Volume 106 Issue 7

Tetlow Speaks at Common Grounds Conversation

By CRISTINA STEFANIZZI

Fordham University President Tania Tetlow spoke about her experience as a woman in the professional world during the Common Grounds Conversation at the Lincoln Center campus on Thursday, March 7.

Numerous campus groups, including Campus Ministry Pedro Arrupe Volunteers, Alpha Sigma Nu and Smart Women Securities, sponsored the panel where Tetlow spoke to attendees about women’s leadership in the Ignatian tradition.

The panel, moderated by Vanessa Retundo, deputy chief of staff, opened with Tetlow sharing her experience and past that led to her taking over as president of Fordham. Tetlow attended Tulane University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in American studies, and later graduated from Harvard Law School. After years of working as a federal prosecutor, focusing on issues of constitution and race, she learned “how to grapple with ways the truth can be clouded by

Fordham Professor Hosts Seminar About Learning Disability Justice

By JULIANNA MORALES

On March 5, Fordham University held an interdisciplinary seminar run by Associate Professor Laura Wernick, focusing on their recent article relating to their career and experience as someone with learning disabilities and ADHD. Wernick explained that their goal was to help Fordham students and the greater community understand the benefits a disability justice lens would bring to the university, saying, “[it] will not only make the Fordham community more accessible, but it will help us engage in much stronger, socially relevant, meaningful and impactful scholarship that benefits us all.”

Wernick spoke on their personal experiences going through the education system with learning disabilities. They explained that they went undiagnosed before college, and the one time an assessment was done, it was more of an IQ assessment, after which they were told they were just being lazy and needed to work harder. Undergraduate studies took Wernick 7.5 years to complete due

The Fordham Ram Fordham Student to Represent Nepal in Paris Olympics

By ALEXANDER HOM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Alexander Gadegaard Shah, FCRH ’25, qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following his personal-best performance in the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar this past February. The Fordham University men’s swimming and diving cocaptain emerged as the event’s

Walsh Library Opens New Student Lounge

By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR

A new student lounge has opened in Walsh Library in room 108A. The space has been available to students previously, but was recently revamped. The lounge aims to provide students

with a space to relax and take a break from academics.

“It’s something that the director of the library has been wanting to do for a little bit. There was a small amount of donor funding to get some more furniture. There’s been a push to update furniture and

what-not, and we thought it would be fun to make it a lounge-like setting,” said Hannah Herrlich, emerging technologies librarian. The space also offers curated Spotify playlists, where students can SEE

highest-scoring male competitor in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle. Paris 2024 marks the second Olympics in which Shah will represent his home nation in the 100-meter freestyle after his 2021 debut in the COVID-19-delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Qualifying for Paris was surreal, and a huge relief,” Shah said, recalling his emotions after his Doha success.

“Achieving it was more than satisfying, and difficult to put into words. Relieving in the first moment, but motivating the next.”

For the Thailand-born Shah, who lived in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu for much of his life, swimming didn’t always come easy, but with a little luck and a lot of hard work, Shah strengthened his abilities.

Fordham Students Attend 5k For Gaza Aid

Last Saturday, March 2, a group of 10 Fordham students participated in the Gaza 5K on the Global Day of Action for Palestine, organized by activist groups the People’s Forum and the Palestinian Youth Movement. New York City hosted both a 5K run and a march in support of Palestine. This day of action was to put as much pressure on people

in power to call for a ceasefire before March 10, the start of Ramadan, a holy month in which Muslims fast, allowing for more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Students went to the race as part of a Residential Assistant (RA) program in Martyrs’ Court and in Campbell, Salice and Conley Halls. Six RAs coordinated to get sufficient funding to cover the $40 tickets in order

Alexander Shah competed in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo representing Nepal.

BRIEFS

McShane Campus Center

March 5 5 p.m.

On Tuesday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in the McShane Center. The supervisor responded and called the elevator company. The supervisor was able to free the occupant. A technician repaired the elevator back to service.

O’Hare Hall

March 8 10 p.m.

On Friday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in O’Hare Hall. The supervisor responded and called the elevator company. The technician freed the student and repaired the elevator.

Walsh Hall

March 8 8:37 p.m.

On Friday, there was a smoke alarm in Walsh Hall. The supervisor and FDNY responded. The investigation revealed a student cooking food triggered the alarm. The supervisor ventilated the area and reset the alarm panel.

O’Hare Hall

March 9 8:45 p.m.

On Saturday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in O’Hare Hall. The supervisor responded. The supervisor called 911. The FDNY responded and freed the occupants stuck inside.

Students Discuss Fordham’s Response, Their Own Opinions on Palestine

By ZOË CHAPITAL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The most recent email regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict by Fordham University and President Tania Tetlow was a Nov. 7 message to Fordham’s community, titled “Making Fordham Safe for Every Member of Our Community.” Other actions by the university include The Center for Jewish Studies’s four-part series with Dr. Hussein Ibish and Professor David N. Myers titled, “How Did We Get Here? A Deep Dive into the History of Israel and Palestine.”

Since the start of this semester, Fordham has not issued another statement; although, at Tetlow’s student press conference, she addressed the conflict and stated her eagerness to “console the students who are in a great deal of pain,” as well as her willingness to meet with students who have criticized her response. In reaching out for further comment, Bob Howe, senior director of communications, stated they will not add to the comments made at the student press conference on Feb. 27.

Fordham’s Rose Hill Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the Students for Justice

in Palestine (SJP) have continually shown support for Palestine. Some events include SJP’s protest on Jan. 19 at Lincoln Center and MSA’s Keffiyeh Day in which students wore a keffiyeh to display their support and solidarity.

SJP has continued to show support for Palestinians despite not being an official oncampus club; the SJP spokesperson requested to remain anonymous to protect themselves from any potential backlash.

In asking what new actions they are currently taking, they said “SJP is working with USG [Fordham Lincoln Center United Student Government] to get Starbucks off campus, but we realized it’s a bigger task to take on because Starbucks distributes with Aramark.” USG Lincoln Center did not respond to requests for comment. In the same vein, the spokesperson stated that SJP is working on Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS), which “is a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice and equality.” However, one of the biggest obstacles for SJP pushing for BDS at Fordham is the lack of monetary transparency by Fordham.

Fordham has denied SJP

official club status due to their association with the broader SJP organization as a chapter, rather than being an isolated club. The SJP spokesperson stated that Fordham has offered them club status so long as they change their name as to discontinue their association with the national SJP student organization. SJP continues to stand by its name and demand club status from Fordham. The spokesperson spoke on the importance of their name. “SJP is a representation of the Palestinian resistance and struggle since the first Nakbah, since 1948, since the start of oppression, and by changing our name and conforming to what Fordham wants us to do, it erases the pain of Palestinians and it erases ours as well.”

Professors and students alike are steadfast in their want for Fordham to do more. While SJP continues action, Fordham’s action has prompted a desire for space for student, professor and administrative discussions about the depth of the reality of what is happening in Gaza.

Laura Wernick, who teaches in Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Services, voiced her desire for Fordham

This Week at Fordham

Wednesday March 13

Mocktails & Resumes

McShane Campus Center 221 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Bring in your resume for a personalized review by the Fordham Career Ambassadors. The event will include presentations about utilitzing AI and St. Patrick’s Day themed mocktails.

Thursday March 14

Lenten Retreat

Lowenstein Center South Lounge 12:30 p.m.

Mission Integration and Ministry is hosting a brief mid-day retreat, focusing on personal and group reflection in preparation for Easter. The retreat is at Lincoln Center.

Friday March 15

Celebrate Holi

Martyr’s Lawn 1 - 4 p.m.

Join the Hindu Student Council for a Holi celebration on Martyrs Lawn. The event includes food, Bollywood music, a tie dye station, a tattoo station and a photobooth.

to create greater space for discussion.

“As a Jesuit university, we should lean into having difficult conversations with each other and do so with respect,” Wernick said. “I would like to see a greater opportunity to engage students in this conversation, to model how we can engage in some really hard questions right now which includes the war in Gaza, with specific regards to the climate in which we are having this conversation, and part of that conversation is understanding [that] Jewishness is not the same as Zionism, and that Zionism is just one particular political perspective. There is actually quite a diversity of perspectives on Israel/Palestine and Zionism within the Jewish community.”

Wernick noted the importance of having this conversation with an emphasis on history and consideration of the “increase, both in the U.S. but also around the world, of white Christian supremacy and Christian nationalism which is sparking a very legitimate Jewish fear,” which also “impacts the Muslim community.” Wernick again emphasized that Fordham has the power and ability to create space for transformative discussion among students and faculty.

Tessa Hofheimer, FCRH ’26, echoed many of Wernick’s statements: “There is a need for activism and there are no spaces for students who are incredibly disturbed by the events that are transpiring and the ways that Israel has enacted this genocide against Palestinians.”

Hofheimer also noted that “not all Jewish people are a part or supporters of the Zionist agenda and the language Tania Tetlow has used in her emails suggest a lack of separation between Jews and Zionists,” and claims that this language is “incredibly harmful to Palestinians and Jewish people.”

Saturday March 16

Catholic Women Speak

McShane Campus Center 311 11 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Spend the day with Catholic women as they discuss female voices within the church, with a goal to lift up Catholic women in both the Fordham community and the world.

Tuesday March 19

Get Jesulit with the Jesuits

Murray-Weigel Hall 2:30 p.m.

Join Campus Ministry in celebrating the spirit of St. Patrick with the Jesuits from MurrayWeigel Hall retirement and nursing home. Enjoy live music and dance from students.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Fordham’s students stage a die-in in solidarity with Students for Justice in Palestine at the Lincoln Center campus.

Fordham Community Remembers Luke Santos, FCRH ’25

By SOFIA DONOHUE & NORA MALONE

Luke Santos, FCRH ’25, passed away on Feb. 20 in his off-campus apartment. Santos, age 20, was an economics major from Cambridge, Mass. A graduate of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Santos was passionate about politics and was involved with numerous campaigns starting at age 14.

In 2020, Santos founded the Mask Up Project, a student-run group that distributed homemade masks to those in need.

With an avid interest in politics, Santos worked on campaigns in Cambridge and New York, including the campaigns of Julie Won, Yusef Salaam and Christopher Bae. In the fall of 2023, he was a Wealth Management Intern for Morgan Stanley.

Sophia Stryjewski, FCRH ’25, was one of Santos’ close friends at Fordham University. The two met as first-years after Stryjewski’s friend sat next to Santos in math class. Stryjewski remembers Santos as a kind person and dedicated friend.

By JULIANNA MORALES FEATURES EDITOR

Sigma Xi is a scientific honors society that has a history of over 125 years. According to the Sigma Xi website, it is one of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world. It aims to serve both science and society. The organization received its name from its motto, as the Greek letters Sigma and Xi are an acronym for “Spoudon Xynones” meaning “Companions in Zealous Research.”

Fordham University has its own chapter of Sigma Xi on campus which recently accepted applications for new members from invited students. According to their invitation letter, undergraduate and graduate students alike who “demonstrate their engagement in original social science and science research” were encouraged to apply. They note that completing coursework in scientific fields typically does not meet the criteria for Associate Membership.

The Fordham chapter explained membership in Sigma Xi is a significant honor to reflect the achievements and scientific potential of those inducted.

“He was just the sweetest, most passionate person. He was so kind and he would do anything for you,” said Stryjewski.

Stryjewski recalled the countless times Santos would offer to walk from his off-campus apartment to pick her up on campus, saying that although he didn’t have to do those things, he did anyway. Stryjewski also credited Santos as an excellent cook: “He was such a great cook. He would always invite everyone over to dinner — we’d do ‘Friendsgiving’ and we’d have this elaborate meal.”

Two weekends before Santos passed, Stryjewski said that he invited their friends over for dinner and made homemade mac and cheese. “He was… such a kind soul. It’s such a shame that he’s gone so soon,” she said.

Stryjewski also shared that Santos was an avid nature lover. Originally from Newton, Mass., Santos was a big skier when he’d travel home during breaks. This past semester, Stryjewski

said that Santos and her friends took a homework break and went to the New York Botanical Gardens. Santos pranced around pretending to be an “orange fall leaf.”

“We all loved him so much and we’re going to miss him a lot. I think it’s important, all his friends, to stick together and get through it together because it’s going to be a group effort. You can’t do this all by yourself,” said Stryjewski.

Katherine Hazzard, an English professor at Fordham, reflected on Santos’ contributions to one of her classes last semester: “Luke contributed so much to our fiction class this winter. What he described as the ‘extraordinary depth’ of ‘simple descriptions’ in stories by Max Frisch, Luisa Valenzuela and Jorge Luis Borges was there in his own writing too, in his observations about what we read or his wondering about other people’s experiences in the world,” said Hazzard.

Hazzard shared an excerpt from

one of Santos’ writing assignments on the short story “Borges and I” by Jorge Luis Borges: “As we go through our lives, we craft stories about everything.” “We will forever hold Luke’s memory in our hearts. We pray hard for Luke’s family and friends who are grieving right now at this terrible tragedy,” said President

Sigma Xi Applications Close

Additionally, the members receive a one-year subscription to American Scientist, a wellrespected journal.

The application process consists of a concise research statement explaining the original research done, the name and email of one’s research advisor and, if applicable, information regarding whether your research has been presented or published though this is not necessary for nomination. The applications closed on Friday, Feb. 23. Once accepted, new members will have to pay a $70 initiation fee and will be formally inducted into Fordham’s chapter at a ceremony in late March or early April.

Dr. Stephen Holler, secretary of Fordham’s chapter, explained that the research requirement is not restricted to just research done at Fordham. He stated that if a student has been a part of research at another university or through a summer program or job, this can still fulfill the requirements for them to apply and join Fordham’s chapter of Sigma Xi. He explained the main benefits, stating, “it creates a community for researchers

to interact and learn about all the research that is ongoing and to receive recognition for their own research endeavors.”

President of Fordham’s Sigma Xi chapter Dr. Martin Sanzari, explained more about the benefits of being a member of Sigma Xi. “Once you become a member, that connects you to members…all over the world,” he explained. Additionally, there are opportunities that students can hear about and be able to apply to through the society. They also receive the Sigma Xi magazine every quarter where they can read about scientific work and advancements done by members throughout the nation.

Through this and other Sigma Xi events, members are able to connect with a larger scientific community outside of just their Fordham professors. Through mutual membership in the same scientific organization, they would have a connection with which to reach these scientists. Finally, he stated that “Sigma Xi has a student research symposium very similar to the one Fordham has except it is nationwide,” which provides students with the opportunity to present their work

to a greater audience.

Sanzari further explained that there are no responsibilities past membership once one is inducted, “the only criteria is paying your membership dues,” he laughed. He went on to explain he has been working with Fordham’s chapter of Sigma Xi since he started at the university 27 years ago and that Fordham has had a long history with the organization before that, dating back to around the 1950s.

In fact, one of the first Fordham members of Sigma Xi was Dr. Victor Hess, who had won a Nobel Prize in physics before his time at the university. Sanzari likes to share this with new inductees at the induction ceremony to remind them that they are signing the same book as a Nobel Prize Winner. Fordham usually inducts around 100 to 120 students a year, which typically puts the university at #2 in the country for inductees.

One member of Fordham’s chapter, Maggie DiGiorno, FCRH ’24, is doing research with chemistry professor Dr. Nicholas Sawyer. She stated that she, like many students, heard about the society through the email they sent

Tania

out inviting students to apply. “It’s not a super spoken-about thing here on campus, and prior to receiving the email, I actually had no idea that it existed,” she explained. However, now that she is a part of the society, DiGiorno stated that her favorite benefits are having access to the discussion boards and the yearlong subscription to “American Scientist.”

“I would say to apply!” She encouraged other students, saying, “It is a relatively easy process, and the benefits are great — it looks good on a CV and you get to wear cool cords at graduation. Also, it’s a great opportunity to get recognized for the hard work you put into your research.” Another member, Jan Bieroweic, FCRH ’24, shared similar sentiments encouraging fellow students to apply. She added how it can further your connection with Fordham chapter faculty as well, stating, “I personally would consider Professors [Christopher] Aubin and Holler as connections for life that I can reach out to and something like being a member of Sigma Xi facilitates that.”

Live Music Fundraisers Raise Money for Charity

By CAITLIN WONG CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Recently, Rodrigue’s Coffee House and Theory and Praxis held live music fundraising events. Theory and Praxis’ live music performance was held on March 1, 2024, with a $5 admission cost, and the proceeds went to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP). Rodrigues’ was held on March 8, featuring student DJs and a “pay what you can” option at the door for attendees with a suggested amount of $5.

Theory and Praxis is not a Fordham University-affiliated or

recognized club. Therefore, their events are held off campus in a house that three of their team leaders live in. Praxis and Theory founder Sophie Genolio, FCRH ’23, said, “The process is fairly simple; once the date and performers are decided, we create a flier and advertise the event through Instagram.”

Genolio continued, “One of our members is the drummer of Zephyr, the band we’ve co-organized all of these events with. This time, we were lucky enough to have two bands and two DJ sets: Zephyr, Room

de Dark, boy_c0ded and DJ drëämgÿrl.”

Fordham Theory and Praxis raised a total of $750 for MAP. “This was our biggest/most successful event for MAP so far,” said Riley Dominianni, FCRH ’24, another E-board member. Rodrigue’s Coffee House, a Fordham club that functions as a coffee house with student volunteers, has live music events several times a month, including but not limited to concerts and themed open mics. For AFSP, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Rodrigue’s

Coffee House held a DJ benefit. Rodrigue’s co-president Maura Mulvihill, FCRH ’24, stated they held their first DJ benefit in 2022 to raise money for the Bronx fire relief: “We decided to do a similar event. We had been approached but the organizers of the Out of Darkness walk happening on campus on [April 6] in support of AFSP. They asked us to create a fundraising team, so when we were looking for charities to support for the benefit, ASFP seemed like a great option.”

At this recent DJ benefit, four student DJs performed: Mercu-

ry Vibration, Lauryn Williams, Allen Wang (a Rodrigues E-board member and the club’s Sound Engineer) and DJ dreamgyrl.

“We reached out to performers we knew personally or had heard of through word of mouth,” said Mulvihill. They were able to raise $331 for AFSP from this DJ benefit.

Rodrigue’s Coffee House has another upcoming event on Tuesday, March 12, at 8 p.m.: a “no guitar” open mic where any attendee can perform but must sign up on a first-come, first-serve basis.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

The Fordham community remembers Luke Santos, FCRH ’25.

