the nail on the head with its week-long “mid-term break” allowing students to focus on nothing but tests and assignments at hand and additionally giving students a few days off after stressful test days. I would much rather see Fordham implement a plan like this instead of giving students petty three-day weekends here and there. Although an extra day off on the weekend is always welcome, there is simply not enough time for students to go home, catch up on work or take a trip to a place of their choice.
I believe that Fordham’s student body would greatly benefit from a week-long midterm break. The break would allow students to adequately prepare for upcoming exams and papers that take up large amounts of time. In addition, it would give students a much-needed mental break from the stress of college. When students are given time to digest their
heavy workload and prioritize their mental health and physical well-being, college becomes much easier. For me, seeing family and friends back home allows me to recharge and remind myself that there is much more to life than just school and a test or paper grade. Moving forward, I would like to see Fordham prioritize the well-being of their students by implementing a fall break. There are several ways to do this. The first could simply entail a four-day weekend prior to midterm exams, giving students time to study, write papers and work on projects without the added stress of class. The second strategy could entail a similar plan to that of UVA. Three days during the middle of the week designed for students to catch up on reading, projects and studying that can also be used to visit family and friends would be extremely popular among Fordham students. Furthermore, it would show that Fordham is prioritizing academic success among their student body.
I still believe the most popular and beneficial strategy Fordham could implement is a
week-long midterm break like that of Notre Dame. A full week dedicated to exams and papers would alleviate tremendous amounts of stress for Fordham students. Students would be able to visit family and friends, catch up on sleep, take trips and maybe attend a concert or sporting event to reward themselves for a hard-fought semester. Although Fordham does give students federal holidays off and that is more than can be said of some institutions, there is still no break during the fall semester that is dedicated to midterm exams.
In the future, I would like to see Fordham implement one of
these three strategies or come up with something similar that is meant to encourage academic success among students. Federal holidays and three-day weekends simply do not serve justice to the hard-working students of Fordham. It is time for Fordham to start prioritizing their students’ well-being, academic success and obligation to Fordham families by allowing students to visit home more often.
Jacob Wolfer, FCRH ’26, is an English and history double major from Fairfax, Va.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
Fordham students want a Fall break.
Donald Trump doesn’t just campaign in red states.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
The Color Complex - It’s a Hue-ge Deal
By OLIVIERA MURRAY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On a typical day, most do poorly at noticing color, failing to reap the benefits of conscious appreciation, passively accepting the subconscious reception of color signals, but the conscious appreciation remains an effort worthy of the cause. How would a world without color be? I imagine it would be like the world of Charlie Chaplin. This picture comes easily. When not in a state of static, the screen was replaced with a short figure in motion, characterized by a charcoal-black mustache, a kick in his walk and an ever-astonished look in his eyes. It provides no challenge to imagine a visual life without color. I take any such recollection — the
result of my father’s insistence on a black-and-white viewing experience — as easy to imagine. It is, perhaps, less easy to know. Humans have three types of cone cells in their retina, which are sensitive to green, red and blue light. Contrary to dogs, which have only two sensitivities (blue and yellow), humans have trichromatic vision, allowing a wide spectrum of color perceptions. Dogs perceive no distinction between red and green; when invited to attend a home dinner, pulling a red napkin over your lap as a foreign dog mischievously stares up at you, you can be rest-assured they are seeing an inferior picture. We, as humans, are fortunate to taste the experience color perception grants us, but rarely do
we frequent a conscious consideration of this privilege. In Hellen Keller’s words, “If I, deaf, blind, find life rich and interesting, how much more can you gain by the use of your five senses!” I, admittedly, hardly stop to think about the berry reds of the strawberries I put in my mouth. On a hot summer day, the juice of those strawberries running down my chin is a small delight — painted like the scarlet wine you try not to spill on your trousers, as you know the vibrance will stain dark. Given time to sit with my perception, I find myself surrounded by a million simple things — experiences — that would be thoroughly depleted of their value if turned a belligerent gray.
Each day, I dress myself keenly. On Friday, the colors of my wardrobe speak to me as I fasten an onyx-toned tie, button up a well-cut trench coat, fit gloves to my hands, and paint my eyes shimmering midnight blue. In a world stripped of these sensory experiences, no longer would the smell of morning chai be accompanied by the foamy, burnt toffee brown of cinnamon and cardamom. No longer would the yellow hue of a speakeasy call out in its lullaby — candles suffocated and deprived of the silky cream complexion wax would formally boast. Each moment disrupted by a washing over, a taking, would bear the manifestation of a complete annexation.
“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions,” Pablo Picasso once remarked — and it is true. Beyond aesthetic
pleasures, color functions to distinguish objects and food, serving the identification and navigation of our environments. Color plays a crucial role in social signals and expressions, such as blushing or danger-signaling, associated with the smallest physiological changes, including shifts in metabolism and blood pressure. Subtly swaying our choices, color influences our moods, attitudes, and interpersonal interactions. In ancient Egyptian and Chinese cultures, the power of color was so thoroughly understood that it was used to heal through forms of light therapy and colorology, known as chromotherapy.
It is for these reasons that sleek, confident black is requested in every business formality. In your next interaction with a landscaper or interior designer, implore inquiry; each artist owns the craft differently. With deliberate navigation, you may find, as I do, the smallest of situations calling for a rediscovery of color. The soft tinge of the morning light, the shower tile marbling, the checkered plaid of pajama pants: each color is a story that threatens to bypass conscious thought, should we permit it.
I plead otherwise.
In a world without color, I venture into Chinatown, but none of the food calls out the same. Where the association of one hue with one flavor may previously guide me, all guidance is exhausted. The adornments around my neck and ears don’t take the light of the sun as
before. The patent snake green of the bag I sling over my shoulder is devoid of its allure. In a colorless world, my appetite is suppressed, my endeavors superseded, as it all simply fades to gray.
In a considerate effort, the color becomes a numen. I take after the philosophy of Federico Garcia Lorca: “A poet must be a professor of the five senses and must open doors among them.”
The mosaic vase at a New York museum, I behold with care… and when I find a half-crumpled newspaper on a cracked sidewalk, I take time to notice the ink bleeding from the last rain. This is how color guides me. Indulging myself in the words of past minds, I pursue the beauty of small things: “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less,” provides Socrates. “Self-awareness is your awareness of the world, which you experience through the five senses. Pay attention to your sensory impressions and be aware of those five ways that the world comes to you,” adds Deepak Chopra. Humans can see over 10 million colors. For the sake of the arts, sciences and the heart of what makes this life ours, perhaps we would benefit more from remembering color.
OlivieraMurray,GSB’28,isamarketingmajorfromPortland,Ore.
Trump Tries to Buy His Way into Office, Courtesy of Elon Musk
By HAILEY BAKER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
At a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Elon Musk gave away $1 million to an attendee and vowed to continue the trend, giving away $1 million every day to anyone who voted for Trump until the presidential election on Nov. 5. Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said this announcement is “deeply concerning” and called on law enforcement to investigate the claim. In order for voters to be eligible for the million-dollar gift, they must be registered in a swing state, including Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and sign a petition that the America PAC released supporting Trump. In Pennsylvania, the petition gives voters $100 who sign and an additional $100 for referring another Pennsylvania voter to sign.
Trump is an extremely dangerous candidate. As a felon on 34 counts of falsification of business records in the first degree, Trump was found guilty by a jury of his peers in New York in June for falsifying business records with an intent to defraud and commit another crime, which prosecutors claimed was to “conspire to
promote or prevent the election of any person to a public office by unlawful means,” as Justice Juan Merchan stated to the jury. Trump also perpetrated the idea that President Joe Biden illegitimately won the 2020 election, which he falsely claimed was filled with fraudulent votes. This lie led a group of violent rioters to storm the capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, with the intent to obstruct Congress from certifying the results of the election, undermining the validity of our democracy.
In addition to supporting Trump despite his dangers to society, America PAC’s petition takes action to support the First and Second Amendments, protecting freedom of speech and protecting the right to keep and bear arms, respectively. Musk has been a steadfast supporter of freedom of speech with little to no restrictions. He unbanned a mass amount of accounts X had previously suspended shortly after he bought the company, under the condition that “they have not broken the law or engaged in egregious spam.” Most notably, Musk restored Trump’s account, which was suspended after the Jan. 6 attack on the capitol, where Trump repeatedly tweeted disinformation alleging he won reelection.
In the 2024 election, the
Second Amendment has been the subject of heated debates between candidates and voters. In a country where, according to the Gun Violence Archive, there were over 650 mass shootings — defined as an incident in which four or more people were injured or killed — in the U.S. in 2023 alone, both candidates’ support for firearms is shocking.
Vice President Harris announced that both she and Gov. Tim Walz are gun owners. While Harris has demanded nationwide red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban, she is still a proponent of the Second Amendment, which is an issue in and of itself. However, Trump takes his support a step further, claiming he is the “most pro-gun, pro-Second Amendment president.” He argues that guns are not to blame for mass shootings and has indicated that he will not enact any new gun restrictions if elected. America PAC supports Trump in these extreme beliefs, as opposed to nearly any level of restrictions on guns.
The U.S. Justice Department is looking into the legality of Musk’s actions through the America PAC, warning that his actions might break federal law, which bars paying people to register to vote.
According to people briefed on the matter, the Justice Department’s public integrity section, tasked with investigating potential election-related law violations, sent a letter to Musk’s PAC. In defense of allegations, Musk claimed that winners “can be from any or no political party and you don’t even have to vote,” although he did not address the potential legal problem of requiring Americans to be registered to vote for lottery eligibility. The PAC is also trying to get around legality claims by reframing its messaging to the group of winners being “selected to earn $1 million as a spokesperson for America PAC” and posting testimonials from previous winners in support of Trump.
Regardless how Musk frames this giveaway, he is attempting to buy Trump’s way into office — a move that is blatantly unfair to
all Americans and people around the world who would have to deal with the catastrophes of a second Trump term. The one thing we can be sure of is that our vote matters, and has the power to counteract any action Musk attempts to take. In an election where the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, women, people of color, people with disabilities and so many more are at stake, it is essential that you register to vote and exercise that right if you are able to. Go to vote.org to find more information.
