Bronx Music Hall Opens as a Cultural Beacon
By NISHANTH ADUMA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Bronx has long been a hub of musical innovation, serving as the birthplace of hip-hop and a melting pot for genres like salsa, jazz, R&B and Latin jazz. This vibrant legacy now has a permanent home with the Bronx Music Hall (BMH), a newly constructed venue dedicated to preserving and celebrating the borough’s unique cultural heritage. Officially opened last week, BMH is not only a music venue, but also a center for community engagement, arts education and youth empowerment.
Located at 438 E 163rd St. in the South Bronx’s Melrose neighborhood, BMH is the first independent music venue built in the Bronx in over 50 years. Developed by the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDco) as part of the $165 million Bronx Commons development, the 14,000-square-foot facility stands as a testament to the SEE BRONX, PAGE 5
The Fordham Ram
Young Democratic Socialists Launch Dual Campaigns for Free Speech
By ADITHI VIMALANATHAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
The Fordham University Young Democratic Socialists Association (YDSA) is running dual campaigns for bodily autonomy and against club censorship after being recently told that they could not gather on campus. In the last few weeks, YDSA has tabled outside Walsh Gate and Faculty Memorial Hall (FMH) to distribute Plan B and gain
and Bodily Autonomy
signatures for their free speech and club approval petition, “Democratize Fordham!”
YDSA is a chapter of the nationwide Young Democratic Socialists Association but is not officially recognized as a club at Fordham. They have been active on campus since 2023 and have been pursuing official club status since last December.
Recently, the YDSA tabled on Oct. 25 distributing Plan B and
University Reports Two Bias Incidents Over the Past Week
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
Fordham University shared an email on Nov. 11 detailing two bias incidents that have occurred over the past week. In both instances, racial slurs were written on whiteboards on campus. Currently, Public
Safety is investigating the events but has no camera footage or witnesses.
These events come after reports of text messages across the country that told Black people they had been “selected to pick cotton.”
In her email, President Tania
Tetlow condemned the graffiti and reiterated the university’s Jesuit ideals.
“We risk expanding the impact of cowards scrawling anonymous graffiti by broadcasting their words,” Tetlow said. “But this message was seen by our students,
SEE BIAS, PAGE 4
encouraging students to sign their petition. A follow-up tabling was held Nov. 1 outside of FMH.
Matthew Smith, FCRH ’27, co-chair and founder of the YDSA, says that the club provides a space for left-wing students who feel out of place with the two-party system.
“Fordham doesn’t have any left-wing groups besides the Fordham [College] Democrats.
Fordham Begins Annual
Thanksgiving Food Drive
By JACK MCDONALD STAFF WRITER
Fordham University kicked off its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive last week, sponsored by Campus Ministry.
Monetary donations from the Fordham community go directly to providing meals for families in need and facing food insecurity in the New York community. Donations are being accepted until Nov. 30. Gil Severiano, director of Campus Ministry Operations, Budget and Community Engagement, spearheads the program each year. Severiano works at the McShane Campus Center with student interns to put together community events with Campus Ministry, the food drive being one of the largest annually over the last 10 years.
SEE DR IVE, PAGE 4
Fordham University alumnus Dennis Ruppel, FCRH ’68, and his wife Pat Ruppel, purchased a piece of land in June 2018, overlooking Palmer Inlet on Eastchester Bay, four miles east of the university’s Rose Hill campus. The Ruppels donated the land to the university soon after they purchased it. Construction is currently underway on this property to provide a new waterfront center to Fordham’s sailing and crew teams.
According to Mike Mullarney, FCRH ’68, the vice-commodore of the Fordham sailing team and Ruppel’s first-year roommate at Fordham, the original reasoning behind purchasing the land was to support the Fordham sailing team. “To get to the point where we wanna be, continually challenging for the national championship, we need to have the facilities,” said Mullarney.
Both Ruppel and Mullarney were members of the Fordham sailing team as undergraduates. Now, being the commodore and vice-commodore of the team, Ruppel and Mullarney are benefactors.
Raising the money for the waterfront center can be attributed to the alums and supporters of Fordham Sailing. “We have three or four people who have put up big numbers, and there are a lot of other people who have put up not-small numbers,” said Mullarney. The team has a large alumni network, which contains a group of donors, many of whom sit on the sailing team’s executive board, according to Mullarney.
The development of the waterfront center was one of the main reasons that head coach
in this issue
Opinion
Have a Heart, Do Your Part: Organ Donation Blues in the Big Apple
Culture
Page 11
The Christmas Spirit Hits Bryant Park
Sports
“ The Epitome of Brutality” : MBB Upsets Seton Hall on Johnson’ s Buzzer Beater
COURTESY OF ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM
YDSA members table outside Faculty Memorial Hall to get students to sign their petition.
The second incident was found in Dealy Hall on a whiteboard by a professor on Monday.
COURTESY OF ALLISON SCHNEIDER/THE FORDHAM RAM
By LUCAS THRESS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Hughes House Nov. 6
1:08 a.m.
On Wednesday, the guard at Hughes House reported a flood in the basement. A supervisor responded. The investigation revealed a busted water line was causing the leak. The supervisor was able to isolate the leak by closing the valve. The supervisor contacted the landlord who sent a plumber to fix the leak.
Loschert Hall Nov. 6
8:57 p.m.
On Wednesday, there was a smoke alarm in Loschert Hall. A supervisor and the FDNY responded. The investigation revealed a student placed a shirt over a lamp causing a smoke condition. The supervisor ventilated the room and reset the alarm panel.
Tierney Hall Nov. 7
12:55 p.m.
On Thursday, a male jumped over the fence near Tierney Hall. A supervisor responded, located the male and escorted them off campus. Later that day at 3:00 pm, a student reported that, while at the Dunkin Donuts at 601 East Fordham Road, the same male demanded the student’s cell phone. The student ran away. The supervisor called the NYPD who responded and arrested the male.
O’Hare Hall Nov. 11
9:49 a.m.
On Thursday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in O’Hare Hall. A supervisor responded and freed the student.
The Fordham Ram: 106 Years of Election Coverage
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
Since The Fordham Ram’s founding in 1918, it has been Fordham University’s journal of record, detailing events in and around the university and the Bronx community. Throughout its history, the Ram has reported and shared the impact and outcomes of presidential elections on the Fordham community.
The Ram’s early election coverage was few and far between, with only two stories about the 1924 presidential election, one which stated that Democratic nominee John W. Dennis had won a student straw vote, and a second after the election, an opinion piece that said students should support incoming president Calvin Coolidge.
Coverage of elections remained slim, beyond a usual opinion piece, until 1940, when former President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, who was running for his third consecutive term, visited Fordham’s Rose Hill campus on the university’s 100th anniversary. Roosevelt reviewed Fordham ROTC and gave a speech praising the university’s “part in national defense.”
By 1960, the Ram regularly had multiple articles per issue in the issues leading up to the presidential elections. Columns included “The Commentator” and “Between the Lines.”
Often, however, the top story was not the winner of the presidential election. In 1976, two days after the election of former President Jimmy Carter, the front page of the Ram was dedicated to an image of Rev. Raymond A. Schroth, S.J., captioned, “I kept my job through the Faculty Senate.”
The Ram also regularly highlighted the work of WFUV, a Fordham NPR affiliate radio station. In 1984, after former
President Ronald Reagan was elected to a second term, the Rams front page was dominated by an article titled, “WFUV Campaign Coverage Coast to Coast.” The article detailed what WFUV did in terms of coverage and their experience with the election. Coverage varied through different mediums. After former President Bill Clinton was elected for his first term in 1992, the front page of the Ram had columns from the Fordham College Republicans and the Fordham College Democrats, as well as quotes and photos of individual students sharing their thoughts. These “student views” would become a regular aspect beyond the Ram’s election coverage. When President-elect Donald Trump was first elected in 2016, the Ram had a myriad of articles leading up to and after the election. From club endorsements
This Week at Fordham
Wednesday Nov. 13
Let’s Chat!
McShane Campus Center 112 3 p.m.
Attend the Student Life Council monthly meeting to discuss this week’s topic: the first-year experience at Fordham. All undergraduate students are invited to attend and submit questions.
Thursday Nov. 14
OG “Anyone But You”
Collins Auditorium 8 p.m.
Catch the Mimes and Mummers’ performance of “Much Ado About Nothing” this weekend. The show is written by William Shakespeare. Tickets are free for Fordham students on Thursday!
Friday Nov. 15
Ballin’ For Buckets
Rose Hill Gymnasium 7 p.m.
Support the women’s basketball team this Friday in their game against Saint Peter’s University. Fans will be given a poster celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rose Hill Gymnasium.
Saturday Nov. 16
Just Touched Down
Moglia Stadium 1 p.m.
Fordham Football is back home for their second to last game of the season as the Rams take on the Georgetown University Hoyas. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Moglia Stadium on Saturday.
to students staying involved politically while studying abroad to coverage of a College Democrats and College Republicans debate, the Ram had everything. In 2020, coverage was much the same, though done remotely. Opinion pieces on policy, dissections of the election results and straight news on the victor dominated the Ram’s website.
As of this year, the Ram continues to cover not only the presidential election but its impact on the Fordham students and community.
If you are a Fordham community member with strong opinions about the election, please share them with The Fordham Ram at fordhamramnews@gmail.com.
The Fordham Ram will continue covering the 2024 Presidential Election in the following weeks as more developments and updates arise.
Monday Nov. 18
Honors Speaker
Keating First 1 p.m.
The Rose Hill Honors Program is hosting a guest speaker on Monday. Dr. Zachary Lockman, an NYU professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies and History will be visiting campus to talk to students.
COURTESY OF MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
The Fordham Ram, the student newspaper of Fordham University since 1918, has a vast history of United States election coverage.
Black and Latinx Business Association Comes to Fordham
By ADITHI VIMALANATHAN ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Aminata Konate, GSB ’25, thought about founding a Black and Latinx Business Association (BLBA) at Fordham University after her experience attending an accounting and finance career fair last fall.
“Obviously, we go to a PWI [predominantly white institution] and in a lot of my experience, I’ve felt like I was being constantly disrespected by my peers, like I was being pushed around and skipped in line,” recalled Konate. “I couldn’t react. I knew that I couldn’t react because of what it would look like as a Black woman. There’s already that stereotype, and it wasn’t the time or place — it was a professional environment.”
Konate recalled that the encounters prompted her to think about similar experiences in corporate-related club leadership across the university.
“I know a friend who wanted to be on the e-board [executive board] of one of the businessoriented clubs,” recalled Konate. “She was very qualified, but she didn’t get it, and so they gave it to someone that was less qualified. I felt like e-board representation is extremely important because being a person of color in corporate America will come with harsh realities that none of
“Citizenship,
By CAITLIN THOMAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
these clubs acknowledge. That’s why I thought it’d be important to have a business-oriented club for Black and Latinx students.”
The idea came to her one day before the new club application was due. After thinking of the idea, Konate reached out to several people who would be interested in leadership. The application was submitted that same day. After presenting to the United Student Government operations committee and waiting for approval, the BLBA was granted official club status.
The BLBA is a Fordham-based club that seeks to promote diversity and inclusion among students at the Rose Hill campus.
According to their vision statement, they “envision a future where Black and Latinx students become leaders in the business world, breaking barriers and reshaping success.”
Devin Moreno, FCRH ’25, vice president of academic affairs and BLBA founding member, is involved in bringing academic opportunities to BLBA members.
“I work closely with the VP of Operations, president, and EVP to plan academic programs and opportunities for our members. The role I am most passionate about within BLBA is the opportunity to research opportunities and scholarships to share with
members,” said Moreno.
This semester, the BLBA has been growing its numbers through digital engagement and through engaging with clubs such as the Caribbean and African Student Association, of which Konate is vice president.
Next semester, the BLBA is planning a business expo of student-run businesses and female entrepreneurship for Women’s History Month. They are also planning a Black Excellence Gala for Black History Month.
“Right now we are planning a Black Excellence Gala. We are essentially planning a party with keynote speakers, mass giveaways and networking opportunities for our members. This is the headline event we are working on but throughout the semester we will have resume reviews, headshot opportunities and much more!” said Moreno.
In the future, Konate hopes the club will be a professional organization that students look forward to engaging with.
“People respect the club,” Konate said. “People know about it. People are taking it serious and look forward to it and actually go. I know for a lot of the clubs, people just go for their resume, but I want it [the BLBA] to be something that people are actually looking forward to being a part of.”
Inclusion and the Struggle to Belong” Exhibit Comes to Walsh Library
Tucked away in the O’Hare Special Collections room on the fourth floor of the Walsh Library is the “Citizenship, Inclusion, and the Struggle to Belong” exhibit. Magda Teter, the Shvidler Chair in Judaic studies and professor of history at Fordham University, and Wes Alcenat, assistant professor of history and Africana studies at Scripps College and previously at Fordham, curated this exhibit with the help of Corine Gibson, FCRH ’24, an alumnus who previously took the antisemitism and racism interdisciplinary capstone course offered at Fordham.
This exhibit is the culminating project of that class, and it specifically explores the Jewish and the Black American experience, looking to encourage conversations about how we define citizenship, inclusion and Americanness. “We contemplate the idea of citizenship and belonging not only from the perspective of inclusion but also from the perspective of legal and social exclusion,” reads the introduction to the exhibit. From there, students can examine the various historical documents and artifacts displayed in the exhibit.
Teter and Alcenat talked about the curation process and, specifically, about bringing the various pieces in the exhibit into conversation with each other.
The exhibit is the direct result of students’ work in Teter and Alcenat’s class, who discussed the differences and similarities between anti-semitism and racism, along with concepts of citizenship and inclusion. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time working on [the exhibit] last year,” said Gibson. “As a master’s student at Tufts [University] in history, I have been able to use many of the skills I learned from Teter and Alcenat in my schoolwork, and I would encourage anyone interested in going into history to get involved in similar projects.”
Teter discussed how the objects they selected highlighted the existing parallels between the Jewish and Black American experiences. “We looked at these legacies of how they continued in parallel, not necessarily connected to each other, but kind of emerging from that initial exclusion and degradation in terms of their status compared to those in the majority powers,” Teter said. “This is a pretty depressing story, so we wanted to show that citizenship itself is not something you are granted, that it’s something that was fought for and always contested for these groups.”
The exhibit aims to explain the connection between the experiences of Jewish and Black Americans. “There is something that is beautiful but also an ugly
part of this history in terms of this resilience factor that we try to show you,” said Alcenat. “Whether it’s Jewish Americans or Black Americans, they are constantly having to make a claim for a place of belonging… Conversation about citizenship is going to be an ongoing thing.”
According to Teter, this exhibit and our current political climate are opportunities to analyze how well we as a nation live up to our values. Teter said that Jewish and Black Americans are at the forefront of encouraging this analysis and the betterment of American society. “They are these two groups that sometimes work together but often in parallel to actually make America be the ideal that it claims rather than what the reality is,” she said.
Teter noted the importance of the exhibit in the United States’ current political climate. “I think that the exhibit may make them reflect on what makes this country,” she said. “What makes us Americans? It’s not just the sad story of the fight, but it’s also a story of claiming that ideal of what America is, even if America doesn’t always live up to its ideal. Be part of the story. Continue to write it.”
The “Citizenship, Inclusion, and the Struggle to Belong” exhibit will be open until Nov. 22 in the Walsh Library.
COURTESY OF AMINATA KONATE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Aminata Konate is the founder of Fordham's Black and Latinx Students Association.
COURTESY OF AMINATA KONATE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
The Black and Latinx Business Association is a new club at Fordham.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
“Citizenship, Inclusion and the Struggle to Belong” comes to Walsh Library.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM UNIVERSITY Walsh Library hosts exhibit on African-American and Jewish citizenry and inclusion.
Racial Slurs Written On Campus Whiteboard
FROM BIAS, PAGE 1
walking into a classroom where they are meant to feel welcome, valued, and ready to learn.”
The instructor who reported the second instance was Gerardo Sámano Córdova, a writer in residence in the English department, who found the writing on the corner of the whiteboard on Monday morning.