Tetlow in a statement. Santos was born in Newton, Mass., to parents Albertino Santos and Dr. Allison Bailey. He was also brother to Grace Mary Audette and Samuel Lancaster Audette.

Fordham held a memorial service for Santos on Feb. 28 in Sacred Heart Chapel in Dealy Hall.

Tetlow Discusses Female Leadership

biases.” However, she shared that she “always felt the pull of academia,” which led to her going into education.

Tetlow shared her experience working as the chief of staff for the president of Tulane University, where she learned the ropes of higher education’s operations. Tetlow served as the president of Loyola University New Orleans for four years before coming to Fordham in 2022.

Tetlow shared that Lindy Boggs influenced her as a person over the years. Boggs, a former politician who served in the House of Representatives and as United States Ambassador to the Holy See, was the first woman elected to Congress from Louisiana following the death of her husband, Thomas Hale Boggs, Sr.

Tetlow wrote Boggs a letter at the ripe age of 16 years old, simply telling her she was an inspiration and that she “wanted to be her” when she grew up. To Tetlow’s surprise, Boggs replied and invited Tetlow to meet, later offering her an internship at her office. Tetlow

to get as many tickets as possible to fundraise as much money as possible.

Heba Elsetouhi, FCRH ’25, an RA in Martyrs’ Court, explained her motivation for coordinating the event.

“I went to the last one two years ago when I was a [first-year]. At the time, there wasn’t as much attention on Palestine, so it was very affirming as an activist seeing such a big community showing up for Palestine. I wanted to go again this year for that same community and made a Fordham team so other students can have that same experience and because it is important to me to get people within Fordham’s community involved, as I feel that is something that is lacking.”

The group left at around 8 a.m.

learned from Boggs, attending numerous Democratic conventions, dinners and events. When Boggs retired, she hired Tetlow part time as her sole staff member. “I learned so many profound things [from Boggs],” Tetlow said to the panel. “Social capital, how to navigate the world… She was full of love and passion.”

Tetlow shared that Boggs “raised my expectations of myself, the world and what I could do.”

“I’m just me looking out through my eyes,” said Tetlow in response to a question about what it’s like to be the first woman president of Fordham University. “How the world reacts to me is something I don’t worry about.” Tetlow shared that the role of president comes with a sense of service and sacrifice, which she said are traits typically associated with women. She said she found the transition to president at Fordham easy and comfortable.

Tetlow shared that there are challenges as a female leader, and we all need to acknowledge perspectives

and thoughts that act as blinders from seeing the truth. She shared that all people must work to assume good intentions and not jump to conclusions.

“There are stereotypes that are applied to [females], hilariously the mirror of each other,” Tetlow shared, explaining the “tightrope” between being frigid and cold and hysterical and dramatic, between being too young and too old. “People see you through these filters,” she said.

In regards to gender bias, Tetlow stated that it should never get in the way of achieving goals. “We need to acknowledge [gender bias] exists… Our lives are hard but others lives are harder,” she said, stating that any hardships people face must be learned from and not dished out to others.

Another challenge Tetlow stated she faced as a female leader was being underestimated. “People assume they know you,” she said. She highlighted the comparison that there are also hardships to being socialized as a man, giving the example of men not being seen as fit

to parent or not being able to express emotions openly.

“Ambition is not deemed attractive in women,” said Tetlow. “I wanted to cut through that.”

Tetlow expressed the importance of understanding the g ifts you are blessed with, highlighting it is not egotistical to do so. “Your job is to use them in the world and constantly challenge yourself… Your

ambition is for the world, not you,” Tetlow said.

Closing the talk, Tetlow expressed that one mark she wishes to leave at Fordham is hoping the student body learns to “focus on mattering to the world.” Many worry about chasing status and success, but should instead focus on what impact they can make on the world.

Students Run 5k For RA Event

to trek through the rain and cold to Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The race started at 10 a.m. Upon arriving, the crowd was filled with Palestinian flags, keffiyehs and a spirit of community. Breakfast was served, and morale was high. There were tables filled with bagels and refreshing juices. The air was filled with anticipative chatter — it didn’t matter if you were running, walking or cheering from the sidelines.

free” as the participants ran. Bella Sabino, GSB ’24, stated about the event, “I have never felt such a sense of community before. From the moment I stepped foot onto Prospect Park to the moment I left, it felt like visiting family. The enthusiasm was through the roof, and the love that everyone had in their hearts was so strong.”

There was a diverse amount of people, from babies in strollers to people in their 80s. There were Palestinian people and Jewish people, all unified in support of freeing Palestine. The race started off strong. It was a very unique 5K in the sense that there were chants of “free Palestine,” “ceasefire now” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be

By race day, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) had reached their goal of raising $2 million for mental care accessibility for all Palestine refugee children in the Gaza Strip. As stated by the UNRWA, “The trauma of the conflict and the stress of living under blockade, unable to leave the Gaza Strip, has left thousands of refugees, particularly

children, in need of psycho-social support.” With the funding they have accumulated, they hope to improve the quality of life during this horrific situation for the civilians and, more specifically, the children in Gaza. The Fordham Palestine Solidarity Network was able to raise $792.

After the race was over, they announced the awards and then blasted Mohammed Assaf’s “Dammi Falastini,” which translates to “My Blood is Palestinian.” Those who wanted to dance gathered in the middle in a circle and held hands going to the strong beat of the music.

Elsetouhi noted that one of her favorite parts was “when we danced Dabke (a communal traditional Palestine dance)… It was such a beautiful expression of Palestinian culture and solidarity.” It’s heartwarming to see something uplifting throughout FROM LEADER

Professor Shares Experiences with Disability

FROM SEMINAR, PAGE 1

to disability struggles, and they were finally diagnosed during this time. “There have been wonderful individuals, administrators and deans, who have tried to make my own experience at Fordham and in my graduate program more accessible. However, there [are] bigger structural issues,” Wernick explained.

“Academia is not designed for people with learning disabilities or ADHD,” Wernick stated. They went on to elaborate that academia is not designed for people with any type of disability typically.

They explained how academic values tend to be at odds with disability justice values. One of the main differences they mentioned was the importance of individualism in academia as opposed to the embracing of interdependence in disability justice. In academic settings, it is expected that you will complete tasks independently, and your ability

to do so is a measure of your value, whereas disability justice values interdependence and working with people of different strengths for the betterment of the work.

Another example of these contradictions is in the purpose and pace of research conducted. Wernick explained that in academia, the research is driven by the researchers, and they expect high production, often referred to as “publish or perish.” Alternatively, Wernick suggests that research through a disability justice lens would prioritize quality over quantity and community-driven research.

Wernick has spent much of their career working in communitydriven research, particularly critical community participatory action research (CPAR). Wernick described this type of research to be led by community members on topics of interest to the community that are meant to actively intervene in the community and build collective knowledge. Prioritizing CPAR as the best method of research is

one change Wernick listed pertaining to shaping academia through a disability justice lens. Others include creating opportunities for disabled leadership, increasingly valuing the voices of disabled scholars and training faculty in universal design. They explain that these changes would support Fordham’s mission as a Jesuit institution to educate for justice, curate the whole person and promote the worth and dignity of all people.

“The most immediate change I would like to see made is the development of a disability access office for the university as a whole, with someone hired who has advanced training in creating accessible universities as a whole, and specific understanding of the unique needs of faculty with disabilities,” Wernick stated. As of now, Fordham has the Office of Disability Services (ODS), but it services exclusively Fordham’s students.

Mary Brynes, director of ODS, explained that part of the reason

for this is that there is a difference in disability law relating to students compared to employees. Though ODS has some knowledge of employment laws, they are not familiar with them like they are those relating to students and therefore could not provide sufficient help. Employment is designed so employees go through Human Resources (HR) for accessibility needs.

Brynes commented on the need for disability justice events such as Wernick’s, stating, “I think they are very important. We don’t sponsor too many things from this office because it is virtually impossible with our other responsibilities, but I do think they are important.” She explained that over 1,800 students are registered with ODS and that they must focus on their responsibilities to aid their students.

However, she stated that the ODS staff has wanted the Chief Diversity Officer to include more disability justice. She stated that

the unbelievable atrocities of more than 30,000 Palestinians being killed, 70% being women and children. The day was not over yet. Tons of people migrated from Prospect Park up to Washington Square Park in Manhattan and those who did show up to the 5K had the chance to go join the march at 1 p.m.

Despite the rain, there were thousands of people who showed up with their umbrellas and with their voices. Elsetouhi stated how she felt after leaving the event: “[I] felt very uplifted. Activism can be so discouraging, especially when our own politicians consistently ignore us, but seeing hundreds of people come together for Palestine to raise $2 million, along with so many Fordham students attending, gave me hope and reminded me that the culture surrounding Palestine in the U.S. is changing for the better.”

they sponsored numerous events about race, gender and sexuality, explaining that while those events are important, “disabilities are a part of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and [they] are acting like they don’t exist.”

With Fordham’s recent announcement that they are elevating the Chief Diversity Officer role to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer, Brynes expressed ODS’s hope that this new person will include disability justice in their agenda. “When the new DEI person comes, I really want to meet with them,” Brynes stated. “I really want them to know that the landscape needs to reach to them [disabled people].”

Fordham faculty in numerous departments, including ODS, information technology, HR, legal and teaching staff, make up the accessibility committee that works to improve Fordham’s accessibility.

Tetlow discussed her experience as a woman in higher education.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Alexander Shah To Attend Second Olympics

“I didn’t really like swimming when I first started. Actually, I hated it.” He began swimming at nine years old, and entered his first competitive meet at 13, when most Nepalese pools were still under 18 meters long and unheated to boot. Shah was influenced by his older sister Sofia, a professional Nepalese swimmer who set the aquatic footsteps her brother would follow in. “I looked up to her as an inspiration, something to motivate me… She made swimming appear fun.”

Shah’s first middle school victory was the 50-meter freestyle. “I remember being so nervous before, doubting myself, but being intimidated by the rest of the field . Somehow it changed when I dove in, and that confidence came back.

From that day forward, I remember the most satisfying feeling I repeatedly received from this sport,” said Shah. As Shah became older and better, he realized the fun and friends

FROM WALSH, PAGE 1

scan QR codes to access them. The library now has a Spotify account where students can choose from several curated playlists, such as “I Love the 80s,” “Electric Feel,” “Parisian Cafe” and “All That Jazz.”

“You have to get creative when you can’t sell coffee or have music playing,” said Herrlich. “[Students] can use it as almost a silent rave.”

swimming gave him.

At the Lincoln School in Kathmandu, Shah served as the swim team’s MVP and captain, setting numerous school and national records. He joined the Nepal swim team, with whom he became a wild card qualifier — and one of five Nepalese Olympians — at the Tokyo Olympics delayed until July 2021. Shah was a co-flag-bearer with fellow swimmer Gaurika Singh in the Opening Ceremony and went on to win his 100-meter freestyle heat. “COVID[-19] played a huge role in Tokyo, though my experience was one of a lifetime,” said Shah. “Oftentimes I look back, and hardly can believe that I experienced what I did.”

Shah was attracted to Fordham because of its smaller size, geographic location and rank in the mid-major Division I program. “New York was a place I’d dreamt of visiting, let alone living in,” he said. “From what I learned about the alumni

network and grad programs, Fordham seemed nothing short of ideal.”

Shah studies psychology at Fordham and focuses on mental health, which helped him realize that entering Fordham right after the Olympics was nerve-wracking. “I knew expectations would be in place, not just from others, but from myself, and fought with myself constantly to ensure I had an identity and character outside of being an Olympian. I’m not as stressed about it as I used to be due to the support and relationships with the team I’ve built and am thankful for here.”

Shah schedules the rest of his daily life around training: a routine balance of 20 hours of swimming and four weightlifting sessions per week, often early before morning classes.

In Paris, Shah will be one of 10 Nepalese athletes, and the only swimmer to date. He’ll swim the 100-meter freestyle, which he declares his highestscoring race for providing more

room for error and strategy.

“It’s always been my best event — the progress I’ve made this year has led me to love it further. The stress on my shoulders affected me daily, but also motivated me a great amount,” Shah said regarding setting his sights on Paris in the run-up to Doha. “Each time I trained, ate or slept was driven by this goal. I’m ecstatic to be able to experience the same event in a completely different setting and appreciate the opportunities I’m provided.” Only after the Olympics end will he go sightseeing.

“I’ve grown up with the Olympics and am a huge fan of it. For many sports, it’s a great spotlight to increase global interest and awareness.” Shah recalled researching the history of the Olympics and their significance to world unity amid international turmoil. “It’s possible to view the games as time to take focus off of conflicts temporarily, where we can enjoy the historically

New Social Space in Walsh Library

The lounge is also part of a push in recent years to have more relaxed spaces in academic libraries.

“I think when you look at public libraries, they have a lot of these ‘maker spaces.’ A communal, relaxed, laissez-faire community gathering place, and that’s still not what’s going to happen here, but I think that the fact that the lounge exists is somewhat of a push outside of the more rigid

academic library space,” said Herrlich. “It doesn’t have to be a place of strictly solo or group study. It can be somewhere in between.”

The lounge is still in the process of being updated, with more artwork expected to arrive soon. Herrlich does the social media promotion for the library and wrote a blog post detailing the updated furniture and playlists to inform students

about the lounge.

“I haven’t been to the lounge yet, but it looks great,” said Caitlin Wong, FCRH ’27. “Having another place to study is always good.”

Walsh Library has a variety of locations for students to work, as well as rooms that can be reserved for solo or group study. The basement has served as a lounge-like space, but Herlich wants the new space to offer

competitive spirit of humans in a variety of disciplines. Nothing beats finding common ground and interest. The Olympics’ entertainment is nothing short of relevant for that.”

Shah says he’s honored to represent Fordham and wants his peers to help him and themselves. “I hope Fordham can develop a program that is consistently top of our conference.” He values the self-care, time management, discipline, ethics and sacrifice he learned from a sport he calls demanding in and out o f the water. “Thriving from pressure is my favorite form of self-gratification. Swimming’s mental strain and social losses can be depressing, but drive the notion of wanting to succeed an d be better. In the grand scheme of things, it’s worth it. Swimming at Fordham and in the U.S. has shown me a tremendous amount about swimming, and also myself within the sport in ways I’d never guess, all for the better.”

students a cafe-like vibe. There is the potential for a similar space to open in Lincoln Center’s Quinn Library, but nothing is confirmed.

“[We want] for people to use it [the lounge] as much as they can and want during library hours,” said Herrlich.

Interested students can follow Walsh Library on Instagram @fordhamlibrary to stay updated.

Students Electrified for CAB’s Upcoming Spring Weekend

By MICHAEL DUKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fordham University’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) is set to begin rolling out announcements soon about the upcoming and highlyanticipated Spring Weekend.

Last year, CAB hosted a number of events leading up to their annual concert, including a campus movie fest on Edwards Parade, a concert at Rodrigue’s Coffee House, a bingo night in the Fordham Prep Theater and a concert that was scheduled to be on Martyrs’ Lawn but was moved to the Lombardi Center due to rainy weather.

CAB is in the planning stage for Spring Weekend, but has many opportunities for students to get involved, all of which can be found through CAB’s Instagram page, @fordhamcab.

CAB’s gen-board chair Aidan Duffy spoke to the Ram about the coming Spring Weekend saying, “We have a week full of activities starting off on Sunday, April 21 with Campus Movie Fest. Monday we have Bingo, Tuesday Rod’s has a concert, Gen Board has their event on Wednesday, Thursday is Last Comic Standing, Friday is the carnival. The concert is on Saturday and the speaker event is Sunday.”

Duffy added, “CAB has been planning for Spring Weekend since

August, but everything is being finalized now for the best Spring Weekend we can have. People are going to have to wait and see for the headliners. We like to keep the suspense up. Just get excited. It’s going to be a fantastic week with great events that people have put a lot of work into. I can’t wait to see everyone come together and have a great time!”

Students have the ability to give feedback on the upcoming 2024 concert, as one of the surveys on their Instagram gives students the opportunity to select what genre of music CAB should consider to be featured, the lineup style, location preferences and other questions specific to the upcoming concert.

Another Google form found on CAB’s Instagram gives clubs and organizations at Fordham the opportunity to table at the Spring Weekend Concert, while also giving Fordham Student Brand Ambassadors the opportunity to table for their brand partnership as well.

Additionally, a final survey on CAB’s Instagram prompts students to give feedback and share what they hope for in this year’s featured comedian and speaker set, while also sharing current interests to help guide who CAB will bring to Fordham.

Last Spring Weekend’s success garnered much enthusiasm for CAB’s events, as CAB’s bingo night brought in more than 900 people to the Fordham Prep Theater to try to win prizes such as LEGO sets, a MacBook Air and even a PlayStation 5.

One student, Sarah Jane Haymond, FCRH ’26, said, “I’m super excited for Spring Weekend! I went last year and, although it sucked being inside, it was better than not having it at all and they accommodated well. I also loved the band that played and I hope they feature smaller indie bands this year.”

Sean Parkinson, FCRH ’26, another student, added, “[I] went last year for COIN and that was really awesome! I hope it’s outside this year!”

Many students have also expressed their interest and excitement for the upcoming Spring Weekend. Norbert Okoye, FCRH ’26 said, “I really hope to see more of hip-hop and rock music at the Spring Concert this year,” adding, “I am also looking to see more famous artists that grew up in the Bronx, like Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Ice Spice or Billy Joel.”

Pat Smith, GSB ’26, also spoke about hope for the coming concert’s featured genre, saying, “I hope alternative rock is played

during the Spring Concert. This genre has so many songs for people to enjoy and sing along to.”

Maddie Curmi, GSB ’26, also spoke about the energy buildup surrounding the upcoming concert, saying, “I’m very excited for CAB’s upcoming Spring Weekend, especially since I didn’t see it last year. I’m excited for the Fordham energy, as well as coming together for this event.”

Other students also spoke on

the community-building aspects of Spring Weekend. James Cutajar, FCRH ’26, stated, “What’s most important to me and what I’m excited for is all the events and the school community getting together, involved and making memories as one big happy Ramily. College for me has always been making memories with the new friends you make that you can call family. I’m really hyped for what CAB has in store!”