Hailey Baker, FCRH ’27, is a political science and philosophy major from Gaithersburg, Md.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
Elon Musk has joined Trump on the campaign trail.
Color is more complicated than you might think.
COURTESY OF MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
CULTURE
Explore NYC’s Haunting Halloween Displays
By MAKENZIE SMITH STAFF WRITER
You do not have to be a trickor-treater to hop door to door and enjoy the Halloween spirit each home has to offer. With leaves of amber and gold as a picturesque backdrop, the streets of New York City transform from blank canvases into a vibrant display of spooky decor. From bright orange pumpkins to towering skeletons to “beware” signs, the city displays all the classic Halloween decorations just in time for the spooky season.
Coming from a suburb in Georgia, I figured a big city with towering buildings, rather than houses with big yards, did not have the room to decorate as much. I found it hard to believe that such a place could create the ambiance of a classic trick-or-treating neighborhood I experienced as a child. I was delightfully surprised to see that I was wrong. The artistry of some of the Halloween decor showed me that New Yorkers go all out. Many residents even take advantage of the city’s architecture; there were candles hanging off scaffolding, cobwebs covering staircases and skeletons scurrying up the side of apartment complexes.
After my investigation to find the absolute best Halloween decor, I decided to explore the Upper East Side, Upper West
Side and West Village. These well-known areas did not disappoint in the hype surrounding their skills in decorating. The historically classic architecture of the brownstones and cozy brick apartments only enhanced the eerie feeling of the displays. What I loved most about wandering the streets was how the seasonal atmosphere fostered a greater sense of community. Simply placing a jack-o-lantern on their stoop or hanging a witch hat off a tree shows a shared joy in the festivities surrounding the holiday. Friends, families and children were strolling through the streets and admiring what the residents had created for us.
The Upper West Side had more of the extravagant Halloween accessories. There were lots of oversized spiders hanging off trees, ginormous skeletons and ghosts flying about. The area gave off a nostalgic feel as the decorations reminded me of the lively atmosphere from my trick-or-treating days. I also found that this area had a very all-or-nothing attitude when it came to decorating. Many people showed some real dedication by covering the buildings with cobwebs to the point where some residents could not use the staircases. A fun surprise
was that some homes were playing a track of unsettling melodies to add to the spooky vibe.
The majority of the Upper East Side had more of a cohesive and aesthetic theme to its decorations. This is the place to go for a fun photoshoot with friends, because it feels like walking through a Pinterest board. There were definite color schemes and inspirations for the Halloween decor in this neighborhood. One of my favorite homes I saw was a “Harry Potter”-themed porch with Hedwig front and center.
If you decide to take a look at the Upper East and West
Sides, I recommend taking the Ram Van to the Fordham University Lincoln Center campus to put you right at Central Park. Instead of walking through honking cars and bustling crowds to get to your destinations, walk through the park to embrace the stunning fall foliage and rusting leaves beneath your feet with the crisp air brushing over your face. You can also make a day out of it by grabbing a pumpkin spice latte before it is too late and the menus change to winter holiday specials.
You can find some more notable Halloween displays farther south in the West Village, where residents put a lot of quirky spins
on their decorations. There are baby pink skeletons, fake rats scattered about and pumpkins in an array of blues rather than oranges. This area also had many more pumpkin carvings and jack-o-lanterns on the staircases compared to the other neighborhoods. While you are in the area, start showering yourself with candy a little early by popping over to Lil Sweet Treat. This quaint candy shop has an impressive collection of sweet and sour candy flavors from all over the world. Snacking on these while observing the Halloween decor transports you back to Halloween nights we had as kids.
Jesse Eisenberg Tells a Tragically Funny Tale with “A Real Pain”
Jesse Eisenberg’s sophomore directorial film, “A Real Pain,” premiered this October at the 62nd New York Film Festival , ahead of its release on Nov. 1. The Searchlight picture surrounds a pair of 30-something cousins David and Benji, played by Eisenberg and “Succession” star Kieran Culkin, who take a pilgrimage to their recently deceased grandmother’s Polish hometown on an organized tour with a gaggle of “geriatric” travelers, as Benji calls them to their face. The cousins could not be more different, which is the perfect reflection of the off-kilter, dual tones of the film.
David sells digital ads for a living, and comes home to his wife and son, while Benji is out of work and lives with his mother in Binghamton, N.Y. Benji is concerned about his place as a Jewish man in the arc of history, and David is content with distancing himself emotionally whilst learning about the past. Eisenberg’s performance as David is the grounded, but judgemental foil to the perceptive irrationality Culkin is able to exhibit. The director has perfected the pain of simultaneous worry, love, frustration and care for another. Culkin masters the inherent poise that, as an audience
member, is understandable why others love him despite his distracted proclivities.
“A Real Pain” is comfortable in its existence as a vehicle for Eisenberg’s pessimism and Culkin’s star power. After the screening, there was a Q&A with Culkin, Jennifer Grey (who played a recent divorcee on the Polish tour), producer Ali Hertling and Eisenberg (who called in in from Budapest).
Eisenberg discussed how he created the story around the tonal balance, saying “I think I have a depressive worldview, maybe. Probably.” But the film never feels overbearingly sad; it’s clear Eisenberg wanted to maintain the comedy along with the realism. He shared that his idea for the story stemmed from an ad he received on his phone for “Auschwitz tours (with lunch!),” which he thought was so preposterous he needed to dive into the type of person who would attend this listing. However, he keeps the simultaneous quiet care for his characters present throughout the film, in front of the culturally-filled, pensive backdrop of Poland, while looking back at the history of the Holocaust. At one point, Grey even said of Eisenberg, “I felt brought back to life from working with you. It felt very profound to me.”
With every answer from Eisenberg, it was clear, from the humor that comes so naturally to him, that it was far from difficult to integrate comedy into such a dense film (both in the smaller relationship it shows and its wider views about the world). The audience loved hearing from him, even through a ginormous Zoom reflection, and he spent most of the Q&A session praising Culkin, to the Emmy winner’s horror. But the performance is well deserving of the praise; it’s not a subtle performance. Culkin takes up the space Benji would need to, in order to have as great of an effect on the story, side characters and audience as he does. He’s a wide open, beating heart, and impossible to look away from.
There are a few scenes that were clearly meant to be lighthearted set pieces, that overall didn’t work for me, including scenes where Benji forces the group to take a photo with a monument and one where the cousins trek through a train. Still, I appreciated the attempt for a little action as it was well-intended, as is the story as a whole. Mostly, though, you should come for the soon-to-be awardwinning performances and stay for the perfect balance of comedy and drama.
COURTESY OF MAKENZIE SMITH FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
COURTESY OF LAUREN LOMBARDI FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
New York’s brownstones, row houses and apartments show out for Halloween.
Eisenberg appears virtually to discuss his film.
By LAUREN LOMBARDI ASST. CULTURE EDITOR EMERITUS
Fordham Junior is Pro Changing His Major
By GRIFFIN STEVENSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Whether it’s the “Gabelli Bros” or STEM majors, it can often appear that Fordham University students have their future mapped out. However, students like Chapin Fish, FCRH ’26, explored all that Fordham has to offer.
Fish came to Rose Hill in the fall of 2022 as an undecided first-year. After his first semester on campus, he decided that perhaps the Gabelli School of Business was a viable route. “I transferred to the business school because I saw it as a safe option,” said Fish. He then spent the next two years immersing himself in the Gabelli curriculum, like the Consulting Cup, but he found himself wanting more. In his sophomore year, Fish and a couple of classmates decided to found the Bronx Integration Project, dedicated to immersing students in the music, history and culture that the surrounding borough offers. This initiative was very successful, providing informative presentations and a variety of integration-based activities.
Last summer, while many of his Gabelli counterparts were interning on Wall Street and other financial hubs,
Fish opted to return home to Portland, Oregon, where he interned for Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
Despite his efforts to hunker down and finish out his business degree, he felt called to pursue his passions elsewhere, reconsidering the course of his education. “Over the course of my first two years I found a genuine joy in learning, and so decided to switch back to [Fordham College at] Rose Hill, where the majors and core classes are more academic and less professional,” said Fish. His curiosity for academia overpowers the tug of complacency.
“My new major is math/ [economics], and I’ve really enjoyed the STEM curriculum, but just as key in my decision was the diversity of subjects in the Rose Hill core requirements,” said Fish. The Gabelli core allowed him to transfer almost all of his math requirements over, but the FCRH core presented itself as an opportunity to become well-rounded intellectually. Fish jumped at the opportunity to challenge himself with tough courses like physics and advanced literature, some courses being better for him than others.
“I also realized that, if I put
enough work in at Rose Hill, I could have just as good of outcomes as Gabelli kids,” said Fish. This perception of Gabelli “superiority” is commonplace among the Fordham community due to the schools’ high regard, particularly in New York City. Fish wants to make it clear that there are noble pursuits in every aspect of what Fordham offers, whether that’s communications or computer science.
“Changing my major was scary, especially being two years into college, but I’m glad I did it. You only get to be an undergraduate student once, so take advantage of that time and what inspires you even if it takes two [years] to figure out what that is,” said Fish. Many students can get bogged down by the anxieties faced by having to start all over again with a new area of study, but Fish implores students to take advantage of the freedom of choice that they are given. “You’re gonna have more fun and be more successful doing something that truly interests you,” said Fish.
Outside of his classes, Fish is a member of the Fordham Political Review and the Debate Society. He can also be found on duty as a Resident
Assistant at Arthur House for the 2024-25 academic year. For fun, Fish enjoys fashion, traveling, jazz bars and has been a staple member
of the Millwall U23 intramural soccer team since the fall of 2022. He might change his major, but never his loyalty to weekly recreational soccer.
Has TikTok Become the New “Hub” for Young Voters?
By SAMANTHA DIAZ STAFF WRITER
Election Day is less than a week away, and young people across the country are preparing to vote for the first time. Some have already taken the opportunity to vote through absentee ballots and early voting, getting ahead of the curve.