“I came into the classroom and most of my students were already there,” Sámano Córdova said. “One of them pointed to a corner of the whiteboard where the racist remark had been written. I was shocked. And pissed off. And worried… Campus security asked me a couple questions and told me they’d be right over and to
not erase the message… Three people from campus security showed up, they took pictures, took my name and some of my students’ who had seen the writing first. They left and I erased the message. It was a disgusting way to start the day and the week.”
In general, students said they were surprised by the email. “It
was so weird,” said Raina Kratz, GSB ’25. “The end of the email where she [Tetlow] talks about how ‘we’re all made in the image of God’ I was just kinda like ‘okay, yeah’ but I feel like that downplays how it [the graffiti] could affect minority students at the university.”
Director of Communications Bob Howe, FitzSimons Fellow
Tony Berry, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion James A. Felton and Associate Vice President for Public Safety Robert Fitzer all declined to comment.
This is an updating story. This article will be updated online accordingly.
Fordham Partners With Local Parishes to Raise Money
FROM DRIVE, PAGE 1
All proceeds are donated directly to partner organizations that Fordham works with to provide for families struggling with food insecurity in New York City. These include Creston Avenue Baptist Soup Kitchen for Rose Hill donations, Xavier Mission and the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle for Lincoln Center donations and Carver Center for Fordham College at Westchester donations. Fordham is also partnered with the Church of Our Lady of Mercy and Part of the Solution. Students part of the Pedro Arrupe Volunteers Program are also volunteering to support the program.
Some of these organizations are direct partners with the University Church, which is part of the parish of Our Lady of Mercy at Marion Avenue and East Fordham Road. Additionally, the Church
of Saint Paul the Apostle is the official church for Fordham Lincoln Center, where masses are hosted weekly.
“We have had conversations with them [Mercy & Saint Paul] where they expressed the need for monetary donations to support their Thanksgiving food distributions,” said Severiano.
While Fordham once collected food donations and sent them directly to parishes, an online donation system has recently been implemented. “It is much easier for the Fordham community to donate online than to commute to work and bring actual food onto campus,” said Severiano. “Canned and non-perishable foods donated were often a cleaning out of someone’s closet, with expired food, dented cans, odd items being donated, and often it was food that was not culturally appropriate, as in items
people never ate and didn’t know what to do with.”
Severiano also noted that parishes favored monetary donations to invest in fresh foods, such as turkeys, vegetables and potatoes.
Campus Ministry also works with students at the university who are facing food insecurity. “We also advertise the Swipe Out Hunger program at the same time, to ask students to donate guest meal swipes to food insecure students on campus,” said Severiano. This program allows students who may lack the monetary resources for oncampus dining an opportunity to enjoy a meal.
Severiano also described the increasing need for donations as the cost of living in New York City is on a constant rise. Those living below the poverty line
often lack the ability to cover both living and nutritional expenses, and Campus Ministry wants to ensure they can play a part in solving this issue. “Food insecurity is a year-round problem, but during Thanksgiving,
when there is such an emphasis on food as part of our culture, I think we can really connect to a lack of food emotionally and want to learn more and take whatever steps we can to support the year-round efforts of our community partners,” she said.
YDSA Shares Demands and Petition at Event
FROM YDSA, PAGE 1
Democrats don’t represent the left-wing,” said Smith. “That’s why we’re here. We want to offer an alternative to people who don’t feel like they’re represented by the Republicans or the Democrats.”
Currently, YDSA is advocating for bodily autonomy, which, according to Smith, includes a push for contraceptive distribution and comprehensive sexual education. In line with the Catholic Church’s teachings, Fordham does not distribute birth control.
“We should be allowed to distribute contraceptives on campus,” said Smith. “Currently, Fordham prohibits the distribution of contraceptives on university property. That means that if I were to go on campus with a box of Plan B, I’m not able to give it out to people.”
At the time of this interview, which was before the presidential elections, members of the YDSA were concerned about this lack of access in purview of conservative policies that might be made law.
It’s crazy that in 2024, I’m not allowed to give out contraceptives like condoms and Plan B to college kids when we have our rights being threatened by a possible fascist being in office,” added Smith. “The Fordham administration decided it’s better to prevent their students from having access to bodily autonomy and having
access to reproductive rights.”
Members of YDSA also noted that contraceptives are neither available at nor distributed by the Fordham Health Center.
“At the nurse’s office, people should be allowed to get birth control. They should be allowed to get access to reproductive care, to condoms, for free,” said Smith. “But Fordham has decided that they’re not going to let their health workers give students access to reproductive care.”
Smith also added that Fordham is lacking in comprehensive sexual education beyond discussions of consent.
“At orientation, a lot of what we learn about is consent — very important,” said Smith. “That’s only one part of the picture. We need much more comprehensive sexual education on safe sex practices, like using condoms, birth control, Plan B, how and when to use it, what is a safe dosage — all of these things should be readily available to students, especially when they’re coming into college.”
On Oct. 23, YDSA were told that they could not hold meetings on campus. According to emails obtained by The Fordham Ram, the Oct. 23 notification follows a verbal notification from administration on Sept. 10 that YDSA could neither recruit nor distribute media on campus.
“Dean McGlade came when we were on campus, talking
to students about the organization. She came and shut us down,” said Smith. “While we were having a conversation with her, we told her our frustrations with not receiving any communications and we requested that she or Mark Less, [assistant director for student organizations and programming], email us with more information about the club process.”
The “Democratize Fordham!” petition is addressed to Assistant Dean of Student Involvement Catharine McGlade and Less and cites Fordham’s national free speech ranking. The petition seeks to allow unrecognized groups of students to host gatherings and distribute media, to streamline the process for club recognition and to require administration to respond to clubs within five business days. Since this article’s publication, McGlade has been in contact with YDSA regarding further steps.
The Fordham Ram reached out to McGlade and Less via email for comment but did not receive a response.
Smith cited Fordham’s national free speech ranking and the student arrests during the Gaza Solidarity Encampment as examples of Fordham’s censorship. He also noted issues with the administration’s requirements to hold demonstrations on campus. According to the Student Handbook, students must coordinate demonstrations with the dean of students
(Christopher Rodgers at Rose Hill and Jenifer Campbell at Lincoln Center) and receive approval before proceeding.
“They love to claim that they’ve never denied a protest, they’ve never denied a gathering — which is a complete misrepresentation of what happens.,” said Smith. “When you submit a request to hold a rally, a gathering, a protest, whatever it may be, you give them exactly what’s going to happen, what you’re putting up, and what they can do is strike out individual aspects of the protest or the gathering.”
“It’s just their way to get around a PR nightmare. Nobody
wants to say that we’re not going to allow a protest to happen, so they’re going to do everything they can to prevent that protest from happening without saying that,” he added.
Smith noted that other leftwing campus groups have faced censorship from administration. “It’s not just an us thing. This is a systemic issue,” he said.
According to Smith, the free speech and bodily autonomy campaigns run in tandem.
“It’s all intertwined, it’s all one struggle,” said Smith. “A core tenet of [socialism] is that your liberation is incomplete without the total liberation of all people. We can’t separate issues here.”
COURTESY OF MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM Campus Ministry is partnering with local parishes for the drive.
Co-Chair Matthew Smith stands outside FMH.
COURTESY OF ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM
FROM SAILING, PAGE 1
Zach Runci decided to lead the sailing team. “We had this boathouse development on the horizon, and there was a lot of progress about to happen — having construction start within the first year that I was coaching here at Fordham,” said Runci, who is now in his second year of coaching.
Annika Ekholm, FCRH ’20, the assistant coach of the sailing team, said that the idea of this waterfront center was only a dream when she was competing for Fordham Sailing as a student. “It’s confirmed [to be] happening, which is crazy and awesome to say,” she said. Ekholm and the other leaders of the sailing team have been in contact with Fordham about their project and with the recent progress in the waterfront center. “The university is more involved, which is great, and they are really excited about it,” said Ekholm.
According to Ekholm, the
Fordham Family Donates Waterfront Property
development of the boathouse will be carried out in three stages. By Feb. 1, 2025, she says, docks will be in place on the property for full use of the sailing team. Stage two is the refurbishing of two weathered buildings that previously belonged to Westchester Country Club, these will serve as boathouses for the Fordham rowing and sailing and crew teams. Ekholm says the goal is to have stage two completed by the summer of 2026. Stage three involves an endowment to support the operations of the waterfront center for the foreseeable future, according to Ekholm.
The coaches say that once it is built, the team’s goal is to create a community sailing program based out of the waterfront center. The vision of the project is to bring sailing to the local community, creating a hub of waterfront activity on Eastchester Bay, according to Runci.
The future waterfront center will
be directly next to Villa Maria Academy, a private Catholic elementary school. “We want them to view it as an asset,” said Paul Chester, a founding partner of the real estate team of Tomatt & Paul Real Estate, who is leading the development of the waterfront center. There are plans to have a strong relationship with this school, and hopefully many others in the surrounding area, offering a program for kids in the city to explore sailing, according to Chester.
Fordham also envisions that the new waterfront center will play a role in programs related to environmental studies. In 2016, Fordham Sailing’s executive board hired Timothy Judge, an adjunct professor of environmental studies at Ramapo College in New Jersey, to do the environmental permitting for the waterfront center. Judge says he plans to build an osprey pole, where osprey (considered a threatened species by the state of New York) can make
a new home. The nest would also contain a live feed, providing students at Villa Maria Academy with an up-close, educational way of viewing the bird safely, Judge said. In addition, Judge is working with the Billion Oyster Project, a non-profit organization built to restore oysters to New York Harbor. Judge said he plans to incorporate oyster reefs in the water off the waterfront center to help purify the water with the help of these natural filter feeders. In addition to providing environmental education to Villa Maria Academy, Judge said, “Fordham can design education through the osprey nest and the Billion Oyster Project.”
Down the line, the project’s initiators say they are hopeful that Ram Vans will travel directly to the waterfront center from the Rose Hill campus. “It can be a great campus center. We can have kayaks and paddleboards, and students can spend a few hours on a nice afternoon out on the water,” said Runci.
“Students can have internships there, there can be art projects there and there can be environmental science classes there,” said Ekholm. According to the coaches, this new waterfront center will eventually be a resource to the entire Fordham community and beyond.
Note: Writer is part of the Fordham sailing team.
The first Fordham students to use the waterfront center will be those on the sailing team, according to its coaches. The team is currently a club sport, but the coaches and sailors say better facilities would help sailing move to the varsity level. “We can elevate our status as a team with the aspect of these floating docks,” said Elizabeth Cochran, GSB ’27, who is on the Fordham sailing team.
Women’ s Housing and Economic Development Corporation Opens Music Hall
FROM BRONX, PAGE 1
enduring creative spirit that defines Bronx music.
The grand opening weekend celebrated the depth and diversity of Bronx music. Friday’s events began with a panel moderated by WHEDco’s Founder and President emerita Nancy Biberman, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from city officials and WHEDco leaders. The evening concluded with performances by hip-hop legends Grandmaster Caz and MC Sha-Rock, the Afro-Haitian roots band Kongo and Bronxbased DJ collective Uptown Vinyl Supreme.
On Saturday, attendees enjoyed the debut photo exhibition, “The
Place to Be: A Decade at the BMHC,” and an evening concert titled “Caribbean Sounds: New Orleans to The Bronx,” headlined by the Grammy-nominated Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band. Sunday’s events featured an open house and a performance honoring the African diaspora in the Bronx. Upcoming events and performances will be posted on bronxmusichall.org.
BMH is designed to serve approximately 20,000 visitors annually and includes a 250seat theater, a lobby and exhibition hall, a recording studio, a dance studio and two outdoor amphitheater-style plazas. This wide array of facilities will accommodate live music, dance,
theater, film screenings and art exhibitions.
“Our new home at the Bronx Music Hall provides us with the long-anticipated opportunity to expand our artistic vision and engage larger audiences as we showcase the Bronx’s diverse cultural and musical legacy,” said Elena Martínez, co-artistic director of the BMH. “The Bronx Music Hall stands as a source of pride for everyone involved and represents a major win for the South Bronx.”
In addition to being a performance venue, BMH is committed to fostering education and cultural partnerships within the community. Through collaborations with
local schools, organizations and nonprofits, it will offer music and dance classes, theater workshops and cultural s howcases aimed at inspiring youth and encouraging them to pursue arts careers. The hall will host free and low-cost classes for all ages to ensure accessibility.
BMH has received substantial support from government and arts organizations. Empire State Development awarded WHEDco a $2.6 million grant, recognizing the venue’s potential to drive economic and cultural growth in the South Bronx. The National Endowment for the Arts also contributed to the project, further es tablishing it as a
significant local and national asset. Davon Russell, president of WHEDco, described BMH as “a cultural cornerstone of the Bronx Commons development, embodying our b elief that access to the arts is an essential element of thriving, vibrant communities.” Russell emphasized that BMH will be a gateway to a thriving arts scene in the South Bronx for generations to come. As the Bronx Music Hall is officially open, it aims to unite Bronx residents and visitors through a shared app reciation for the arts and a celebration of the borough’s longstanding musical heritage.
USG Opens Socially Responsible Investing Committee Applications and Issues Club
By ANDREW MASSIE & EMMA LEONARDI
Fordham University Rose Hill’s United Student Government (USG) briefly met to hear public concerns and delegate reports on Nov. 7.
Executive Vice President Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25, announced that USG will oversee the selection of a student representative for Fordham’s Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing — a group tasked with aligning the university’s investments with Jesuit values. Applications open on Nov. 11 and close on Nov. 20, featuring a brief, three-question format. Maltzman opened the meeting by inviting public concerns from attendees. Andrew Massie, FCRH ’27, a staff writer for The Fordham Ram, raised an issue w ith the USG website, pointing out that several representative pages result in 404 errors and that the Facilities and Dining page contains out-
dated information. Maltzman assured Massie that he would relay this feedback to Vice President of Communications Angel Madera, FCRH ’26, who manages the website, but was absent from the meeting.
Maltzman presented a draft for a new Club of the Month nomination form. The form will be open to all students, except USG members, and will allow nominators to propose clubs they participate in and explain why they deserve recognition. As recommended by Senator Jude Ortega, FCRH ’25, the form will ask for the nominator’s relationship to the club and details on the club’s accomplishments. Maltzman emphasized that the number of nominations a club receives will not influence the selection process. USG will review monthly submissions and consider additional clubs nominated by senators or the executive board.
Vice President of Budget and Finance Reese McDonnell, GSB
’26, reported that USG has used only half of its allocated budget this semester. To reassess budget allocations, McDonnell plans to send a form to USG committees requesting updates on their spending needs. Upcoming expenses include $500 to support the integration of the International Immigration program into a formal USG committee and additional funding for a potential Study Abroad committee.
Vice President of Operations Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, reported on Operations Day results, announcing that 14 clubs have received 100% sanctions, meaning they will no longer receive funding from USG. These sanctions are not appealable unless clubs provide evidence of an automated notification. Additionally, six clubs have received 50% sanctions due to issues like incorrect e-board information, lack of an
advisor or failure to hold a meeting this semester. Ruzicka also noted that four clubs are now classified as defunct.
McDonnell stated that budget sanctions have been applied to any club that failed to use at least 80% of its allocated funds.
Vice President of Student Experience Joseph DaProcida, FCRH ’25, announced an upcoming art show and holiday event on Dec. 9, featuring cookies, caroling and hot chocolate. DaProcida is collaborating with the USG at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) to allow FCLC students to submit artwork for the show.
Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) Emma Blake, FCRH ’25, reported that the Student Success Committee is discussing with Associate Dean of FCRH Robert Beer and Assistant Dean of Pre-Law Advising Program Hillary Mantis to enhance prelaw and pre-health resources. The committee is also researching how other universities handle excused
absences for mental health and exploring ways to improve feedback for the Study Abroad program.
Chief Communications Officer Yeonsu Son of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) reported on the success of RHA’s Halloween Dodgeball tournament. Son highlighted several upcoming events: a Thanksgiving food drive, the LollaNoBooza event and an upcoming trip to an RHA conference. Six of the 13 executive board members were absent from the meeting, including Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, who was attending a Model United Nations event. The other absentees were Vice President of Communications Angel Madera, FCRH ’26; Vice President of Health and Security Aidan Costella, FCRH ’27; Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Nyla Patel, FCRH ’25; Vice President of Facilities and Dining Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27; and Vice President of International Integration Nandini Anand, GSB ’25.