By TASNIMAH RAHMAN STAFF WRITER

In efforts to bring together students and faculty to the discussion of the Israel-Palestine conflict, departments at Fordham University are sponsoring a fourpart series on the history of the conflict called “A Deep Dive into the History of Israel and Palestine” with speakers Dr. Hussein Ibish of the Arab Gulf States Institute and Professor David N. Myers of University of California, Los Angeles. This series will provide a better understanding of the roots of today’s conflict and what it means for the future.

Both professors in 2017-18 had attended campus to deliver a three-part series. They return to Fordham to have a four-part

Fordham Sponsors Series on Israel and Palestine

talk on the depth of the history as current events unfold for the conflict. Part one focused on Arabs and Jews in the time period from 1882-1948 and took place last semester on Dec. 6, 2023. Part two covers the historical period of 1948-1967. Part three took place on Feb. 20 at 1 p.m.; the webinar covered 1967-2023 towards recent events and escalation. The fourth and final part will be this coming March 19, 2024, at 6 p.m., covering Oct. 7 and its aftermath. It will be both in-person and livestreamed.

Historical insights can provide a better understanding of current events. Myers opened the discussion and offered perspective to divided communities on the conflict: “What we’re trying to do is

both bring added historical perspective and nuance and model how two people can talk about a controversial subject with passion and depth and respect for one another.”

Myers and Ibish explain that conversation on a widely tense topic is possible through passion, depth of history and respectful conversation/dialogue. Communities divided by the aftermath of Oct. 7 may have respectful conversations through historical context that provides insights into how current events have come to be.

Myers would like students and faculty, through this series of talks, to challenge their own strong beliefs about history and utilize their empathy. “I would

like them to have the capacity to hold on to complexity, understanding multiple perspectives of this relationship or conflict, depending on how you describe it. We are really aiming to sort of inculcate in people both empathy and… a critical spirit in understanding the history, the very fraught history of relations between Jews and Palestinians,” said Myers.

Part four of the series will be about how and why the events on Oct. 7 came to be, its aftermath and where the conflict may be headed. The professors will unpack the immediate history behind this crucial event, as well as what’s happened in the past five months since this event took place. They will offer various scenarios of what may happen next. Faculty and stu dents

may register for part four of the series, which will take place on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. in-person at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. The departments co-presenting are the Center of Jewish Studies, the Center on Religion and Culture, the Department of History, the International Studies Program and the Middle Eastern Studies Program.

“Adding that contemporary piece, as history is unfolding, before our eyes, it’s a risky proposition, but it's one that the moment requires,” said Myers. The series of events allows for deeper understanding of current events. It removes elements of worry because history and discussion can allow for better understanding of the unknown.

United Student Government Meets About Marketing Strategies

By SOFIA SEMPER STAFF WRITER

The Fordham University Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) met on Thursday, March 7, to learn about Fordham’s new marketing strategies and to give new business updates.

The Residence Hall Association representative Isaac Forson, FCRH ’26, announced that they have finalized all members of the committee. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee representative stated that they have been discussing possible events for April and have started planning a field day for the end of the semester.

Curl Talk was awarded as the February Club of the Month with the executive board of the club accepting the award.

Fordham University’s Vice

President for Marketing and Communications Justin Bell spoke to USG about marketing updates and improvements that his team hopes to make this year. He explained that marketing and communications were two separate divisions but they recently combined them. The Marketing and Communications office mainly works to support undergraduate enrollment marketing, and they work alongside the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with social media marketing. They are currently working on creating a new Fordham Magazine website and improving their storytelling abilities. Bell said they want to tell the story of current Fordham students and alumni. They are looking to modernize and work on brand development. Since Fordham is no longer the

only Jesuit university in the state of New York, Bell said they are trying to find an alternative brand. They are hoping to better connect with the new generation of college and high school students.

Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill Emma Balint, FCRH ’24, presented a budget request for the FCRH Dean’s Council Student Success subcommittee. They requested money for pizza for their Town Hall with the Career Center and donuts for their tabling. The budget request was approved.

Executive President Briana AlOmoush, FCRH ’24, stated that USG is currently campaigning for the referendum and they have about 600 votes in total so they have almost reached the necessary amount of student participation. She said that they will continue to

do tablings to receive more student votes. Al-Omoush also announced that the USG election information sessions will begin April 8.

Stephen Clarke, associate director for campus center operations, gave the advisor report for the Office for Student Involvement (OSI). Clarke stated that they have been interviewing candidates for new OSI positions.

Vice President of Operations

Calum Stewertson, GSB ’26, announced that they have approved three new clubs and operation packets will be open until April 2.

Vice President of Finance and Budgets Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, said that Budget Day is set for April 20. Vice President of Student Life Brian Inguanti, FCRH ’24, stated that he is working on Keating Steps and the club suite applications are now open.

Vice President of Fordham College at Rose Hill Emma Balint, FCRH ’24, explained that she attended College Council and they voted on the leadership structure of the arts and sciences. Vice President of Gabelli School of Business Catie Flores, GSB ’25, announced that her subcommittees are working with the Diversity Action Coalition on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training. Vice President of Sustainability Sean Power, FCRH ’24, said that he is finishing up plans for Earth Week and he will be presenting a proposal at this week’s meeting. Vice President of Facilities and Dining Peter McGowan, FCRH ’24, stated that the New York Department of Health did an unannounced visit to three dining options on campus, and they all passed their inspection.

Tasked with the most and given the least, the job of a New York City public school teacher is a lot to manage. Nevertheless, praise for their efforts is often unsung.

The NYC public education system is currently in disarray, with many recent reports indicating that students are falling behind and not reaching the necessary level of English proficiency for their grade level. For the past month, I have been working as a teacher’s assistant and an afterschool tutor at a public school in Harlem, both witnessing and being a part of the current education system.

My biggest takeaway is how much the teachers care and the level of effort they put into figuring out what each student needs. That said, the students, at large, need to receive a better academic experience to succeed and progress to higher levels of education, but it is not the fault of the teachers. Although I attended private school my entire life, it does not take an expert to understand that there are several large problems occurring in the school system that are preventing students from learning effectively.

For one, the school where I work does not have any space or time allotted for the children to expel their physical energy. This is due to the fact that the school’s outdoor playground has been shut down for this school year and likely the next because of scaffolding on the

side of the building. Additionally, the students in the elementary grades are not given a physical education period, a standard class at most schools. The effects of not giving the children space to run around are very noticeable in classrooms composed of younger children, such as the kindergarten classroom where I act as a teacher’s assistant.

With the children not having anywhere to run around and tire themselves out, they end up running rampant throughout the classroom, constantly causing disruptions to arise. The only time the children are granted free time to play around is during their lunch period, which for my class is from 10:20 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. While it is true that many other schools do have recess, there is something to be said about the fact that there was no plan put in place to ensure the children would have another avenue of getting rid of some of their hyperactive energy.

I do not have very much experience working in education or with children, but I can speak on my experience as a former kid. Speaking through that lens, it is extremely difficult to sit still in class and complete grammar activities in a booklet for six consecutive hours. Now imagine being the teacher who is tasked with corralling the children and getting them to do the assignments at hand — it is nearly impossible.

Despite having to teach more energetic children for longer periods of class time (given the absence of recess), the lessons taught by teachers are expected to maintain the same level of efficacy. It is unrealistic to expect these teachers to get through to all of the students in their class. Nevertheless, I have witnessed several parents yell at teachers for not doing their job when they have been told their child has been misbehaving in class.

Another major issue that my public school is faced with is a need for more available classroom space. Currently, the elementary school’s classes are composed of students at varying levels of English comprehension rather than organizing them in a way where they can be taught more effectively per their understanding of the English language. This, in turn, leads to the entirety of the class being slowed and impacted by a few students.

These students can be incredibly challenging and really test the patience of a teacher, leading to many of them being mislabeled and seen as

stereotypical problem children in the classroom. I firmly believe that this is not the case for these students, as I believe that they want to receive praise and succeed. I used to work at Lindamood-Bell, a school that specializes in working with students with learning disabilities and who are on the spectrum. From this experience, I learned that children often lash out and cause disruptions when they feel frustrated by the course material put in front of them. One thing Lindamood-Bell offered to such students was a more personalized learning experience, something that NYC public schools simply cannot do given the amount of other tasks they are given. Their inability to provide such experience is only bolstered by the ongoing shortage of teachers and bilingual teachers in NYC. I only work part-time at the public school, and I feel exhausted after each day. Fulltime NYC public school teachers are paid measly salaries compared to the effort they must put into each day and are rarely shown gratitude.

Will Rising College Costs Ever End?

If there is one word that gives college students and their family members persistent stress, it would have to be “increase.”

During a student press conference on Feb. 27, Tania Tetlow, Fordham University President, announced that the university would once again be increasing tuition for the 2024-25 academic year. This announcement follows last year’s tuition increase of 6%. Tetlow stated in the press conference that the tuition increase would be less than 6%. Nonetheless, the topic of tuition increase is still a touchy one for students at Fordham, with many expressing discontent over having to pay more for their education.

Discussions of tuition increases have not been isolated to the Fordham campus — it has become a topic of national debate.

The Education Data Initiative analyzed college costs from 2010 to 2022 and found they had increased 12%. The issue has been exacerbated by the rise of inflation after the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. College tuition increases impact all students in America, especially students from low-income backgrounds, who tend to be hurt the most.

That is why higher education institutions and Congress should take action to address

the high cost of college.

To properly understand this conversation, we must first dissect the different lenses through which we view college costs. The upfront cost of college is commonly known as the “sticker price.” The 2023-24 academic year tuition at Fordham College at Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and the Gabelli School of Business is $60,355 per year.

In addition, there is a room and board charge. Rose Hill’s fees can range from $18,455 to $26,129. However, most individuals do not pay the full tuition because they receive some financial aid and scholarships. The price of college with those aspects factored in is known as the “net price.”

Let’s go back to sticker prices. Why have they increased so much? There are many reasons, but some have a more significant impact than others. One major reason is that some schools believe they can charge high sticker prices because there are wealthy customers who will pay the full price. Colleges need to have a certain amount of people paying the total price because they are spending more money than they used to. A study from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) published in 2021 found that colleges

between 2010 and 2018 had increased spending on administrative costs by 19%. Sticker prices have also risen in public schools, which are supposed to be cheaper than private schools. These prices have increased because state legislatures across the country have decreased the amount they contribute to the universities in their state. As per the National Education Association (NEA), 32 states spent less money on their students in 2020 compared to 2008. Some commentators have blamed the increase in the cost of employing professors. However, the same ACTA study referenced earlier found that instructional spending had grown by 17%, which was less than both administrative costs and student services. It would be unfair to place the blame when other factors seem to contribute more to increasing costs.

When looking at the net prices for college, the situation seems slightly better. Data has shown that net prices for college have actually gone down a little. However, many Americans are still spending more money than they can afford. Phillip Levine, a Wellesley College economics professor, wrote an article for the Brookings Institute about college tuition prices. He stated

that students from low-income families making $40,000 face “substantial obstacles to college access” even if they try to attend a public university. As a result, many students still need to take out student loans, contributing to the continued rise of America’s national student debt, which is currently $1.727 trillion.

Colleges need to realize their sticker price tuition increases do not happen in a vacuum; they harm their perception. In July, 2023, a Gallup poll found that Americans’ trust in higher education had gone down 20 percentage points to just 36%.

Some experts have stated that the increase in tuition prices probably plays a role in this. If colleges want to stop this perception, they should find ways to slow down tuition increases. Cut down on unnecessary administrative spending. When tuition increases are necessary, further increase the financial aid given to students. Congress should take Levine’s advice and double the Pell Grant to further increase access to college for lower-income students. If these tuition increases continue indefinitely with no significant action to address them, it would make the dream of a higher education out of reach for too many.

By LUSA HOLMSTRUM STAFF WRITER

On the first weekend of February, my friends and I traveled from Spain to Chamonix, France, for a once-in-a-lifetime ski trip. Unbeknownst to us, that same weekend marked the start of a controversial tourist attraction on the other side of the mountain. While we went off to ski, everyone else on our bus ambled over to the new gondola system that would take them to the famous and rapidly melting Mer de Glace glacier. Due to the effects of climate change, many natural resources and phenomena are becoming endangered and in this case, my bus mates were here to see the glacier before it is merely a river. Were they in the wrong? Or do they have every right to be visiting a natural site as it withers away?

While many are wondering if there is an ethical approach to this very human issue, the answer isn’t black and white.

Travel and natural excursions are integral aspects of the human experience, but as the natural world suffers the consequences of human consumption and production,

Too Little, Too Late, Too Hot

parks and resources that used to be taken for granted are becoming less and less available to travelers, encouraging a surge of “last-chance tourism.” Just after the new gondola in Chamonix opened, The New York Times interviewed Claude Folmer, a French local, about his reaction to the project that will undoubtedly bring a new wave of tourists to the glacier. Folmer, who first visited the glacier 40 years ago, said, “At some point, you have to leave the glacier alone. There’s big machinery being installed. Where will it stop?”

Many institutions and universities are writing literature on the growing issue of tourism and the environment.

Following the $50 million EPA grant Fordham received last year, many professors and students are becoming increasingly involved in environmental justice research. One such project is the relationship between climate change and the effects on GDP from non-measurable benefits that nature provides humans, such as access to natural parks and mountain ranges. To apply this directly to the example

of the Mer de Glace, the installation of this new gondola will bring high profits to its installers and allow tourists to visit a disappearing site all while contributing to its deterioration. The money spent on its development will only be used for the duration of the glacier’s life. Jobs have been created, minds have been blown, but the glacier continues to melt at an alarming rate. This is not a new discussion — the International Union for Conservation of Nature says that tourism to Antarctica has increased significantly since the early 1990s. Between 1992 and 2020, globetrotters headed to the frozen frontier increased by a factor of 10. Celebrities like singer Lorde and actor David Harbour have made the trek, and American actress Alison Sudol was named Greenpeace’s first “Antarctic Ambassador” in 2018, all of which further increased publicity surrounding the allure of the rapidly changing continent. With all of this comes a mixed bag of responses. While it could be argued that it is important for people to travel while we still can, it is also evident that we are only suffering

the consequences of our own actions and should ultimately be leaving nature alone.

“Ecotourism” is a relatively new term, as the call for responsible tourism has become louder in recent decades. Ecotourism centers on the notion of educational travel and respect for the local communities and environment, in which the activities involve direct engagement with both. Awareness regarding the impact of travel and tourism is crucial for endangered ecosystems that are at risk of the consequences of last-chance tourism.

The bottom line is that in the end, last-chance tourism

will only increase in the coming decades. In accepting what we cannot change, we need to work on what we can. Moving forward, the tourism industry should take every opportunity to practice ecotourism and give as much as they can. When the human desire to visit every continent and see every species before its last member disappears in the heating deserts or melting glaciers is insatiable, we must reframe our mode of engagement.

The Ethical Implications of Alabama’s IVF Decision

By SAISHA ISLAM OPINION EDITOR

The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that frozen embryos should be considered “extrauterine children,” causing many fertility clinics to halt in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, devastating couples who had looked forward to expanding their families. This ruling follows a case established by three couples against a fertility clinic in Mobile, Ala., for the accidental destruction of their frozen embryos. The ruling of the case allowed these couples to be entitled to “punitive damages for the wrongful death of a child.”

While this ruling does protect the couples harmed in this case, the overprotection can have severe legal and ethical repercussions.

If frozen embryos are regarded as children, what legal protections and rights would they have, and how would this affect couples undergoing IVF? While the couples whose frozen embryos were destroyed are entitled to damages as provided for the wrongful death of a child, the future implications of this case are grim and confusing.

What would a precedent like this in Alabama mean for other states, especially in terms of abortions? Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights and bodily autonomy have been increasingly limited. Now that the repercussions

of that precedent have spilled over into IVF treatments, many patients who hold antiabortion views feel conflicted by the government’s interference in matters they think should be more private. As Linda Greenhouse points out in her New York Times opinion piece, abortion only affects the woman, “Infertility, by contrast, is seen as a couple’s problem. That means there is a man involved (even if, for lesbian couples, for example, or for single women, that man is only a sperm donor). And when men have a problem, we know the world is going to snap to attention.”

Once the Alabama Supreme Court ruling was released on Wednesday, March 6, the Republican Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama legislature approved legislation that protects fertility clinics from reopening without being sued. While the bill has calmed couples undergoing IVF treatment by hastening the reopening of fertility clinics, it has also limited their ability to sue fertility clinics for embryo damages and doesn’t address the main element of whether embryos are considered children. The bill has provided significant protection for direct providers of fertility services and less protection for other handlers of frozen embryos. Protection also extends toward patients and services such as “including donating frozen embryos to medical

research, discarding them or choosing not to be implanted with those that have genetic anomalies.” Interestingly, while couples undergoing IVF treatment receive protection under this bill for choosing not to implant embryos that have genetic abnormalities, Alabama only allows abortion for pregnancies posing a “serious health risk” to the pregnant individual and “not for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest” which can pose genetic abnormalities to the fetus. Ethically, if embryos are considered children, then does the discarding of embryos with genetic anomalies present the idea that some embryos are worth more than others? Aside from ethical conundrums, while this hasty new legislation does provide protection for patients receiving IVF and fertility clinics in Alabama, it is simply a bandaid on the large wound created by considering embryos as children.

The fertility industry has been booming in the past years, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology reported “more than 360,000 total IVF cycles in 2021, a figure that has more than tripled since 2003,” with couples paying from around “$15,000 to $20,000 for one round of IVF,” showing the financial and emotional toll of the process. Despite the rise of this industry, there has been little federal or state regulation. At the

same time, mishaps in these clinics, such as destroyed embryos, storage tank failures or swapped embryos, can cause disastrous results for couples where IVF is sometimes the last option to have biological children. The Alabama Supreme Court ruling attempts to compensate couples for their damaged embryos, but this overprotection ultimately harms patients and fertility clinics in the long term. On the other hand, the recent legislation that the Alabama legislature passed provides protection for patients and fertility clinics from the Supreme Court’s decision but creates ethical confusion when it doesn’t address the ruling that embryos are considered children.

State and federal governments should collaborate with fertility clinics and providers in order to pass legislation that can help regulate and protect these industries as well as patients receiving services from these industries. In conclusion, the recent Supreme Court ruling and the following legislation show a concerning shift in further restriction of bodily autonomy and reproductive rights without foresight of what these decisions could imply for the future.