While all social media platforms have encouraged their users to participate in the upcoming election, one medium reigns supreme with the highest engagement: TikTok.
This isn’t TikTok’s first time being around for an election year. The 2020 presidential election saw an increase in user content on the platform. This year, TikTok has completely transformed the platform in anticipation of the 2024 election. Any election-related search term has been met with pop-ups and resources for people to educate themselves and find out if they’re registered to vote.
Both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have used their campaigns to urge young Americans to vote, especially if it’s their first time. One strategy they utilized is making TikToks on their official campaign accounts, throwing shots at each other.
The Kamala HQ and Team Trump accounts both use viral memes, audio trends and video
edits to show their personality and fighting words against each other. Both campaigns do tend to use more serious video clips that convey their message of what they would do as president, but will sometimes be accompanied by Gen Z slang.
The admins of both accounts are most likely Gen Z or close to it, posting this content in an attempt to appeal to young voters in a comedic way. On one occasion, Team Trump reposted a video Kamala HQ used to slander Team Trump, calling the account “a liar.”
This is nothing new. Over time, we have started to see TikTok used as a method of advertisement for institutions big and small. Both presidential candidates missed out on the opportunity to capitalize on it in 2020, but they aren’t letting it pass them by in 2024.
While some Gen Z users may find it amusing that the potential leaders of the country for the next four years are using TikTok terms and trends, it also needs to be done in a way that tells young voters who and what they will be voting for.
Harris’ popularity with young people skyrocketed over the summer when she went viral for saying, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” Memes, song remixes and re-enactments of her speech blew up, and many of Gen Z were exposed to this all over TikTok for weeks.
At the same time, when
things go viral, many don’t know the full context. In the original video, her specific words were, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.” This was her way of expressing the need and importance of young voters who now lead the change.
Trump has also garnered meme status on the platform, especially from his time in office. Countless clips of his speeches are used in the same way as Harris’. This is not to say that jokes can’t be made about both presidential candidates, but what’s concerning is the lack of context.
For users on TikTok, official campaigns making content like regular users do is extremely comedic. Many users follow official accounts because of the meme content they post and the way they engage with users. However, it can sometimes be harmful or distracting in the case of politicians. Users may be interacting with both campaign accounts to laugh at the meme content, rather than thoughtfully engaging with both campaign’s policies and goals for the future.
Both campaigns post more about their policies and ways to tackle social issues while playing into TikTok memes. The jokes tend to get more attention than the more informational clips, especially in a generation where memes
are commonplace online.
Because of this, it can confuse Gen Z voters on what they are really voting for. Are you voting for a candidate because a viral clip or meme made you laugh one time? Or are you voting for a candidate because of their policies and beliefs?
Because younger demographics use TikTok more than any other platform, it is probably the most effective way to reach young voters. Many users already use the platform to educate others on social and political issues. In general, it’s hard to go anywhere online without finding some sort of political message.
With this new influence, is TikTok becoming the new hub
for discussions on social issues and politics? X once reigned supreme for years in that way but has also seen a sharp decline in younger users over the years. What was once thought to be a mindless dance and meme platform has transformed into something much bigger. TikTok has already been credited with being the next generation of advocacy, often highlighting important social issues and concerns. The impact of the presidential campaign accounts on TikTok isn’t hard to miss, as both Kamala HQ and Team Trump have millions of followers of all age groups. Regardless of who you vote for, make sure your voice is heard.
Fish embraces the fluidity of changing academic plans.
COURTESY OF GRIFFIN STEVENSON/THE FORDHAM RAM
CULTURE
Secrets of the “Secrets Of Us” Tour
By IMOGEN BUCK CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Hair bows and maxi skirts flooded 50th Street as thousands of girls lined up outside the world-famous Radio City Music Hall in New York City. You could feel the energy in the air as dads took pictures of their daughters outside the venue. Nothing can top this feeling. For many, this will be the highlight of their month and for some, their year. This event, of course, is Gracie Abrams’ “The Secret of Us Tour,” which took to New York City on Oct. 4 and 5 and, after slight delays due to Abrams’ vocal injury, finished out on Oct. 14.
The highly anticipated tour comes in the wake of Abrams’ second studio album, “The Secret of Us,” which was released on June 21, and led the vocalist to experience a lot of never-before-seen success in the industry.
Inside Radio City, there was electricity and joy as everyone entered. Fans waited to purchase merchandise at around six stands, each with half-hour lines. Many stayed in their seats and took photographs. It is the definition of girlhood. Every girl had a bow in her hair — reflecting the singer’s signature bows — and Abrams’ trademark blue Converse could be spotted on the most original of fans. Everyone awaits the tour’s opener, “Role Model,” to take the stage. Jokingly proclaiming himself as different singers, for example Ed Sheeran and Sabrina Carpenter before
By ELIZABETH COLLINS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A couple of weeks ago, my mom called me and urged me to watch Netflix’s new rom-com series, “Nobody Wants This.” I don’t get around to watching many shows, which she knows, but when she told me this one included Adam Brody as the show’s “hot rabbi” equivalent to Andrew Scott’s “hot priest” in “Fleabag,” I knew to give it a chance.
“Nobody Wants This” introduces characters Joanne (Kristen Bell), an individualistic and sassy 30-something who runs a crude sex and relationship-focused podcast she does with her sister, Morgan (Justine Lupe). On the other end, Noah (Brody), the sincere and lovable (and hot) rabbi, has just broken up with his long-term girlfriend, who, along with his entire family, was expecting his proposal imminently. Noah is lost in the mess of his love life, and Joanne is about ready to give up on first dates with jerks and
many songs, he got the audience’s energy raised, performing many of his songs like “Deeply Still In Love” and “Frances,” as well as Carpenter’s “Espresso.”
Following her pre-show playlist, including Carpenter’s “Taste,” Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!” and Lorde’s “Supercut,” Abrams took the stage. The lights dimmed and the whimsical introduction number, the opening track of the album titled “Felt Good About You” began as Abrams’ silhouette appeared behind the screen. The tinsel and the lighting design of the show added to the whimsy as a large glittering pair of lips sang the first song. Everyone screamed as Abrams stepped out after the number, going on a streak of some of her biggest hits including “Risk,” the lead single of the album, and “Blowing Smoke.” She followed with “21.” You could hear it all over New York when everyone screamed “Sorry!” at maximum volume during the song’s second verse, reflecting one of Abrams’ longest fan traditions. The fifth song in the energetic and magical set was a current favorite and new hit, “I Love You, I’m Sorry,” for which a live version was released on Oct. 11 and then included on the Oct. 16 deluxe album release.
The final verse of the song, accompanied by an optionup, brought the crowd into another realm of excitement that most viewers would never have thought possible. On the first night at the hall, Abrams chose to switch
her setlist, adding the (then unreleased) fan favorite, “That’s So True” which was later released on Oct. 16, in exchange for the singer’s least favorite fan-favorite, “Mess It Up.” On the second night, however, she proceeded to reintroduce “Mess It Up” in exchange for a deep cut from her first album titled “Full Machine.” The latter continued through the last two dates of the tour, though it is unclear what will happen when she takes the tour internationally in 2025.
Like many current artists, Abrams implements suspense into all of her shows with her Taylor Swift-style surprise song segment, which makes each show different and keeps every audience on their toes. In New York, these songs included fan-favorite “Rockland” for a fan’s 30th birthday and the deluxe track “Packing It Up,” which was included on the deluxe edition of the album.
On the third night, “Block Me Out,” a popular song from Abrams’ first deluxe album, closed out the run, bringing back waves of nostalgia from the song’s former live performances on Swift’s “Eras Tour” in 2023. Following the segment, Abrams resumed her set with some acoustic songs, like “Good Luck Charlie,” and “I Knew It, I Know You.” The final part of the show picked back up with upbeat hits, new and old, and had the entire crowd dancing to songs like “I Know It Won’t Work,” “Tough Love,” “Feels Like” (the only song represented from her popular EP
of a similar name) and “Let It Happen.” Many in the audience cried tears of joy as nostalgic favorites “Friend,” and “I Miss You I’m Sorry” were played, and Abrams introduced her impeccable band prior to playing “Normal Thing” a newer tune. The lighting design and effects of the tour added to the magic, as the glitter on-screen and muted yet colorful tones made it feel like living in a movie. Abrams’ sheer emotion and happiness when speaking to the crowd could be felt.
The show concluded with a cathartic and powerful few songs that, to most of the people there, meant everything. Many fans waited months to be able to sing the bridge to Abrams’ new masterpiece, “Free Now,” and people came from all over to scream the words to Abrams and Swift’s duet, “Us.,” which was formatted as a duet between Abrams and
the crowd for the concert. Before playing her final song, Abrams remarked about how she’d “waited seven years” to dance with the crowd to her hit song “Close to You,” which fans convinced her to release after a 2017 TikTok video went viral. Leaving the venue, the happiness was contagious. The tour encapsulated nostalgia and was perfectly complemented by the visuals displayed. Crowds went from dancing to crying within minutes. In the music industry, it is rare that a tour is correctly timed and performed to lead an audience to be satisfied without getting bored or wanting too much more from a performance, which is something this tour achieved excellently. There is nothing quite like screaming the words with people who know every word to a song that you listen to daily. It is the best feeling.
Actually, Everybody Wants This
cads she meets online when they find themselves at the same party. Immediately striking a star-crossed connection, Bell and Brody’s hilarious and electric chemistry begins to be painted across the screen.
Much of the show, dramatically or comedically, revolves around the couple’s family members and their rejection of Joanne and Noah’s “opposites-attract” relationship. Morgan dislikes Noah due to her fear of losing her sister and the dulling of their podcast’s quality without Joanne’s “bad-girl,” serial-dating persona. On Noah’s side, his strictly traditional mother, Bina (Tovah Feldshuh), rejects the idea of her son dating a non-Jewish woman or, worse, a risqué podcaster. His brother, Sasha (Timothy Simmons), brings a persistently hilarious relief as he is stuck between the decision of supporting Noah or his wife, Esther (Jackie Tohn), who strongly backs up her mother-in-law, Bina.