From the Desk | Allison Schneider
R OPINION We Need To Talk About Academic Unwellness
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For many students, this time of year is challenging at best. Factor in the events of the past week, and life quickly begins to feel impossible. As the end-of-semester realities this year begin to settle uncomfortably upon my shoulders, I have thought long and hard about why student life can feel so unbearable, and, more importantly, how to stop that feeling.
Academic unwellness refers to the mental and emotional instability that students feel as a result of stress and the pressure they feel to succeed in college. It has a slew of unhappy side effects, including fatigue, anxiety and depression. Nearly all university students are impacted by these feelings, although some find them more tenable than others.
The pressure to succeed comes in many forms and touches various areas of student life. It includes pressure to keep up with coursework and maintain good grades, but it also encompasses the pressure students feel to execute preprofessional goals like securing a good internship or becoming a club leader.
Academic unwellness is also tied to ever-rising tuition costs and student debt. The cost of undergraduate tuition and fees has risen roughly 180% since 1990, meaning that students today are shelling out thousands more dollars than the generations before them for the same or equivalent degrees. Not only do we act like this is normal, we tell ourselves it is necessary. We rationalize taking out thousands of dollars in student loans because it will help us get a job, meet people, learn, have the “college experience” and have fun while doing it.
Most undergraduate students at Fordham University have either already registered or are preparing for course registration for the spring semester. One crucial aspect of the registration process, if you are part of Fordham College at Rose Hill, is talking to your academic advisor. For editorial board members who are part of the Class of 2025, that means meeting with our faculty advisor in our major department to get our proposed class schedule approved. However, students in the years below now use a different system. They talk to a “professional” academic advisor that they keep even after choosing a major. After the Class of 2025 graduates, there won’t be any more faculty advisors, leaving the new advising center as the main way to get advice on course schedules. While we understand that the old system was not perfect, we believe that the new advising system does not work well for Fordham students.
How did the old advising system at Fordham work? During the first three semesters of undergraduate students’ time at Fordham, they would get advice from assigned academic advisors. The purpose of these advisors was to give guidance on major declaration, study abroad programs and undergraduate
But for a lot of students, none of this sounds fun. It doesn’t sound fun to the roughly 24,000 U.S. undergraduate students who will attempt suicide this year. It doesn’t sound fun to the 1,100 who will succeed in doing so.
So how do we cope? Many students, myself included, turn to different forms of escapism. This can include spending hours aimlessly scrolling on social media or playing video games into the early morning, all the while ignoring accumulating school work. Others turn to self-medication and substance abuse. A 2019 study published in an American Psychiatric Association journal found that 39% of college students engage in binge drinking, a higher percentage than people of the same age who do not attend college. The same study found that marijuana and cocaine use among college students are also on the rise.
It probably goes without saying that these coping strategies hurt more than they help. Drug and alcohol use is bad for memory, focus, energy and long-term physical health. University administrations often encourage students to seek other routes to mental wellness, typically by offering school counseling services as the first, and sometimes only, line of defense. It seems Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) is better than most other universities’ programs, but CPS will never be able to address the fundamental issues causing the student mental health crisis.
Scholar Mimi Khúc discusses some of these fundamental issues in her enlightening essay, “Touring the Abyss,” which I initially read for a
class with the wonderful Dr. Diane Detournay. Khúc studies unwellness, especially among students of color who face unique challenges as they navigate institutions that are not built for their success. Khúc says that most university counseling programs are unequipped to handle the student mental health crisis because they fundamentally misunderstand student unwellness.
As part of a multi-year research project, Khúc traveled the United States asking college students and administrators to define wellness. Administrators consistently defined wellness as being able to “meet the expectations of the university” and follow the rules. For them, wellness meant being a good student. But for the students that Khúc surveyed, wellness meant so much more. The students sought community, genuine learning, freedom of expression and healing.
In her essay, Khúc summarizes her survey of students, condensing what they said into a particular definition of unwellness. “Unwellness is feeling like you have to do it all alone, like you have to always be productive, independent, high achieving, positive,” Khúc writes.
Editorial | Advising System
Advice for Advising
research until they chose a major. Once they declared a major, they would transition to a faculty advisor. Faculty advisors were able to give students specific guidance that was related to their chosen major. Members of the editorial board from the Class of 2025 have found this system to be helpful because we like being able to consult a professor within our major department on classes, internships and future career advice.
The new advising system is different. Instead of receiving a faculty advisor, students get a general academic advisor which they keep for their whole academic career. Fordham states that these advisors are able to “collaborate” with different departments and programs “on your behalf.” When students pick a major, they no longer get a faculty advisor. Now, Fordham encourages them to find their own “faculty mentors.” There is a whole section on the Fordham website talking about how important it is to connect with faculty as a way to “discover growth opportunities, develop your interests, and build skills.” Now it is up to the student to develop these connections.
The university is framing the new system in a positive way, but the reality is more complicated. When speaking to a history and American studies major who uses
the new advising system, they described how they wished they had a faculty advisor from the history department, and they felt the new system made it harder to find a point of contact within that department. Instead of having a designated faculty advisor, they have to ask various professors for advice. Another issue they had with the system was its lack of consistency. When speaking to this student, they were on their third advisor in three years. The constant change made them feel it was hard to establish a relationship with their academic advisor. Their experiences with the system have left them with disappointment and the belief it was a “failed experiment.”
This is just one story from one undergraduate student, but it paints a drab picture of the current advising system. The new advising system website states advising is “essential to your success here at Fordham.” We wholeheartedly agree with this statement. All of us on the editorial board have had to rely on an advisor at some point during our time here. That is because higher education is a maze of requirements and it can be easy to get lost. While Fordham is full of incredible resources, it is hard for a student to find them if they don’t know how to look. Instead
“Unwellness is normalizing and romanticizing stress, glorifying busyness. Unwellness is to be a good student.”
Institutions of higher education see productivity as a sign of success and wellness, but that pressure to be productive is actively making students unwell. There is so much to do in these four precious years of undergraduate study, and it is in my nature to try to do it all. To be a good student. But I’m beginning to realize that being a good student isn’t worth sacrificing my own wellness.
It’s true that our time in college is precious. But so is our free time, our social time, our exploring-thecity time, our reading-for-fun time. Student mental health is precious, and we should be working just as hard to protect our mental health as we work to protect our grades. I am trying, with much difficulty, to shift my perspective. I want to be more than a good student. I want to be a good person, a wellrounded, healthy, energetic, passionate young adult. And if being a bad student is what it takes to escape academic unwellness, to live a good life, I will prepare myself to make that sacrifice.
of being a roadmap through the maze, the new system seems to only add more to the confusion on the student’s end.
Some may argue that this new advising system is better. They may also argue that nothing is stopping students from finding their own mentors who can guide them. This point is valid, but we think it misunderstands the point of guidance. When most of us arrived at Fordham, we hardly knew how the university worked. While an academic advisor can help get a student settled at the university, the onus is moved to the student to find a mentor. Self-advocating is a crucial life skill that is important to develop, but it’s hard to do that when you don’t know who to talk to or where to look for help. It is in these moments of confusion when students need an advisor who can answer your questions and help you have a successful college career. For these reasons, Fordham should either restart the faculty advisor program or encourage departments to invest time into undergraduate outreach. It will give students the ability to receive specialized advice for their major and possibly receive an important mentor. If Fordham decides to make these changes, it will be beneficial for the community as a whole.
By ABIGAIL ADAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When I have free time on my calendar, I never know what to do with myself. My Apple Calendar’s blank white spaces trigger my internal voice to tell me that I am not being productive enough. Looking at these harmful instincts and recognizing the value of rest has allowed me to let go of the Apple Calendar addiction. Hopefully, widespread recognition of the harms of the productivity mindset will transform the ways planning and time are approached.
Mobile calendars and paper planners are a productivity trigger — for better or worse. If utilized well, organization is beneficial in many ways. It allows people to devote their time to various tasks in an efficient manner. Finishing things in an organized way boosts productivity and general ease. It ought to reduce stress and allow for better sleep.
However, making productivity the end goal of calendar usage, rather than aiming at general well-being, can make the resources exploitative. For many people, calendars are approached with the goal of maximizing time. Particularly in academic environments, it can seem as if there is an endless amount of work to be done. The calendar can then transform into an instrument solely for productivity — needing to maximize gain from the seemingly limited
OPINION
The Tyranny of the Calendar
resource of time. My day becomes a series of lined blue blocks filled with the essays I need to write, appointments with professors and study periods. The parasite of the exploitative productivity mindset can infect even the social pastimes of my day. It feels necessary to mark every action I do in my calendar to ensure it all is accomplished in time. This is good and circles back to the original purpose of planning. I have blocked my calendar for time to spend with friends. Watching movies in O’Hare Hall with my friend Lena at 10 p.m. gets its own translucent blue block. Going to the gym before “Philosophical Ethics” gets squeezed in at 6 a.m. (though I rarely actually listen to that particular calendar command). My desire to be efficient goes overboard when I put my 11:42 a.m. teriyaki rice bowl lunch in my calendar — even if it is to ensure I have time to eat between the end of babysitting at 11:22 a.m., my train ride to Fordham University at 11:25 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. mass in Dealy Hall.
This exploitative productivity mindset has widespread damaging effects on individuals — body, mind and soul. We often hear about crippling anxiety trends among young people, but do we ever wonder if the cures we teach them can be stressful in themselves?
Anxiety rates are rising everywhere. The mind has a direct connection with the
body, and so stress has a range of physical displays. After three years of an addiction to Apple Calendar, my hair is thinning, I get recurring headaches and a rapid heartbeat. I am only one person — imagine how many people whose bodies are changing from these mind-altering productivity “resources.”
Outside of my own bodymind existence, my misuse of Apple Calendar disrupts my relationships. Calendars can become a god, and I am prone to putting my own schedule above others. If my calendar says to do work in the morning, and my friends want to grab bagels, I usually put my own schedule above others. I know this disease of disordered prioritization is happening everywhere. Liberalism is a way of life, and our own needs and lifestyles are often placed higher.
This mindset doesn’t solely influence my relationships earth-side, but also my spiritual relationship. My misuse of this organization tool makes me think everything is in my control. I plan my day out intensely, leading me to plan my life out intensely. My relationship with God has been focused on work rather than grace. I think I can almost will myself into being a better person. My spiritual life quickly became a number of boxes to be checked rather than a relationship to be lived.
My time abroad has shaken the relationship I
have with calendars, other people, time and God to its core. I have been placed in an environment where my schedule has lessened dramatically. With the abundance of time I now have, I have learned its incredible value and importance. Time is a gift to be used, not to be exploited to indulge my own desire for control. This mindset allows me to use these calendar apps wisely. They are a tool, not an end in itself. Balancing spontaneity with productivity for me looks like setting loose boundaries when I do work. I have been forced, especially with my anxiety, to grow in self-knowledge and see what my rhythm looks like. Schoolwork is done only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 3-5 p.m., I give myself time to rest or exercise. If I have this time, I am actually motivated to be productive in the hours before 3 p.m. Having Sundays as rest pro -
vides me a reset for the rest of the week. These tips have worked for me but may not fit for everyone. That is why it is crucial to discern our own abilities in relationship to time to approach some sense of balance.
This is not just an individual issue but also a cultural one. Especially in Western society, we are pushed to be as productive as possible. Of course, productivity is good, but it cannot be our end goal. Educational systems need to teach us how to use our resources wisely across all areas. This is especially pertinent in our Jesuit institutions where cura personalis is a core tenet. If the misuse of calendars impacts our body, mind and soul, then a reeducation on these resources is necessary to truly care for the whole person.
AbigailAdams,FCRH’26,isaphilosophy major from Alexandria, Va.
Looking Halloween Right in the (Queer) Eye
By NORA FLANNERY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“Camp” is officially back this Halloween with the rise of popularity in niche, hyper-specific pop culture references known as “gay Halloween.” People have taken to various forms of social media to share their ideas, especially through X and TikTok. These pop culture references and memes often come from shows, artists, movies or moments in culture that are mainly seen in the queer community. Creative costumes like the “Challengers” (2024) tennis ball and Chappell Roan and the passenger seat from her hit song “Casual” come from fan bases that mostly consist of members of the queer community. Gay Halloween has created a whole new range of costumes that has taken the holiday to a whole new level, and we should keep it this way.
Halloween has often been widely loved by the queer community because it offers a place to express oneself without judgment. The costumes that typically go viral online are sexualized
versions of basic characters from a show or movie, but now we are seeing a wide range of concept costumes. Dressing as a niche queer icon allows people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community to find other people who are part of a similar fanbase as them.
It is also important to note that with the rise of popularity of gay Halloween, it has started to go outside of the queer community. Gay Halloween has created an entirely new set of standards for costumes. In the next few years, we will see an increase in fan base references, concept costumes and object costumes, no longer the surplus of costumes such as pirates, princesses and black cats. I hope to see costumes similar to what I saw this year: Charli xcx from a specific scene of music video “365,” Beyoncé’s horse from the album cover of “Cowboy Carter,” the infamous oompa loompa from “Willy’s Chocolate Experience” and Carrie and Berger’s known break up post-it note from “Sex and the City.” These are all seen
as important gay pop culture references that might seem to be “chronically online.”
Social media has played a big role in gay Halloween this year. Costumes have gone viral on platforms like X with a caption saying, “I hate gay Halloween, what do you mean you’re…” with the niche pop culture reference. The comments under these posts are supportive and understanding of the costume and also inspire others to embrace gay Halloween. Algorithms on social media can often create polarization in society, but with the new concept of gay Halloween, people feel welcomed and embraced by each other.
Gen Z has always been comfortable with expressing themselves, and we are now seeing it shine through with Halloween as the generation matures enough to take control of their own costumes. The creativity and imagination are inspiring and change the way that other generations see ours. As the generation that has been told to change the way society functions to change the world, I believe that it is
important to do so while being able to express who we are free of judgment — and what better way to do that than through Halloween?
Gay Halloween proves that changing the way society functions and altering the narrative of stereotypes can be done in a way that is silly, fun, and true to yourself.
The queer community continues to push boundaries, create trends and transform our society, and gay Halloween is an exciting and unique way to prove that.
Nora Flannery, FCRH ’26, is a communications and media studies major from Chicago
Gay Halloween shows a unique way of expression for the LGBTQ+ community.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM Calendars can wreak havoc if applied too rigidly to your life.
OPINION
Chappell Roan Draws the Line: Fame, Boundaries and Respect
By LAILA SAYEGH STAFF WRITER
In recent months, rising pop star Chappell Roan made headlines for calling out both paparazzi and invasive fan behavior, spotlighting a critical issue about boundaries and respect in modern celebrity culture. From clapping back at photographers on the red carpet, to posting heartfelt pleas on social media for her fans to stop crossing personal lines, Roan has boldly spoken out against the toxic entitlement of fans that often surrounds high-profile public figures.
After the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, the internet was buzzing over Roan’s fiery confrontation with a paparazzi. While walking the red carpet, Roan was reportedly fixing her dress when a photographer told her to “shut the f**k up.” In an instant, she turned around and fired back, shouting, “You shut the f**k up,” followed by, “Not me, b***h.” This unfiltered response caught many off guard, as Roan had her back turned to the cameras before being verbally provoked. The exchange left some fans speculating that Roan may have been defending someone else who had been disrespected, as another photographer allegedly told someone to “shut the f**k up” moments before. Regardless of the specifics, this encounter highlights a larger issue in the media and popular culture: the blatant disregard for personal boundaries. This instance, of course, is not the first time that a celebrity
has had contested relationships with the paparazzi. Stars like Lily Allen and Kanye West have famously clashed with photographers, with Allen throwing a water bottle at a photographer after being followed and West involved in a scuffle at Los Angeles National Airport in 2013 that led to a lawsuit. While such confrontations are not uncommon, Roan’s moment stands out. It was not just a reactive clash, but it unfolded at a public event where the expectation was that she would be photographed. In that moment, Roan did not just set a physical boundary, but she also established a clear line of respect. Posing, smiling and being photographed as a celebrity does not negate her right to be treated with respect. By responding with such provocative language and anger, Roan broke the illusion that celebrities are immune to frustration and human emotion.