Lusa Holmstrum, FCRH ’25, is an English and Spanish studies major from Venice, Calif.

Saisha Islam, FCRH ’25, is a biology major and English minor from New York, N.Y.

The Alabama ruling on the status of frozen embryos raises legal questions. COURTESY OF TWITTER

Climate tourism puts natural areas like the Mer de Glace glacier at risk. COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Columbia and Barnard’s Free Speech Restrictions

By LAILA SAYEGH STAFF WRITER

In the past few months, rhetoric about the IsraelPalestine conflict in Gaza has been at an all-time high. This is especially reflected on college campuses, whether it be through acts of protest or advocacy groups. It is critical that universities actively work to encourage free expression of thoughts and beliefs on their campuses while also suppressing hate speech. Of course, this is a difficult task, but they must make sure that pro-Palestine rhetoric can be spoken freely without becoming antisemitic or harmful to Jewish students on campus.

Columbia University and Barnard College both faced a lawsuit this Wednesday from five Jewish students and two organizations. They have sued under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for neglecting antisemitism on campus. Jewish students at Columbia have felt discriminated against and unsafe in their classes, communal spaces and social media, especially since Oct. 7, 2023. This legal action highlights the importance of addressing instances of discrimination and prejudice while navigating policies related to political expression. Amidst these legal developments, it is important to emphasize that advocating for the pro-Palestine stance does not condone the important

allegations of antisemitism at Columbia University and Barnard College. The lawsuit shows the undeniable responsibility institutions have to address discrimination in all its forms, in order to foster an environment where every single student, regardless of their background, is able to feel secure and supported. Striking a balance between safeguarding free expression and actively confronting acts of antisemitism is paramount in creating an inclusive and safe academic space that encourages respectful dialogue and understanding amongst diverse perspectives.

As a result of this lawsuit, Barnard College made the decision to mandate the removal of student-decorated room doors, specifically in response to pro-Palestine signs and stickers. This has raised questions about the appropriateness of such a measure. The suppression of peaceful speech and expression, whether in the form of pro-Palestine acts or expressions or any other political discourse, poses a danger to the fundamental principles of academic freedom and democratic values. Universities should champion an atmosphere where diverse opinions are celebrated. The silencing of pro-Palestinian voices through door decoration bans risks stifling constructive and important dialogue, hindering the free exchange of ideas crucial for

fostering critical thinking and awareness. Given the severity of the Israel-Palestine conflict, this is not a matter to be taken lightly. While it is extremely important to make sure Jewish communities on campus feel safe and protected, it is also imperative to give others, specifically the Palestinian community, a place to feel seen and heard. As long as proPalestine rhetoric does not become antisemitic or harmful to others, it should not be suppressed, as that is a violation of freedom of speech.

Barnard also took other methods of restricting proPalestinian expressions on their campus. For example, the administration removed a statement in support of the people of Palestine from the website of the women’s, gender and sexuality studies department. By eliminating a platform that could have provided valuable insights into the Palestinian struggle, the administration risks hindering student’s ability to engage critically with complex geopolitical issues and stifles opportunities for open dialogue. This move also carries the risk of marginalizing Palestinian students on campus and minimizing their important experiences.

Universities have a responsibility to provide an inclusive environment where all students feel valued, regardless of their backgrounds or perspectives. The removal of a platform that speaks to the

Palestinian view could inadvertently convey a message of neglect, making Palestinian students feel as though their struggles are not acknowledged or supported by their academic institution. Recently, some proPalestine protestors from Columbia and Barnard were sprayed with foul-smelling chemicals during a peaceful demonstration. This incident is deeply concerning and raises questions about the level of pushback faced by student activists. Such acts, regardless of the perpetrator’s identity, are unsettling and should be unequivocally condemned.

Student activism, especially on issues as complex and sensitive as the IsraelPalestine conflict, has been an integral part of the university experience. However, the use of force or intimidation against these student activists crosses a line that contradicts the principles of free speech and peaceful assembly. Engaging in peaceful protests is a fundamental right that should be protected within the academic space. Universities should be spaces that encourage diverse perspectives, where students can engage in open dialogue without fearing for their own safety. It is crucial for the academic community to come together and condemn any form of violence against student activists.

In the midst of escalating tensions and legal actions

surrounding the recent news of the Israel-Palestine conflict, university campuses have become battlegrounds for free expression and advocacy. While it is crucial to address instances of antisemitism and discrimination, all universities must tread carefully to ensure that pro-Palestine rhetoric can be freely spoken without transgressing into hate speech. The decision made by Barnard to mandate the removal of measures like student-decorated doors in order to restrict and prevent pro-Palestinian expressions raise serious concerns about stifling academic discourse. It is essential to strike a balance between fostering an inclusive and safe environment, acknowledging the Palestinian narrative and ensuring that free speech remains an unwavering cornerstone of academic life. The severity of the IsraelPalestine conflict demands a nuanced approach that respects the rights and perspectives of all students, encouraging an atmosphere where understanding, empathy and respectful dialogue for all sides can thrive.

Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27, is a political science major from Congers, N.Y.

Currently Googling “How to be Hotter?”

By INDIRA KAR CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The trend of “glowing up,” or an improved transformation in physical appearance, has cemented itself in popular culture. On the TikTok For You Page or even on Instagram Reels, there is an infiltration from a plethora of “glow-up” transition videos. The imposition of these trends leads users to be overly conscious of their physical appearance. “Looksmaxxing,” a concept that has existed for several years now, is the latest of these trends to catapult in popularity and has affected a predominantly male audience, placing too much importance on appearance. Insecurity and comparison to beauty standards is nothing new. However, it has become a more significant issue with popular platforms like TikTok, where outward looks have become equated with social currency. “Looksmaxxing” is based on lookism, which is prejudice towards people who are deemed physically unattractive and often can intersect with racism and sexism. The term “looksmaxxing,” which focuses on optimizing physical appearance to gain social success, is sourced from incel

(involuntary celibate) message boards. These “looksmaxxers” focus on traits such as pupillary distance of one’s eyes, chiseled cheekbones, a sharp jaw, the canthal tilt or angle of eyes, pouty lips and a stunning physique to increase appearance or someone’s “sexual market value.” Some other terms in the community include “mogging,” where you look better than someone else and “mewing,” which is a pseudoscientific tongue exercise believed to define the jaw.

A “looksmaxxer” wants to have traits attributed to winning the genetic lottery, with features regarded as more masculine to attract women. The audience for this content can be as young as 10 years old, planting the seed of insecurity and curating a generation of boys with problematic perspectives before they hit middle school. Unlimited internet access to this information on platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Reddit at a young age only exacerbates the problem. While this community of “looksmaxxers” can offer young boys positive guidance as to how to lightly improve their appearance, with its roots in incel communities, “looksmaxxing,” at a certain point, just ends up

fostering misogyny and racism.

In the age of social media, people are more preoccupied with how they look. As more people perceived themselves through the computer screen on Zoom during COVID-19, some plastic surgery offices saw an increase in procedures for jaw augmentation. For those who consider themselves “unblessed” in the appearance department, the movement for “looksmaxxing” has a whole online community of followers to help you maximize your looks on your journey to finally being “hot.” The community shares tips on skincare, diet, exercise and other noninvasive changes to incorporate into one’s daily routine to feel more confident in their appearance and possibly improve their mental health.

Men who partake in these nonsurgical techniques state they are participating in “softmaxxing.” However, quickly becoming overly preoccupied and consumed by appearance is a more telling aspect of the detriment of “looksmaxxing.”

This can result in “hardmaxxing,” which includes medical enhancements to achieve the desired look, ranging from nose jobs and fillers to more extreme procedures such as

limb lengthening. It also includes disordered eating and overexercising. As a whole “looksmaxxing” promotes features that are not physically attainable for everyone. While “looksmaxxing” may aim to increase confidence, the obsession over appearance harms people’s self-esteem.

Everyone wants to be included and accepted, but why should this depend solely on something superficial? Appearance is fleeting and, frankly, I think people think about themselves too much. Serena Shahidi (@glamdemon2004), a Tiktok star, in what might be one of her most iconic but controversial videos, commented on the relationship of building confidence based on appearance: “Some of you guys have not read a book, don’t know how to do your taxes, have no

sense of identity outside the internet and can’t speak in public.” Urging her viewers to expand on their interests outside of appearance, Shahidi ends the video with “Who cares! Spell ‘pharaoh.’ Tell me what the FTC does. Name a single hobby of yours outside of media consumption… Exactly, not hot,” which prompted backlash, as many viewers felt personally attacked. However, this video calls into question — what do we prioritize and why? With trends of mewing to achieve a jawline like supermodels, extreme dieting and “looksmaxxing” at our fingertips, this generation will continue to become overly consumed with how we are physically perceived.

Looksmaxxing is rising in popularity among young men and boys.

COURTESY OF GRACE CAMPBELL/THE FORDHAM RAM

“Uncommitted” Votes Are a Nationwide Wake-Up Call

By ALLISON SCHNEIDER MANAGING EDITOR

Running largely unopposed, the incumbent President Joe Biden should be having a smooth primary season, but Muslim Americans, people of color and young Americans across the country are orchestrating a nationwide wake-up call to the sitting leader. Rather than vote for Biden, many American voters have taken to the polls to express their frustration with Biden’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict by voting “uncommitted” in the Democratic primary.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, over 100,000 voters from Michigan turned out to vote “uncommitted” in the Democratic presidential primary. A week later, Super Tuesday results revealed that thousands of Americans were on the same page as the 13% of Michigan voters who selected “uncommitted.” Out of the 14 states which held the Democratic Party primaries on Super Tuesday, seven states including Alabama, Colorado, Iowa and Massachusetts, along with other states Minnesota, North Carolina and Tennessee had “uncommitted” or equivalent options on the ballot.

The states Minnesota and North Carolina had the highest percentage of “uncommitted” votes of the seven states with 18.9% and 12.7% of voters, respectively, opting into the protest vote. Another significant “uncommitted” turnout happened in Hawai’i on March 6. While only about 1,500 votes were cast, over 29% were for the “uncommitted” option. While “uncommitted” has

only secured 20 delegates so far this season, the protest movement has still made waves in political reporting, which is exactly the purpose of the uncommitted campaign. Voters were looking for a way to express their outrage at Biden and his blatant support for Israel’s attacks on Gaza that also didn’t require them to vote for his under-the-radar opponents, Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson.

The uncommitted option provides voters with a low-risk opportunity to demonstrate concern, which feels increasingly rare in American politics. Unlike the general election, voting against Biden in the primary does not give any of the Republican candidates additional power. The uncommitted vote allows American citizens to feel like they have a voice and, more importantly, it’s one that Biden might actually listen to.

On Saturday, March 2, the United States airdropped a measly 38,000 meals to 2.3 million Palestinians facing “crisis levels of food insecurity,” according to the United Nations. On Sunday, less than a week after Michigan’s primary election, Vice President Kamala Harris made an announcement calling for an increase in the flow of aid to Palestinians under siege and for “an immediate ceasefire.” During his State of the Union address on Thursday, Biden announced plans to build a temporary pier to help deliver aid to people in Gaza. While many people have found the moves lackluster in light of the

U.S.’s continued funding of the Israeli military, these moves mark a significant shift in attitude from the Biden administration on the Israel-Palestine conflict just a few days after the “vote uncommitted” movement began making headlines.

It is not clear that the uncommitted votes have had a direct impact on the Biden administration’s shifting attitude, nor is it clear that a change in policy will actually accompany the change in rhetoric, but these possibilities cannot be entirely ruled out. The uncommitted vote is making headlines, and leaders in the Democratic Party know this.

While American news outlets fail to cover protests happening right outside their headquarters, they seem to have less qualms about publishing articles centered around the uncommitted campaign.

Since the beginning of the war, prominent American news outlets, including the New York Times, have come under fire for their lack of coverage on the known Palestinian struggle and the U.S. protest movement. In comparison, the attention that the uncommitted campaign has received sheds light on American dissatisfaction.

American voters are passionate about this issue, and they want to feel heard. The uncommitted vote is perhaps the best way to demand more from the Biden administration, which becomes increasingly crucial with each passing day of this election year. However, liberal critics of the uncommitted movement fear what this might mean for the general election.

I wonder, will “uncommitted” voters show up to the polls to vote for Biden this fall? If Biden fails to win them over through policy change, will that guarantee a Trump victory?

These are valuable questions, but will hopefully prove to be irrelevant ones. During the 2012 presidential election, former President Barack Obama faced thousands of uncommitted votes, even taking home less than 60% of the primary votes in states like Kentucky and West Virginia. Obama still defeated Mitt Romney by 126 electoral votes in the general election. Assuming that Biden manages to take the hint and adjust his policies, there’s an even greater chance of a similar result.

It’s also important to remember that the protest vote is specifically tied to the IsraelPalestine conflict. Biden’s shoein opponent, former President Donald Trump, has also been harsh on the Palestinian struggle, at least in his words. Last week, Trump said that Israel needs to “finish the problem” in Gaza, a turn of phrase that rings eerily similar to signs held up during a pro-Israel march

in Washington, D.C., last fall. People at the rally repeated chants of “no cease-fire” and held signs with genocidal implications including one reading “Let Israel Finish the Job.” Americans voting “uncommitted” in their states’ primary elections are aware enough to know about the campaign and dedicated enough to make their voices heard. They are paying attention to the news cycle. They know where Biden stands on the issue, and they also know where Trump stands. When the general election rolls around, voters are going to do whatever will bring them one step closer to a cease-fire; chances are, that step will be voting for Biden. In the meantime, pro-Palestinian Americans should keep casting their votes against Biden and making their voices heard while they have the chance. The public needs to continue finding ways to push Biden’s buttons without punishing themselves in the process.

AllisonSchneider,FCRH’26,isan English major from Indianapolis, Ind.

The Dilemma of Dynamic Pricing at Fast Food Restaurants

By MIKE ANGELO RODRIGUEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There is nothing in the world that I love more than cheap food. Savoring a meal for a cheap price is one of the many small pleasures that I love to indulge in. My infatuation with affordable food has contributed to my disappointment when hearing that Wendy’s has contemplated introducing dynamic pricing to its menu in 2025. Naturally, I find that this is a horrible decision and will lead to exploitation and manipulation of consumers.

Dynamic pricing is the practice of fluctuating prices based on market demand. Wendy’s is planning to test dynamic pricing and these changes are anticipated to roll out in 2025. Wendy’s claims that the adjustment in their pricing strategy is based on the popularity of products and will not be used to raise the prices of its menu. According to a Wendy’s chief executive during an earnings call earlier this month, “The current price for a Wendy’s Dave’s Single,

Baconator or the beloved Frosty dessert could fluctuate based on demand.”

All across America, food prices have surged due to an increase in production costs and an increase in inflation. All fast food restaurants have made themselves with familiar menu price increases and restaurants, like McDonald’s, Burger King and Starbucks, are already utilizing dynamic pricing in more subtle ways by offering customers points, discounts and incentives. The difference is that Wendy’s stated these tactics out loud, drawing backlash from customers. The increases in these tactics give the impression that dining at a fast food chain is almost comparable in price to dining at an above-average sit-down restaurant with higher quality food and service.

I believe that fast food restaurants increasing the price of their menu based on item popularity will have negative impacts on business and would truly be a mistake. The entire appeal

of fast food chains is not necessarily the taste of the food but the quick service, convenience and, most importantly, the affordability of the food. Increasing the price of food with subpar quality is not justifiable. Needless to say, the service does not justify the price either. To a certain extent, dynamic pricing in fast food chains can be considered exploitation as some American households rely on fast food due to convenience and affordability.

I am not the only one who harbors extreme displeasure with Wendy’s and their decision to roll out dynamic pricing. New York lawmakers are not considering this idea favorable either and have decided to introduce bills that would counteract such decisions. For example, State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (D-NY) introduced the Fair Food Prices Act which is “designed to protect consumers from potential exploitation and manipulation.”

Some might argue that as a large business in capitalist

America, Wendy’s and other fast food chains should have the right to run their businesses as they see fit. Nonetheless, I believe that fast food chains are cheap for a reason. Fast food is not known for having the highest quality of food. It is not the highest grade of cuisine on the market. It is simply enjoyed by many because of its convenience and simple taste, which contribute to

its enticing appeal and add to its draw. I would not shell out $30 for a burger and fries from Wendy’s, and I don’t think it should ever have to come to that.

Mike Angelo Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, is a political science major from Atlantic City, N.J.

Fast food restaurants have been participating in dynamic pricing.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

More voters are voting “uncommitted” in the primary elections.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

96th Oscars:“Oppenheimer” Asserts Its Dominance

By CALEB STINE CULTURE EDITOR

On Sunday, Hollywood’s (supposed) best were honored in Los Angeles at the 96th Academy Awards. The ceremony itself was relatively uneventful and smooth, but in a way that felt a little unsatisfying.

Like the Grammy Awards and Golden Globes earlier this year, there were virtually no “extracurricular activities.” No instances of not keeping wives names’ in mouths or misawarding golden statues for Best Picture, the very moments that I think make the Oscars especially entertaining. There were flubs here and there, but nothing that will live in infamy or stick with people for longer than a week.

The red carpet looks were very solid this year. Carey Mulligan of “Maestro” stunned in a classy black mermaid gown that won the hearts of red carpet hosts Vanessa Hudgens and Julianne Hough, and, most importantly, Twitter. Among my other favorite looks were “Past Lives” star Greta Lee flaunting a black and white Loewe gown and Cillian Murphy’s custom black Versace suit.

Jimmy Kimmel, following the patterns of other hosts this awards show season, didn’t so much make himself look great, but continued to make Jo Koy’s hosting of the Golden Globes in January look worse.

Kimmel’s monologue was relatively safe and boring in my opinion, which was surely an intentional choice on the writers to cautiously avoid the disaster fire that was Koy’s

By GRACE GALBREATH ASST. NEWS EDITOR EMERITUS

Ciao! Last weekend, my friends and I embarked on our long-anticipated spring break trip. The elaborate logistics of our 11-day voyage across the Mediterranean (flights, lodging, etc.) were planned weeks ago, and now I get to reap the benefits of past-Grace’s tedious planning. Today is day three of our journey: a travel day.

This article feels a bit like a journal entry because I am writing it on my phone on a five-hour bus headed towards Nice, France. A few months ago, I sat in B-52 and threatened that I would one day turn the Ram into my own personal diary. I recall former Production Editor Michael Sluck saying that he would never let that happen. Try and stop me now, Sluck.