Across 10 half-hour episodes, Joanne and Noah navigate their contradictions and attraction through witty banter and circumstances. The show’s successfully cute, meet-cute, honest yet melodramatic characters and homing of nostalgia through the two leads resemble the now long-lost art of the “good” romantic comedy. The genre is meant to be fun and comforting rather than a spectacle. The genre you watch, blush and scream as Brody says, “I can handle you,” to a fearfully overbearing Bell. The genre your mom or friend calls you up about with a recommendation. It is not often (at least since the early 2000s) that you see a romantic comedy that is light yet has substance and hits the nail on the head with both romantic and comedic scenes. However, creator Erin Foster did it with this one.
“Nobody Wants This” incorporates modern elements (but not in a cringe-worthy
way) while encapsulating the classic genre we all, to be honest, love and have missed. And beneath the “awws” and the swoons, there is something real in the themes of religion, families and relationships discussed. Long story short — thanks, Mom.
The show has been renewed for a second season, coming in 2025. Until then, don’t mind me rewatching all things Brody and Bell have ever been in.
“Nobody Wants This” is a refreshing new rom-com with famous faces.
COURTESY OF IMOGEN BUCK FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Abrams’ tour offers an amazing in-person experience for fans.
By FRANCES SCHNEPFF
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
A story of the eclipses of fall, the rise and fall of the season and the way a sweet autumn day can make you feel like something at all.
This fall, I would walk and talk to myself, and I would run and think to myself, mostly about gazing. The outward gaze, the inward gaze. Gazing upon the soft red leaves on the ground, what they see as I walk past them. The gaze of the wind. Can the wind gaze upon us if it’s not an object itself? Then I would think of the sun and the soft sunshine that sits on our skin in the fall.
Every fall is brought upon us differently. Sometimes it’s kind, like soft hair. It falls gently, and we welcome its presence with extraordinary gratitude. That’s how it’s felt this fall. It’s been so subtle, so sneaky. It came upon us with a whisper, and now we have to brush through it without complaining. But complaining is all I want to do.
And then there are the violent falls. They fall rough and wet. They soak through our jeans, and they make our eyes water. They keep us inside on outside nights. They freeze our feet in the morning. They
CULTURE
As Fall Collapses, So Do I
confuse us. They force us to buy slippers when we don’t really want to. These months are a true prelude to winter, and for that reason, all I want to do is complain.
There is something about fall that makes even a perfect day feel fleeting. Unlike any other season, its impermanence is inevitable. Summer could last forever. Summers are too hot; they feel neverending. Summers sometimes stretch out into the fall. The space between summer and winter is where fall lies, and because of that, fall feels, no matter how beautiful, extraordinarily temporary. The coveted fall is always fading, and again, all I want to do is complain.
Yet, as fall collapses into itself, as fall becomes finally real, I am able to feel through its impermanence. This fall, I recognize as the last. This is my last beautiful fall at Fordham University. And Fordham, like no other, frames fall with more beauty than I could ask for. Everything matches, everyone walks and cherishes the tender fall. I listen to John Fahey and I think of leaves cascading down onto the green grass. I think of how much I’ve changed at Fordham and about how
vividly the seasons shape my life in the Bronx.
I think college grants a particular perspective that allows experiences to be categorized by seasons, and that is why I am so drawn toward writing about this fall. To me, each autumn falls apart in front of our eyes. Oftentimes, it falls apart without us even realizing it, without us being able to experience it. Fall, to me, is the only season that really collapses, and that’s why it’s so special. In the past, there has been hope for future falls, for chances to “do” fall better, to really “live” the fall up. Now, there are no more chances, no more falls, and because of that, I must be prepared to collapse alongside it.
And suddenly, it became clear to me how college has the same habit of falling apart that fall does. Once it starts to roll on, once it starts to feel real and good, at the same time, it begins to feel transient and suddenly, we realize we can’t “do” it again.
I guess what I want to talk about is the strange gut feeling that experiencing a season in one particular place one last time generates in a person. I don’t feel ready; I feel fleeting, and I too want to collapse.
But to process change in
relation to the seasons is harmonizing. The way the leaves fade in front of our eyes makes our personal changes beat on like the rhythm of nature, like a wavelength on the frequencies of the earth. And although feeling in tune with nature may ease the stress of this new adjustment period, I still feel lucky to have one last year here. However, I can’t avoid deep feelings of sadness and melancholy for the times when fall at Fordham wasn’t a “last,” but when it was only a season.
“Beetlejuice”: A Halloween Staple
By HANNAH SULLIVAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
While most people have been flocking to watch Jenna Ortega star in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the original is a time-tested Tim Burton classic. “Beetlejuice” stars some very big-name actors, including Winona Ryder as the spunky teenager Lydia and Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice himself.
The movie opens with Barbara and Adam Maitland, played by Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, passing away in a car accident before returning back to their house as ghosts two months later. In those two months, Charles Deetz (Jeffery Jones), new stepmom Delia Deetz (Catherine O’Hara) and Lydia move into the house and begin to transform the beloved home, much to the horror of the couple.
The Maitlands, who are unable to move on and are forced to live in the house as ghosts, attempt to get rid of the Deetzes by haunting them. However, the couple proves themselves to be poor at scaring the family and realizes that Lydia is capable of seeing them. When the couple fails at scaring the dinner party guests, including Delia’s
friend from New York Otho, Beetlejuice steps in to show off his power which nearly kills Charles.
The Maitlands return to the other side and leave Lydia alone, where she runs into Beetlejuice in the attic. He tries to convince her to say his name three times in exchange for bringing her to the other side to be with the Maitlands. The Maitlands return just in time to stop the deal but Otho summons the couple, nearly killing them as they start to rapidly decompose. In an attempt to save them, Lydia makes a deal with Beetlejuice, saving the couple but bringing him into the mortal world. After saving the couple, he quickly puts together a wedding for himself and Lydia so that he can remain on the mortal plain forever. To stop the wedding, Barbara rides in on the back of the sandworm, which swallows Beetlejuice. The movie ends with Lydia, happier than ever seen before, living in the house with the Maitlands, who celebrate Lydia getting an A on her math test, with Charles and Delia living upstairs as well.
“Beetlejuice” is a time tested Halloween classic directed by Burton, the king of all things Halloween.
The movie is dripping with Burton’s directing influence, as seen in the stop-motion snake that terrorizes the Deetzes, the stylized backgrounds of the underworld and mind-blowing special effects makeup for the very creative, dearly departed. While the movie lacks jumpscares and killers, the movie still has the Halloween spirit. However, the movie also has themes that have made it a classic, such as the found family of the Maitlands and Lydia and the feeling of not belonging, as seen in the Maitlands’ losing the place they called home and Lydia’s not fitting in.
While the movie is driven by star power, the actors were not some of the biggest stars of the ’80s for no reason. In the role of Beetlejuice himself, Keaton encapsulates the unhinged energy that is the crazy poltergeist in all his weird horror and crude humor. Alongside Keaton is Ryder, who despite being just 15 years old when the first movie was filmed, perfectly embodies the overly angsty, grieving teenager that is Lydia Deetz.
Halloween is the season of fear, and while most movies revolve around jumpscares and serial killers, “Beetle -
juice” is a more lighthearted approach to a Halloween movie which allows it to be a family-friendly watch or, more realistically, a good watch for those friends who can’t do “A Nightmare on Elm Street” or “Halloween.”
It gives a nostalgic feel, even if it is being watched for the first time, thanks to the specific film type of the
’80s. The movie embraces the Halloween spirit but is gentle enough for even the most easily scared among us. “Beetlejuice,” with its starstudded cast is filled with the spirit of the season as Beetlejuice causes mayhem for Lydia and the Maitlands set with that special Burton touch, making it a must-watch for the Halloween season.
COURTESY OF FRANCES SCHNEPFF FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Senior Schnepff reflects on her last fall at Fordham.
CULTURE
The Complexity Behind “Hannah Montana: The Movie”
By CRISTINA STEFANIZZI ASST. NEWS EDITOR
One of the most complex movies created by Disney has no canonical set place in its franchise’s timeline. How a room of writers can create such a profoundly moving piece of cinema and fail to make it fit into the timeline of its accompanying television series is baffling to me. So, let’s talk about it.
“It” being “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” obviously. Hear me out.
Miley Cyrus assumed the role of Miley Stewart (and, by extension, global pop star Hannah Montana) in 2004, with a widely known “Hannah Montana” television series hitting screens on Disney Channel in 2006. The series’ accompanying film, “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” was released in 2009, and fans have decided it canonically fits best around season three.
In “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” Cyrus’ character, Miley (whose alter ego is global pop sensation Hannah Montana), opens the film headlining a sold-out concert tour, directly reflecting the year prior when Cyrus performed her soldout “Best of Both Worlds” tour, which was extended by 14 dates to accommodate demand. I digress.
Miley gets into a fight with Tyra Banks over a pair of ugly heels (naturally) and is late to her best friend’s birthday party where she sequentially upstages her as she arrives dressed as Hannah.
Robby Ray, Miley’s father in the show and played by Cyrus’
father, Billy Ray Cyrus, is absolutely disappointed in his daughter’s neglect of her personal responsibilities, as he feels the persona of Hannah Montana is taking over her life. Understandably so, as he highlights that Miley forgot her own grandma’s birthday and instead wants to go to perform at an awards show in New York City in place of Beyoncé.
Anyways, Robby Ray tricks Miley into flying home to their small town in Tennessee for her grandma’s birthday, which she is absolutely distraught about.
Miley: “You can’t take Hannah away from me… I want to go home.”
Robby Ray: “You are home. Look around you.”
Miley: “Hannah means everything to me.”
Robby Ray: “That right there might be the problem.”