Roan attended the premiere of Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS World Tour” documentary, where she again called attention to the mistreatment she has faced from paparazzi. During the red carpet event, Roan confronted a photographer whom she accused of being disrespectful to her at a previous Grammy Awards party. In a video circulating online, Roan can be heard demanding an apology from the photographer, saying, “You need to apologize to me” and “I deserve an apology for that.” Despite the photographer’s
silence, Roan continued to assert herself until her handler intervened and tugged her away. The fact that Roan recognized and remembered the photographer from the past Grammy’s event and felt the need to confront him at another public event — despite being in the middle of being photographed — is a testament to how much those negative interactions impacted her. Her words were quite plain, candid and personal, breaking down the wall between her celebrity persona and her authentic self. This is so striking because Roan was able to humanize herself in a way that celebrities rarely get to express in such formal spaces. By insisting on an apology, she challenged the often unwritten rule that celebrities should tolerate invasive behavior or belittling treatment. Roan’s interactions with the paparazzi serve as a powerful reminder that celebrities are humans at the end of the day, and fame does not diminish a person’s humanity. Perhaps her approach can bring about a new era of accountability between celebrities and the media. Her stance is a refreshing shift, encouraging both fans and media professionals to rethink how we interact with those in the spotlight.
Despite the outpouring of support Roan received from fans after these incidents, there were many people who argued that this kind of treatment just “comes with the job,” and she would simply have to deal with it. However, with the advent of
social media, celebrities are given a forum to speak for themselves and set their own boundaries. In an Instagram post, Roan addressed this head-on, rejecting the notion that her choice to be a performer means she owes access to anyone beyond the stage. She wrote, “When I’m on stage, when I’m performing… I am at work. Any other circumstance, I am not in work mode,” emphasizing that just because she’s in the public eye does not mean her personal space and autonomy are up for negotiation. She expressed gratitude for her fans and the love she has received as a performer, continuing that what she does not accept is “creepy people, being touched and being followed.” Clearly, her message is not about pushing people away or negating any of her support but rather about ensuring her interactions are safe and respectful. In the past, we have seen so many situations where celebrities
get harassed by paparazzi or invasive fans and often do not think much of them. Of course, the job comes with many perks, like fame and fortune. Yet, it is important to ask ourselves: must someone sacrifice their privacy to share their art with others? If we can foster a community where celebrities are leveled down or seen as equals with others, a relationship can be established where not only are celebrities respected as humans. At the same time, celebrities too are expected to respect other humans. Through Roan’s actions and words, she has invited her audience to see celebrities as real people, creating a healthier, more balanced relationship between public figures and the fans and media who engage with them.
Is Poppi About To Fizzle Out? The Truth Behind the Gut Health Industry
By MOLLY O’CONNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Gut health is the biggest fad in the health influencer world right now, and both brands and consumers are hopping on it. Poppi, a self-proclaimed prebiotic soda brand, advertises its drinks as “gut healthy,” with the slogan “Be Gut Happy. Be Gut Healthy.” But does this have any real meaning?
One former customer doesn’t think so and is suing them for false advertising. While the brand is fiercely defending itself, some nutrition experts are saying that the amount of inulin — a prebiotic fiber that feeds good digestive bacteria — in a can of Poppi is not enough to actually benefit gut health. Given the lack of scientific defense, it seems that Poppi just wanted to appeal to the gut health crowd with popular buzzwords. The gut health industry as a whole has exploded over the past few years. While fermented products like kombucha have been around for a long time, the multitude of pro/prebiotic sodas and vitamins that your favorite TikToker swears by are more modern inventions
— and Poppi isn’t the only company under fire.
Some researchers have found that many of these big-name probiotics are not scientifically backed, and therefore have not been proven to do anything positive for your gut health. However, many people take one quick look at these labels and trust that these brands are telling the truth, even if they don’t know what these products are supposed to do.
I acknowledge that treating your gut microbiome well can be great. Science shows that good gut health can lead to good overall health, and some of these supplements and products are genuinely beneficial. However, speaking to your doctor or nutritionist before engaging in any new diet is very important. The culture of diet trends on social media often makes people feel compelled to join in on anything they hear someone say, “changed my life,” but that can be dangerous.
Like any diet, sticking to only “gut-healthy” foods is not for everyone. However, the way it is advertised by brands and influencers alike makes it seem
as if everybody needs to follow this. Also, like any trending diet, if you asked many influencers what gut health actually is, they probably couldn’t answer.
With so many impressionable young people on these apps, diet trends are especially risky when they are advertised as necessary for everyone’s health. Disordered eating is an epidemic among adolescents in this country, and even if this trend is well-meaning, fixation on diet fads is a common cause for this issue. When people get too into restrictive diets, it can lead to unhealthy eating habits, especially in combination with pre-existing body image issues.
So, with all that being said, why do I still drink Poppi? First and foremost, I like the taste! I think Poppi makes goodtasting soda that, whether it’s “gut healthy” or not, is healthier than the average soda. Like many young women my age, I like to get a fun drink when I’m out and about running errands and such. Buying a $2.50 can of Poppi feels better for my body and my bank account than a $6 Starbucks Refresher.
Though I may seem like a
hypocrite after I just went on about my suspicions of the gut health industry, I am honestly okay with the company as long as the soda isn’t actively harming me. This lawsuit likely won’t change my consumption habits with only the argument against gut health, as I never really believed in it anyway.
Poppi’s big mistake was fixating on gut health specifically. Advertising the drink as simply a healthy and delicious alternative to the average soda would have been more truthful, and likely still effective. While I understand the desire to hop on to the trends to maximize popularity and profits, if this lawsuit
goes through, they may lose the trust of consumers who are dedicated to this gut-healthy diet.
When the trend inevitably dies out and people don’t care about gut health anymore, the company will lose sales anyway. Marketing the product as a generally healthy soda would have a better chance of immunity against the rapid trend cycle, and be a more honest and transparent way of advertising.
Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27, is a political science major from Congers, N.Y.
Molly O’Conner, FCRH ’28, is a journalism major from Weymouth, Mass.
Poppi shouldn’t fixate their advertising on a vague claim on gut health.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
Chappell Roan popularizes celebrities setting their boundaries.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
Have a Heart, Do Your Part: Organ Donation Blues in the Big Apple
By PIERCE LIESTENFELTZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On your next journey to our sister campus at Fordham University Lincoln Center, look on your left for a new billboard gazing blankly and pitilessly across the Hudson River. The minimalist sign has turned a number of heads for its unique play on “I <3 NY,” keeping the letters but forgoing its trademarked red heart. Its purpose? Calling attention to the need for organ donors in our metropolis. Notoriously lacking in registered organ donors, activists have turned to the New York City region as the primary theater for increasing public awareness. The new campaign has been justly praised as being clever and “most arresting,” from “one of the most exceptional creative [advertising] agencies in the industry.” The publicity and attention it has received will doubtless win some hearts and minds — maybe kidneys — and inspire nonregistered New Yorkers to sign up for organ donation. But will it be enough — and is its energy directing the general public in the most efficient direction? To close the gap, the hour is nigh that the discussion goes mainstream. Advocates for donors, and organ recipients, require us to take part in a full-scale media blitz — of which “I…NY” may be a start, bolstered by ordinary folk getting the word out.
According to Donate Life
New York State, a non-profit organization dedicated to activism on this subject, 50.4% of New Yorkers statewide are signed up to be organ donors. The divide is stark between upstate and downstate, however. Counties above Rockland and Westchester always boast numbers north of 50%, oftentimes reaching into the ’60s and ’70s. None of the outer boroughs of our city surpass registration rates of 40%, other than Manhattan with 60.5% of eligible donors registered. Despite the state offering a buffet of methods to register for organ donation, the practice is still largely tied to the process of getting and renewing one’s driver’s license.
With Manhattan lying at the epicenter of the United States’ most robust public transportation system, disproportionately fewer downstaters will ever go through this process. This shows a prominent way in which urban design and transportation shape public life. The high volume of immigrants and homeless people make up additional groups that will often avoid the usual civic processes. These peculiarities of the New York metropolitan area have kept the state still squarely below the national average of registered organ donors.
The upstate to downstate schism points to a difference in how the government
administers itself to its citizens. The state and municipal authorities have had to design a plethora of methods to get urban residents signed up. The recent introduction of the NYC identification card — as an option for denizens lacking traditional paperwork — was tied to the opt-in system for organ donors. You can even register when shopping for healthcare on the state marketplace. There are still more means of becoming an organ donor.
In other words, there is no shortage of convenient ways for anyone above the age of 16 could sign themselves up in this state to become an organ donor — which is where the ad campaign comes in. The problem is evidently a kind of information shortage and a lack of motivation. LiveOnNY and Devito/Verdi, the non-profit and ad agency behind the “I… NY” signs, have done well in creating a high-visibility piece of viral content bait that will get people talking about the issue, but a significant part of the solution is lacking. The billboards and the subway posters have no direct call to action, and no immediate resource for commuters to turn to. The absence of a web link, instructions or a QR code emblematic of postCOVID-19 society hides a huge opportunity that has been lost by this campaign.
I don’t want to be overly negative about something that
is due to have real, positive results that will change the lives of some of the 8,000 New Yorkers currently waiting for an organ. “I…NY” is very clever and I was glad to see it on my commute to Lincoln Center in place of another billboard for a TV or Broadway show. It speaks to the enduring popularity and perhaps ubiquity of “I <3 NY,” that a removal of its focal point can actually create a completely new, instantly recognizable message. Clearly, it is thoroughly meritorious as a work of graphic design. Promoters of social causes often have to make a hard choice between making a flashy statement that will get the most eyes on their issue or making a more thoughtful, fully articulated presentation. For that reason, it remains upon us all to involve ourselves in the campaign to encourage others
to become organ donors. The price of life that so many New Yorkers must pay, waiting for a kidney, or a heart, or anything else, is so great that we can not ignore this issue.
There are few popular or enlightened ethical systems that would permit indecision on this subject, including the Jesuit credo of becoming “men and women for others.” If you’ve ever felt like there was something missing in life, maybe it’s high time that you become one of the millions of Americans registered that could make a difference in a person’s life.
Pierce Liestenfeltz, FCRH ’27, is an international studies major from Scottsdale, Ariz.
Walking the Line: Decriminalizing Jaywalking
By INDRANIL KAR STAFF WRITER
New York City is widely known for its illustrious history, diverse communities and bustling streets. It’s the city that never sleeps. Everyone is in a hurry to get to where they need to go. For many residents, jaywalking provides a convenient solution to circumventing traffic, bothersome crosswalks and even the occasional monstrous sewer rats.
The practice of jaywalking in the city of New York has been illegal for over five decades. Violations of such laws prohibiting the practice can lead to fines of up to $250. In recent years, cities such as Denver and Kansas City, Missouri, have taken necessary measures to decriminalize jaywalking. States including Nevada, California and Virginia have also taken action by decriminalizing the act. This past October, City Council passed legislation which legalized jaywalking in New York City. This bill is a step in the right direction in addressing racial discrimination in the city and redirecting law enforcement resources to tackle other more important urban issues. Prior to legalization, the enforcement of jaywalking laws disproportionately affected communities of color. The enforcement of such laws is part of a larger trend of controlling
the movement and agency of communities of color. In 2023, over 90% of the jaywalking tickets issued by the New York Police Department went to Black and Latino people. This trend of disproportionately ticketing Black and Brown people was not a simple anomaly, though almost all New Yorkers are guilty of violating the traffic law. In the first six months of 2024, 77% of the 786 pedestrian-related summonses went to Black or Brown people. “Let’s be real, every New Yorker jaywalks. People are simply trying to get where they need to go… Laws that penalize common behaviors for everyday movement shouldn’t exist, especially when they unfairly impact communities of color,” stated Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, a sponsor of the bill and Brooklyn resident, in an email.
Policing or penalizing the movement of communities of color is not a new practice in the city. New York has a dark past of displacing communities in the pursuit of modernization such as the creation of the Cross-Bronx Expressway, Lincoln Center and Central Park. These laws that prohibited jaywalking were put into place as the city began expanding and transitioning to a more car-dependent society. The auto industry pushed for
legislation to be passed that criminalized jaywalking in the 1930s. They sought to clear the roads of people in order to make more room for vehicles. This resulted in less accessibility, but it did not stop New Yorkers from violating the new auto-industry-sponsored traffic laws to get to their intended destination.
With the introduction of this legislation, law enforcement would be able to redirect their efforts to address other important issues. The NYPD has long been criticized by organizations such as the Legal Aid Society for stopping and harassing Black and Brown pedestrians at a far higher rate compared to their white counterparts. Narcisse said in a statement, “Police officers have told me they prefer to spend their time on real safety concerns, not handing out jaywalking tickets.” Decriminalizing jaywalking in New York City would be a step in the right direction in dismantling tools and legislation historically used to harass pedestrians, particularly those from minority communities. Individuals shouldn’t have to become entangled in the legal and criminal justice system for simply crossing the street.
The legalization of jaywalking comes as a result of the action, or more accurately inaction, of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Potentially due
to his federal indictment and other legal problems, Adams failed to take action with the bill by either signing it into law or vetoing the legislation. His administration also failed to give a reason as to why Adams declined to sign this bill into law. It’s also important to note some of the main points of the legislation. The new law allows individuals to cross at any point on the street. One can also cross against traffic signals. Under this law, crossing against the indicated signal is no longer a violation of previously established traffic laws. The bill does warn individuals that one should yield to oncoming traffic because
they forgo their right of way if they are not using a designated crosswalk or obeying traffic signals. While it would be safer for everyone to obey traffic rules and regulations as it reduces the risk of accidents, the decriminalization of this practice is a necessary step for the city to dismantle unjust policing practices and to divert law enforcement resources to address other critical issues.
Indranil Kar, FCRH ’26, is a political science major from St. Louis.
New jaywalking legislation allows pedestrians to cross.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
New ad campaigns call for organ donations in New York.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
To DEI or Not to DEI, That is the Question
By STUART CREMER STAFF WRITER
Many universities and other large institutions have embarked on a journey towards making the programs and communities they offer more diverse, equitable and inclusive, motivated by an increasing social awareness of how biases against minority communities are embedded in many societal institutions, and a desire to offset the negative consequences of such biases. Such efforts are often collectively referred to as DEI initiatives, or diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. In fact, in September of this year, Fordham University hired James A. Felton III as the new vice president for equity and inclusion, the first to serve in the role since it was expanded from chief diversity officer to include equity and inclusion.
Unfortunately, a number of universities are now scaling back or entirely dissolving their initiatives in this area. DEI initiatives have faced challenges from a number of directions, but particularly from the Republican Party.
Twelve state legislatures have passed laws restricting spending on DEI programs since 2023, claiming they have high financial cost for little effect. Also in 2023, the Supreme Court passed down a ruling that prohibited colleges and universities from taking race
into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission, stymying efforts to extend more opportunities to historically disadvantaged communities.
In these instances, the fight over DEI is part of a larger backdrop of politically motivated attacks of higher education’s academic independence. At the same time, supporters of DEI are being forced to confront whether universities’ efforts are actually supporting the most disadvantaged members of their community as much as people hoped they would. I believe that universities’ DEI initiatives can be misguided or performative when they do not directly respond to the needs of disadvantaged students, but such initiatives, or at least the spirit of them, are vital to rectifying historical and structural discrimination — something the system of higher education has certainly participated in.
Many DEI initiatives were started in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests against police brutality. Universities competed to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring social justice through initiatives such as new required classes, dedicated resources centers for students of color or LGBTQ+ students, diversity statements for prospective employees and required
diversity plans for every office on campus. To be clear, the politically motivated argument that DEI is indoctrination or somehow an attack on non-minority students has no basis. Increasing the amount of money and effort devoted towards making universities more accessible to communities that have been historically shut out from them and educating all students on how universities have previously been complicit in structural discrimination is very important. However, universities jumped headfirst into this arena seemingly without much concrete direction.
For example, the University of Michigan poured $250 million into DEI since 2016 but has seen students and faculty report a less positive campus climate, and enrollment of Black students has stayed stagnant. Such programs can be ineffective when they seek to impart on students some predetermined reality of discrimination rather than giving students opportunities to share their experiences and their specific needs.