Our journey began on Friday afternoon with a flight from London. We flew into Milan and immediately hopped on a train to Lake Como, Italy. Como is a

outing at the Globes.

Considering the projected winners of the awards before the ceremony, the previous award shows set a precedent for pretty much all categories that the Oscars generally followed. Because of the Golden Globes’ structure of dividing acting categories in Musical/ Comedy and Drama, there wasn’t a crystal clear favorite for either the Best Actor or Best Actress categories, but with the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards also in the rear view as of this past Sunday, the favorites were solidified.

“Oppenheimer’s” Robert Downey Jr. swept the major four ceremonies to take home his first Oscar. Da’Vine Joy Randolph swept as well for her role in “The Holdovers.” Both of these were absolutely deserving.

Murphy was the frontrunner in the acting category all winter, and finished the race as an Oscar winner. In his sixth film with Christopher Nolan over a collaboration of almost two decades, Murphy emerged as the first Irish-born actor to lift a golden statue.

Murphy was the favorite for both my head and my heart this awards season, but I left some room in there for Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” who I thought was marvelous, if not nearly intense. While the sweep certainly makes sense, I wished Cooper got at least a rose petal in the form of a SAG or BAFTA this season, if he couldn’t truly get his flowers.

The Best Actress Category was the biggest “surprise” of

the night. And that’s only in quotes because the two favorites Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone each took home a respective SAG and BAFTA prior to Sunday, and were nominated for two different categories at the Globes.

Stone won for her role as Bella Baxter in “Poor Things” on Sunday. Visibly shocked and delivering a classy, but obviously thrown together speech, it seemed as if Stone wanted Gladstone to win what would have been her first Oscar, emerging from being virtually unknown before starring in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

My personal favorite in this category was Mulligan, who I’ve been a fan of for years. And while Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in “Maestro” was brilliant, Mulligan as his wife Felicia Montealegre was simply outstanding.

While what was surely the strongest part of an otherwise solid “Maestro” did not earn

a major trophy, Stone was a fine choice, but a one-man Academy of yours truly would have given Mulligan her first Oscar on Sunday.

Outside of the winners and nominees, the highlights and heartwarmers of Oscar Sunday were present as well.

“Barbie’s” Ryan Gosling performed “I’m Just Ken,” donning a bright-pink sparkly suit and shades in what was certainly a stand out from the show. As a “La La Land” enthusiast, when Gosling pointed the microphone at Stone to sing a line from the song, I got a little nostalgic. It was always Mia and Sebastian.

Gosling and Emily Blunt playfully bantering back and forth about the rivalry between “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” over the summer was electric. Blunt hitting Gosling with the “and the way this awards season’s turned out, wasn’t that much of a rivalry so just let it go,” would later prove to be prophetic, as “Oppenheimer’’

racked up award after award.

Winning seven Oscars over “Barbie’s” one, Nolan’s blockbuster gave the veteran Brit his first two career Oscars, as “Oppenheimer” won Best Picture and Nolan won Best Director.

Winning for score and cinematography as well, Oppenheimer became the highest grossing best picture winner since “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” in 2004.

As a well-produced show, the 96th Academy Awards could have used some flair, some fire and maybe even a sprinkle more of controversy. However, at the same time, the relative smoothness of it proved to be refreshing and light hearted. The films and nominees were some of the strongest in recent memory, and I wouldn’t hate if Sunday’s ceremony put the Oscars on a track of tasteful, yet notall-that-exciting fun.

An Aspiring Clooney

home-away-from-home for many Hollywood Stars like George and Amal Clooney. When in Como, it is important to adopt the mindset: WWGD. If you are wondering, that acronym stands for “What Would George Do?” For three glorious days, I lived like a Clooney. On Friday night, I purchased an appetizer, a drink, an entrée and dessert at dinner. On Saturday, I toured Como from a (public) boat. Needless to say, I splurged the George and Amal way.

We stayed in Blevio, Italy, a town just 10 minutes from Como. Blevio definitely puts the “small” in small town. The people were overly nice, despite the language barrier. Locals helped us purchase bus tickets and gave endless recommendations for nearby restaurants and popular tourist attractions.

Never before have I experienced people so welcoming. During Friday’s dinner, my friend Lauren befriended the charming waiter, and later in the evening, he introduced us

to his adorable new puppy, Caesar.

Blevio is famous for its colorful streets decorated with glass mosaics. The town also boasts several parks filled with the elaborate designs. While Blevio is very beautiful, it is also very hilly because it sits atop the Comasche Prealps. Our Airbnb, which was a quaint two room cottage, was built into the side of the mountain and only accessible by a set of 200 steps. Let me repeat that, and offer some more description: 200 steep, uneven and slippery steps. The mile-long journey was not for the faint of heart, and definitely not for six girls carrying two weeks’ worth of luggage! Though, the breathtaking view from the cottage’s terrace was well worth the climb.

Despite my limited knowledge of the Italian language (and lousy record for learning foreign languages), I have perfected a simple “ciao” and “grazie.” By the end of the weekend, some may have even considered

me fluent. Who’s to say? I challenge Editor-in-Chief Sofia Donohue to an Italian duel. Professor Parmeggiani can be the judge. For Donohue’s sake, I hope she does not play favorites.

It wouldn’t be a Galbreath column if I didn’t mention the cuisine, so here goes. Como’s food was great, amazing even. Who doesn’t love pasta and pizza? I definitely do. I spent the weekend searching for a Pugsleyinspired slice of penne alla vodka pizza — to no avail. I guess the Bronx style is not authentic, who would have thought?

The real star of the show, aside from the views, was Como’s extensive wine selection. On Saturday we embarked on a two-hour wine pairing class. We learned to pair luxurious wines with various aged cheeses and savory meats. It was wonderful, and I would absolutely recommend it.

Our time in Como came to an end much too quickly, but I am certain that I will

be back. (Preferably staying in a cottage with fewer steps.) George and Amal, this is not a goodbye, it is a see you later!

I am spending the remainder of my spring break in Nice and Barcelona, Spain, where I have big plans to lie on the beach with a book. After that, one night in Madrid before jetting off to, you guessed it, Dublin for Saint Patrick’s Day! I guess all roads really do lead home (to Ireland).

The

Mediterranean is gorgeous.

COURTESY OF TWITTER

Christopher Nolan, along with the cast and crew of “Oppenheimer,” accept the Best Picture Oscar.

Study Abroad | Europe

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Bookstore

By AVA CARREIRO DIGITAL PRODUCER EMERITUS

Originally founded in 2021 by Latanya Devaughn, Bronx Bound Books boasts a unique concept — a traveling bookstore. Inside what was previously used as a shuttle bus, is now thousands of new and used books for sale.

A cozy interior filled with bright orange shelves and what customers describe as the smell of “home,” this bookmobile travels throughout the Bronx borough with the overarching goal of literacy and book ownership for all. Specifically, the company aims to increase the literacy rates of children living within the Bronx community.

This bookstore on wheels travels all throughout the Bronx, stopping at schools, shelters, churches and even farmers’ markets. The company does so in hopes of making “book buying affordable and accessible to every corner of the Bronx and beyond.” The business regularly gives back to the Bronx community through additional means such as book drives for donations, storytelling for children and workshops for families.

Bronx Bound Books believes in “the transformative power of reading and the importance of accessible book ownership. [Its] curated selection is a mix of genres and voices, celebrating diversity and fostering a love for literature across all ages.”

Even Fordham students can get involved with Bronx Bound Books’ mission. The Fordham Business Development Collaboratory (FBDC) is a consulting club on campus that provides Fordham students with the ability to enhance the development of local businesses, primarily through efforts in marketing and outreach. FBDC first began working with Bronx Bound Books in the fall 2023 semester.

FBDC plans to host Bronx Bound Books later this semester for an on-campus business fair. Students will be encouraged to donate books to Bronx Bound Books to help give back to the greater Bronx community.

Sabrina Khanali, GSB ’26, an executive director of FBDC, is responsible for communicating with Bronx Bound Books and the greater executive board of the club, as well as planning the various projects that the club works on with Bronx Bound Books throughout each semester.

Khanali reflected on her favorite memory from working with Bronx Bound Books. In the fall 2023, she visited a Bronx Bound Books kiosk inside the Bay Plaza mall. She recalled seeing lots of children and families enjoying the “Author Day” event. “It was such a pleasure to experience our client’s environment and see the impact they make on their community,” she said.

Another member of the

FBDC, Michael Lynch, GSB ’26, shared his experience working with Bronx Bound Books. According to Lynch, it was Bronx Bound Books’ mission that initially drew his attention. “It is imperative to make books more accessible, especially in underserved communities that lack these resources,” he said.

Lynch’s responsibilities primarily include strategizing ways for the company to enhance its social media presence and marketing strategy. Some examples include pursuing partnerships with local schools and other bookstores for a Bronx Bound Books collaboration.

When asked what his favorite part of working with Bronx Bound Books, Lynch responded that he enjoys working with a tight-knit group of like-minded individuals who are collectively passionate about supporting the business and its overall mission. He also cited that it’s extremely worthwhile to see how FBDC’s contributions have had a positive impact on Bronx Bound Books as a company.

“I firmly believe that Fordham students should integrate themselves within the Bronx community more, especially supporting businesses with commendable initiatives like Bronx Bound Books,” said Lynch.

Khanali added, “In addition to directly making an impact to help improve the business, students gain realworld experience in the areas of business development and consulting, which is great to put on resumes and talk about in

interviews.”

There are many ways for Fordham students who are interested to get involved with Bronx Bound Books. Students can follow Bronx Bound Books on Instagram and Facebook (@BronxBoundBooks) to learn more about upcoming events and stops of the bookmobile.

For students looking for a more hands-on experience in working alongside Bronx

Bound Books, they can join the FBDC by signing up at the club fairs held each semester on campus, or by visiting the Social Innovation Collaboratory room located on the second floor of the Hughes building on campus.

To learn more about FBDC and their work, students can visit @FordhamFBDC on Instagram or reach out to fbdc@fordham.edu.

Go to Oxbridge & Get a Job: Natasha Brown’s “Assembly”

By FRANCES SCHNEPFF MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR EMERITUS

On the Eurostar to London’s St. Pancras, an older man asked me where I am from and what I study. Seeing my book, written in English, he asked if I was a literature student. So much of me wanted to say yes. Unfortunately, I told him, I am a media student. Still, a lie. Throughout my 64 hour journey to Ghent Belgium, I enthralled myself in Natasha Brown’s “Assembly.” Written in 2021 and taking place in a pre-COVID-19 London, “Assembly” explores the eventful summer of a Black woman in financial services, and specifically the roles and experiences that she, knowingly or unknowingly, signed herself up for.

Everything about this book is precise, timely and written with full intention. In under 100 pages, Brown manages to present the complex future that Black people in Britain deal with as they enter a corporate setting. The feeling of inadequacy and pressure as a Black woman in modern-day Britain and the surprising lack of agency that comes once you have supposedly “made it.” What drew me to buying this book (which is often

a difficult feat) was the inside cover which states: “Come of age in the credit crunch. Be civil in a hostile environment. Step out into a world of Go Home vans. Go to Oxbridge, get an education, start a career. Do all the right things. Buy a flat. Buy art. Buy a sort of happiness. But above all, keep your head down. Keep quiet. And keep going.” It reminds me a lot of Ewan McGregor’s famous monologue in the 1996 film “Trainspotting” — “Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a family. Choose a f**king big television” — continuing on to his denial of this choice. Instead, he chose heroin. Because I’m not a heroin addict, I can relate more to Brown’s monologue, and I’m sure many students who study subjects adjacent to business or politics can as well. There is a complex dilemma that I’ve found myself approaching more and more the further I’ve progressed into my career. It’s the balance between having a comfortable life and living for yourself. I think that Brown does an amazing job revealing the feelings of someone who has made this choice, to follow the path that we all feel we ought to take, but question

doing so. Of course, I cannot relate to the nuances of being a Black woman in the workplace, which makes this book all the more impactful for me. Seeing how the message of achieving a kind of corporate success means so much to Brown is really intriguing. In the book, the nameless protagonist claims that she sometimes wonders why she chose this life, but she reminds herself that without this lofty job, large salary, white boyfriend and mid-century modern warehouse apartment, her voice would be heard even less than it already is. For her, gaining a corporate identity, having her company’s name behind hers, gives her an air of credibility. Oxford or Cambridge? A name has the power to open the door. Without a certain word, without a named justifier, she feels like she would be nothing. After reading “Assembly,” I was reminded of Noam Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent.” In his Five Theories of the Media Machine, he discusses the idea of the Media Elite. This idea claims that in certain societal models, most likely liberal ones, journalism cannot truly be a check on power. The system of media, and arguably the corporate world, requires complicity.

There are little ways in which a journalist can be successful without adhering to outside interests of the corporations they work for. I found “Assembly” touched upon issues very parallel to this one. The protagonist has a message she wants to share with the young students that she speaks with about her company, she wants to tell them the reality of her experience. However, this freedom of speech is no longer granted because she has signed up to spread a message she does not stand behind. As soon as she gets a voice, she must use it for interests that are not hers. She is forcing her body to manufacture their perception of her job, a reality which she does not live. But what else is she to do?

This is where “Assembly” creates a realistic depiction of a young person’s dilemma. Like I said before, of course we don’t want to be a cog in this corporate machine, but, if not, what else? I think there are ways to look around this, to be more hopeful and positive about a future career. But I also think there are many reasons to be negative about it. Most likely I will also work somewhere that may force me to manufacture ideas — but I will always remember to ask questions, to be suspicious of projected realities.

In an interview with the American Library in Paris, Brown says “be skeptical, approach this story with skepticism” for “Penguin wouldn’t publish a book that they didn’t feel would sell.”

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

This Bronx business recognizes the importance of literacy.

Who’s That Kid | Bella Tagliavia

Sophomore Shares Her Love for Fordham With Future Rams

By ALEXIS HURCHALLA SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Bella Tagliavia’s roots at Fordham University run deep, and today, she’s on a mission to share her contagious love for all things Fordham with future classes.

As a first-year, Tagliavia was eager to immerse herself in the school community and share her love for the university with others, so she sought out the Rose Hill Society (RHS). This decision marked the beginning of her path to becoming a tour guide for Fordham.

Through her involvement, Tagliavia dove into the heart of Fordham’s community, learning about the university and its surroundings. Her genuine enthusiasm and commitment to showcasing the university’s unique charm soon became evident, and it wasn’t long before Tagliavia embraced the role of a tour guide with unwavering dedication.

Now a sophomore, she reflects on her journey, expressing, “Being a member of Rose Hill Society has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have been a part of during my time at Fordham. I have learned so much about the university and its surroundings, giving me great enjoyment of the campus and New York City. Not only have I met wonderful people through RHS, but I have also been given a chance to share my love for Fordham by showing

prospective students the great things Fordham has to offer.”

In her role as a tour guide, Tagliavia not only showcases the physical beauty of Fordham’s campus but also shares her personal connection to the university. Her enthusiasm and warmth shine through, creating an inviting atmosphere for prospective students. Bella embodies the Jesuit values of service, leadership and social justice, which form the core of the Fordham experience.

Her love for working with kids and her aspirations to pursue a career in early childhood education or adolescent speech pathology shows her dedication to positively impacting others. She seamlessly integrates her passion for children and her commitment to Fordham, creating a narrative reflecting her personal goals and connection to the university.

“I love working with children, and I hope to either pursue a career in early childhood education or adolescent speech pathology,” she shares, highlighting the intersection of her academic pursuits with her desire to contribute meaningfully to the community. Tagliavia’s blend of passion and purpose is a testament to the diverse and vibrant experiences she has purposefully cultivated.

As a history major with a marketing minor, Tagliavia’s academic journey at Fordham

has been marked by thoughtful decision-making and support from the university’s faculty. She acknowledges the unique flexibility offered by Fordham, stating, “I was happy to come to Fordham, where students do not have to choose a major until the spring of their sophomore year, as I was unsure as to what I wanted to major in when I graduated high school. However, history was the one thing I knew that I loved, and the professors and advisors at Fordham offered me great guidance when choosing a major.”

While Tagliavia has forged her journey at Fordham, her love for Fordham is rooted in a familial legacy. Her parents, who met while attending Fordham Lincoln Center, laid the groundwork for Tagliavia’s connection to the university. Despite the footsteps of her two older sisters, who attended the Rose Hill campus before her, Tagliavia has embraced her individuality and interests.

Her unique blend of personal experiences and family history creates a story that personifies the Fordham community. As Tagliavia continues to make her mark at the university, her journey stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Fordham that transcends generations within her family. In Tagliavia, Fordham has found a true ambassador — one who embraces their traditions and values and works to shape its future.

Bleachers’ New Album Shows A New Blossoming

By NICOLE BRAUN OPINION EDITOR EMERITUS

Bleachers’ latest album isn’t for everyone — and that’s not just some cliché. The eponymous fourth album from the decade-old indie pop band “is for the lonely, the tired on a wire, the born strange desired.” This album is for the fans who have been there from the beginning and can recognize every easter egg in that laden line.

After the junior slump of 2021’s “Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night,” I was a little worried that my favorite band had lost its magic, the fervent energy that is “supposed to sound like a person going crazy in a room alone — that’s what it is.” Frontman Jack Antonoff has been busy being a super producer for the industry’s biggest names, and I and other fans worried that maybe he had gotten too caught up with others’ work and lost his own sound. With the release of their first single this past September, the bombastic, joyful “Modern Girl,” I wondered, “Is Bleachers finally back?”

Where the last album was muddled, “Bleachers” is a rambling exploration of how love can exist with disillu -

sionment and how reaching mental stability is also tied with the desire to self-destruct. This album has fewer of those songs that you turn up till your ears ache as you speed down the highway, but they are powerful in their own right. “Me Before You” is probably the best example of this feeling — a consistent thrum of energy that recognizes how far Antonoff has come with where he has been. Other album highlights are the wonderfully nonchalant “Alma Mater,” the quirky and chaotic “Jesus is Dead” and “Isimo,” whose richness of sound and depth of meaning make it the perfect soundtrack for a late-night talk with your best friend.