This is where the real message of the movie comes in. Robby Ray highlights that they created the persona of Hannah Montana to allow Miley to have a normal life while pursuing her dream of singing and that she needs to find herself again before continuing to chase fame. The real question of why Miley doesn’t wish to return home to Tennessee is questionable though. Yes, she wishes to pursue this life of fame and success through Hannah, but it is also briefly mentioned at the beginning of the film (and throughout the series) that Miley hasn’t returned back home to Tennessee since her mother passed away.
This extra level of traumatic
emotional complexity to her internal battle between personas is deepend with the loss of her mother and can be really poignant with audiences — if addressed properly. Although the movie does little to address this issue aside from a sentimental moment between Miley and her grandmother (granted, this is Disney Channel after all), the loss of a parent at a young age is an important topic that needs to be represented in cinema, especially for the representation of children that have dealt with loss, rather than glossed over with pop songs and sequined dresses. (I won’t go into how crazy it is that practically every Disney princess has a deceased mother, though.)
While re-assimilating to life back at home and learning about her hometown’s financial struggles, Miley rekindles a romance with her childhood friend Travis while simultaneously offering up Hannah’s fame and talents for a fundraiser for the town. So, while Miley went home to find herself outside of Hannah, she had to become Hannah again in order to save Miley.
So now that the state of Miley’s entire hometown rests on her ability to perform a concert as Hannah and raise enough money to keep the downtown alive (because what else would be reasonable for a 16-year-old girl), she’s unable to hold onto a relationship with Travis because she has to go and be Hannah. This leads to a huge emotional moment in a revolving door where Travis finds out that Hannah is actually Miley, and he’s upset
with her for not being honest with him. (This scene actually breaks my heart every time I watch it. It’s not even funny.)
First off, there was no reason for Miley to not just reschedule her date with Travis to a different day, or even a different time, then Hannah’s arrival dinner with the mayor. Secondly, who does Travis think he is that he is deserving enough to know Miley’s biggest secret when they haven’t talked in maybe six years? Anyway, that’s beside the point.
The stagnant part of this movie is where, while performing the fundraising concert as Hannah, Miley decides to take off her blonde wig which obviously reveals to the entire audience that she is, in fact, Hannah Montana. (Because, of course, the voice, face and everything else being the same wasn’t enough clue.)
This not only adds to the drama of the movie but also shows that Miley is Hannah and Hannah is Miley. It is virtually impossible to separate the two of them from one another, highlighting how impactful being in the public eye of fame is and how, more often than not, it is difficult for
celebrities to have their own personal life unattached from their persona.
Not only does Cyrus’ character go through such an emotionally complex situation during the film of trying to find out who she is in the public eye, but this directly correlates to Cyrus’ lived experience at this moment in her career. Cyrus and her entire family were uprooted and moved to Los Angeles to accommodate Miley’s schedule in filming the TV series in 2006, which is exactly how audiences are introduced to Miley’s character in the series: a girl who moves to Malibu to become a pop star. Following her rise in fame from both the television series and her two released albums at this point in her career, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” not only encapsulated the complex life of the character of Miley Stewart but also of Miley Cyrus. Disney choosing to make Cyrus’ character have the same first name also shows how little of a distinction there was between the fictional character and the real-life actress trying to navigate life in the industry.
By GRACE GALBREATH
By KARI WHITE CULTURE EDITOR
ACROSS
1. The items a vendor is selling, also referred to as merchandise, goods or products
6. Piece of evidence instrumental in the 1995 acquittal of O.J. Simpson
7. Catch-all space often used to store old furniture and books
8. Frankincense and myrrh (plural)
Instructions
Use the clues to the left to fill out the boxes above.
Usually percieved as a teen flick, “Hannah Montana” has lots of layers.
Rowing Competes at Head of Schuylkill
By STUART CREMER STAFF WRITER
Fordham University Women’s Rowing traveled to Philadelphia this past weekend to compete in the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. The team competed in six races, taking home a top-10 finish for the Varsity 4 as well as several other impressive showings.
Starting off the day on Saturday, Oct. 26, Fordham’s Novice 4 boat finished fifth out of 13 teams with a time of 15:51.08. The boat consisted of coxswain Amelia Gage and fellow rowers freshmen Catherine Schmitt-Palumbo, Mariya Sergeeva, Brady Fitzgerald and Elsa Hinz. The team managed to beat out Bryn Mawr College by just over a second, and they finished only 10 seconds behind Saint Joseph’s University. Later on, Fordham’s Novice 8 finished with a time of 16:42.15, coming 16th out of 23 teams.
The leading Varsity 4 came in ninth out of 76 boats, finishing in 14:29.24, just barely a second behind the eighth-place finishers George Washington University. That boat consisted of senior coxswain Charlotte Maravelis alongside junior Bailey Scherdorf, graduate Annabelle Baulch, senior Anna Hinck and
sophomore Faith Lee.
The top spot in the Varsity 4 race went to the University of Pennsylvania with a time of 13:36.24.
Fordham’s Second Varsity 4 came in 18th with a time of 14:49.77 while the Third Varsity 4+ finished 41st in 15:38.42. The Rams’ Fourth Varsity 4 boat crossed the line in 16:18.73 to finish in 59th.
The Fordham duo of sophomore Lucy Cunningham and senior Alyssa Neducsin also had an impressive showing in the Collegiate Doubles. They finished third with a time of 17:29.67. Ahead of them, West Virginia University and Bryn Mawr College claimed first and second, respectively.
In the Club Championship Eights, Fordham’s Fourth Varsity 4 crossed the line in 13:44.91, earning them 18th out of 48. The Second and Third Varsity 8 teams finished 29th and 46th, with times of 14:11.34 and 15:11.64, respectively.
Lastly, the Rams competed in the Championship Eights, with the Rams’ top boat finishing 17th out of 22 in 13:37.05.
The Rams will be back on the water this weekend to compete at the Heart of the Housatonic in Shelton, Connecticut on Nov. 2.
Athletes of the Week
Although it was senior night for Men’s Soccer this past weekend, it was junior forward Andre Insalaco who stole the show against Loyola University Chicago. The New York native served as the metronome for the Rams’ offense, everything working through and around him on the way to an epic 5-1 rout of the Ramblers. By the night’s close, Insalaco had filled the stat sheet, recording two goals (19’ and 64’) and assisting on another to help propel the Rams into the Atlantic 10 Men’s Soccer Championships with a much-needed three points.
Teams’ veteran stars tend to step up when needed, and graduate student Abby Borchers is no exception to that rule. During a pivotal week that would determine the Rams’ postseason fate, Borchers took over from her forward position. She not only recorded two goals and an assist in the team’s 4-0 thrashing of St. Bonaventure University, but she slotted home the pivotal opening goal in Fordham’s heavyweight fight against the extremely tough Flyers of the University of Dayton. Her performance would be enough to propel the Rams’ into the top-four of the Atlantic 10 standings, thus securing a home match for the Rams in the quarterfinals of the A-10 Women’s Soccer Championships.
Each week, The Fordham Ram’s sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”
Men’s Tennis Does Double Duty
By CAILEE ZERAAT COPY CHIEF
Fordham University Men’s Tennis hosted Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in a hidden dual this past Sunday, Oct. 27, on the Hawthorn/Rooney Courts at the Rose Hill campus. On their home turf, the Rams were led by junior Dhillon Virdee-Oakley, who notched wins in both singles and doubles play. In singles play, Virdee-Oakley faced FDU’s Thomas Linley. After narrowly dropping the first set, 4-6, Virdee-Oakley impressively recovered to take the second set and dominate the third, 6-3, 6-1. In doubles, Virdee-Oakley paired with sophomore Dhananjay Athreya against Linley and Joshua Oboniye. In an intense match, the pair was able to secure a victory, finishing 8-5.
The Rams also saw some other impressive showings in singles play.
Freshman Will Lokier defeated Asaf Schwartz, 6-1, 6-3, and freshman Andro Barrientos was also able to secure a win against Benjamin Wrann, 6-2, 6-2. However, Fordham saw more defeat than victory in solo matches — Athreya dropped to Gryffin Minor, 4-6, 4-6; freshman Filip Horak to Tyler Crook, 1-6, 6-2, 1-6; freshman Nicholas Garnier to Jorge Alonso-Cortes, 6-7, 2-6; graduate student Phillip Uhde to Andrew Nicolae, 7-6, 6-7, 3-6; and sophomore Cristian Ramos to Matias Neira, 2-6, 1-6. Fortunately, the Rams saw more success in doubles play alongside the VirdeeOakley/Athreya duo, the namesake pair of Horak and Uhde taking down Schwartz and Minor, 8-5.
Earlier in the weekend, Fordham sent Horak and Lokier down to Davidson College to compete in the inaugural Atlantic 10 Master’s
Qualifier. Horak tasted victory in his first set against Saint Louis University’s Luca Lo Nardo in the Round of 32 match, 6-3, 6-2, but fell to Davidson’s Uddayvir Singh in the Round of 16 match, 5-7, 4-6. Lokier, on the other hand, was unable to secure a win against George Mason University’s Ekansh Kumar in the Round of 16 match, 2-6, 2-6. Horak and Lokier had a chance to compete in doubles as well, but narrowly fell to Cole Brashear and Davis Wiley of the University of Richmond in the quarterfinals, 6-8.
Despite a less-than-ideal showing in singles play and at the A-10 Master’s, the Rams saw some hope in their doubles matchups. Overall, Fordham will have time to prepare for their competition in the distant future when their spring season commences on Jan. 19 with a match at Brown University.
& Women’s Swimming Water
Men’s Cross Country
Women’s Basketball
Andre Insalaco
Junior Men’s Soccer
Abby Borchers Graduate Student Women’s Soccer
Volleyball
Football
Colgate 1 p.m.
Women’s Cross Country
Saint Joseph’s 7 p.m.
Men’s Basketball
Men’s
Polo Rowing
GW & Navy
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
A Fordham boat races across the waters of the Schuylkill river.
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
Men’s Tennis competed at the A-10 Master’s Qualifier and the FDU Hidden Dual this weekend, where they saw mixed results.
Men’s Soccer is A-10 Bound
It was a week of ups and downs for the Fordham University men’s soccer team. They started with a 1-0 loss to Princeton University before dismantling Loyola University Chicago 5-1 to clinch a spot in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.