Other DEI programs have had more success. The InterUniversity Council of Ohio, defending DEI programs in the state, said, “Data shows, DEI efforts help create an academic community that generates a higher enrollment rate,
matriculation rate, and eventual success rate. DEI is for students with disabilities, veterans with PTSD, minority students, and students who are New Americans who may need extra help due to language or cultural barriers.” DEI, first and foremost, should be about providing students who have comparatively less or more difficult access to the benefits of higher education the resources they need to take full advantage of all that universities provide.
As an LGBTQ+ student, the most helpful resources that Fordham has provided for me have been spaces where other LGBTQ+ students and I can gather and share our experiences. DEI, sometimes inefficient and poorly planned, has been
caricatured as cultural indoctrination that inflames relations within universities’ communities. This is not what DEI stands for, or what it should be. Universities should not let external criticism get in the way of serving all of the educational needs of all of their students equitably. Concerned community members should be encouraged to make their voices heard in a way that helps improve outreach rather than trying to tear down or further discriminate against the victims of structural discrimination.
Fordham’s Political Clubs Discuss Election Results
By DANIEL SPONSELLER PRES. OF COLLEGE DEMOCRATS
After some reflection, there are some reasons that can explain this massive loss for Democrats. While it is true that there is racism and sexism in this country, and that it may have simply been impossible for Harris to appeal to rural voters in swing states, there is introspection that needs to happen by the Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris had an impressive economic agenda, which included forgivable loans for housing and small business, building more affordable housing, and combatting price gouging, but Harris said there would be “absolutely no difference” between her administration and President Joe Biden’s. Regardless of how you feel about Biden’s policies, connecting yourself to him is political suicide.
To start winning elections again, Democrats need to return to their roots of advocating for structural economic change because that is what the people desire. People are not able to afford basic living expenses, homes, college or healthcare. Meanwhile, Democrats are giving billions of dollars to foreign wars and saying the economy is “stronger than it’s ever been.”
The biggest reason the Democrats lost wasn’t thirdparty candidates or even bigotry; it was their failure to separate from Biden and offer a new path forward.
By CAROLINE LEHMAN SEC. OF COLLEGE DEMOCRATS
Post-election, I have been filled with intense grief, anger, fear and shock. It is a feeling I can only akin to the pain of experiencing the loss of a loved one: waking up every day and experiencing 10 seconds of peace before remembering the impending four years of political doom or bursting into tears in public. Because in what was such a critical election, America chose hatred for the supposed sake of the economy.
President-elect Donald Trump’s re-election poses serious threats to women’s bodily autonomy, welfare, education, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrants, the First Amendment and democracy. Trump has made it apparent that he will violate the federal Constitution by targeting those who disagree with him.
I have made it my life’s mission to improve the lives of the underserved through participation in our political system. Despite the rise in political violence and hateful, classless, identity-based attacks that have been perpetuated for much of my conscious memory of American politics, prior to this week, I maintained a sense of optimism and a belief in the promise of this country.
In light of this outcome, I am uncertain about many things right now, including my early career trajectory in politics, but what I do know is that we must continue to fight for our fundamental rights and freedoms together. Unity and action are crucial if we are to uphold our democracy.
By DAKOTA CALCATERRA VP OF COLLEGE REPUBLICANS
President-elect Donald Trump has won the Electoral College, the popular vote and the presidency. Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign now stands alongside former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s effort as one of the worst moments in recent Democratic presidential history.
To understand how we got here, it’s important to reflect on two truths: the Democratic Party failed to learn the lessons of past defeats, and the Republican Party has reshaped the American political landscape, obtaining a sweeping mandate in the process.
Maybe it was the lack of open primaries. Maybe it was Gaza. Maybe it was even “brat.” Whatever it is that you have chosen in your mind as the cause of Harris’ loss, it will inevitably lead back to a lack of awareness and a degree of arrogance in Democratic leadership during the election’s home stretch.
Party leaders have not learned the major lessons of 2016 when the Clinton campaign was shunned by progressives who believed the Democratic National Convention had undermined Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and then floundered with a failed strategy of highroad moralizing in the face of attacks. The American people are sick of being spoken down to, of being treated as if they’ll never understand what they
“should” be concerned about. In 2028, the Democrats would do well to remember that “The West Wing” is not a political instruction manual. They need to find a message that reflects the hopes of voters now instead of in the 1990s, and to do that, they have to embrace what people want instead of what they want them to want.
None of this should take away from the scale of the Republican victory. The results prove that Trump’s win in 2016 was not a freak occurrence, but rather the genesis of a new movement in American politics. The votes, and voters, won by the GOP in this election have challenged every assumption about political demographics and coalitions.
Instead of there being a Trump presidency for historians to reflect on, we now have a Trump era, likely lasting beyond the next four years. Even when he leaves office four years from now, his influence will still be felt, and the effect will not be localized to a single party. The Trump era will reflect the new administration’s focus on international peace, protectionism and border security. For social issues, the president will likely delegate decisions to his vice president and the cabinet, which will be made up of culture warriors and unorthodox policymakers. These figures are the new establishment of the Republican Party and the new trendsetters of national politics.
Stuart Cremer, FCRH ’26, is an environmental studies and English major from Mountain View, Calif.
Good DEI initiatives should serve the actual needs of students.
COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM
CULTURE
The Christmas Spirit Hits Bryant Park
By EMMA LEONARDI STAFF WRITER
I have always been a staunch believer in Christmas starting after the morning of Thanksgiving. However, the Bryant Park Christmas Village has me rethinking my ways.
The Bryant Park Christmas Village is an annual New York City tradition. Starting in late October, Bryant Park is filled with various vendors, selling anything from Christmas ornaments to sandwich melts. The most popular type of merchandise seems to be hot chocolate. Of those vendors, there was only one I tried, which I would highly recommend.
Loca Madres offers not only hot chocolate, but also donuts and sundaes. Of the various hot chocolate places, it didn’t stand out to me at first. What caught my eye and encouraged me to try it was the mugs that you could get the hot chocolate in. They were some of the cutest Christmas mugs I have ever seen, with options including a snowman, Santa and a gingerbread man and woman. These mugs are not only festive, but also collectable and able to be stacked on top of each other. Needless to say, I will definitely be venturing back to Bryant Park
to complete my set.
The mugs may have been the initial reason for my purchase, but any future purchases will also be for the hot chocolate. At first, this hot chocolate seemed very basic, as it just had whipped cream and marshmallows on top. However, it would end up becoming one of my favorite hot chocolates I have ever tasted. The texture was insanely creamy, the chocolate just rich enough so as to have a nice flavor, but not be too overwhelming. If you take a trip to Bryant Park this holiday season, this is a vendor to be sure not to miss.
Of the many other food places available, there are a few worth noting. Cheese Wheel Pasta is exactly what the name suggests. This food vendor serves fettuccine with cheese, a typically basic dish. However, this place stands out because of the experience it provides: customers get to watch as their pasta is mixed in with sauce on an actual cheese wheel. Even if you choose something else to eat, this stand is definitely worth checking out–if only to see the cheese wheel.
Lazy Dog is a vendor that sells corndogs with a twist. Of their many wacky flavors, there is a cheesy Cheeto corn
dog, which “features a layer of melted cheddar cheese wrapped in crunchy Cheeto crumbs, surrounding rich, stretchy mozzarella cheese on the inside.” If you are into crazy food combos, this stand might be the one for you.
The last notable food stand is Pickle Me Pete. This vendor offers many different pickle variations, such as a fried pickle “stickle,” or fried pickles on a kebab, and a pickle flight, which is a sample of six fresh pickles. This place offers a variety of pickle themed tshirt and hat designs for customers to purchase as well. It might just be the pickle lover in me, but this seemed like a can’t-miss vendor.
There were also various art-related sellers. Juni BK and Pinky Pilots both offer art designs based on NYC culture that would be perfect for hanging on a dorm room wall. Gone To The Dogs presents adorable dog toy designs, in the form of things such as dumplings, fire hydrants and more. Melsey’s Illustrations is the place to get cute prints on anything from tea towels to mugs, perfect for anybody searching for a Christmas present for their mothers. However, if you’re searching for roommate and/or friend gift ideas that are cheap, Patches and Pins has it, with their funky socks
and many decorative pins. I don’t usually get into the Christmas spirit prior to Thanksgiving. However, when it comes to events such as the Bryant Park Christmas Village, I would encourage any and all to participate. I actually think that these places opening earlier is better when it comes to students. It’s hard to participate in these things when December comes, as finals season has started, and then students end up going home. Having the Christmas Village open before this time of year, even though it seems early, allows students the opportunity to visit and participate in the iconic NYC holiday festivities.
Passing the Wand to the Next Generation
By MARY HAWTHORN PHOTO EDITOR
It’s 4 p.m. on a crisp autumn day in 2011. I jump off the bus and run up the driveway where my mom greets me at the door. I toss my backpack and rush to the living room where I snack on some Gripz (if you know, you know) and fiddle with my Silly Bandz as I watch the new Disney Channel episode of “Wizards of Waverly Place.” This scenario was certainly a pillar of my childhood. When I saw that there would be a reboot of this beloved show, called “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” I knew it was going to be something special. The fact that Selena Gomez and David Henrie will be acting and producing made me all the more excited to watch. The reboot premiered Oct. 29 on Disney+ and new episodes are released every Friday. Over the weekend, I was able to watch the first episode with some friends, and it definitely was not what we expected.
To start off, there is a major time jump to the present day. The plot surrounds Justin Russo (Henrie), now a middle school vice principal, living in the suburbs with his wife, Giada, and two sons, Milo and Roman. Justin stopped practicing magic when he was exiled from teaching at WizTech
years ago, and his family has no idea he is a wizard. It’s his 34th birthday and his sister, Alex (Gomez), comes to visit with her young apprentice, Billie. It turns out that Alex and Billie came to town for more than just the birthday festivities — they are actually there to see if Justin could be Billie’s new teacher because of a prophecy that says she is going to have to save the world. Alex has faith that Justin, being one of the most talented wizards, can prepare Billie for this mission. Justin agrees, and after a day of celebration and some unexpected magic, Milo and Roman discover that wizards are real. Ultimately, this show already has a lot of substantial plotlines, an energetic cast and lighthearted humor that I think the next generation will really enjoy. According to Variety, “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” had “a solid foundation to build upon, but it soared because of its cast. Henrie and Gomez step seamlessly back into their beloved roles… But the child actors are phenomenal… They’ve mastered comedic timing and the ability to elevate the punchiness of jokes.” I certainly agree that they perfectly cast each role, especially Billie, Milo and Roman. Furthermore, Gomez and Henrie are exceptional as well, with realistic sibling banter that
makes their characters so authentic and loved.
Although the whole cast is loved dearly, I think what drew most Gen Zers in was the return of Gomez. Being the founder of a $2 billion beauty brand, actively working on Emmy nominated series “Only Murders in the Building,” going on a press tour for “Emilia Pérez” and filming holiday episodes for her hit Food Network Show, “Selena and Chef,” I was surprised that she had time to take on this project. When asked about how she manages everything, along with why she came back to Disney Channel, Gomez said to People magazine, “This is what gave me everything that I have today, and I’ll never forget that this is
where I started… It’s the best feeling in the whole world to be able to bring this back for you and to all the people who have never seen it before.”
I actually learned about the series when I saw a TikTok of the “Wizards” red carpet with many Disney Channel celebrities, including Gomez, Henrie, Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical”), Raini Rodriguez (“Austin & Ally”), Danielle Fishel (“Boy Meets World” and “Girl Meets World”), Hayley Kiyoko (“Lemonade Mouth”) and Jake Thomas (“Lizzie McGuire”). Although I certainly felt much nostalgia seeing so many of my favorite childhood stars together again, I did feel some disappointment with the absence of certain
“Wizards” cast members. For example, where were Harper, Max and Juliet? I hope that they, along with all other original cast members, are woven into the show at some point. Unlike the “iCarly” reboot, which catered to audiences who watched the original series, this show is definitely just for kids. My friends and I were glad we got to see this reunion of our favorite Disney Channel stars, but we won’t necessarily be watching the rest of the series. However, we are certainly hopeful that viewers will be able to see this show as a classic. As Henrie said, this show is the perfect way to “pass the wand to a whole new generation,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Henrie and Gomez have reprised their new roles in the “Wizards” reboot, streaming on Disney+.
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
New Yorkers and visitors alike visit the Bryant Park Christmas Village in Midtown.
COURTESY OF EMMA LEONARDI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Junior Embraces People and Identity
By CALEB STINE CULTURE EDITOR
For Aidas Puskorius, GSB ’26, everything he does revolves around people.
The finance student finds joy in meeting people, whether that’s at social events off campus, chatting people up in the city, or simply running into one of his many “boys” within the confines of Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus.
“When I see my friends on campus, I get very, very, very excited. It’s always nice,” Puskorius said with a wide smile, giggling. “And it’s not even the friends that you see. It’s the people that you know. I always love waving to them and just doing the nod as I pass by. It makes me feel like I’m part of the Fordham community.” For him, the people have truly made the place he’s called home for almost three years.
Puskorius uses this joy to get more people involved and promote social inclusion, “I’m always sure to reach out and talk to people, get to know people. Not everyone is super social or welcoming in college, so if I can be, then I feel good about putting myself out there,” Puskorius said. While most of us know that many “Gabelli bros” and
other students in our business school are more fascinated with the paycheck that awaits them in their potential finance career than they are with the actual profession, Puskorius holds genuine interest in the business world that’s impossible to manufacture. The driving force of this interest is the centerpiece of Puskorius’ life: the people.
“I’m interested in finance because of the people that I’ll get to meet and the culture that we’ll build wherever I work,” he said. “In finance, you’re working with other people, and as a people person, as someone that likes to have connections with a whole diverse group of people, it’s the perfect industry for me.” He also added that a finance background allows him to gain a more detailed understanding of the world. “Unpacking companies and looking behind the curtain of what’s really going on behind the scenes really excites me.” Practically, he’s used this joy of people and his keen interest in businesses by diving head-first into the Fordham Foundry, a club engaging in the business ideas of Fordham students. Joining as a first-year back in 2022, he’s learned from this community of other entrepreneurial Rams and is humbled at how he’s evolved
in his role. “I’ve been going almost every Thursday since [my first] year. The community that I’ve built there with all my friends that go, but also the students that I just meet every week have been just very inspiring,” Puskorius reflected.
“And now, as a junior, I’m able to meet [first-years] and hear their perspectives and look at their businesses. We often bounce ideas off of each other. I love seeing the creative aspects of business there first-hand.”
Puskorius also stays true to his national ancestry. Puskorius holds tight to his Lithuanian heritage, routinely going to Lithuanian-specific cultural events, clubs and camps with other Lithuanians and Lithuanian-Americans.
“I talk to my Lithuanian friends every day. A few weeks ago I went to Philadelphia with them for a Lithuanian concert. It’s important to stay close to my roots like that, the Lithuanian community plays a big role within me,” Puskorius said. “Feeling connected to
my people and our culture brings me so much joy. Even simple things like listening to Lithuanian music or using phrases in Lithuanian with my family is really important to me.”
Puskorius approaches his relationships with a similar consideration of culture and identity, with honest curiosity. “I love learning about people’s culture, where they’re from and what their world and background look like. I’m excited to learn more about people every day.”
The Morgan Library Draws College Students to its Doors
By HANNAH SULLIVAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Just a brisk 10-minute walk from Grand Central Station, situated on Madison Avenue, is the narrow glass building that is the Morgan Library and Museum. The library hosts free College Nights for New York City college students to mingle and participate in fun activities and raffles after hours at the museum. On Nov. 7, the library and museum hosted one such college night where guests could draw live models, enjoy a scavenger hunt, make buttons based on art in the museum, enjoy an exhibition on the first librarian to work there and inspect behind the scenes books from the library’s collection, all backed by live jazz music. The night culminated in a 20-minute drawing challenge where competitors had to draw a model dressed as Belle da Costa Greene, the Morgan Library and Museum’s firstever librarian herself, and a raffle event where winners were given a free membership for the year and a library tote bag. The library and museum were once John Pierpont Morgan’s personal collection in the heart of New York City. Preserved in the museum is the office he lived in instead of returning to his home after working on Wall Street, complete with various paintings, sculptures and jars.