That said, Bleachers is not “back,” as I wondered in September. They’re something better, and this is epitomized in the ninth track, “Self Respect.” This track is all about looking in the mirror and thinking all of our worst thoughts and the vulnerability that comes with sharing them with others, hoping to feel a little less alone. “Self Respect,” despite its desperation, is a tendril of hope: it’s the first crocuses emerging from the ground; it’s a cold beam of sunlight on a

March morning. “Self Respect” is about the tiresomeness of trying to be better, of wanting to give in, and yet in light of this need that at times feels instinctive, Antonoff soars, “I’m still here and I’m still playin’!”

Despite the thematic and sonic differences between this album and its predecessors, one fact unites them all: they are best when they are performed live.

Last Wednesday, March 6, I had the opportunity to see the band perform at the Bowery Ballroom — an intimate show of only 500 people to celebrate the release of their upcoming album. The event was announced just a week prior, and I only found out about it because I randomly checked my spam mailbox while sitting in a cubicle at work. I frantically ordered the tickets, nervously looking over my shoulder and completely high on adrenaline when I saw the tickets arrive in my inbox.

Though my friend and I were drenched in the rain as we waited outside the venue and then damp and slightly moldy the rest of the night, none of that mattered when Antonoff and the rest of the band came out. While the band has both

grown in size and following and the mystique of Antonoff as a pop music kingpin has soared, Bleachers still performs with the energy of your older brother’s band playing in your garage — except they have the talent to back it up. While they are a band with millions of followers, they still have the goofiness of your older brother’s band, too: Antonoff paused after the opener to switch out his Doc Martens for the bowling shoes he sports on the album’s cover because his boots were too “squishy.” What’s most extraordinary about Antonoff’s live performances is that he never

forgets the community that propelled his band to success. He remembers that Bleachers is a group effort, that we’re all united by feeling “dissonant in your life and [hoping to] find something you recognize.” Antonoff, a master of building setlists, crafted a 90-minute set that took fans on a winding journey that melded the band’s characteristic vulnerability of hope with the raucous admittance that it’s okay to feel lost, too. The first thing Antonoff ever told us through his Bleachers microphone is that he wants to get better. In the band’s fourth album, he finally has.

COURTESY OF ALEXIS HURCHALLA/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Tagliavia loves Fordham, and wants you to love it too.

Antonoff inspires and reflects in new Bleachers album.

“Brief Encounter” Is A Simplistically Beautiful Film

By EVAN MCMANUS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

One of my favorite directors is David Lean. He is widely known for the series of large-scale films that he directed in the 1950s-60s, which include “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” Lawrence of Arabia” and “Dr. Zhivago.”

All three films are stories of epic proportions that are full of landscapes and characters that are larger than life. They include great cinematography and some of the best-edited sequences in film history. While it is easy to be impressed by Lean

when watching these grand films, there is another one of his films that is on a smaller scale:“Brief Encounter.”

The premise of the movie “Brief Encounter” is deceivingly simple. It’s the name of the movie. The film opens in a cafe in a small train station in 1940s England. While the camera is focused on a conversation between a station worker and a cafe cashier, a couple is sitting in the background. The lady is named Laura Jesson, played by Celia Johnson. She is a middle-aged woman. The man is a doctor named Alec Harvey, played

by Trevor Howard. Our focus moves over to them, and something seems off. Then, a woman walks in and recognizes the women sitting at the table. The three of them engage in small talk, and the man gets up to leave and catch his train. We follow the woman home, where she sits down with her husband and begins to imagine that she is telling him what has happened to her.

The film’s plot is narrated from Laura’s viewpoint. We find out that while she loves her husband, she feels unfulfilled in their marriage. Once

By ANNIKA SUDERBURG CONRIBUTING WRITER

Ludovic de Saint Sernin FW24 was not only historic because it was the designer’s first New York Fashion Week (NYFW) show, but also because it was a collaboration with the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Shown in a dim warehouselike floor of a Chelsea skyscraper, the collection is a sweeping yet inventive celebration of Mapplethorpe’s eternal relevance.

Mapplethorpe’s highly provocative photography of the 1970s and ’80s not only provided a by-queer-for-queer look into that world, but also paved the way for other queer artists. His reputation as a controversial photographer has, at times, undercut or undermined his nuanced vision of the queer community, a vision which de Saint Sernin highlights. Both de Saint Sernin’s creative practice and life are informed by Mapplethorpe. Mapplethorpe’s ability to traverse various creative communities and the way he sculpted his life as a queer artist has become a model for de Saint Sernin’s work and life in the fashion world.

The collection’s textural interplay between velvet, leather

a week, she takes the train into the nearby town to see a film. One day, she is waiting for her train home when something from a passing train gets in her eye. Alec comes over to help her. A few weeks later, they bump into each other at a restaurant and spend the rest of the day together. Soon, they realize they have developed feelings for one another. Their relationship deepens, and they become sneaky, trying to ensure no one finds out about them. Nonetheless, it gets to a point where they both decide to end things. Alec gets a job requiring him to leave England, and they meet at the train station cafe where they first met. What happens next is what makes this movie go from good to great. We realize this is the same scene from the film’s start. Then Laura’s friend walks in, and we realize why the couple looked tense. Since they have had to keep their relationship a secret, Laura and Alec can’t say a proper goodbye to each other. What seemed like normal small talk at the film’s start is now full of melancholy. Just like that, Alec’s train arrives, and he gets up and leaves unceremoniously. Lean shows this by closing the door on Alec and her friend, immediately moving into the frame. A

NYFW Hosts Designers’ First Show

and sheer fabrics constructs an essential piece of de Saint Sernin’s complex conversation between reference and invention. Sprinkled with jewelry pieces from Tous, the collection exemplifies the evocative sexuality of Mapplethorpe’s opus. The evocative floral silhouette on the opening look is a subtle nod to Mapplethorpe’s sexually-charged floral series. As the show unfolds, this delicate motif reappears in minimalist monochromatic looks and striking scarlet statement pieces; the designer himself wore a flower silhouette top during his final walk.

De Saint Sernin’s alluring use of sheer fabrics and slimcut skirts and trousers gradually evolved into striking silhouettes leather lingerie. Look 10 complements the floral motif throughout the show, but is a striking answer to the subtle concealment of the first look; a close-fitting shimmering red dress places both the garment and body on display. The interplay of textures, most present in the variety of fabrics, sculpts an alluring vision of free sexual expression and artistic invention. Slinky sex appeal oozes from the dichotomy between clingy dresses and power-

ful leather pieces. The selective exposure and concealment of skin through voluminous coats, underwear as outerwear and translucent fabrics create an alluring blend of enigmatic sexuality. Barely-there leather bras are followed by trenches as the muted opening shades give way to dark and bold colors. The stark dichotomy expresses how the body is a canvas for de Saint Sernin. This scintillating blend of concealment and exposure culminates in a visceral conclusion to the show; leather with silver grommets is a timely callback to the show’s inciting force, Mappelthrope. The silver hardwear of Look 18, emphasized by the horizontal layers of silver grommets of Look 31, evokes the sense of self-possession that the collection has built up to. Look 36 is a silky and slinky, almost liquid, dress paired with silver grips. Mixed in with leather finale pieces, this elegant yet sultry gown is a concluding nod to the earlier lineup of gowns. The final looks, dominated by leather, are a riveting conclusion to a sensual and evocative show, nailing down the complex expression of sexual exploration which de Saint Sernin constructs. De Saint Sernin wraps the audience up in a fantasy

few minutes later, he further shows Laura’s sadness by slowly zooming in on her face with a Dutch angle as a train whistle blares. Then, it cuts to a train blasting by the station at a Dutch angle with Laura on the platform’s edge. This devastating sequence demonstrates how effective Lean’s ability as a director was in conveying such complex emotions with very simple camera movements. There are aspects other than the camera work of this film that I enjoy. The narration is done in an old-fashioned way, meaning there is much of it. However, it works because the narration throughout the film highlights the emotional turmoil that Laura experiences throughout the film. The film’s music is Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto o. 2, a beautiful piece of classical music. It adds a lot to the film’s melodramatic nature. Finally, I like the small scale of the film. Most of the important scenes in the film take place at the train station and its cafe. While the physical scale of the movie is small, the emotional stakes feel very large. It says volumes about Lean as a director that he effectively achieved this sense through his direction. So, if you’re looking for a good drama to watch, try “Brief Encounter.” You will not regret it.

that the collection provides a glimpse into — it’s not just the clothes themselves, but the cultural connection which infuses the collection with a sense of free expression of queer sexuality beyond the runway. The clothes and sensuality go hand in hand, each building on each other within a complex conversation between reference, exploration and reinvention.

Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s first NYFW show will certainly not be his last. This creative col-

laboration with a New York icon is part of why New York has been and continues to be an ideal place for fashion reinvention and exploration. In terms of student involvement with NYFW, there are several ways to get involved. Anyone can fill out an application to volunteer at the NYFW by reaching out to designers or even venues. There is also always the possibility of interning at a major or up-and-coming fashion house for insider access.

McManus discusses the use of camerawork to highlight certain moments in “Brief Encounter.”

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

Ignite Your Cravings At Burning Beaks

By ONJALI GOMEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Only a hop, skip and a cluck away from Fordham’s Walsh Gate exit, there’s a new restaurant waiting to ignite your taste buds: Burning Beaks. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a flavor haven strategically located a mere five minutes from campus.

As I stepped in, I was immediately captivated by its aesthetic charm. The ambiance was crafted with vibrant red booths, white walls, cleanliness and sophistication. A striking piece of colorful artwork adorned the walls, adding a touch of beauty to the setting. It was evident that every detail of this restaurant had been meticulously planned and executed, designed to grab the attention of anyone fortunate enough to pass by.

As I approached the counter, Ereza, a Burning Beaks employee, greeted me with a warm smile that set the tone for an exceptional dining experience. Her knowledge of the menu was as impressive as her welcoming demeanor, and she eagerly shared insightful recommendations. The menu consists of many mouthwatering options, including chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, chicken nuggets, chicken wraps and chicken wings. There are six flavors available for their wings (from no spice to the hottest): lemon

pepper, honey soy garlic, buffalo, mild, hot and burning. For those seeking a complete meal, each menu item is available in a combo, which will come with crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside french fries and a canned beverage or water.

Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop are nothing compared to Burning Beaks wings. I had the pleasure of tasting the buffalo and lemon pepper wings, and the flavor exceeded my expectations. The wings were not only crispy on the outside but had the perfect amount of flavor and soft and juicy chicken inside. I also tried one of their famous sides: mac and cheese. It is a sin to leave without savoring a spoonful of this masterpiece. Everything on this menu is given a homemade touch and the evident love with which it was crafted and served truly elevated my experience.

I had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Veton, the owner, and learn a little bit more about the dedication that went into making this restaurant a reality. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, while on Zoom class, Veton found himself yearning for a savory distraction: fried chicken. After months of learning the skills to make the best fried chicken, he perfected his dish. He would serve it to his friends and a close family member who recognized his

skill in the art of fried chicken, sparking his idea of starting his own business to share this taste with more people.

Thankfully, he found the perfect store near Fordham University on Arthur Avenue, bringing this taste to us. On opening day, the most popular item, the chicken sandwich, sold out quickly. The dish on the menu that Veton is most proud of is the chicken wrap, due to the amazing taste and photogenic look of the item when it’s served. Always made with care and quality, Veton checks every batch of chicken he receives to ensure quality among the resources he receives. When cooking the chicken, he always gets rid of the distasteful sections to ensure the perfect taste to his consumers.

Upon serving, Veton puts the secret sauce on the side: beak sauce. This sauce is ideal for dunking your wings or french fries in and putting on your chicken sandwich.

Another notable aspect of this restaurant is that it is family-run. Veton, his mother, brother and soonto-be sister-in-law all help serve the best quality to every consumer. Veton hopes to make this business continue to exceed expectations and expand to Grubhub and UberEats to make it even easier to deliver this flavorful place right to students on campus and members of the Bronx community.

To ensure high standards of cleanliness, the workers are constantly wiping down tables and surfaces in the back to be allergen-safe. Nothing is cooked near nuts, and no nuts are in the kitchen. Only the magic bar dessert option is not nut-free.

The restaurant’s name has a story behind it. Did you know farmers feed chickens

pepper flakes to promote good health? Chickens have low taste sensitivity, and cannot taste the spice they digest. This oxymoron gave Veton the idea for the name Burning Beaks.

If you find yourself hungry or walking near Arthur Ave., go cluck down to 2462 Arthur Ave. and get a snack or a meal of the best chicken in town.

Sophomore Expresses Himself Through His Clothing

By GRACE CAMPBELL MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

Fashion is a means of expressing yourself. The rules of fashion are genderless and limitless, and it’s important to wear what makes you feel like yourself. For Jonah Ring, FCRH ’26, that was a lesson he learned somewhat recently.

Today, Ring is wearing a white knit sweater with baggy jeans, accessorized with a watch from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), a beanie and Nike blazers.

“There’s a scene in ‘When Harry Met Sally’ where he’s wearing a fisherman’s sweater and jeans on and I thought that was peak male fashion, so I tried to emulate that today,” he said.

Keeping the outfit simple and focused on statement pieces is the goal with most of Ring’s fashion choices. “I think too many accessories can be distracting, so I usually keep it to one piece. I think that understated is best. I’ve always associated a lot of chains and stuff with a kind of a braggadocious attitude so that’s not what I want to go for. In actuality, all I need is one statement piece,” he said. Today’s accessory of choice, the watch from the MoMA,

a gift from his brother, is a small but important indicator of who he is.

From a first glance at Ring’s outfit choices, it’s easy to pick up pieces of who he is. As an art history major, he likes to wear jewelry that makes a statement — pieces with art on them — so those looking can see what his interests are, even from a short glance. He describes himself as artistic and subversive, which can be picked up on through his fashion choices.

For Ring, fashion and intentional dressing are newer interests. In the past, when it came to shopping or picking out an outfit, convenience and ease often came first to style and expression. “This year I got really into it because I was sitting in an art class and my friends and I were talking about how we’re not great at the visual arts, but I still wanted to engage in the same artistic practices that these artists had. We wanted to make a commentary on the current zeitgeist and have a means of individual expression,” he said. “So, I may not be able to paint or draw, but I can use my body as a canvas to do those things… I figured

out a different way to express that and it became fashion for me.”

Expression through fashion is deeply personal and individualistic, yet we all have people we look up to and are inspired by. For Ring, his family is the main source of inspiration.

“A lot of it came from my twin brother. He has a sort of ‘granola’ style, and he just has sort of an effortlessness to him, and I decided that’s kind of what I wanted to emulate, but also make it my own,” he said.

Along with his brother, his mom, who is a passionate environmentalist, and his dad, a teacher, have also inspired his fashion views.

Ring thinks it’s important to shop ethically, a trait he picked up from his mom, so his clothes often come from ethically sourced companies. And the academic inspirations in his outfits are a direct result of his father’s influence.

It’s often said that you are the people you surround yourself with, and that can mean more than just who you are. For Ring, he is able to express himself freely and find clothes that work for him based on his closeness with his family.

The restaurant features a specially painted mural from a local artist.

Behind The Scenes Of “Disaster! The Musical”

By MAEVE HAMILL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Running from Feb. 22 to 25, students gathered in Collins Auditorium to watch Mimes and Mummers’ first performance of the spring semester, “Disaster!” Written by Seth Rudesky and Jack Plotnick, the hilarious and groovy musical pokes fun at the disaster movie genre that emerged in the 1970s. The plot centers around a unique cast of characters whose fun night at New York City’s first-ever floating casino and discotheque is quickly overturned when multiple disasters strike, including an earthquake and a tidal wave. The musical features hit songs from the decade, including “I Will Survive,” “Hooked on a Feeling” and “Hot Stuff.”

Elizabeth Volk, FCRH ’25, stage-managed the production. When asked why she became involved, she responded, “I wanted to do this show because it was an ensemble piece where everyone truly had their moment to shine.” This was undoubtedly true, as the musical interwove multiple characters’ stories together instead of focusing on one central protagonist. There were plenty of complete ensemble musical pieces, notably “Saturday Night,” which opened the show. The variety of characters in the cast, including a professor, reporter, caterer, cabaret singer and nun, supported by an incredible ensemble, made for an exciting and unpredictable show.

Volk, along with her assistant stage managers Madi

Latronica and Lilah Spedding, helped create some of the tech pieces for the show. For one unforgettable scene, they flew a blow-up helicopter over the audience in Collins. Their Saturday night performance did come with one real life disaster when the disco ball set to fall on Wealthy Woman, played by Hanna Giedraitis, did not fall on cue. Quickly, the cast backstage had to think of what to do.

In an act of pure improvisation, one of the tech members threw a stuffed fish at Giedraitis instead from off-stage, and the scene continued. A line in the next scene was adjusted to fit this change and audience members (including myself) had no idea the cast and crew nearly avoided disaster, which is a testament to the Mimes and Mummers’ incredible problem-solving and improvisational skills.

Naiya Rookwood, FCRH ’26, played Jackie on stage, the cabaret singer on board the nautical casino. A fan of contemporary musicals, Rookwood knew she wanted to be a part of what she described as “a comedypacked jukebox party.” Since the music is crucial to telling Jackie’s story as a singer, the pit, or live band composed of Fordham students, was on stage during the show. They fit into the set seamlessly and sounded great on stage, especially for Rookwood’s cabaret songs like “Mockingbird.” Having the pit be a part of the set allowed Naiya and the other actors to “interact with them and support them in a way [they]

don’t usually have a chance to.” According to Rookwood, the most challenging part of having the pit on stage was not having to maneuver, sing and act around them, but trying to not break character when she saw that “they [were] enjoying themselves just as much as [she was].” To describe the musical in three words, she called it “big, exciting and camp.”

Eli Demacopoulos, FCRH ’27, played multiple ensemble characters and was the understudy for Tom, the disaster expert. “Disaster!” was Demacopoulos’ first show with Mimes and Mummers. One of his characters, the chef, was struck by lightning and died in a hilarious scene. Demacopoulos’ favorite song from the show was “Never Can Say Goodbye.” While he was not on stage for this specific song, he notes that “everyone backstage was singing too,” which proves how supportive and close-knit the show’s cast was. He hopes to work with the “nice and talented” cast of “Disaster!” again in the future. When I asked Demacopoulos to describe the musical in three words, he called it “not a disaster!”