The Rams hosted the Princeton Tigers last Tuesday, Oct. 22, for their last non-conference match of the season. The Tigers scored their lone goal early, taking the lead in only the sixth minute thanks to a lovely rightfooted finish by sophomore forward Kevin Kelley. Kelley found himself in a scoring position via an assist from sophomore midfielder Liam Beckwith. Fordham tried to fight back in the second half, outshooting Princeton 10-7, but the visitors remained stalwart, holding their 1-0 lead to the end of the match to give
Fordham their fourth loss of their 2024 campaign. The Rams quickly saw their mood improve after they put on a show for the home crowd on Saturday, Oct. 26, when they rumbled past the Loyola Chicago Ramblers. Junior Daniel D’Ippolito got on the board in the seventh minute, scoring his 10th goal of the season, the first time since 2002 that a Ram has scored doubledigit goals in a single campaign. Fordham doubled their lead just over 10 minutes later when juniors Bennett Leitner and Andre Insalaco combined for Insalaco’s third goal of the year.
Graduate student Lukas Hackaa made it 3-0 early in the second half, drilling a 30-yard free-kick that curled beautifully into the right side of the goal. Leitner scored his second goal of the night soon after, getting on the end of a cross from senior defender Jed Dixon to make it a 4-0 game.
Fordham’s fifth and final goal of the night came in the 64th minute as juniors Jack Sias and Leitner set up Insalaco for his second goal of the match. Unfortunately for graduate student keeper Carter Abbott, his shutout was spoiled by an 85thminute goal from junior forward Angel Mendez.
The 5-1 victory was the Rams’ first five-goal performance in a match in three years, last accomplished on Oct. 21, 2021, against the Davidson College Wildcats. In addition to their A-10 Tournament berth-clinching victory, head coach Carlo Acquista and the rest of the team honored the senior class, including Paulo Primavera, Jed Dixon, Owen Hardy and Murat Calkap.
Acquista’s men will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the No. 23 ranked Duquesne University Dukes on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m.
Women’s Tennis Impresses at ITA Regionals
By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Fordham University Women’s Tennis made sure to leave an imprint on the inaugural Atlantic 10 Master’s tournament.
The Rams, who have excelled in fall exhibition play, sent three of their best to Davidson College for an Oct. 25-27 weekend of play with trophies and honor on the line.
Seizing the opportunity, junior Nevena Kolarevic and sophomore Julianne Nguyen, paired up to win the women’s doubles tournament among a pool of 11 teams.
Entering play as the #2-ranked tandem, Kolarevic and Nguyen earned a first-round bye. In the quarterfinals, they matched up with Mariam Ibrahim Mohamed Metwally and Amelie Jewelwics of Virginia Commonwealth University, ultimately overpowering the pairing, 8-4.
Advancing to semis, the Rams completed an 8-0 sweep of Duquesne University’s Kaya Rand and Alexandra O’Brien. Their reign of dominance reached its climax in the event’s final, where they were pitted with the University of
Richmond’s Sofia Maria Barbulescu and Elizabeth Novak, a duo fresh off an 8-2 trouncing of the tournament’s #1 ranked team.
Nonetheless, teammates Kolarevic and Nguyen cruised. The duo took a commanding 1-0 lead by way of a 6-1 set, following it up with a titleclinching 6-4 triumph, earning them the glory of being the A-10 Masters tournament’s first-ever women’s doubles winners.
Kolarevic’s development is of particular interest. She’s been stellar during fall exhibitions, and figures to be among Fordham’s top contributors in her first year with the club. The Illinois State University transfer won Missouri Valley Conference rookie of the year in 2022 after posting a ridiculous 24-8 singles record to pair with a 16-4 doubles mark. In her sophomore campaign, she managed to oneup herself, going 23-6 and 19-6, respectively.
In both of her first two seasons, she won the MVC Fall Individual Championship. Pair her with the likes of Nguyen, senior Lorraine Bergmann and the rest of the Rams, and coach Michael Sowter may have
Football Fordham 19 Lehigh 33
Women’s Tennis A-10 Individual Championships NTS (No Team Scoring)
Men’s Tennis A-10 Individual Championships NTS (No Team Scoring)
FDU Hidden Dual NTS (No Team Scoring)
Rowing Head of the Schuylkill NTS (No Team Scoring)
Men’s Soccer
Women’s
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an A-10 championship contender under his tutelage.
Returning focus to the A-10 Masters, the Rams impressed in singles play, too. Kolarevic was ranked #1 in the pool, earning a round of 32 bye. She continued her hot streak, wiping out Dayton University’s Lara Greb in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the round of sixteen. The Serbian native was knocked out in the quarterfinals, though, after retiring due to injury.
Freshman Paola Ueno Dalmonico also turned in a strong performance, snatching a round of 32 win, 6-3, 6-2, over Saint Joseph University’s Victoria Tracey. Her run was upended in the round of 16 when she was pitted against the tournament’s eventual champion in Barbulescu.
All in all, Fordham turned heads at the A-10’s first edition of the Masters tournament. Kolarevic and Nguyen will advance to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Masters Championships, which take place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, from Nov. 7-10. The winner of that event will advance to compete in the NCAA Individual Championships.
News & Notes
Women’s Soccer to Host St. Joseph’s in the A-10 Tournament
Fordham University fought hard at home on Thursday, Oct. 24, to secure a 2-2 draw against the University of Dayton Flyers. A goal from graduate forward Abby Borchers and a last-minute equalizer from freshman Julia Acosta gave the Rams the lone point they needed to secure the #4 seed in the A-10 Tournament. This is the first time since 2019 that the Rams have qualified for the A-10 Tournament and their 11th appearance as a program. They will look to finally bring home a championship to the Bronx after having tasted defeat in all three of their final appearances in program history. Fordham will host the #5 seed Saint Joseph’s University Hawks at Moglia Stadium on Friday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. Fordham is 11-13-6 all-time against St. Joseph’s, with a home record of 8-4-4.
Water Polo Remains Undefeated
Fordham Water Polo continues to stack up the accolades, as the now fifth-ranked Rams saw two of their star players, senior goalkeeper Thomas Lecari and senior attacker George Papanikolaou, receive nominations for the Cutino Award Watch List — a list of the 20 best athletes in the current college game as voted upon by coaches from across the country. While this is Lecari’s first time receiving such a high honor, this is notably Papanikolaou’s second time being put on the watch list, the 2023 ACWPC All-American having found himself chosen as an honoree last year as well. The winner of this highly prestigious award is to be chosen at a later date, and with the way that Lecari and Papanikolaou are currently playing for the juggernaut that is Fordham Water Polo, don’t be too surprised to see either of their names etched upon the final award.
By GRIFFIN STEVENSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Daniel D’Ippolito celebrates a goal with his teammate and our athlete of the week, Andre Insalaco.
-Compiled by Griffin Stevenson
Overtime: Should We Boo Deshaun Watson?
By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Deshaun Watson is, by all accounts, a reprehensible human being. The Cleveland Browns quarterback has been sued by at least 27 different women for sexual assault and served an 11week suspension during the 2022 NFL season after a wave of two dozen such suits were filed in succession against him.
In his three seasons with Cleveland, Watson has thrown just 19 touchdown passes in 19 games — Watson has, in fact, been accused of sexual assault more times than he has successfully executed his primary duty as quarterback.
While this ratio is unsettling, the ratio of cheers to boos directed toward Watson is even more so. Allegations and poor play aside, Browns fans have continued to cheer on their franchise quarterback.
Let’s rewind a little bit. Despite his recent poor play, Watson did earn his $230 million contract in Cleveland — as a Houston Texan, Watson finished third in offensive rookie of the year voting and proceeded to make the pro bowl in three consecutive seasons thereafter. However, it was after Watson left Houston — where nearly all of his alleged misconduct took place — that the bevy of legal action against him was levied. It is virtually certain that Watson’s legal troubles and tarnished reputation have squandered his play, in part causing him to post a quarterback
rating of 23.4 this season, the worst mark in the NFL.
That’s the worst mark posted by a quarterback since 2011 Blaine Gabbert. For as much as my childhood self loved Blaine Gabbert, you do not want to find yourself compared to 2011 Gabbert in any statistical lens. Gabbert’s 2011 season is the second-worst in quarterback rating history — one which dates back to 2006.
You could confidently say that, in the past 20 years, 2024 Deshaun Watson is one of the three or four worst quarterbacks to ever grace the field for over 20 plays per game (the minimum required to qualify for the statistic). The names below him? 2011 Gabbert, 2010 Jimmy Clausen and 2006
Andrew Walter — the latter a player who I, a lifelong football fanatic, have never once heard of. In confirming that Walter is indeed a real person, I discovered that he boasts an unfathomable three to 16 touchdown-tointerception ratio.
This unnecessary disparagement of poor Walter and Gabbert is all to say that Deshaun Watson deserves to be booed. From a performance perspective, fans should not be content that their $230 million man has been so ineffective and has contributed so significantly to their losing ways. Browns fans have been through enough. Watson was supposed to be the reward for decades of suffering through laughably bad quarterback carousels.
Despite Watson’s play and
the Browns’ 1-6 record with him under center, he hadn’t heard the ire of the Cleveland faithful until two Sundays ago. The chorus of boos that enshrouded Huntington Bank Field in Ohio did not ring out after an interception, nor a sack, a fumble, a safety or any other poor play.
They finally erupted after Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon during a routine dropback against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. Torn Achilles’ are notoriously among the most painful, heartbreaking and tough-to-come-back-from injuries. The Achilles tendon has single-handedly shattered hall-of-fame careers, derailed promising ones and left many more players as shells of their former selves.
You would, in short, be hard-pressed to name a more devastating thing that could happen to an athlete on the field.
As Watson was writhing in excruciating pain on the Bengals’ 23-yard line, his pain was certainly amplified by the boos that reverberated in his direction.