Through the grand foyer is a library that looks like it was pulled from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” The expansive collection has notable highlights, such as one of the original Gutenberg Bibles, displayed to the right as you enter the room. The looming shelves are romantically lit and overlooked by frescoes of influential historical men, such as Michelangelo and Socrates, and various Greek and Roman myths, such as Hades and Persephone.
During the event, the library hosted occasional tours that reviewed the various paintings and history of the library. Downstairs are oil paintings of the Italian countryside and a large painting by John Singer Sargent, among other smaller exhibits, such as the museum’s history. Until May 4, the museum will offer an exhibition on Belle da Costa Greene and her life and service she gave to the museum. Da Costa Greene was the Morgan’s first librarian and worked as the director from 1924 to 1948, when she retired. The museum worked hard to highlight the importance of her work.
For the event specifically, after checking in, students entered the open foyer, which had a table with sketch pads and various colored pencils to sketch the live models dressed from the 1920s. Surrounding the
models were chairs and tables to sit at and talk or simply draw the models while a live jazz band set the mood for the evening. To the left was a bar selling drinks and various snacks, such as Rice Krispies Treats and half-moon cookies. To the right was a table filled with sheets with the scavenger hunt on it. Participants needed to take pictures of all the objects on the sheet and mark where they were on the map. The scavenger hunt engaged all rooms and floors of the museum, including Morgan’s personal study and library.
On the lower level, the event also included a button-making station where guests could pick out printed pictures of various paintings in the museum’s collection to be turned into buttons, as well as a large velcro board to create free-form poems that could be added to, scrapped or edited by other guests. Down here, one could also find behindthe-scenes tours where students were taken to a secluded part of the library, where various books from the library’s collection were pulled out for guests to inspect and ask the fellows there. Some were facsimiles, which a printed handout left near the entrance to the room explained as exact copies of an object that are intended to be a highly accurate reproduction. Others were original printed copies of original fairy
tales that, despite their age, the color and details of the books are almost intact.
The event reeled in a large group of undergraduate and graduate students from various colleges, but most seemed to be from Pace University and New York University. The event offered a chance for students from various universities to meet other college students living in the same area with similar interests. While life on campus can be exciting, it was refreshing to interact with other people outside of the Fordham University community and hear about their experiences at their colleges or just living in NYC. While most people went to the event with a friend, this did not seem to stop strang`ers from interacting with each other and creating new bonds during the event, chatting
about what they knew about a certain text or bonding over strange interactions in New York.
The Morgan Library and Museum’s college night event offered not only a chance for a free activity on a Thursday night but also created new bonds for students living in the city. The library offers free admission for all college students on the first Sunday of each month and free admission on Fridays. The event had a distinct, upbeat atmosphere that felt both calming and welcoming, backed by a gorgeous curated collection of famous texts and various fun activities. Events like these are fun and free activities to do in the city with friends, and they also have the added bonus of being able to make new connections in New York.
COURTESY OF AIDAS PUSKORIUS FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
The Morgan Library offers activities specifically for students.
COURTESY OF HANNAH SULLIVAN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Puskorius shares a smile in Montreal on a trip. He loves traveling and experiencing different cultures.
A Community of Friendship and Faith
By MARIAM AHMED CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The most rewarding part of college life lies in the growth we experience beyond our academic pursuits. Clubs play a pivotal role in bringing about positive change and creating lasting memories. One unique aspect about being a college student is the ability to embrace multiple identities and nurture them in meaningful ways. When we’re given the opportunity to deepen our connection to our faith and to others, we tap into the very essence of what sustains a thriving community. Similarly, the richness of college life stems from finding solace in a group of people in which you can carry your identity proudly and work on perfecting it as well. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) at Fordham University is a club that embodies these qualities.
At Fordham, MSA is centered around fostering a vibrant and inclusive Muslim community where Muslim students can be supported, empowered and inspired to grow in various categories of life. MSA stands for more than a club that centers its goals around what it’s like to have a Muslim identity on campus. Secretary Tasfia Ferdousi said, “MSA is all
about creating a warm, welcoming space for our Muslim brothers and sisters to come together, connect and support each other.”
MSA actively maintains its presence as both a faithbased and social community through a variety of events. These include regular Jummah prayers and an array of activities that cater to both the spiritual and social needs of its members. As Events Coordinator Mehak Imran notes, “We hold a lot of spiritual events as well as social ones, giving Muslims the chance to stay engaged with their faith while on campus, and to find others in similar positions.” One such event was the recent Charity Week, which successfully combined a gala, auction, henna table and bake sale to raise funds for underprivileged communities and countries in need. This blend of faith and community is a perfect example of what MSA stands for.
The leadership team is already looking forward to the upcoming semester, with several exciting events in the works. “We’re planning a pre-Thanksgiving potluck and a welcome back dinner in the spring, as well as fun Iftars and Ramadan events,” said Imran. Former board member Fatimah Waqas shared her anticipation for
the Ramadan events, noting, “I’m really looking forward to Ramadan next semester. It was a lot of fun to organize last time, and I can’t wait to see what MSA has in store for the upcoming Ramadan!”
MSA takes pride in their community, especially their community members. Several of the leaders including Vice President Aadam Ali, Ferdousi and Imran shared that their favorite part of MSA is the community members, both old and new. All emphasized that MSA granted them the opportunity to build authentic friendships while cultivating a familial feel within others. Waqas also said, “I find it incredibly inspiring to be part of a space where people come together over shared values, supporting one another both in faith and in everyday life. At the end of the day, it feels like a family and a support system — something that I’m extremely grateful for and will reflect upon fondly after my Fordham years.” Ali had similar thoughts, saying, “MSA does a good job of uniting Muslims to bring that sense of a second family on the Fordham campus.”
As a member myself, I have witnessed the dedication of the leaders in creating a supportive environment for students on campus. In a time of uncertainty and
constant change, being part of MSA has taught me the value of leaning on a nurturing community and finding peace in the process. It’s a place where I’ve been embraced and where shared values and laughter have blossomed into lighthearted friendships. I truly believe that the best place for personal growth resides within a community because strengthening one’s identity comes from a foundation of safety, inclusion
and reflection. Inspiration surrounds us every day, and it becomes our reality when we stay grounded in our purpose. For me, MSA has been a space to strengthen my identity, find inspiration and support others especially while being far from home. In the end, MSA is not just a club, but a true community. For me and many others, MSA has provided a space where we can grow, reflect and feel at home, even when we are far from it.
Taking Online Dating to a Whole New Level
By SABRINA LOPEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In one of my most recent mindless TikTok scrolls, I came across several viral videos of former “Dancing With The Stars” partners, Gleb Savchenko and Brooks Nader, trashing each other online after their elimination from the show in week five.
Unfortunately for them — but fortunately for all gossip lovers — celebrities have created quite the trend by taking to social media to disparage one another after breaking up. Clever sound bites and song snippets are perfectly lip-synched to hammer in the final nail in the relationship coffin, ultimately leaving fans eager to know what went wrong. Nader and Savchenko are one of the most recent examples of couples who have chosen to slander each other via TikTok, and the media just can’t get enough.
On Sept. 4, “Dancing With The Stars” released their full cast of Season 33 celebrity and pro match-ups. One of the more interesting pairs was rumored playboy, Savchenko, 41, and Sports
Illustrated swimsuit model, Nader, 28. Past partnerships have used their undeniable chemistry as a way to gain audience votes and stay in the competition longer. Nader and Savchenko were no different, as they marketed their relationship in a romantic way from the beginning of the season. It wasn’t until they were eliminated at the end of week five’s episode that things started to go awry.
Nader struck first when she posted a TikTok on Oct. 24, insinuating that Savchenko had broken up with her after their elimination. It wasn’t long before Savchenko retaliated, lip-syncing to the song “Anti-Hero” by Taylor Swift. The couple continued to add fuel to the relationship fire in the coming weeks by taking turns posting passiveaggressive videos about each other.
What happened between the two of them still remains a mystery, as neither one of them explicitly stated what the other did. However, weeks later, the couple continues making headlines as their return to the ballroom for the show’s finale looms
in the distance.
While one would have to be in on all the “Dancing With The Stars” lore to really understand the drama between Nader and Sachenko, Zach Bryan and Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia’s very public breakup has reached even the farthest corners of the internet.
On Oct. 22, Bryan, 28, took to social media to alert the public of his split with his longtime girlfriend, social media influencer and podcast host, LaPaglia, 25. In an Instagram story, he explained that the two split amicably and still have a lot of love for each other.
The next day, LaPaglia posted a video explaining that she was caught off guard by his post, as she was unaware Bryan was going to publicly announce the split. It was then that the two began their “social media war,” posting stories and TikToks calling the other out.
This past Thursday, Nov. 7, LaPaglia hosted her notorious podcast “BFFs” with Barstool owner, Dave Portnoy, 47, and social media personality, Josh Richards, 22. She revealed troubling details, including claims of emotional
abuse, verbal attacks on her family and even the allegation that Bryan offered her $12 million and a nondisclosure agreement to keep quiet.
Through this, both LaPaglia and Bryan have aired out much of their relationship dirty laundry, effectively damaging their respective careers.
The tendency of celebrities to take to the internet to disparage their ex-partners can only lead to negative consequences for everyone involved. While it makes for incredible entertainment for
those of us who feed off others’ misery, I can’t help but wonder what kind of ramifications something like this has for one’s well-being, especially those already in the public spotlight.
For many celebrities, being in the spotlight can feel like both a blessing and a curse. With so much of their intimate lives on display for the world to gawk at, you’d think they would at least want to keep the details of their romantic lives private. Or maybe the old saying continues to ring true that “any press is good press.”
Nader and Savchenko aired their drama on an online platform.
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
MSA serves as a space for students to share in their faith.
By CAILEE ZERAAT COPY CHIEF
Leaving “Past Lives” in the Past
In the A24 film “Past Lives,” Nora (Greta Lee) explains the Korean term “inyeon,” which is the notion that the ties between two people in their past lives have led to a connection between them in their current life. As a child, Nora and her family immigrated to Canada from South Korea. Now, Nora is a writer in New York City and lives with her husband, Arthur (John Magaro). When Nora’s childhood crush turned long-distance friend turned stranger, Hae-sung (Teo Yoo), comes to visit her in New York after decades of separation, the pair revisit their time spent together in a past life. The film explores Nora and Hae-sung’s brief, yet emotional reunion and how it shifts their understanding of love and connection.
For Nora, Hae-sung brings back memories of her past life and all of the what-ifs of how her life could have been had she stayed in Korea. In one scene where Nora is laying in bed with Arthur,
By MAKENZIE SMITH STAFF WRITER
You never know what may pop-up in New York City. The city is constantly stirring up new activities for locals and tourists alike, and a pop-up shop is always an enticing surprise. As a temporary retail space, pop-up shops are a unique way to fill up your weekend.
Pop-up shops can show up anytime and anywhere to launch new products and showcase popular brands. However, you can expect a lot of brands to announce a popup shop in September due to New York Fashion Week being just around the corner. Be prepared to travel down to SoHo, as it is a hotspot for a pop-up. It is good to be aware that these shops disappear just as quickly as they come — they are typically only open for a few days to a week, and they are mostly on the weekends.
I have visited at least one pop-up shop every September since I have lived in New York, making it somewhat of a tradition. The atmosphere of a pop-up shop is what keeps drawing me in. While the lines are sometimes hours long, you get to make friends and talk with new people who love the same products that you do. These shops also give you the opportunity to meet the owners of the business. A potential celebrity sighting is possible as well because
he tells her that she talks in Korean in her sleep. Nora’s dreams are Korean, but her reality — the one she is living with Arthur — is in English. Nora doesn’t see this as a sad thing, though. Instead, she claims that where she ended up is where she is supposed to be. However, when Hae-sung leaves New York, Nora bursts into tears in her husband’s arms. Rather than a cliché moment where the two separated lovers rekindle their relationship after years of distance, director Celine Song offers us a realistic ending for a first-generation immigrant like Nora, highlighting that the past can only ever stay in the past.
The cinematography of “Past Lives” is simple; Song doesn’t choose to do anything revolutionary. Rather, the film opts to be entirely ordinary, which is why it feels so real. Nora and Hae-sung don’t let dramatic expectations overthrow the lives they have created for themselves. In fact, the most beautiful thing about this film is the mutual decision to end their relationship. On their last night together, Hae-sung says to
Nora, “You had to leave because you’re you. And the reason I liked you is because you’re you.” While heartbreaking to watch in the moment, there is a certain comfort in seeing Nora and Hae-sung make the mature decision to leave their connection behind and continue to build lives independent of each other.
Connection is central to the human experience; it is how we find meaning in life and interact with the world around us. However, losing a connection hurts. Whether it be a family member, friend or lover, it is often hard to accept the temporary nature of relationships. The question of “what if?” is centrally positioned in our culture, forcing us to reminisce about what could have been if things had gone differently. Reality, though, is not so kind as to offer us the chance to linger on what-ifs. Time passes as steadily as life changes. It may be tempting to concoct fantasies and fairy-tale endings about life and love, always hoping for a certain outcome. However, the beauty of “Past Lives” lies in the fact
that Nora and Hae-sung do not act on their fantasies, even though they very well have the opportunity to do so during their reunion. This isn’t right or wrong — it just is. It is a fact that Nora’s family immigrated to Canada. It is a fact that she became a writer in New York. And it is a fact that she is now married to Arthur. Thinking about what-ifs, while sentimental and romantic, is entirely unproductive.
Every experience Nora has
lived through led her to her current life; she is entirely unable, and maybe even unwilling, to change those experiences and subsequently change the outcome of her life. Through this semiautobiographical film, Song tells us that past lives are something to revisit and reflect on, not to relive. Further, we must accept the reality of our lives and embrace where we are today because the only path in life is forward.
NYC is a Pop-Up Paradise
they either are the business owners or customers just like you. I personally saw Hailey Bieber supporting Matilda Djerf, a fashion designer and influencer, when I was at the Djerf Avenue pop-up last year.
Every pop-up shop I have visited has been clothing based, but products such as beauty, crafts and food are known to be the focus of many pop-up shops. My time at the Djerf Avenue, Daily Drills and Parke pop-up shops were very similar to each other in terms of the process. Pop-up shops are very tiny, and the limited space only allows for a small number of each item to be on the floor. The items you see are only available to try on, not to buy. Once you strike some poses in the mirror to make sure the clothing will look fabulous at all times, you tell a cashier what you are buying and walk to the hidden warehouse that is normally just across the street. An employee will read your receipt, gather all your items and send you on your way with a stylish new tote bag for free.
Although most pop-up shop operations run similarly, no experience is the same. The perk of having a temporary shop is that owners get to dress up the space any way they want to and leave it a blank slate for the next business to come through. Djerf Avenue had an iced vanilla latte stand
to match its on-the-go and chic basic style, while Daily Drills provided an ice cream cart to transport patrons to a hot summer day on the beach. Parke had the cutest pin boards up to showcase the business’ classic use of materials like denim, while Daily Drills adorned the walls with surf boards. Each store has a different feel to it that translates the business’s vision and aesthetic.
Businesses also utilize the pop-up shop method for sales before entering a new fashion season. LoveShackFancy just partnered with 260 Sample Sale to host a sale for up to 70% off. This type of pop-up shop is less of an experience and reminds me of a thrift store of high end clothing. The store itself was not put together as nicely, looking more like a warehouse with racks on top of racks of clothes. As with any company wanting to get rid of last season’s items that are dawdling around, the clothes were not the best quality they could have been. Stains marred the fabrics, beads had fallen off and zippers were missing. I would not have thought too much of this if it were not for the fact that most items were priced over $200. The only thing that was better about the LoveShackFancy pop-up compared to the others is that the line was drastically shorter as I waited only 15 minutes instead of two hours.
I’m no Gabelli Business School student, but I think a pop-up shop is a good marketing strategy for a number of reasons. Pop-up shops create more brand awareness for consumers that usually stick to their normal stores. The long lines especially peak people’s interest. A pop-up shop is also a great way for online-only businesses to pursue a different avenue within the
business world. Customers also get an opportunity to shop for their favorite products in real life. Announcing a pop-up shop is not dissimilar to launching a new product online and having it sell out in hours. However, a pop-up shop gets more people offline and creates a fun activity to do with friends. I think this shows a lot about a brand in itself as well because it fosters human connection.