The “Disaster!” was Kyra Linekin’s, FCRH ’24, last musical with the Mimes and Mummers, where she played an investigative journalist by the name of Marianne Willson. As opposed to other musicals she has performed in, Linekin noted that “Disaster!” relied heavily on comedic timing and expression, which Linekin found to be an opportunity and

ACROSS

1. Sponsorship gift given to Katniss and Peeta during the 75th Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell

6. Important part of DNA sequencing

7. Word used to describe the making of bread dough

8. Fathers, padres, papas (plural)

DOWN

1. Acronym for South Korea’s highest judicial court

2. Home of fish behind Murray-Weigel Hall

3. All inventions start with an ____

4. The title of Metallica’s 1996 album

5. Beginnings, middles, ____ (plural)

a challenge. When reflecting on what made her last show so successful and fun, she said, “Everyone in the cast was really leaning into the crazy humor.” She noted that “Disaster!” did not have as many creative boundaries as Mimes and Mummers’ previous musicals, “Footloose” and “Shrek.” She said, “It was so fun to play around with the comedy… It was so creative… We were allowed to have fun with it and be silly.”

Next up for the Mimes and Mummers this spring is the play “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. Linekin believes that “Animal Farm” will work great in contrast to “Disaster!” because it is an opportunity to see some raw and more serious acting from some of Fordham’s best performers. Auditions for “Animal Farm” were held on March 5 and 6, and the play is planned to run from April 11 to 14.

Instructions

Use the clues to the left to fill out the boxes above.

COURTESY OF LUSA HOLMSTROM FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

The play featured funky, 1970s inspired costumes.

Women’s Tennis Can’t Rally vs Brown Squash Finishes Season at CSA Championships

By MADDIE BIMONTE SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

After a thrilling season for the Fordham squash team, they wrapped up their 202324 campaign at the CSA Championships in Philadelphia this past weekend.

A select number of the team ventured to participate in singles and doubles matches. Those people included sophomores Nicholas Gilman and Jack Stanley, juniors Bennett Van Liew and Sofia Arseniev and senior Henry Frawley. This is the same group of members that attended back in 2022-23.

Kicking things off in the singles matches, Gilman was the only Fordham representative. His first opponent, Yash Fadte of the University of Rochester, defeated him in four games with final scores of 11-13, 11-6, 11-2, 11-8.

Gilman then suffered another defeat, this time at the hands of Spencer Yager of Cornell University, who beat Gilman 115, 11-8, 12-10.

Then two squads competed in the doubles competition: the firstseeded Van Liew and Stanley and-10th-seeded Frawley and Arseniev.

Van Liew and Stanley dropped their opening matchup to St. Lawrence University’s Alexander Scott and Trey Denman in three games, 11-8, 11-6, 9-11.

However, the mixed-doubles team of Frawley and Arseniev had a longer run in the tournament. In their first match, they defeated Nate Meyer and Mina Bahadori from Brown University’s club squash team, 11-6, 11-7, 11-7.

For context, the Rams suffered a 0-9 defeat in the regular season against Brown’s club team back in January, showing how far they have come throughout this season.

In their second match, Frawley and Arseniev faced the fifthseeded Youssef Ezzo and Caroline Chin from Tufts University, being bested in three games, 7-11, 11-4, 11-7.

The pair bounced back in the third match of the tournament, defeating the 12 seed Alejandro Cruz and V. Della-Maddalena of Chatham College in three games, 8-11, 11-9, 11-3.

The duo dropped their fourth and final match against a different pair from Brown’s club team, Blake Roshkoff and Rachel Mashek. Rockshoff beat Van Liew at the one seed earlier this year, while Mashek beat sophomore Gray Kearns at the six seed in singles play. The match went on for three games, ending their run 11-4, 11-8, 11-4.

This season has been a significant improvement upon last year, with the squad winning more and more games, ending their season on a high note.

Athletes of the Week

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Fordham Women’s Tennis has had its bouts with inconsistency as the 2024 spring season nears its midpoint; its win-one-loseone trend continued this Saturday when the team came up short in a competitive showing against Brown University.

The road-warrior Rams, who have now played just one home match in nine games, found themselves trekking to Providence, R.I., to play the Bears of Brown University. The club dismantled an Atlantic 10 rival, George Washington University, in their lone home match a week prior, but found themselves in the Bears’ den, where their hosts are amidst a four-match homestand.

The Rams, who have struggled in doubles play this season, saw their team doubles record fall to 2-7 as Brown took all three matches in a single set. Notably, these matches were hotly contested, with the senior tandem of Rose Hu plus Eleni Fasoula and the duo of freshman Julianne Nguyen plus graduate student Franny Shea tandems at #2 and #3 doubles, respectively, posting 4-6 losses. Finding themselves in a not-sounfamiliar one-point hole, the Rams did their best to scratch back at the

Bears. Fordham dealt a blow early, taking two of the first three singles matches to wrap: A-10 preseason all-conference star freshman Anlin Xie persevered in a two-set battle (63, 7-5) in third singles, while Cindy Zhou captured a commanding win (6-2, 6-4) at fourth. It was each player’s fourth singles victory this year, tied for the most on the team. Brown were able to hinder Fordham’s momentum, though and snagged each of the final three matches. At both second and fifth singles, the Bears needed three sets to win. Hu — another preseason all-conference electee — fell to a one-love hole by going down 4-6, only to storm back with a 7-5 second-set win. However, in the bridge set, it was the Bears’ Ali Benedetto who eked out a 6-4 win. Meanwhile, Fasoula managed to fall in even more tragic circumstances. Much like Hu, Fasoula lost her first set, this one by a 3-6 score. The longtime Ram clawed back in the second set, snatching a 6-4 win; it took a 7-10 third set tiebreaker for Brown’s Addison Ahlstrom to earn her team a point.

Coach Lucie Schmidhauser noted Fordham’s fight, noting that “in singles, almost every match was extremely competitive.” Though Fordham’s head coach Michael

Sowter’s squad didn’t get the result they wanted, ultimately falling 2-5, it was likely their best performance in a loss all year. Likely discontented with moral victories, the now 4-5 Rams hope to even their record once more this afternoon when they take on Queens College in Flushing, N.Y. From there, the crew will take a short road trip to Port Washington, N.Y., to face off against Long Island University.

It’s been an up-and-down season for these Rams from an overall standpoint, but their moxie in losses and domination thus far in A-10 play should leave folks confident that this team has the ability to go on a championship run with A-10’s being the teams ultimate goal.

Despite the rather rocky start to their season, senior outfielder Thiesse nevertheless did his best to try and will Fordham Baseball to victory in their series against the College of William and Mary this past weekend. Across the team’s three games in Colonial Williamsburg, Va., Thiesse managed to record an astounding seven hits, one walk and three runs scored from his leadoff spot, effectively providing an offensive spark for a team that so desperately needed one.

Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports section honors two athletes for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.” Ryan Thiesse Senior Baseball Holly

In what has been a rather up-and-down season so far for Fordham Softball, the consistent excellence that sophomore pitcher Beeman has displayed has certainly been a very welcome surprise for the Rams. Beeman continued her excellent run this past weekend at the Tiger Invitational, delivering two absolute gems on the mound in the team’s two lone victories at the tournament: a one-run masterclass against the Bears of Mercer University and a stellar three-run complete game against the Lancers of Longwood University.

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Squash ended the season with a valiant effort at CSA Championships.

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Women’s Tennis weren’t able to get it done against Brown as they look to steady there season.

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Softball Struggles Down South

By JONAH RING SPORTS EDITOR

It has been a wild 2024 campaign so far for Fordham Softball. Their season has been everything but uneventful, the past few weeks especially having been a chaotic, upand-down affair that saw them both defeat the 14th-ranked Wildcats of the University of Kentucky and also lose to a glut of more middling teams. Thus, this past week was pivotal for the Rams, each one of the many games that they had on their docket representing a chance to find some much needed consistency.

The first of these opportunities was the Rams’ home-opener, with Fordham squaring off against the Camels of Campbell University in what was their first game of the season amongst the greystone confines of Rose Hill. However, as exciting as this occasion was, the game concluded in a rather bizarre manner: a six-to-six stalemate that was called off early due to inclement weather. That is not to say that the game was wholly uneventful, as it was indeed a back-and-forth affair that had its fair share of crazy moments. For instance, not only did each team manage to blow fairly substantial leads, Campbell blowing their initial 4-1 lead and the Rams fumbling their own respective 6-4 lead, but all of Fordham’s offensive production actually came in a singular half-inning (the bottom of the fifth) on only five hits. This aside, the Rams did have a few consistent performers throughout the odd affair, as senior Bailey Enoch collected two hits, one of them a double, from her leadoff spot, junior Sydney Wells registered a trifecta of RBIs and graduate student Michaela Carter managed to draw a pair of walks.

After this eventful affair, the Rams would then head down south to the Palmetto State for the weekend, the team being slated to compete in the highly-competitive Tiger Invitational at Clemson University.

The Rams’ first encounter while there would be against the Lancers of Longwood University, a team that likewise found themselves somewhat limping into the tournament. Thus, seeing as both teams were looking for a desperately needed win to start their weekend off correctly, it should come as no

surprise that the game was a tight, hard-fought affair. Unfortunately for Fordham, however, it was the Lancers that would prove victorious.

Longwood won the matchup by a count of 3-2 on the back of a tiebreaking single in the top of the sixth by freshman Naleya Bridges and a stellar complete game, oneearned run pitching performance by sophomore Maggie Chapin.

The Rams did have a few bright spots amidst this disappointment, however, as graduate student Devon Miller delivered a gem with her own respective complete game performance, allowing only two earned runs and 6 hits all day.

In terms of offensive production, Enoch once again produced from the leadoff spot, this time recording both an RBI and a run scored, while Carter drew another pair of walks.

The Rams would then find a way to rally behind these bright spots, just hours later playing one of their strongest games of the year to down the Bears of Mercer University in a 3-1 comeback victory. Not only did sophomore Holly Beeman go all the way on the bump, but the Rams’ bats also came alive for nine hits on the afternoon. Sure, they only ended up plating three runs, but Fordham nevertheless had three players record multiple hit games (sophomore Neleh Nogay, the aforementioned Carter and senior Julia Petrovich), while Wells also blasted yet another home run: her then fifth of the season.

This momentum would not last forever, as the Rams would immediately find themselves back in the loss column in their next game, dropping a game against a familiar foe: the Golden Gophers of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In what was the third time this season that these two squads squared off, Minnesota once again got the best of Fordham, besting them by a count of 4-2 despite the Rams jumping out to a respectable 2-0 lead in the top of the second. The disappointing loss was largely the result of the Rams’ inability to find offensive production outside of the usual suspects, six of the team’s eight hits coming from only three players: Wells, Miller and senior Bella Ayala. Freshman pitcher Olivia Simcoe also had a shaky day on the mound, surrendering three runs across four innings on five hits.

Next, the Rams fourth and penultimate game of the weekend would once again pit them up against Longwood. However, this time around, the Rams walked away victorious, exacting their revenge with a 7-3 thrashing of the Lancers. As in their victory against Mercer, Fordham once again was able to place themselves in the win column behind an incredible allaround team effort, all nine Rams who recorded a plate appearance reaching base. Moreover, this major offensive production came in all forms, as both Wells and Enoch eached crushed homeruns; graduate student Gianna Sarlo slashed a pair of doubles; and sophomore Kate McGuire swiped a pair of bags. Additionally, Beeman, like she did in the victory against Mercer, pitched a stellar game, going a full seven innings on only 101 pitches.

Finally, to close out their stint in the south, the Rams then faced the hosts of the tournament: the 12th-ranked Tigers of Clemson University. Unfortunately for the Rams, they were unable to recreate the magic that allowed them to knock off the aforementioned 14thranked Kentucky Wildcats just a week prior, as Clemson would throttle the Rams by a count of 120. The scoring came often and in batches for the Tigers, the ladies in purple and orange plating two runs in the first, three in the third and five in the seventh off a trifecta of Rams pitchers: Simcoe, Beeman and Miller. It also did not help that the vast majority of the Rams’ lineup could not put metal to cork, the singular duo of Nogay and McGuire actually accounting for four of the team’s six hits.

In terms of what is next for these Rams, their upcoming slate has them diving head-first into conference play, as after a brief single-game affair with the Knights of Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Rams will open up their 2024 Atlantic 10 campaign with a home series against the 1-14 University of Rhode Island. Fordham could potentially set themselves up for a strong 2-0 in-conference start if they can take care of business against this struggling URI squad in free-fall, the Rams certainly being the more talented and consistent of the two competing A-10 Softball squads.

Men’s Tennis Drops Two

By NOAH HOFFMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Fordham, Men’s Tennis team continued its season this past weekend with two tournaments on the road.

The first tournament was at Quinnipiac University on Friday night at the Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center.

The night began with the doubles contests. In the first match, the Fordham duo senior Giorgio Soemano and graduate student Nick Mueller lost to Daniel Velek and Shaurya Sood by a score of 6-2. The Rams tied the score with a win in the second match after senior Nicholas Kanazirev and sophomore Dhillon Virdee-Oakley outlasted Finn Burridge and Csanad Nyaradi 6-4. With the doubles score tied at one apiece, a decisive third game was set with Fordham’s sophomores John Mascone and Stefan Stojanovic against Quinnipiac’s Donovan Brown

and Ayato Arakaki. The Rams unfortunately lost this one by a score of 6-4, to lose the doubles point.

The first singles match of the day was Mueller versus Velek. In a close first set, which went to a tiebreaker, Velek narrowly defeated Mueller by a score of 7-6. The second set was not nearly as close, with Mueller losing 6-1.

The second singles match fared much better for Fordham, with Soemarno facing off against Arakaki. Soemarno took the match in straight sets, winning the first one 6-2 before capturing the match with a 6-3 victory.

With the score now 2-1

Quinnipiac, Fordham was within striking distance of tying up the tournament. They sent Kanazirev out to play Sood in the third singles match of the game. Sood took the first set handily by a score of 6-1. Kanazirev knotted up the score at one set

each after battling out a tough 7-5 victory in the second set and sending the match to a pivotal third set to determine the winner. In that set, Sood once again took care of business 6-1, putting Fordham in a 3-1 hole on the day and one match away from losing the tournament.

Virdee-Oakley put the team on his back in the fourth match and kept the Rams in the tournament with a close two-set victory. The first went to a tiebreaker, which Virdee-Oakley won, to take the set 7-6. The second set was also a tight battle which Virdee-Oakley again won, this time by a score of 7-5.

With the Fordham win the score sat at 3-2 to Quinnipiac, and the Rams once again within reach of evening up the tournament. In the fifth match of the day, Mascone looked to keep Fordham’s hopes alive against Quinnipiac’s Burridge. Mascone ended up falling in consecutive sets to lose the

-Compiled by Griffin Stevenson

News & Notes

Men’s Soccer Beat

Fordham Men’s Soccer began its spring season this past weekend with back-to-back home matchups against Boston University and New York’s Dominican University. The team will look to build on the 2023 fall season in which they finished with an overall record of 6-4-7, going 3-3-2 in Atlantic 10 play. With a new season comes new faces, with six players joining the team. On the attacking side, forwards sophomore Ede Gramberg and freshman Nick Mavica are joining the squad, hailing from Berlin, Germany and Colts Neck, N.J., respectively. Switching sides to defense, four new players enter the ranks: senior Benji Jones transfers in from Adelphi University, sophomore Jack Sias from Adelphi, freshman Kamram Mojabi out of San Francisco and Constantine Tikhanovski, a Brooklyn native. Head coach and former New York Red Bulls scout Carlos Acquista will lead the Rams as they look to find success this spring.

Men’s Basketball Advances in A-10 Tournament

Survive and advance: come March, that’s all that matters for a college basketball team. Fordham Men’s Basketball certainly seemed to fully lean into the ethos of this statement this past Tuesday, the Rams just barely squeaking out a win in overtime against the Wildcats of Davidson College in their first round matchup of the Atlantic 10 Tournament. It was anything but pretty, the Rams having one of their most lackluster offensive starts in recent memory, but the scoreboard was indeed in their favor when the clock struck 00:00, the team thus earning the right to move on and face the fifth-seeded Rams of Virginia Commonwealth University on Wednesday at 2 p.m.

match and secure the Fordham loss on the day.

In the final match of the day, Brown defeated Fordham senior Bingru Chen in straight sets. After losing the first one 6-1, Chen fought in the second set but eventually lost the tiebreaker to lose 7-6.

Following the loss, Fordham traveled to Little Silver, N.J., to face Monmouth University.

Fordham did not fare well in the doubles matches, losing all three and the point. Their best

shot at a win came in the second doubles match, which went to a tiebreaking set.

In singles matches, Fordham didn’t do much better, losing all six in a sweep.

Unfortunately, Fordham was unable to win a single set in any of the matches.

It was a rough weekend for Fordham Tennis, but they’ll look to bounce back this coming weekend when they host the Wagner College Seawhawks on Saturday, March 16.

Baseball Salvages Week With 17-7 Win

By NOAH HOFFMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

After a tough start to the season for Fordham Baseball, they sat at 2-7 going into a four-game stretch this past week.

The Rams began their week with a rainy home game on Wednesday, March 6, against Marist College. The Red Foxes got on the board early with a first-inning run off Fordham’s opener freshman Aidan Dowd. In the bottom of the frame, the Rams manufactured a run of their own to tie the game 1-1 early on. With two outs in the inning, sophomore Daniel Bucciero singled, stole second and scored on graduate student Andrew Kanellis’ single.

Marist threatened in the third inning, with runners on the corners and two outs. However, junior catcher Diego Prieto nabbed the runner, attempting to steal second to stop the rally and keep the score tied. The Fordham bullpen held the score at one apiece going into the sixth inning before the Red Foxes broke the tie with a double and a single in the inning.

In the eighth inning, Marist tacked on two more runs to make the game 4-1, which ended up being the final score. The Marist pitching stifled the Fordham offense as they struggled to get going after the first-inning run, only managing two more hits the rest of the game. The Rams did manage to bring the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning after two walks and two outs but were unsuccessful in sending the game to extra innings.

After the home loss, next up was a weekend series against the

College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va. Due to poor weather scheduled on Saturday, the Rams started the weekend off with a doubleheader on Friday.

Game one was a scoreless pitcher’s duel through the first three innings of play. In the fourth, Fordham threatened with two in scoring position, but were unable to drive either in. In the bottom of the frame, William and Mary broke the zero-zero tie with a solo shot from Nate Goranson. Fordham again put a runner into scoring position in the fifth but was again unable to capitalize on the opportunity.

The score remained 1-0 going into the sixth when Goranson came up with one on and hit another home run to make it 3-0.

William and Mary extended the lead to 5-0, the score the game would end in. Although Fordham was shut out, they had their share of opportunities, but went 0-14 with runners in scoring position. In game two, the Rams finally cashed in on a scoring opportunity in the first inning. Senior Ryan Thiesse started the game off with a double down the right field line, which was followed by a single to right by Bucciero to put runners on the corners. Back-to-back strikeouts put Fordham in jeopardy of missing out on another golden opportunity. However, Kanellis came up with two outs and runners in scoring position after Bucciero stole second and knocked them both in with another single to right, giving the Rams an early 2-0 lead.

William and Mary put runners on in the first two innings, but Fordham made the pitches when it mattered most to prevent them

from scoring any runs.

The third inning began with consecutive hit-by-pitches, first to Bucciero and then to graduate student Steve Luttazi. After Bucciero stole third, Kanellis drove him in with a sacrifice fly to left, pushing the Fordham lead to 3-0. William and Mary got two back in the third to make it a 3-2 ballgame. They followed that up with three in the fourth to take the lead 5-3.

In the fifth, with the Rams now down two, cut the lead in half with a Kanellis single that scored Bucciero. Fordham put together a rally in the sixth inning to first tie and then regain the lead. Senior Nico Boza led off the inning with a double, he was moved to third on junior Diego Prieto’s sacrifice bunt and scored on a Thiesse single up the middle to tie the game. After Thiesse stole second and advanced to third on an error, Bucciero drove in Thiesse with an RBI groundout to give the Rams a 6-5 lead.

Unfortunately, that would be the last time Fordham scored in the game, and after William and Mary scored three in the seventh to retake the lead, the back-andforth affair ended. William and Mary went on to win the game 10-6.

Looking to salvage the series and avoid being swept, they went into the offense broke out.

The offensive barrage began in the third inning, with the bases loaded, Bucciero knocked in the first run of the day on an RBI groundout. After a walk to reload the bases, Luttazi drove in two more with a double. In the bottom of the frame, William and Mary snapped back to make it a 3-1 game early on. The game

remained that score until the fifth inning, when William and Mary scratched across a second run.

In the top of the sixth, Fordham’s offense put together a two-out rally. Senior Chris Genaro singled, advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on junior Cian Sahler’s single. After a pitching change, Boza came up with one runner on and homered to right center. In the bottom of the sixth, William and Mary put together a rally of their own, taking their first lead of the game, 7-6.

The Ram offense did not go quietly, fighting right back in the seventh. They tied and retook the lead on two hit-by-pitches, first to junior T.J. Wachter and then to Genaro. Sahler followed that up

with another run-scoring single to make the game 9-7.

Fordham’s offensive outburst continued in the eighth. After Bucciero reached on an error, Kanellis homered to right center. The Rams loaded the bases and subsequently scored on a fielder’s choice and two singles. They capped off the scoring outbreak with a sacrifice fly and an RBI single in the ninth. The game ended in a 17-7 Fordham win.

With the 1-3 week, Fordham moves to 3-11 on the year, with a tough hill to climb up from. They’ll face Wagner University at home on Wednesday, March 13, before weekend games against the United States Military Academy West Point and then versus Fairfield University.

Overtime: In Defense of Caleb Williams

By JONAH RING SPORTS EDITOR

I would like to begin this article by qualifying everything that I am about to say with the following statement: I genuinely harbor a deep personal hatred for Caleb Williams. As a former diehard Notre Dame Football fan who knew the lyrics to the fight song by heart and had been raised to vehemently loathe any person wearing a University of Southern California (USC) uniform, nothing quite enraged me like watching Williams play football. He was simply an irritant — a small, annoying blur of crimson and yellow that somehow always found its way into the endzone. Yet, despite all this personal animosity that I feel towards Williams, I nevertheless feel the need to defend him in the present moment; the backlash that he has recently received for presenting himself as more feminine goes directly against my basic moral precepts.

Williams, the presumptive first pick in this year’s rapidly upcoming NFL Draft, has recently seen the conservative side of the sports world release hell upon him for the recent nontraditional changes that he made in relation to the presentation of his gender

identity — namely, the painting of his nails and the wearing of a red dress for the cover of GQ Magazine. Moreover, the vast majority of this conservative backlash has actually come in the form of the parroting of the intellectually bankrupt criticism that ultimately amounts to the idea that, following Williams’ efforts to degender himself, he is now simply too effeminate to play in a “man’s game” like football. Some have even gone so far as to say that, despite his transcendent talent, they would simply not want him on their football team, his more feminine presence having the potential to fundamentally soften a team. Thus, what the sporting world essentially has on its hands with the Williams situation is largely what has occurred

again and again across the broader American socio-political landscape: conservatives making bad faith, illogical arguments in reaction to their precious gender norms being undercut or subverted in some ultimately inconsequential way.

For instance, what is being said about him not being able to play football due to his recent degendering efforts makes no sense, considering that cosmetic changes have no real connection to the game of football. What does his having his nails painted have to do with his ability to read a defense before the snap? Nothing. Quite literally nothing. Or, better yet, does his choice to wear a dress have anything to do with his chances of escaping an incoming edge rusher? I would venture to say no, considering

the fact that (and this is just pure speculation on my part) he will likely be wearing pads and a uniform during games.

And even if for a moment we do actually take seriously the ridiculous statement that his choice to ultimately subvert gender norms does somehow harbor the potential to detract from his toughness, one simply cannot deny the fact that they have done no such thing in the past. Williams has inarguably been one of, if not the most, productive players in college football across the past few seasons despite his more gender-fluid manner of presenting himself. His stat line is utterly ridiculous: Williams has thrown for over 10,000 yards and 93 touchdowns and has run for an additional 966 yards and 13 touchdowns more while donning thick coats of nail polish. Even more, he has consistently proven himself to be a leader in more than just statistics, with those successful teams that he played for at USC and the University of Oklahoma having rallied behind him time and time again despite his refusal to conform to hypermasculine standards.

Take, for instance, what his former teammate Tahj Washington had to say about the experience of playing with him: “It was an exceptional experience

... [Caleb’s] a phenomenal player as we all know, but [an] even better person…Just being able to see him every day be the person he is with so many distractions around him and still be able to perform. Just take notes from him.”

I think the irony of this whole situation is that there truly are flaws with Williams’s manner of playing football that can be genuinely critiqued in good faith. Yet, many are simply ignoring them in favor of ugly and hateful rhetoric that ultimately has no connection to reality. For instance, instead of complaining about that time when he wore a dress, one could actually add something productive to football discourse by pointing out that Williams played under a bizarre, wholly unstructured offense while at USC: one that will be nothing like anything that he will eventually play under in the NFL. Moreover, his tape often shows him holding onto the ball for too long and consistently refusing to take the easy throws. Yet, instead of potentially pointing out this very valid concern, we see many in the sports community rambling about his atypical gender presentation that ultimately has no bearing on the game of football. What a sad time to be alive.

Baseball has had a rough start to the season.

Caleb Williams’ genderidentity has become controversial.

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MBB Ends Regular Season On Three-Game Slide

By NOAH HOFFMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Some teams use the beginning of the postseason as a rallying cry. Even if they limped into the tournament, there are undoubtedly teams who feel that they can play spoiler and go on a legitimate playoff run.

Embracing this mentality may be Fordham Men’s Basketball’s best bet after they ended their conference campaign with three straight losses, the final two being a 66-64 road loss to the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a disappointing 58-50 home loss to the University of Rhode Island on Senior Day.

Fordham outscored UMass 34-33 in the first half of last Wednesday’s contest, but did not finish the half particularly well. The boys from the Bronx jumped out to an 11-3 edge, and a pair of free throws from sophomore Joshua Rivera put them up 2012 with 11:16 to play in the first act.

But the Minutemen scored the next 7 points to make it a 20-19 game and battled their way toward the break.

UMass received stellar showings from seniors Josh Cohen and Matt Cross plus junior Rahsool Diggins. They combined for 50 of the team’s 66 total points and jointly shot 50% from behind the arc.

Fordham remained competitive

in the second half thanks largely to senior Kyle Rose. The guard posted a team-high 15 points and five assists, while also swiping four rebounds and collecting three assists.

Senior Abdou Tsimbila also enjoyed a rather efficient night, his 14 points and 10 boards earning him a double-double.

Senior Antrell Charlton and freshman Jahmere Tripp scored 12 points and 6 points, respectively, while senior Japhet Medor and sophomores Will Richardson, Elijah Grey and Romad Dean combined for only 11 points.

Five straight UMass points boosted the Minutemen’s lead to six, 6458, with just over a minute left, but a 3-pointer from Rose and a Tsimbila bucket cut the Fordham deficit to one, 64-63, with eight ticks left on the clock.

Cross made two freebies a minute later, and then Medor drilled one of his own and purposely missed the second, making it a 66-64 game and setting up Fordham with a chance to either tie or win.

Unlike the recent game against George Mason, there would be no storybook ending for Rose or his Rams. Fordham inbounded the ball to Rose in front of their bench and the Maryland native got off a triple that just missed.

“You can’t ask for a better opportunity than that,” Rams head coach Keith Urgo said after the game. “Kyle Rose, just like Matt Cross, he’s earned the right to make some shots.”

Despite the way the Rams feel about the Minutemen, they entered Saturday’s regular-season finale against Rhode Island with a great deal to play for. In addition to the potential Atlantic 10 seeding ramifications, it was Senior Day at Rose Hill. Rose, Charlton, Albe Evans and Ogheneyole Akuwovo were all recognized before the game. Additionally, each of these players started.

As for the contest itself, the home Rams did not get off to a proficient start. They trailed 36-24 at the end of the initial 20 minutes and seemed to be caught off guard by juniors David Green and Jaden House.

Green posted 10 points and pulled down five rebounds, while House tallied 9 points. The pair flew around the court early and made it difficult for Fordham’s defense, juniors Luis Kortright, Zek Montgomery and Tyson Brown later aided them. Kortright put together a unique stat line which consisted of 4 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Moreover, Montgomery scored 11 points and grabbed two rebounds, while Brown turned in a double-double consisting of 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Fordham opened the second half with a 14-7 run to cut the URI lead to 5 points, but the Rams eventually went on an 11-1 run to build a commanding 54-39 lead with 6:05 remaining on the clock.

The seniors did not perform particularly well in their last home game, and it made an enormous difference. Rose compiled 4 points on a 1-9 shooting day, while Charlton provided 3 points on a rough 1-8 clip. Medor and Richardson combined for 21 points, but it would not be enough to sweep the season series against Rhode Island.

“Sometimes that happens,” said coach Urgo after the game. “We couldn’t make any shots today.”

With the losses, Fordham ends their season with a 6-12 conference mark and a 12-19 overall record. They’ll enter the A-10 tournament as the 12th seed and face the Davidson College Wildcats in the first round.

Fordham faced Davidson twice during the regular season and lost both affairs by 10 points or more. Urgo has said he felt Fordham gave one of their best defensive efforts of the season, but making a serious run in the A-10 tournament will require consistent play on both ends of the court.

“We need to get hot on the offensive end,” said Urgo. “And continue to play defense the way we have the last few games.”

Inches From Victory: WBB Comes Up Short

By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

From beginning to end, Fordham Women’s Basketball has not had an easy season. In a year marked by a new head coach in Bridgette Mitchell and near complete roster turnover, the Rams overcame a dismal conference start, scratching and clawing their way to the ninth seed and a bye in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Their hard earned work would come to a gut punch of an end on Thursday, narrowly missing a potential buzzer beater to fall in the second round of the A-10 Championship.

Following a very tough Feb. 3 loss to the University of Richmond, the Rams sank to 2-9 in conference and 7-15 overall. Mitchell’s squad looked outmatched in a deep A-10. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the Rams turned their season around.

Fordham rattled off six straight wins, including a massive upset on the road against a then A-10-leading Saint Joseph’s University sqaud. Despite a 93-83 Senior Day loss to La Salle University, the Rams entered tournament time on their best stretch of basketball and with a newfound confidence.

Their winning streak saw them jump five spots up in the final month, settling in with the #9 seed and an extra day of rest. Traveling to the Henrico Sports & Events Center in Virginia, the Rams readied for a Thursday morning matchup against #8 Loyola University Chicago.

The Ramblers weren’t quite skipping into tournament play, dropping seven of their last 10 to close out the regular season. However, they’d earned a 9-point victory against Fordham in January thanks to a complete offensive performance, led by an impressive 20 points from graduate student Sam Galanopoulos.

Loyola Chicago shot 10-19 from deep back in their first meeting, a 52.1% mark that ranked third highest on the season. Fordham had struggled to defend beyond the perimeter all season long, encapsulated by a

shoddy performance the weekend prior where La Salle hit an impressive program-record 20 3-pointers. As the Ramblers entered with the fifth best 3-point percentage in the A-10, it seemed like the game could come down to the arc.

Mitchell keyed in on defensive pressure pregame, hoping to gain an edge over Loyola Chicago with the Rams’ trademark intensity.

The Rams shot out of the gate, holding a 9-point lead with help from four offensive rebounds by the five-minute mark. Senior Taylor Donaldson, who had earned Second Team All-A-10 honors after leading the conference with 18.0 PPG, was right at the forefront, notching seven of Fordham’s 13 points prior to the media timeout.

The Ramblers, however, would not be easily disposed of. Marching back on a run of their own, they outscored the Rams 12-2, taking a 1-point lead with 12 seconds left on free throws from Aaliyah Moore.

Fordham would take a 17-16 lead right at the quarter’s close thanks to an inbounds steal and subsequent basket from senior Matilda Flood.

After a quarter marked by two distinct runs, both sides elected for a far more even contest in the second. The lead switched hands seven different times with neither team growing a bigger lead than five. This time, it was Loyola Chicago’s turn to grab the lead at the buzzer as Kira Chivers buried a layup as time expired to put them back up by one.

The Ramblers adjusted well to Donaldson’s hot start, double teaming her in their 3-2 zone and holding her scoreless for the final 15 minutes of the first half. With graduate student Emy Hayford, Fordham’s number two scoring option, also struggling to the tune of 3 points on 1-7 shooting, the Rams turned to their bigs.

Sophomore Rose Nelson would lead Fordham’s offsensive attack with a team-high 8 points, while redshirt senior Aminata Ly followed closely behind her with seven.

Galanopoulos, much as she’d done all season, led Loyola Chicago’s offensive attack with 10 points, but the Ramblers weren’t able to get much done from the three, going 0-3 from beyond the arc. That would change quickly in the second half with Ali Berg burying a deep 3-pointer 22 seconds in and Alyssa Fisher tacking on another soon after.

Suddenly, the Rambler offense slowed down. Following a Fisher layup with 5:48 left in the third, the Ramblers would go 11 minutes and 12 seconds of game time without recording a field goal, mustering just 2 points on free throws from Chivers. Despite this, Fordham was unable to seize a substantial lead, coming up with just 12 points in the same span.

When Berg hit a 3-pointer to break the field goal drought, it cut the Rams’ lead to 3 points with less than five minutes to play.

The Rams managed to keep a one possession lead in the final stretch, but threw away numerous opportunities to put the game out of reach. Fordham earned seven free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter, five of which came in the final 90 seconds. They didn’t hit a single one.

With the door left open, Loyola Chicago happily walked through.

At the 1:04 mark of the fourth quarter, Fisher rose up from the left wing and tied the game at 50 with a clutch three. Ly would answer with a paint jumper 30 seconds later, but it still left the Ramblers with the ball and a full shot clock.

Graduate student Kika Hodge-Carr drove the right lane, sinking the two and drawing the foul. A 54.8% shooter from the line, Hodge-Carr buried the and-one to give Loyola a 1-point lead in the final minute.

The Rams drew up a sidelines inbound play and managed to get the ball into the hands of Donaldson, who attempted to drive inside but tripped in the paint. The Ramblers secured possession and called timeout. With 12.8 seconds left, Loyola Chicago held the upper hand as Fordham still had one foul to give. However, Fordham

forced a jump ball off the inbound and regained possession in the final 10 seconds.

The Rams had been gifted one more chance to take the lead. With this, they managed to find Donaldson on a handoff. Driving from the right wing, Donaldson sped by a defender and attempted to bank in a floater, just as she had done so many times this season. But in a moment of heartbreak, the shot rolled off the rim. Ly would slap the ball back to graduate student Mandy McGurk but it was too late. The Rams would fall 53-52 as the Ramblers stormed onto the court.

As is often the case when an eight seed plays a nine seed, the game truly was a toss up. Both teams entered with identical 8-10 conference records and neither side led by double digits the entire way. It felt like both sides had a chance the entire way; to accentuate that point, the lead switched hands 28 different times.

That said, it’s hard not to feel like the Rams squandered some opportunities, particularly in the final stretch. Fordham met the task defensively, particularly contesting the three ball, but was unable to take advantage of it on the other end. Loyola Chicago went 11 consecutive minutes of gametime without a field goal in the second half, yet Fordham never managed to seize a considerable lead.

Then, of course, there’s the free throws. Fordham left 12 points on the board with a rough 3-15 performance

from the line. The Rams had several chances to extend their lead to two possessions, but failed, leaving the door open for Fisher’s heroic three.

The Ramblers advanced to the next round and were promptly defeated by #1 seeded Richmond, who went on to defeat the University of Rhode Island in the A-10 Championship game.

For the Rams, their hot February helps put a brighter spin on many of the hardships they endured throughout the season. That said, it’s no guarantee that next year won’t bring many of the same challenges.

For Hayford, McGurk and graduate student Kailah Harris, this season marks their last year of eligibility. There are four other seniors, including Donaldson, who are still eligible for one more year, but it remains to be seen if they will take their grad year at Fordham.

Fordham concludes the season with a 13-17 record, its first sub-.500 season since 2016. Still, picked in the preseason to finish 13th out of 15 teams in the A-10, it’s hard not to feel proud of what this year’s team accomplished.

“It’s a challenge taking over a new program and putting together a new team,” remarked Mitchell. “For us to have the wins we do this season — we don’t have enough wins — but the ones that we got, we earned. Our team should be proud of those wins and they should be hungry, those that are coming back, for more.

COURTESY OF INSTAGRAM

The Rams ended their regular season campaign at a disapointing 12-19 mark. COURTESY

Head coach Bridgette Mitchell’s first year at the helm was anything but smooth.