After the game, Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Myles Garrett came to Watson’s defense, the latter making use of the most load-bearing qualifier in history by saying Watson has been “a model citizen through college and most of the pros.” Unfortunately, Winston and Garrett are possibly the last two teammates one would want to vouch for one’s character; the former is an alleged rapist and
the latter infamously assaulted another player mid-game.
Nonetheless, the booing that occurred after Watson went down has sparked a national debate: should fans have booed him after he sustained his injury?
In short, my answer is no.
Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve been booing if I had been in Cleveland that day. I would’ve booed Watson when he stepped onto the field, when he was shown on the jumbotron and every time he stepped under center. I would’ve booed his incompletions, his checkdowns, his scrambles and every play in between. But I would not have booed his injury.
Deshaun Watson should not be in the National Football League. He should, by all accounts, be in a Houston jail cell. If Watson was not one of the most famous, popular and talented men in sports, he would be in that cell. However, as we’ve seen time and time again, people of this status are treated differently.
This treatment is in large part due to the NFL. It is the league that has worked vehemently, time and time again, to spurn investigations into and punishment of misconduct, from Dan Snyder’s appalling sexual abuse scandal to Ray Rice’s vicious assault of his then-fiancée.
When a player is accused of sexually assaulting 24 separate victims, you do not suspend them for 11 games. In any other workplace, you fire them. When a new accusation comes out
every six months, you should not conveniently ignore it. Only in the NFL, an organization with billions of dollars at its disposal and a massive profit motive for keeping players on the field, does Deshaun Watson not get banned. Moreover, had Watson not had hundreds of millions of dollars to his name, he would not have been able to settle out of court with nearly all of his victims. These offenses go unpunished only for the most rich and most powerful. Watson and the NFL represent both of those things. The NFL got what it deserved when Watson got injured. They do not deserve to profit off the name and performance of a serial predator. You could say, further, that Watson got what he deserved when his Achilles snapped. I personally think that justice ought to come in the form of his banishment from the league, the forfeiture of his $230 million contract and the verdicts reached by a legal system unaffected by Watson’s undeserved riches.
We should boo the NFL for continuously defending and inadequately punishing players mired in horrific legal trouble. We should boo Deshaun Watson for being a free man, allowed to do what he loves and make $45 million a year in the process. However, we should never boo an injured player. We should direct our more-than-justified boos toward the real problem, one much uglier and deeper than the injury of a struggling player.
The 2024 MLB Playoffs and the Showdown Nobody Wanted (But Everyone Should Watch)
By JACK GONZALEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The 2024 MLB playoffs have been a whirlwind of emerging and established postseason heroes stepping up in clutch moments, elite closers blowing saves at unprecedented rates, and superstitions taking center stage in the most unexpected ways (especially in the realm of big, purple McAbominations). But as Grimace drew his final breath, 28 fanbases groaned in unison as their greatest fear materialized: a New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers World Series.
And yet, despite the horror at the sight of two coastal powerhouses duking it out on the big stage, baseball could not be in a better position to smash recent ratings records. Immediately during the first two days of the Division Series, MLB saw a 41% boost in viewership compared to prior years. Fox Sports averaged 3.64 million viewers for its National League Division Series coverage, marking the highest ratings since 2014, while TNT Sports saw a 21% increase in viewership for its American League Division Series games, averaging 2.6 million viewers. This rise in viewership comes despite competition from college football and the NFL. The wild-card round also saw a 25% boost in viewership from last year, the best since the expanded
version of the round started in 2022.
In large part, this surge can be attributed to the markets making deep runs this season compared to 2023: heavyweights like the Dodgers, Yankees and New York Mets will intuitively attract more viewers than the less popular and less historic Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers. But alongside domestic viewers, this year’s playoffs have generated a substantial foreign audience built off the Japanese stardom getting their time in the limelight. Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres National League Game
5 saw the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NBP) legend Yoshinobu Yamamoto face off against fellow former NBP star Yu Darvish, with Shohei Ohtani headlining the Dodgers’ offense. The game shored up a recordshattering 19.2 rating in Japan, translating to about 13 million viewers. Keep in mind, the game was broadcast at 9:08 a.m. Japan standard time on a weekday. But the postseason debut of these Japanese icons was not the only storyline that has enhanced this season’s playoff ratings. On the American League side of things, the Detroit Tigers put together a scrappy Cinderella run, sweeping the heavily favored Houston Astros in an impressive Game 2 comeback despite having a payroll ranked comfortably in the bottom five of all MLB. On the opposite side
of the spectrum, the open-wallet Mets were finally able to put together a quality postseason run after an abysmal 0-5 start to the season, riding McDonald’s magic a mere two games short of the World Series. A heated DodgersPadres rivalry series saw players taunting fans, trash being lobbed into the outfield, and two fiery offenses tallying up runs galore — until the “little brother” Padres offense went cold and their season died on a whimper. The Cleveland Guardians, boasting one of the best bullpens in recent history, experienced one of the worst bullpen collapses in recent history, as closer Emmanuel Clase seemingly mistook the playoffs for batting practice and surrendered more runs in the five-game Championship series than he had all season. At the very least, though, the Guardians can fly to Cancún, Mexico, knowing they won the most exciting game of the postseason thus far in a 7-5 extra innings thriller versus the Yankees.
Perhaps shocking to longtime Yankees fans, the Booneled Bronx Bombers have looked utterly dominant, riding impressive performances from sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto. Newfound closer Luke Weaver has locked down saves behind a mostly effective pitching staff, where ace pitcher Gerrit Cole will be headlining Game 1 of the World Series. But the Dodgers, after a rocky
three game start put them one loss from elimination, have had a relatively smooth run themselves. The team managed to go 33 innings without allowing a run — tying the MLB postseason record — behind a steady bullpen in spite of their shaky starting pitching, and the bats of Tommy Edman, Mookie Betts and Kiké Hernandez have been heating up in the clutch. Fortunately for the Yankees, pounding elite bullpens has been a recent specialty, and wearing down the Dodger’s big four of Treinen-Kopech-HudsonPhillips will be crucial in seeking their 28th ring. Unfortunately for the Yankees, the bats of key players like Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have resembled pool noodles, and the general sloppiness of the Yankees’ defense and baserunning simply won’t cut it versus Los Angeles. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and one of these famously unclutch rosters will have to
overcome their reputation as “choke artists” for good. So, in what has been another fantastic season of baseball, it all boils down to this: Ohtani vs. Judge; Roberts vs. Boone; West Coast vs. East Coast; the “Yankees of Baseball” vs. the actual Yankees. The 2024 World Series has the potential to be an all-time classic, as two of the most iconic franchises in history meet again on the big stage for the first time since 1981. Even if you despise both teams, I implore you to enjoy the sights, fights and push-and-pull of what will hopefully be a bloody seven-game October Classic. If you feel so inclined, take the 4 train a few stops southbound next Thursday and enjoy Yankee stadium at its rowdiest, loudest, most fantastically obnoxious: or, if the now $1000+ nosebleed tickets dissuade you, find a screen and pick a team you loveto-love or love-to-hate.
COURTESY OF X
Freddie Freeman roars after connecting on a walkoff grand slam in Game 1.
Volleyball Valiant in Defeat Against No. 20 Dayton Flyers
By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
It’s been an arduous season for the Fordham University volleyball team, who played well enough to have beaten any Atlantic 10 team last weekend, except the one they actually played.
The Rams, who started their A-10 slate with a terrible 0-5 record, have improved markedly over the past two weeks. Their reward? A matchup with one of the most dominant teams the conference has ever seen.
The University of Dayton, ranked 20th in the entire nation, flew east to Rose Hill to continue their tour of dominance. This tour had some memorable national performances in the non-conference portion of play, including wins over a phenomenal Northern Illinois University team and a Big 10 opponent in Illinois University.
The A-10 leg of the tour? A parade of demoralization, in which Dayton has walked into the homes of opponents and swept almost everybody — in 11 matches, the Flyers have dropped one singular set. One.
Fordham nearly made it two on a couple of occasions last weekend. There are, of course, no moral victories, though. Fordham lost via the sweep twice, moving to 2-9 in A-10 matches, good for sole possession of last place.
That said, as the maroon and white laced their shoes, stood for the anthem and took the court last Friday, Oct. 25, you wouldn’t have guessed that the six players were across the net from one of the nation’s best lineups. The Rams came into play with an abundance of energy, and whether exerted on the court or the sidelines, their energy willed them into contention with the formidable Flyers.
Junior Zoe Talabong got things started with an ace on the match’s first point, causing an exaltation from the bench. After Dayton tied things up at one, one of the night’s longest rallies ensued. As most players grew tired, graduate student Whitley Moody looked fresh as ever as she sprung above the
net to hammer home the point. The bench roared along with a decent-sized crowd composed of student-athletes from various other Fordham teams. With that same vivacity, Fordham continued its valiant effort.
After 16 points, the match sat knotted at eight.
From there, Dayton began to show why it’s ranked among the country’s elite teams. Their elite attackers, headlined by soon-to-be back-to-back A-10 Player of the Year senior Lexie Almodovar, flaunted veteransavvy technique and shot placement above the net. Still, Fordham found a way to rally. Kills from sophomore Lorenza Rosenkile and junior Audrey Brown helped lift the Rams out of an 18-12 deficit, with freshman Sophia Kuyn dunking a Dayton overpass to opposing hardwood to make it 20-16. The bench erratically waved their pink pom-poms — part of the team’s breast cancer awareness theme for the weekend — their palpable energy making Dayton look human for the first time since a Sept. 14 loss to Marquette University. The Flyers turned it on from there, however, snapping into form for a 25-17 victory.
In the second set, Fordham put together the strong 40-orso rallies of its season, putting the Flyers on the defensive.
Rosenkilde led the charge, nailing four kills and a solo block in the set. And, after netting two consecutive points, Rosenkilde had the Rams firmly in control, 9-4. For an encore, senior libero Ryan Naumann earned Fordham its 10th point with a diving save, perpetuating the match’s longest rally, one which culminated in a powerful Brown kill. Their 6-point lead resembled their largest of the night. Almost robotically, Dayton seemed to literally flip a switch, going on a massive run to bring the set from 14-8 to 14-12. Fordham didn’t let up, though, hanging on to a 1- or 2-point lead for a while longer. Dayton would eventually catch Fordham at 19, proceeding to zoom forward to a 25-21 win. Set three was less enticing. What was perhaps most terrifying about Dayton’s third set annihilation was the body language of its bench players. After each point, there were sparing claps and, perhaps, a smile or two from the sidelines. It was a far cry from the coordinated celebrations and cacophonous cheering of the Fordham bench that each Rams point invoked. It’s as if winning is routine for the Flyers, and that getting a point off a rally is to be expected, not celebrated. As though cheering for one’s team implies an inkling of
belief that anything contrary to victory is possible.
The Flyers mildly clapped after each point of a 25-8 rout, setting their sights on the fresh slate Saturday represented. Despite the loss, Naumann stood out as the true catalyst for the Rams’ impressive fight. She racked up 15 digs on the day, many of which being off of rocket-speed Dayton attacks. Kuyn starred up front, too, finishing with a pair of kills and a mammoth six blocks.
Seventeen hours later, the two teams lined up for round two. This time, the Rams were less successful in stemming the tide that is Flyers volleyball.
Fordham played cleanly once more but were simply outmatched by Dayton’s stellar front row. It was another Flyer sweep, 25-17, 25-18, 25-17, by day’s end. In sets two and three, Fordham kept the Flyers on their toes, with each frame sitting at 8-10, Dayton, at 1 point. That 2-point gap was as close as things would get, with the indomitable Dayton attack powering its way to victory. Talabong and Moody steadied the offense with 10 kills apiece. Moody tacked on 16 digs for a double-double, while Naumann continued her prolific play with 10 receptions. The muted Saturday outing raised more concern about a
season-long pattern: in twomatch stints this year, Fordham is 2-3 on day one; on day two, they’re 0-5. Whether it’s fatigue, contentedness after solid dayone outings, or something else, the Rams will look to stymie that trend as the season takes its final turn.
Let’s revisit the A-10 playoff race. Incredibly, the Rams’ 2-9 record puts them… just two games out of playoff position? With six teams making the playoffs, a winning record is not necessary. Instead, a Rams hot streak could quickly rewrite the story of this season. The bleak reality, however, is that thew Rams played their worst volleyball against arguably their worst opponents, losing very winnable games. Subsequently, Fordham, just now gaining traction and stringing together strong outings, has no margin for error as it enters its toughest in-conference stretch.
A look at their upcoming schedule shows a path — however unlikely — to that sixth spot. They’ll first have to beat a University of Rhode Island squad that swept them a few weeks ago — luckily, their last meeting marked Fordham’s worst performance of the season, and their fellow Rams are a measly 3-8 for the year. They’ll then ship off to Davidson College, then Loyola University Chicago and finally back home to play Virginia Commonwealth University during three straight weeks of two-match stints. These six games, their final of the season, will dictate whether or not the group flies to Dayton, Ohio, for the A-10 Tournament. Unfortunately, their three foes have cemented themselves as the second, third and fourthbest teams in the conference. Should they find a way to beat URI and win three of these last six matches, they’ll finish at 6-12. That wouldn’t guarantee the sixth spot, but it would give these Rams a fighting chance. In order to give themselves that chance, Fordham will have to bring the same tenacity and energy it brought against Dayton. Should they do so, what has been a story of twists and turns may be include one last improbable chapter.
Despite their undeniably Herculean effort, the Rams were unable to slay the 20th-ranked Dayton Flyers.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Following their loss this past weekend, the Rams fell to a lackluster 6-14 on the year.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Graduate student Whitley Moody led the way for the Rams once again, recording 10 kills.
Freshman QB Tripp Holley Makes Debut in Blowout Loss
By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
New York football is dead in October.
It’s a sentiment that applies to the city’s struggling NFL counterparts, the New York Giants and the New York Jets, but also the Fordham University Rams, who fell to 0-8 this past weekend with a 33-19 loss to Lehigh University.
The defeat ensures a reality that many fans likely came to terms with weeks earlier — Fordham will not be in contention for a Patriot League title this season, falling to 0-3 in league play.
However, as the focus shifts to future teams and future seasons, perhaps some hope will emerge in the form of their third-string quarterback, freshman Tripp Holley.
Holley made his collegiate football debut halfway through the third quarter, replacing junior Jack Capaldi with the Rams trailing big against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, 333. While the Rams’ massive 30-point deficit was far too much to overcome, Holley did indeed manage to reinvigorate a listless Fordham offense, leading two touchdown drives to make it a more respectable 14-point defeat.
“I thought, for the most part, he played well,” head coach Joe Conlin remarked in his postgame press conference. “He used his legs to get himself out of trouble. He missed a couple throws, but I feel like with practice, he can get those down.”
Holley threw for a solid 69 yards, completing 8-18 attempts for a completion mark just below 50%. The freshman notably missed a throw to senior wideout Cole Thornton, squandering what appeared to be a wide-open touchdown.
However, it were Holley’s legs that stole the show.
When facing a fourthand-goal early in the fourth quarter, the Dallas native scrambled for an 11-yard score and the first touchdown of his collegiate career. Morerover, on a subsequent drive, he would convert a major fourthand-8 attempt, putting his head down and absorbing some contact on a resilient 9-yard run. Holley also capped off the Rams’ second touchdown drive by successfully converting a 2-point conversion with a quarterback draw right up the gut.
In total, the freshman was able to gain 51 rushing yards in a quarter and change. At the collegiate level, sacks detract from rushing totals, leaving Tripp with a less impressive 25 net yards, as the Mountain Hawks brought him down three times in the backfield. Nonetheless, he displayed an ability to improvise in the face of pressure and a willingness to fight for every yard.
“The guidance to him was ‘cut it loose out there and have fun,’” said Conlin. “It looked like he was doing that. It definitely gave us a spark.”
The Rams were certainly in need of one.
Fordham got on the board first as strong runs by senior Julius Loughridge and an 18yard reception by Thornton set up a 44-yard field goal for freshman kicker Bennett Henderson.
Unfortunately, that’s about the extent of the production that the Rams would flash on the offensive end until the fourth quarter, as Lehigh rattled off 33 unanswered points, 30 of which came in the first half.
The Mountain Hawks have one of the worst passing offenses in college football, ranking dead last in the Patriot League with a mere 153.1 passing yards per game. But who needs to pass the ball when you have the 20th-best rushing attack in the FCS?
Led by sophomore Luke Yoder and freshman Jayden Green, the Lehigh backfield has given defenses nightmares. And with Fordham missing AllConference linebacker James Conway and four safeties due to injury, the Rams were prime candidates to be exposed. While Fordham managed to limit the lead back Yoder to 80 yards and 3.9 per carry, Green exploded for a careerhigh 147 yards, averaging a preposterous 8.6 per attempt as he received Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors for the second time this season. Moreover, Green’s season-long 44-yard touchdown in the first quarter gave the Mountain Hawks a lead that they would never once relinquish.
“We can’t allow a team whose whole identity is the run game right now to run the ball like that,” said Conlin. “That was something we stressed during the week and we failed to execute.”
Despite some early rushing success, Lehigh only led 7-3 at the close of the first quarter. But the Mountain Hawks would explode in the second quarter, capitalizing on an early interception from Capaldi.
A pair of rushing touchdowns by versatile quarterback Matt Machalik put the Rams down 24-3 with 1:40 left in the half. With a chance to cut the lead down a tad going into halftime, the offense stalled quickly, giving Lehigh the ball right back after just 39 seconds of possession.
The Mountain Hawks would be able to take advantage, as Freshman quarterback Hayden Johnson aired one out for Matt D’Avino, whose a 33-yard
touchdown catch extended the Lehigh lead to 30-3.
“Obviously can’t have a first half like that and expect to win on the road,” reflected Conlin. By halftime, the Rams had allowed over 200 yards on the ground and 314 total.
The defense improved quite significantly in the second half, as Fordham allowed just 58 total yards — but it was too little, too late.
Freshman Jaylen Dawson led the game with a careerhigh 12 tackles, starting in place of Conway, who was not active after starting two games prior to Fordham’s Week 8 bye. Meanwhile, freshman Drew Minnich and senior Trey Bradford both recorded six tackles in their first collegiate starts at safety.
But the moment that brought the sideline to its feet came from no other than senior Matt Jaworski, who recorded his first sack of the season in the third quarter. It had been
a long time coming for the Patriot League’s Defensive Player of the Year. Despite being a force in the backfield all season long, the first sack of the year had eluded Jaworski, who tallied a team-high nine sacks last season.
Jaworski finished his day with 10 tackles and three for loss. He’ll be in the running for Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, leading the conference with 13 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hurries.
On the offensive side of things, Loughridge rebounded from a season-worst game against the College of Holy Cross, rushing for 77 yards and a 2-point conversion on just 17 attempts. The senior now has 2,695 career rushing yards, moving ahead of Pierre Davis for sixth all-time in Rams’ history.
The biggest question moving forward revolves around the quarterback position. Fordham has found it difficult to have success without their starting quarterback, junior CJ Montes, who was injured during Week 3 against Stony Brook University.
Capaldi certainly features the strongest arm on the team according to Conlin, but has struggled with accuracy and consistency, completing 46.8% of his passes through seven games with three touchdowns to five interceptions.
While Holley was far from perfect, his ability to improvise and his aggressiveness led to a much more lively attack. Upon checking into the game, Holley led the Rams to a pair of touchdowns and a pair of successful 2-point conversions. He’s a raw product and still finding his footing in a nuanced Fordham system, but perhaps he provides the best chance for success.
It’s a difficult decision, but an important one as the Rams look to avoid their first winless season since 1999 with just four games left to play.
Fordham is now set to return to Jack Coffey Field at Moglia Stadium for a date with an equally as poor 2-6 Colgate University Raiders squad.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
The quaterback carousel continued to spin for the Rams this past weekend, freshman Tripp Holley now the new signal caller.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
The Rams are still winless on the season, their loss to the Mountain Hawks dropping them to 0-8 on the year.