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
A movie that will break your heart in the best way possible, “Past Lives.”
CULTURE
“Swept Away” Takes Broadway By Storm
By IMOGEN BUCK CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I’ve seen a lot of theater, and something I’ve learned throughout my years as an audience member is how difficult it is to create a show that is concise and moving, while still incorporating new creative elements and ideas. Many shows struggle to articulate their message in the right amount of time and end up adding filler moments that don’t add to the message.
Broadway’s new musical “Swept Away,” however, achieves depth and emotion admirably in a brief 90 minutes. For a show that is advertised on a very surface level, mainly showing the sailors and ship, and the jukebox nature of the production, “Swept Away” was pleasantly surprising, and shockingly thoughtprovoking.
The show follows four men on their travels onboard a ship including two brothers, deemed “Big Brother” and “Little Brother,” played by Stark Sands and Adrian Blake Enscoe, respectively, as well as their “Mate” (John Gallagher Jr.) and “Captain” (Wayne Duvall). It is a show about “shipwreck, salvation, and brotherhood,” as it is marketed, and utilizes the folk-rock songs of the Avett Brothers to tell the tale. Going into the production, I was hesitant due to the jukebox nature, as well as my limited knowledge of the variety
within the Avett Brothers’ catalog, but I came out shocked due to the way the music worked within the story to cause it to flow perfectly.
The show incorporates songs that are both upbeat and uplifting, as well as tragic and down, and reaches to all corners of the folk-rock genre to tell the tale. No two songs were alike within the story, and the reprises of many songs brought back important motifs that really tied everything together nicely. Stand out numbers included “Hard Worker,” a dance number featuring the sailors, “Murder in the City,” a song encapsulating an emotional and powerful moment between the brothers, and the title track “Swept Away.” The show succeeded in incorporating upbeat dance numbers with more acoustic and emotional moments, and the songs felt the right length. The melodies also will very easily get stuck in the heads of the audience, and I have found myself humming them countless times since I saw the show on Nov. 4.
The themes in the show are applicable to wide audiences, as it focuses on the importance of family and helping one another. Being able to see loads of siblings around me in the audience relating to the brotherhood in the show was moving and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of people who seemed to really connect with the show.
It does have quite a few religious undertones, which is the only element I found wasn’t entirely relatable to all people, but even if they aren’t ideas one agrees with, the show was incredibly easy to relate to and enjoy regardless.
Featuring an entirely male cast, the show highlighted four key performers. Enscoe, making his Broadway debut in this production as Little Brother, articulating the naivety and innocence of our youth, and also allowing the audience to feel for the characters as hardship strikes. Sands, a Broadway veteran, complements the character of Big Brother beautifully and through his powerful vocals emphasizes the lengths to which siblings will go to protect each other. Gallagher’s character of Mate is multifaceted and allows insight into why people do the things they do, and how they go on to live with the consequences. Mate incites a lot of hatred in the viewer, but also a lot of empathy, which is hard to achieve. Duvall’s performance as the Captain provides a voice of reason and a rock for the other characters to lean on. The four complement each other and are not repetitive although they all portray sailors, adding another level of depth to the story. The ensemble supports them to create an exceptional message and image.
Director Michael Mayer and playwright John Logan’s work come together to create
an incredible vision, allowing everyone on stage to shine in the roles and giving the show a message without feeling cringeworthy or cliché. However, the main standout of the production and creative side of the work is in Rachel Hauck’s set design and Kevin Adams’ lighting. I have never before been so surprised by the design of a show, and the set design left me shocked. The ship on stage moves like a boat would, and it really transports the viewer into the world. When the stage transitions it is incredible to see, and many in the audience seemed shocked by how a stage can transition so much within just a few minutes. The lighting was also very well done, and the use of overhead lights, versus spotlights, versus
the small hanging bulbs that are used in some scenes really worked well to emphasize what the scene was going for. The way that the living were spotlighted in a different way than the dead conveyed without words what was going on, and more than anything I found myself pondering the show’s creative choices upon leaving the theater. Overall, “Swept Away” is a show that any theatergoer, folk-rock enjoyer or sibling would enjoy and resonate with, and is a very well done production that is something that I think about even days later. The vibrant energy that the actors bring to tragic tales emphasized why I love theater and live performance, and the tale shocked me in the best of ways.
By GRACE GALBREATH
By KARI WHITE CULTURE EDITOR
ACROSS
1. A type of mackerel fish native to Florida (plural)
6. An old, passed down proverb or saying
7. Animated style of Japanese films and television
8. Slang for grandma
1. Last name of actor who played Buddy’s father in the 2003 hit Christmas film, “Elf”
2. Fashion designer in Disney’s “The Incredibles”
3. Can come in the form of a drizzle or a downpour
4. Scottish mythological god related to speech, language and learning
5. Observe, perceive, recognize
Instructions
Use the clues to the left to fill out the boxes above.
The Avett Brothers created a show for one looking for a good watch.
By JONAH RING SPORTS EDITOR
At the risk of sounding overly dramatic, the terrifying results of this past presidential election have called every single American to stand before a proverbial altar — one where they are, willing or unwilling, put to the introspective task of taking inventory of all that they hold dear in this world of unabating disaffection and collapsing morality. Seeing as I, too, belong to mankind, I was likewise called up to this marble sanctum of reflection, eventually arriving at the decision that it is wholly necessary for me to use whatever platform I may have as the sports editor of the Ram to pen some overtly and unabashedly political words.
To do anything but write a political and moral statement with my final Overtime simply feels inappropriate, as, at this juncture in time, sports genuinely seem so small, so banal and so utterly meaningless in the face of a potentially dystopian future. Thus, to sit down and actually take the time to produce some silly or esoteric article would be to betray my own feelings and my own present state of terrified consciousness by engaging in an exercise of willing ignorance: one that seeks to falsely and dangerously distance myself from the reality and unbearable weight of this particular historic moment. Moreover, I do feel that I do indeed owe the world to the writers of my section, and I can say, with a degree of unwavering certainty, that many of them are not thinking about some niche dimension or aspect of sports at the present moment. Instead, they are worrying about the consequences of America having just elected a man and an agenda that seeks to label and categorize many of them as fundamentally sub-human — as not having the right to the most
A Note From the Sports Editor
basic form of human dignity by virtue of their non-whiteness, by virtue of the fact that their gender or sexuality may not cleanly fit into our typically Western binaries or by virtue of their willingness to simply subscribe to progressive ideals that demand an individual’s liberation from pure, narrow self-interest. Thus, in solidarity with them, their valid concerns and their inability to do anything but worry about their well-being (let alone watch sports), I chose to turn away from sports for my final ever Overtime.
To be sure, there are many pundits, sports fans or public figures who are bound to mindlessly (and frustratingly) parrot the following, substantively-empty phrase: “We need sports now more than ever. It’s so important that we come together and remember that, despite all our differences, we’re all on the same team.” However, I would heavily caution
Athletes of the Week
Men’s
With a name as cold as Jackie Johnson III, the Rams had to have a feeling that they landed a real hooper when they convinced the senior guard from the University of Las Vegas Nevada to transfer into Rose Thrill. What potentially confirmed this fact for them, however, was Johnson III’s outrageous performances this past week during the team’s two opening games. Not only did the Wichita, Kansas, native put up 23 points and two steals in a hard-fought loss to the Red Storm of Saint John’s University, but he likewise recorded an all-time great game for Fordham University against the Pirates of Seton Hall University, leading the Rams to an epic victory on the back of his four assists and 18 points: two of which came on a game-winning and buzzerbeating floater from the elbow.
Seeing as Women’s Basketball sadly lost some of last year’s key contributors during this past offseason, it was absolutely paramount that coach Bridgette Mitchell and her staff were willing/able to dip into the transfer portal for some high-quality talent and effectively retool. Based on graduate student transfer Irene Murua’s first two games in the maroon and white, they seem to have been able to accomplish their mission. The former University of Detroit Mercy standout managed to record an uber-efficient 12-point and 11-rebound double-double in just her second game with the Rams: a resounding 66-51 victory against California State University, Fullerton.
Each week, The Fordham Ram’s sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”
against taking this line of thinking seriously, especially considering that its ultimate consequence is the dulling and blunting of one’s political and moral consciousness — something that the least among us cannot afford at this terrifying present moment. While this is not to say that one should not watch any sports game in the near future, no debate, end of story, I would urge people not to mindlessly immerse themselves in sports and its metanarratives, as doing so would be to engage in an escapist fantasy where the very fact that different people can root for the same team must mean that everything really is going to be alright for everyone. No, do not avert your eyes from the truth and willingly enter into a state of illusionary ignorance about the bleak realities of the terrifying fact that America has just cast a ballot for xenophobia, transphobia, homophobia and pseudo-fascism.
In other words, as the great James Baldwin once wrote, “It is certain, in any case, that ignorance… is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”
However, all this then begs the question: if we should not be fervently watching, talking about or playing sports to relieve stress, then what exactly should we be doing during this moment of history? While I do not possess a/ the definitive answer, I do believe I have a clue as to the correct path to head down: we must be persistent and “beautifully impatient” with our progressive demands and rhetoric, constantly acting in a positive, productive manner so as to combat the moral corruption that clearly lies at the heart of this nation. This country just chose a fascist, a convicted felon, a rapist and a narcissist of the highest degree to lead itself for the next four years, so an unapologetic disruption of our
national norms and now-apparent national moral apathy is clearly necessary. One can not, must not, be complacent with the current state of affairs. If you have conservative friends and/or relatives, then challenge them on the underlying, harmful realities of the policies and views that they just supported/ voted for — now is not the time to be a universalistic centrist. If you see another human being denied the basic dignity that ought to be afforded to them, then step in and act — now is not the time to worry about being called a “social justice warrior” or virtue signaller. And finally, and potentially most importantly, if you see another losing hope in the face of what undeniably seems like an inescapable darkness, then do all you can to prevent them from going under the saw of moral amputation, encourage them to continue to fight the good fight — now is not the time to roll over and surrender.
Jackie Johnson III
Senior
Basketball
Irene Murua Graduate Student Women’s Basketball
Volleyball Football
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country
St.
Men’s Basketball
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
Last Tuesday, Donald J. Trump won the presidential election to become the 47th President of the United States. Trump won all seven swing states in his victory.
Premier League Matchday 1-11 Recap
By AARYAN SAMA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With around a quarter of the Premier League season through, the first 11 match days have been as intense as ever, with some shocking results. Many would be surprised to see Liverpool off to their unreal start to the Arne Slot era, picking up a whopping 28 out of 33 possible points. Not only have Slot’s tactics fully unlocked the potential of players such as Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz, but veterans such as Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander Arnold are having some of their best campaigns ever. The highlight, however, is the Egyptian King himself; Mohamed Salah is currently the only player to accumulate 10 goals and 10 assists in the 24/25 season, doing so in 17 games. With the contracts of Van Dijk, Salah and Alexander-Arnold expiring at the end of the season, it will be interesting to see how the new Slot era pans out over the years.
Another team off to a sensational start is Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea,
with star player Cole Palmer thriving as usual. The decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino, who currently manages the United States National Team, was somewhat unexpected but appears to be working out quite well for the Blues. Manchester City and Arsenal, sitting at second and fourth in the table respectively, have had some shocking performances after facing injuries, with both teams dropping points to Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. The most staggering sight in the top five is, of course, Nottingham Forest, who are also the only team to defeat Liverpool, which the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United failed to do. Nuno Espírito Santo, who also managedWolverhampton Wanderers a few years ago, manages to find himself at the wheel of another dark horse that Premier League fans cannot help but root for.
As for the underperformers, Manchester United sits at the bottom half of the Premier League, with the Glazers finally losing faith in Erik ten Hag’s leadership. The squad does look much better under
interim manager and club legend Ruud van Nistelroy, winning seven points out of a possible nine so far. Tottenham Hotspur has also been quite — well, spursy — currently sitting in 10th place. However, a highlight of their season has been the superb Brennan Johnson, whose Spurs career is finally beginning to click. Everton are, for the third consecutive season, in a relegation battle, sitting in 16th. They are currently three points clear of the drop, with Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and the recently promoted Southampton sitting in the relegation zone.
With three-quarters of the season remaining, there is no telling where the season could go. Liverpool often has very convincing starts to their season before dropping off in form, so the title race is very much alive despite the 5-point gap between them and City. Arsenal and Chelsea are still in the picture, tied on 19 points. One thing is for sure: the league that never fails to entertain certainly doesn’t fail once again.
Men’s Soccer Advances to Face Dayton
By GRIFFIN STEVENSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Junior midfielder Daniel D’Ippolito continued his domination with his second hat-trick of the year, lifting Fordham University Men’s Soccer to a 3-0 victory against Duquesne University at Rooney Field in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship.
With the match level after the first 45 minutes, the Rams got on the board immediately after the break. Graduate student midfielder Luca Bernoth switched the field with a lovely long ball that D’Ippolito controlled before blasting it past senior goalkeeper Zoltan Nagy from the top of the box, giving Fordham a 1-0 lead.
D’Ippolito doubled his tally in the 62nd minute. Graduate student forward Luke Pompliano possessed a bouncing ball from
senior Kamran Mojabi before pushing the ball upfield toward D’Ippolito. The junior captain eyed up the shot from 30 yards before unleashing a mesmerizing knuckleball that moved left to right, zipping past Nagy to make it 2-0.
D’Ippolito added the final feather to his hat(trick) in the 76th minute when junior forward Bennett Leitner set up the midfielder at the top of the box. Just like his first goal, D’Ippolito controlled the ball before burying it into the right side of the goal.
With his hat trick against Duquesne and Santa Clara this season, D’Ippolito became the fourth Ram to register two hat-tricks in the same season. He is also the second player in program history to score three goals in the A-10 tournament, joining Eric Ohlendord, who coincidentally had a hat trick against Duquesne in the 2016 tournament.
Entering the match, D’Ippolito’s 27 points ranked him 10th in the
country. His three goals on the night brought his total to 13, the second most in a season for the Rams since John Wolyniec’s record-breaking 25-goal campaign. D’Ippolito joins good company as the New York MetroStars drafted Wolyniec with the seventh pick in the 1999 MLS College Draft.
Fordham will appear in the A-10 semi-finals for the 11th time in program history, and it will be its first trip back since its 2021 championship campaign. The Rams have appeared in the final four of the conference tournament eight out of the past 11 seasons.
On Wednesday, the Rams will travel to the University of Dayton to take on the fifth-ranked Flyers. This will be the second matchup between the teams this season, with Fordham coming out on the winning end of a 4-2 clash in Ohio to give the Flyers one of their two losses this year. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Men’s
Fordham 155
Boston College 141
Women’s Swimming Fordham 155
College 145
Men’s Soccer Fordham 3
8
-Compiled by Griffin Stevenson
News & Notes
Water Polo Continues to Live Up to The Hype
For those of you who frequent the Wall Street Journal’s sports section, you may have noticed Jason Gay’s recent article that boldly proclaimed that Fordham University Water Polo may very well be “the Best Story in College Sports.” However, it is indeed hard to argue with Gay when Fordham plays like they did this past weekend in their home pool, the Rams having knocked off four separate opponents in four straight doubledigit victories: a 20-8 triumph over Wagner College, a 17-7 thrashing of Bucknell University, a 26-4 slaughtering of Mercyhurst University and a 28-8 throttling of Mount Saint Mary’s University. With these superb results, the Rams have now officially accomplished their goal of having an undefeated season, their final regular-season record resting at a flawless 28-0. Additionally, Fordham has also officially clinched the top-seed in the forthcoming 2024 MAWPC Championship following their flawless weekend, the Rams now entering the tournament, set to be held Nov. 2224 at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, as the undisputed front-runners/team-to-beat.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Junior forward Daniel D’Ippolito had his second hat trick of the season in Fordham’s win.
COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM
The Premier League season is a quarter of the way through, with Liverpool five points clear in first place entering the break.
“The Epitome of Brutality”: MBB Upsets Seton Hall on Johnson’s
By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
It’s become tradition that college basketball insider Jon Rothstein tweets the phrase “the epitome of brutality,” signifying that a school has suffered a defeat in a buy game to a thought-to-be inferior opponent.
To the delight of the Fordham University community, it was Rothstein who tweeted that phrase at 2:13 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, mere moments after the final whistle blew on the Fordham Rams’ first win of the season, a thrilling upset over a local high-major foe in the Seton Hall University Pirates.
The heroics of senior guard Jackie Johnson III carried the Rams to victory, as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, transfer buried a floater at the buzzer, raising his gamehigh total to 18 points and ensuring a 57-56 Fordham win.
“I was so proud of the way we responded after Monday night against Saint John’s [University]. We knew that wasn’t us,” reflected head coach Keith Urgo. “We knew it was gonna be a hostile environment. We gotta continue to learn how to trust one another and I think we took a major step forward with that.”
The Rams trailed by as many as four points in the final 22 seconds. But the lane for an upset reopened when Prince Aligbe fouled junior Will Richardson on a 3-point attempt.
Initially, that may have made fans feel even worse, as Fordham was marred with abysmal free-throw shooting
last season, converting at just a 65.1% clip. But Richardson buried all three, cutting the deficit to one with 16 seconds left.
On the ensuing possession, Seton Hall botched a three-onone in transition, with Dylan Addae-Wusu’s feed ricocheting out of bounds to give the Rams possession with seven seconds left.
Playing in just his second game as a Ram, Johnson III has quickly established himself as the team’s top scorer and go-to offensive playmaker. So it came as no surprise when head coach Urgo placed the ball in his hands for the final shot.
Johnson III delayed along the near sideline as the seconds ticked off, driving left as the clock dipped under three seconds. The 5-foot-11
guard slashed inside and rose up, draining a contested lefty floater that sent the Fordham bench into hysterics.
Urgo raised some eyebrows by opening his 2024-25 campaign with back-to-back Big East opponents — now it’s looking like a pretty savvy move.
The Rams bounced back from a 32-point season-opening defeat against St. John’s the previous Monday and can now lay claim to a victory over a high major opponent.
Now granted, Seton Hall is not the same team that was crowned the champions of the 2024 NIT Tournament just seven months ago. The Pirates have lost their top three scorers from last season and four of their starting five, including First Team All-Conference guard Kadary Richmond.
Seton Hall enters the 2024-25
season picked to finish ninth out of 10 teams in the Big East preseason poll.
But nonetheless, Fordham should feel proud about their hard-earned victory. Beating a high-major opponent is still a big deal, especially for a Rams squad that enters the season ranked second to last in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll.
Johnson III led the offensive attack for the Rams, but Richardson was also integral, nailing a pair of threes to finish second on the team with 11 points. Johnson III won the game for the Rams, but they’re not in that position if Richardson doesn’t draw the foul on a 3-pointer and bury all three free throws.
Another performance that cannot go unnoticed is that of graduate student Abdou Tsimbila, who posted game-highs
of 11 rebounds and five blocks. Seton Hall’s entire team had four blocks the entire game.
“He was the reason we won that game,” Urgo noted postgame. “He looked healthy.”
After a shaky season debut against St. John’s, Tsimbila looked markedly more comfortable, playing 28 minutes off the bench and a large chunk of the final stretch. He was limited in preseason camp due to some injury issues, but the 6-foot-9 forward appears to be settling back into form, a game-changer for a Fordham team that needs his size and strength down low.
Tsimbila’s rim protection coupled with 15 turnovers forced by an aggressive Fordham defense proved to be a recipe for success.
Urgo entered the season with the goal of testing his squad out of the gate. His team rewarded him with a hard-fought victory that should serve as a confidence boost for the rest of the season.
“I think we stack up pretty well,” Urgo said following consecutive games against Big East opponents. “I think the A-10 is stacked, itself. I think the Atlantic 10 is as good as any league in the country, I really do. For us, it was a great challenge.”
Fordham will look to take its good mojo into the historic Rose Hill Gym, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this season.
The Rams host Binghamton University on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. before battling Manhattan College on Friday, Nov. 15 in the long-running “Battle of the Bronx.”
Senior Jackie Johnson III’s game-winning floater gave the Rams their first Power-5 win since 2018.
COURTESY OF DIEGO MARTINEZ-REYES FOR THE FORDHAM RAM.
Women’s Basketball Earns First Victory in Defensive Masterclass
By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Year two of the “Coach B” era is underway.
Under new coach Bridgette Mitchell’s tutelage, Fordham University Women’s Basketball has one mission: bringing an Atlantic 10 title to the Rose Hill Gymnasium for the first time since 2019.
With a slew of outgoing graduates, Mitchell recruited a host of newcomers who seem equally poised to contribute to the 2024-25 campaign.
With superstar three-level scorer and A-10 all-preseason first team member, graduate student Taylor Donaldson, out to begin the season, those newcomers have had ample opportunity to prove themselves as valuable pieces in coach B’s rotation; indeed, a rather dominant 66-51 win over California State University, Fullerton was a coming out party of sorts for the team’s many freshmen and transfer students.
“From a recruiting perspective, everyone we recruit [will have] equal opportunity to play. Their numbers were called today and they were ready,” said Mitchell after the win on Friday, Nov. 8.
Mitchell specifically doted on the strong play of the Rams’ recent frontcourt additions. On the glass, it was freshman Karissa Antoine, a 6-foot New York native, who managed to pull down 10 boards in just 19 minutes while battling the Titans’ best player in senior center Aixchel Hernandez.
Another force inside was forward and graduate transfer Irene Murua. The 6-foot, former Detroit Mercy product is also an international talent, hailing from Spain. The backto-the-basket center has showcased advanced post moves in the teams’ first games, frequently utilizing a lefty layup off of post spins en route to 12 points on 5-11 from the floor.
Murua nabbed 11 rebounds, which appeared to be a point of emphasis for coach B. The Rams finished plus four on the boards, with Mitchell noting, “For us to crash the glass the way that we did on offense got us more possessions, and I
think we did a really good job of being physical and boxing out.”
Despite both Antoine and Murua being simply dominant on the glass, the game’s best performer was likely freshman Precious Omoshola. The 6-foot2 forward shipped across the Atlantic from London to play her college ball in the Bronx. Omoshola wreaked havoc on the interior, going 6-9 for a game-high 13 points. Omoshola was as much a game breaker defensively, where she has a knack for getting a hand on the ball, swiping four steals even as a post defender.
At the controls for the Rams was senior Taya Davis. The 5-foot-7 pass-first point guard out of Decatur, Illinois, led both teams with her five assists. She steps into the starting point guard role after serving as the sixth man for much of last year, when she averaged a team-high 3.4 assists per game.
Davis initiated the game’s most dazzling play, utilizing a left-to-right crossover into a right-side dribble drive that drew a help defender, at which point she rifled an over-theshoulder pass to Omoshola for an open layup. It drew oohs and aahs from the crowd, which
donned white t-shirts for the team’s White Out night, as well as a binocular celebration from the Rams bench.
Omoshola and Davis seem to have already built a nice rapport, with both players streaking the floor off missed shots and getting easy looks early in the shot clock.
Junior Kaila Berry was pivotal, too, lodging nine points on 4-5 shooting to pair with four rebounds and four steals. Berry got spot minutes off the bench last year but was uber-efficient, and thus far has carried over her reliable presence in a more sizeable role: “KB, she started this game and she hadn’t started before, so for her to come out and perform the way she did, I’m excited for [her].”
Also of note was sophomore transfer Amiyah Ferguson, who delivered a stellar 10-point performance on 4-6 shooting, tacking on four boards, three dimes, a steal and a WNBA-range 3-pointer.
In a preseason interview with WFUV’s Chris Carrino, FCRH ’26, and Ben Oppenheimer, FCRH ’24, Mitchell raved about the new group, joking, “They’re young and they have no idea, and that’s a great thing. They
say, ‘Oh, we just gotta go and do that?’ ‘Yup, do it as hard as you possibly can.’ ‘Okay, say no more coach!’”
Mitchell certainly looked to find players that would buy into her idea of Fordham basketball, one defined by aggressive press defense and an offense determined to push up the floor. When asked by Carrino to describe her new-look club’s identity, she said “It’s passion and grit. Our defense is going to continue to prepare us offensively. We have players with length and athleticism so we’re going to look to press a lot more and do different things that we were unable to do in my first year here.”
With Mitchell’s new pieces seeming comfortable in the maroon and white, the Rams would open up an 8-point lead in the first half, one which ballooned to 12 in the third and to 15 at the game’s close. The difference came in the restricted area, where Fordham scored 42 and held Fullerton to just 12.
“We did a good job of executing our game plan of wanting to limit how many points they got in the paint… so I’m really proud of our team and our efforts of being aggressive,” said
Mitchell to open up her postgame press conference.
The Rams wound up forcing 19 turnovers, which translated to 19 points. They got 18 steals off of a typically steady backcourt through periodically implementing a full-court press and otherwise playing tight in the half-court. They also won the battle of the boards, 4441, in what was simply an allaround defensive masterclass.
The win brings the Rams to 1-1 after a dissappointing 58-50 opening night loss at home to Adelphi University. Turnovers made the difference as Fordham gave up the rock 20 times to Adelphi; the Rams forced 23 Panthers turnovers but were only able to turn them into 11 points.
Junior guard Chaé Harris made a strong first impression, though, notching 18 points on 6-13 shooting, adding four rebounds and a pair of steals. While she cooled off against Fullerton, going just 1-10, she seemed poised to take over Emy Hayford’s role from the 202324 team as a secondary scoring threat behind Donaldson.
In the A-10 preseason poll, Fordham slotted in at ninth out of 15 teams. Mitchell, who pioneered the Rams to the nine seed last year, wasn’t concerned with the ranking, smirking as she remarked, “It’s preseason. They haven’t seen us, we haven’t proven anything… We’ll see the results at the end.”
As the non-conference slate continues, expect Fordham to continue turning heads around the conference as they get more contributions from their new faces who, according to coach B, seem relentlessly determined to leave their mark: “They’re gonna go and go through brick walls, climb brick walls, maybe even dig a hole and go under — they’re going to find a way through obstacles and I’m really excited about that for our team.”
In terms of what is next on the schedule for the women of Fordham, the Rams are slated to take their first road trip of the year this coming Tuesday in order to face off against the always-feisty Pirates of Seton Hall University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m in New Jersey.
The Rams picked up a big first win this past week, knocking off the Cal State Fullerton Titans by a score of 66-51 .
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
With Emy Hayford now gone, the Rams have a new-look backcourt leading the charge.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Rams in their first week, the team dropping a buy-game to Adelphi.
Loughridge Climbs Up Fordham Record Book as Rams Narrowly Fall to Bucknell
By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
Just one week after ending the playoff hopes of Colgate University, the 1-8 Fordham University Rams tried to play spoiler again, traveling to Pennsylvania in a matchup with the Bucknell University Bison, one of three teams still standing in the chase for the 2024 Patriot League title. But despite a career-best game from junior quarterback Jack Capaldi and another strong outing from senior running back Julius Loughridge, the Bison emerged victorious, improving to 3-1 in conference with a 28-27 victory.
Fordham falls to 1-9 overall and 1-4 in conference with just two games remaining in the season.
Bucknell quarterback Ralph Rucker IV led the charge offensively and orchestrated what proved to be the gamewinning drive, connecting with Western Michigan University transfer Nate Anderson on a 15-yard touchdown that gave the Bison a 1-point lead with 2:35 remaining.
It was one of three touchdowns thrown by Rucker and one of two caught by Anderson, who found the endzone earlier with a 44-yard score in the final seconds of the first half.
To their credit, the Rams hung an explosive Bucknell offense that ranks second in the conference in scoring. Fordham’s 27 points is a season-high and a major step in the right direction for an offense that has struggled to find its rhythm in the wake of an early-season injury to their starting quarterback, junior CJ Montes.
Making his sixth start of the 2024 campaign, Capaldi definitively had the best outing of the season and his 10-game career. The junior shattered career highs, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdown passes. Entering play, Capaldi had never thrown for over 200 yards in a single game — that changed over the weekend
as he found success in the air attack, completing passes at a 66.7% rate.
Loughridge, in the meantime, only became the fifth all-time leading rusher on Saturday, leap-frogging Xavier Martin (2007-10) in the program’s record book. Just one week after leading the Rams to their first win of the season with 153 yards on the ground against Colgate, “Juice” posted another stellar performance, rushing for a season-high 155 yards and a touchdown.
Since making his debut as a sophomore in the 2022 season, Loughridge has rushed for 2,993 yards over the course of three seasons. He’s 253 yards short of fourth-place all-time, and could very well get there by season’s end. The senior is averaging 105.7 rush yards per game, which tops the Patriot League and ranks 13th-best in the FCS.
With 951 rushing yards on the season, he’s six yards shy of the Patriot League lead, despite missing Week 4 due to injury. Barring anything
unforeseen, he’s on track to break 1,000 rushing yards for the second year in a row, a feat only accomplished by three other players in Fordham’s lengthy history.
But while the game featured its fair share of season-bests, it was also marked by some costly mistakes that ultimately proved to be the difference.
The only points in the first quarter came from the defensive end as Bucknell’s sophomore linebacker Gavin Willis capitalized on a botched read option between Capaldi and sophomore running back Jacob Rodriguez, scooping up the fumble and taking it the distance for the score.
The Rams seemed poised to enter halftime tied after Capaldi connected on a 59yard deep shot to graduate student wide receiver Cole Thornton, who hauled in his team-leading third touchdown grab of the season.
Instead, Anderson quietly slipped right past the napping Fordham secondary and gave Bucknell a lead with just 21
seconds left in the second.
Sophomore Ricky Gonzalez II tied it up in the third with his first collegiate touchdown, making an impressive grab on a 30-yard deep shot from Capaldi. Following a fourthquarter safety due to a Bucknell holding penalty in their own endzone, the Rams would even snag a late lead as Loughridge’s goal-line score gave Fordham a 6-point lead with 4:18 left.
Rucker and the Bucknell offense were just too difficult to subdue. And while there will be some regrets about not holding a lead in the final four minutes, the biggest regrets come from points left on the table.
Fordham had three trips to the red zone end unfavorably. Willis’ scoop and score in the first occurred on a secondand-2 from the Bucknell 17. The Rams would drive all the way to the 8-yard line in the fourth before settling for a chip shot from freshman kicker Bennett Henderson. But none were more frustrating than halfway through the third quarter when Bucknell forced a turnover on
downs after Fordham had the ball on the Bison 1-yard line with a fresh set of downs.
Bucknell improves to 3-1 in conference and keeps their Patriot League title hopes alive. With the College of Holy Cross falling to Lehigh University over the weekend, there’s currently a three-way tie for first place in the Patriot League between Bucknell, Holy Cross and Lehigh with just two games remaining in the regular season.
Next week could ultimately determine the title as Bucknell and Holy Cross square off in Massachusetts. The Bison hold a tiebreaker over Lehigh after defeating them in overtime earlier this season, so a victory over Holy Cross would give them the advantage over both teams still standing.
Fordham can do little to affect the outcome of the Patriot League title after falling to Bucknell, but that doesn’t make this weekend’s game irrelevant.
The Rams will play their final conference game of the season, taking on Georgetown University at home. The final score may hold little weight, but there will be one major story to watch for on Saturday — senior linebacker James Conway’s pursuit of the Patriot League tackle record.
Conway did not dress on the road against Bucknell, but he is eligible for one more game while still retaining a medical redshirt. If he does make that final appearance, it’ll be at home as Fordham closes out the season with two straight games at Jack Coffey Field.
The last time the Rams played at home, Conway tied the Fordham tackling record set by current outside linebackers coach Ryan Greenhagen. Now boasting 425 career tackles, he’s just eight shy of setting the new Patriot League record. The All-American is averaging 12.7 tackles per game this season in his three appearances so far, putting him in a prime position to break the record that was set by Holy Cross legend Jacob Dobbs last season.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
The Rams were unable to string together a win-streak, dropping their ninth game of the season against Bucknell.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Junior Jack Capaldi once again got the start as the Rams’ signalcaller, having a career day.
Julius Loughridge has been a workhorse for the Rams, having now eclipsed 900 yards on the ground.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS