August 25, 2024
the fordham ram
orientation issue
R
Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918
The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses. Website
TheFordhamRam.com
Email Address theram@fordham.edu
Editor in Chief
Sofia Donohue
Managing Editor
Allison Schneider
Editorial Director
Evan McManus
Production Editor
Hannah Boring
Multimedia Director
Grace Campbell
Business Director
Grace Miller
Copy Chief
Cailee Zeraat
Assistant Copy Chief
Madelyn Gerth
News Editor
Nora Malone
Features Editor
Julianna Morales
Assistant News Editors
Cristina Stefanizzi
Adithi Vimalanathan
Opinion Editor
Saisha Islam
Assistant Opinion Editors
Lusa Holmstrom
Erynn Sweeney
Culture Editors
Claire Krieger
Caleb Stine
Assistant Culture Editor
Isabella DeRosa
Sports Editor
Jonah Ring
Assistant Sports Editors
Joe Henry
Griffin Stevenson
Social Media Director
Alexis Hurchalla
Digital Producers
Sophie Maselli
Sarah Urbano
Haniyyah Usmani
Photo Editor
Mary Hawthorn
Advertising Directors
Katriina Fiedler
Kathleen Hollinger
Diana Juarez
Emily Roe
Faculty Advisor
Beth Knobel
Editorial Policy
The Fordham Ram’s editorial reflects the editorial board’s opinions or views.
Opinion Policy
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Fordham Ram.
Submissions Policy
The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.
ORIENTATION
A Semester of Change: Fall 2023
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
The fall of 2023 brought many changes to Fordham University’s campus, from the closing of the McShane Campus Center dining hall to updated safety policies.
Destination dining was introduced in the fall, replacing the central Marketplace with two smaller halls and various food trucks and carts. While there were mixed opinions on the temporary dining halls, most students enjoyed the introduction of the CHOMP food truck.
COVID-19 regulations that marked the 2022-23 academic year were also removed. Isolation dorms were converted back to regular use, testing was not as easily accessible and vaccination was no longer required.
After the strike down of affir-
mative action in June, Fordham addressed how they would adapt admissions. Notably, they decided to extend the university’s test-optional policy through the 2025 admissions cycle.
Fall 2023 also brought changes to the Fordham Resident Assistant Union and graduate student union, with each group progressing in their bargaining and the graduate students holding a rally in November.
Fordham students also became involved with global movements, including the March to End Fossil Fuels and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Fordham welcomed two new staff members in the fall. Beth Markowitz was hired as the director of first- and second-year advising at Fordham College at Rose Hill, and Tokumbo
Shobowale became Fordham’s new chief financial officer as well as senior vice president and treasurer.
New York City faced severe flooding in September, and Fordham was not excluded.
Six inches of rain created rivers and waterfalls throughout the campus, and several basements were flooded. Classes continued as usual, but many professors opted to move them to Zoom.
The university’s overnight guest policy discussion ramped up in the fall, with mixed opinions among students. However, the decision on whether the policy would change was not finalized until the spring.
In November, Public Safety announced there had been a security breach in Walsh Hall. An unknown person had entered the building and one of
the suites, spraying its inhabitants with a fire extinguisher. This event caused changes to Walsh Gate security, making it more difficult for students to “piggyback” and enter simultaneously through the turnstile.
The United Student Government began to implement plans to vote on the student activities fee referendum for the second time. The referendum was passed in the spring. Additionally, the Bronx Night Market announced it would be closing permanently in October. However, it reopened in April for its seventh season. Students will have a lot to look forward to this fall, including the long-awaited opening of the new McShane Marketplace and various club events and activities.
A Semester of Change: Spring 2024
By ADITHI VIMALANATHAN ASST. NEWS EDITOR
The spring of 2024 witnessed significant changes for the Fordham University community.
In January, Michele Burris was appointed as the vice president of student affairs. The university also began to allocate $50 million from an EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities grantmaking program awarded the previous year.
Students noticed key changes in their dining and housing. CHOMP trucks — offering on-the-go, boxed food — were added as supplemental dining options.
The Office of Residential Life prematurely announced a change in guest policy that would allow overnight visitors of another gender, then retracted the change until later in the semester.
Several Fordham institutions achieved significant milestones. Fordham University Sleep Study, a first-year favorite that pays students to sleep, entered its third year. The biochemistry major, launched the previous August, completed its very first semester. Fordham Swag announced their oneyear anniversary of providing students with university
staple M.I.L.F. (Man I Love Fordham) shirts.
Members of the United Student Government (USG) Budget Committee began holding a Student Activities Fee Referendum. The referendum proposed increasing the student activities fee from $135 to $230 to increase funding for campus clubs. Though the referendum failed to pass in the year prior, it successfully passed this spring.
After a highly contested election, USG announced its president and vice president for 2024-25 — Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, and Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25. Later in the spring, students came together to witness the eclipse on Edward’s Parade. On Martyrs’ Lawn, Teezo Touchdown and Chelsea Cutler headlined the annual Spring Weekend concert.
After 19 months of negotiations for improved contracts, Fordham Graduate Student Workers (GSW) passed a strike authorization vote in early April. Demanding stipend raises and comprehensive insurance coverage, the union held extensive practice pickets and protests throughout the spring semester. GSW and
Fordham reached a tentative agreement later that month, effectively avoiding a strike.
In light of the ongoing war in Gaza, various departments, including the Center for Jewish Studies and the Middle Eastern Studies Program, co-hosted a four-part series titled “A Deep Dive Into the History of Israel and Palestine.”
Members of the Fordham community came together in solidarity with the Palestinian people. On May 1, Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine held an encampment at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. Lasting about 12 hours, the encampment drew significant
crowds, counter-protests, media coverage and police presence. Students and alumni were arrested by evening, and a police presence was maintained until May 22. SJP organized additional demonstrations throughout the last few weeks of the school year.
In the upcoming semester, Fordham students can look forward to key traditions such as the annual President’s Ball — a semiformal evening of dancing on Edward’s Parade — during Homecoming. Incoming and returning students alike can look forward to the longawaited reopening of the Marketplace — a studentfavorite dining destination.
COURTESY OF ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM Fordham facilities employees cover protesters’ view of the encampment.
COURTESY OF NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
Heavy rain in September led to severe flooding in New York City and around campus, particularly outside Finlay Hall.
Fordham 101: A Guide to Campus
By CRISTINA STEFANIZZI ASST. NEWS EDITOR
At Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus, which spans 85 acres, there’s much to do and explore. First established in 1841 as St. John’s College, Fordham’s 182-year history includes many triumphs and tragedies.
Starting off on the east side of campus, O’Hare Hall and Tierney Hall are home to majority underclassmen. Urban Kitchen and the campus bookstore are located directly underneath O’Hare. Urban serves bowls, wraps, smoothies and grilled food. Behind O’Hare is the Ram Van office, Fordham’s intercampus transportation system that dates back to the 1970s, and Faculty Memorial Hall, which holds classrooms, University ID services and Salt and Sesame, which serves breakfast items and beverages.
Up Constitution Row, one of campus’ main roads, is Houlihan Park, Fordham’s baseball field. The team was the very first college team to play under New York rules (nine players per team) and currently holds more wins than any other Division I baseball team in the country.
Adjacent to Houlihan Park
is Moglia Stadium, where football and soccer games are held. Fordham football competed in the first televised broadcast of a football game in 1939, winning 34-7. And the Lombardi Trophy that NFL teams compete to win at the Superbowl? It is named after Fordham’s very own Vincent T. Lombardi, class of 1931.
Next to the field is the Rose Hill Gymnasium, home to both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Fordham’s men’s basketball team played the first televised college basketball game ever in 1940, and our very own Rose Hill Gymnasium is the oldest regularly used NCAA Division I gym in the country. The gym was even used as barracks for soldiers during World War I.
Directly across from the gymnasium is Keating Hall. Keating is home to classrooms, offices and WFUV, an NPR radio station affiliated with Fordham. Keating Hall also holds plaques for numerous famous alumni, including singer/songwriter Lana Del Ray, FCRH ’08. The steps to Keating Hall host the convocation for the incoming first-year class and commencement for the graduating class. Edward’s Parade, commonly referred to as Eddie’s, is the green field in
front of Keating and the main green space on campus, and is often packed with students relaxing, studying and playing lawn games.
Next to Eddie’s is Freeman Hall, home to the majority of lecture halls on campus. Behind Freeman is John Mulcahy Hall (JMH), which houses STEM classes. Next to JMH are Walsh and Finlay Halls, and across the way is the Public Safety office, whose officers patrol campus 24/7.
Next to the gymnasium is the newly renovated McShane Campus Center, home to the Career Center, the Office of Student Involvement, the Center for Community Engaged Learning, Campus Ministry and the McShane dining hall. The McShane basement houses the student gym (Ram Fit), club suites, eateries Dagger John’s and Bronx Bagel Company and the University Post Office. Connected to McShane is the Lombardi Field House, which contains offices for Fordham’s 22 Division I athletic teams, a pool, an indoor track and squash courts.
Across from McShane is Hughes Hall, housing the Gabelli School of Business. Next to it is Dealy Hall, the hub for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Fordham
campus Starbucks. Sandwiched between both buildings is the university fountain, as well as the iconic Ram statue. Fordham legend states that all first-year students must ride the ram during their first semester, otherwise they won’t graduate.
Behind the fountain is Cunniffe House and Collins Auditorium, where the various campus performance groups put on shows. Next to Collins is the University Church, which holds mass daily. The stained glass windows were donated to Fordham by King Louis Phillipe I of France after they didn’t fit in the windows of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.
Beyond Dealy Hall is Duane Library, home to the theology department and the office of admissions, and further past it is Walsh Library, the main library on the Rose Hill campus. The library is open from 8:30 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and at varying times on weekends. There are also study rooms available for reservation, as well as the Writing Center and study abroad office.
Behind the library are Campbell, Salice and Conley Halls and is upperclassmen housing. Below Campbell is
Cosi, an on-campus eatery that serves salads, flatbreads and pizza. Next to Cosi is the Metro-North gate which leads to the Metro-North train. Further up Fordham Road are the B, D and 4 trains which lead to Manhattan.
Martyrs Court, the largest first-year dorm, has three wings. Jogues is one of three Integrated Learning Communities (ILC) for first-years and STEM majors. LaLande and Goupil are the other two halls. Across from Martyrs is Alumni Court South, and farther behind is Loschert Hall. South and Loschert are identical and were originally called Alumni Court South and Alumni Court North.
Across from Loschert and next to the University Church is Queen’s Court, another ILC. First-years who live there pledge to prioritize their mental and physical health and avoid substance abuse. Also next to the University Church is Faber Hall, which holds academic offices and first-year dorms. Directly adjacent is Loyola Hall, home to the Manresa Scholars, a first-year ILC. Directly across from Loyola Hall are the Hawthorne/Rooney Tennis Courts and also the Bahoshy Softball Field.
Student Resources and Services
By JULIANNA MORALES FEATURES EDITOR
Fordham University students have access to various resources for financing, health and safety, academics and campus life, and student involvement. Information on what these resources do and how to contact them is detailed below.
The Office of Financial Aid is available to help students know and understand their options for financing college such as university-provided aid, payment plans and loan options. They help students formulate a plan that will enable them to continue attending Fordham throughout their college years. You can email Student Financial Services at financialaid@fordham.edu, studentaccounts@fordham.edu or by calling (718) 817-3800. Students working at Fordham to help with their educational costs can contact Student Employment at stuemploy@ fordham.edu.
Fordham’s Department of Public Safety works to ensure the well-being of the entire Fordham community. The public safety officers are located throughout campus and are available to students at all times. Public Safety works closely with the New York Police Department to protect
Fordham’s campus and the surrounding areas populated by students. Public Safety has a designated number for each campus. The Rose Hill campus Public Safety number is (718) 817-2222. They can also be contacted using blue-light phones on campus.
The Fordham University Health Center provides students with access to highquality healthcare services directly on campus. They provide primary care, physical examinations, an allergy clinic, immunizations, laboratory services and health education. The center is located on the lower level of O’Hare Hall and can be contacted at (718) 817-4160. In case of emergency, the Public Safety number can be used to contact the Fordham University Emergency Medical Services.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) is a division of Student Affairs at Fordham that is dedicated to providing on-campus mental health services to students. The office offers crisis intervention, individual counseling/ therapy, group counseling, peer counseling, evaluations, consultations and referrals to other campus resources and off-campus providers. The CPS office is located in the O’Hare Hall basement for walk-ins or can be contacted
by calling (718) 817-3725.
The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is available to help students create and manage accommodations as needed. They work to provide accessibility to all undergraduate students, as well as most of the Fordham graduate schools. Any student who needs accommodation must complete the application to register with ODS and set up an intake appointment. ODS can be contacted at their email disabilityservices@fordham.edu or by calling (718) 817-0655.
The Fordham Writing Center is a free service available to all students. All students are encouraged to seek advice and help with their writing regardless of their level or the discipline they study. The writing center offers help from master’s and doctoral students at any stage of the writing process, from outlining to editing the final draft. The center is located within the Walsh Family Library and can be emailed at writingcenter@ fordham.edu or calling (718) 817-0077.
Students in all courses at Fordham can receive free tutoring on Knack. Knack allows for students to be connected with trained peer tutors for in-person or virtual tutoring sessions where they
can ask questions and receive feedback about learning strategies and course content. Students can access Knack tutoring at fordham. joinknack.com.
Fordham offers opportunities to study abroad for various lengths of time, such as a single semester, an academic year or a summer. Fordham offers semester programs in London, England, where the classes are through Fordham itself, and Granada, Spain, where students take classes at the Universidad de Granada. However, the university is also partnered with other universities worldwide to provide options for numerous other study-abroad locations and programs. Students interested in studying abroad can connect with the Study Abroad office at studyabroad@fordham.edu or (718) 817-3464.
The Office of Student Involvement (OSI) works to fulfill the Jesuit mission of educating students as whole people by creating meaningful opportunities for them to interact and connect with others outside of the classroom setting. OSI includes the campus clubs and organizations, commuter student services, student orientation and senior week. The office is located in the McShane
Student Center and can be contacted at involvementrh@ fordham.edu or calling (718) 817-4339.
The Fordham Career Center works with current students and Fordham alumni to connect them with employers and prepare them for the world beyond education. They have one-on-one appointments, workshops and other resources to help students with their resumes, finding opportunities, networking and interviewing. The Career Center can be emailed at fordhamfutures@ fordham.edu or by calling (718) 817-4350.
Campus Ministry is the student-led, multifaith community on Fordham campuses that works to support the personal, spiritual and moral development of Fordham students. Campus Ministry celebrates faith and religious traditions, encourages students to participate in the Catholic church, offers retreats and service opportunities and works to ensure students are able to participate in faith and religion as they desire. Campus Ministry can be emailed at cm@fordham. edu or via phone at (718) 8174505.
Fordham has a variety of resources that students should be sure to use.
The Ram’s Advice for Incoming Students
Cristina Stefanizzi, FCRH ’27:
Spend as much time outside of your room as possible. Sit in your dorm lounge every night during your first week there. Knock on people’s doors. DM people from your class on Instagram and start up a conversation. This is the best way to meet new people! Remember, everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is looking for new friends. The late nights in the dorm lounge playing Uno were some of my best memories from my first year.
Sophie Maselli, FCRH ’26: Phone numbers first! Meeting a potential friend is the first step, but staying in contact with them is the hurdle. Make sure to get the phone number of someone you want to befriend, because social media, like Snapchat and Instagram, are fickle ways of staying in touch. Reaching out on social media isn’t always effective, as some people don’t check their messages often. Contacting them via text will ensure that they have a higher chance of seeing your message. And on top of that, aim to get at least one person’s phone number from each of your classes. That way, you have someone to reach out to with any questions (or annoyances).
Hannah Boring, FCRH ’25: Don’t get stuck in your own little bubble. Fordham can be very isolating at times — trust me, I’ve been there. But staying in your dorm room or only hanging out with the same few people won’t help you grow. Explore a new part of the city, talk to someone you don’t know, read a book in a genre you don’t usually go for. I regret the times I wasted staying in my dorm room when I could have been hanging with the amazing people I know and love at Fordham.
Lusa Holmstrom, FCRH ’25: Give yourself some breathing room! Maybe you will immediately feel comfortable at Fordham, but if you don’t, there’s no rush to force it. It’s a big switch, and allowing yourself time to figure it out will make everything feel less overwhelming.
Allison Schneider, FCRH ’26: Go to the Club Fair at the beginning of the year and sign up for the mailing lists of at least three or four clubs. Joining a club is one of the best ways to meet new people who you know have similar interests as you. Club meetings are often super social and a good way to let off steam, get to know people outside the classroom and learn about something that interests you!
Cailee Zeraat, FCRH ’25: Get to know your professors early in the semester. Go to office hours when you can, or even just stay after class to chat for a bit. Building relationships with professors is a great way to start your academic and professional
network. Professors love talking to their students; they hold office hours for that reason! Plus, most professors are super cool people that you can learn a lot from. I’ve acquired some of my most valuable knowledge from coffee chats with my favorite professors.
Sofia Donohue, FCRH ’25: Don’t forget to take time for yourself! Your first year can be overwhelming in the sense that you’re constantly surrounded by new people — roommates, classmates and friends. While you should take every opportunity to meet new people, also prioritize spending time alone. Go to the library for a quick study session, take a walk in the Botans or grab a coffee and sit outside. As someone who’s more introverted, it was important for me to spend time with myself to recharge. Balance is key!
Jonah Ring, FCRH ’26: Please try not to go overboard with mapping out your entire semester via intricate and color-coded spreadsheets and/ or planners. Life, especially college life in New York City, always finds a way to throw the unexpected at you, so providing yourself the leeway and ability to “go with the flow” is key. Not only will a little flexibility allow you to enjoy the spontaneity of New York to its fullest, but it will also help to mitigate the stress and anxiety that arises when things don’t play out as planned.
Nora Malone, FCRH ’27: It’s okay if you don’t find the perfect friend group immediately. It takes time to find your people. Most of the big friend groups in the first couple weeks won’t exist come second semester. There’s nothing wrong with taking time to make friends. Additionally, join clubs to make those friends! Even if
you only go to one meeting, you could find one person that you share an interest with, and that’s a step in the right direction. College is a marathon, not a sprint.
Joe Henry, FCRH ’26: Be patient! Take things day by day and trust that everything will fall into place. Whether it’s a group of friends, your academics or extracurriculars, give yourself time to adjust to college and to find who and what brings you happiness and fulfillment.
Caleb Stine, FCRH ’25: The best way to find your people is to be yourself. Being as transparent with other first-years as possible will speed up the process of finding a close group of friends. Fordham is a great community with a lot of different social pockets. Being honest and open about who you are and what you’re interested in will pay immense social dividends for you in your first year.
Diana Juarez, GSB ’27: Don’t forget to enjoy it! The next couple of months can get chaotic and overwhelming. You can get lost in the excitement and nervousness, and it can become more stressful than fun. Meeting new friends and getting acquainted with new clubs and classes can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Remember, this is your time to get to know yourself, so enjoy it!
Sarah Urbano, FCRH ’25: Everyone is in the same boat trying to make friends. Don’t be scared to ask people to do something, such as getting Urban Kitchen. That’s how I met my best friend, who is now my roommate! I also wish I had taken advantage of more oncampus resources. There are so many amazing things, like the Career Center and the Writing Center, to help you succeed. Also, if you live on campus, go
to the RA events in your dorm! They’re fun events for free and a great way to meet people in your dorm and sometimes even win prizes. My last piece of advice is definitely to go to the club fair and find something that interests you, but you should join the best club of all, The Fordham Ram, obviously.
Erynn Sweeney, FCRH ’27: Have a “Why not?” attitude. Say yes to new opportunities, even if it’s something a little bit outside of your comfort zone. You never know when a simple moment will become an adventure and a long-lasting memory. I learned so much from having an open mind and being along for the ride. During the beginning of my first year, it felt like everything was moving and changing so fast, and I found it hard to keep up. I think it is helpful to let go of the pressure and soak in every experience, taking it one day at a time. I always heard people talk about college as the best four years of their lives, but it still comes with all the ups and downs of day-to-day existence. Be patient with yourself, and remember that good things take time.
Julianna Morales, FCRH ’25: Your education is important and an amazing opportunity, but it is not all there is to college. Work hard but also let yourself have fun and try new things. Don’t define yourself by academics, especially when going through the transitional period of first starting college. Join clubs, meet new people and explore the area. You will find your groove and your people but just like any other changes in life, there is a learning curve. That’s okay! You’ll be fine; believe in yourself.
Saisha Islam, FCRH ’25: Take care of your health, be safe and don’t overwork yourself. It’s
important to find a good pace for yourself and understand how you work best. Don’t compare yourself to others; you’re on your own path and you are your own best friend, so be kind to yourself. Also, have fun! Make friends and have new experiences. College is an amazing period where you have more responsibility and can learn more about yourself.
Evan McManus, FCRH ’25: The first few weeks of college are very exciting, but they can also be overwhelming. You just moved to a new environment, so it’s okay to feel this way. The best way to not feel overcome by stress is to take it day by day. Each day is a new opportunity to explore the campus, meet new people and find things that excite you. It will be tough to do this at first, especially if you are homesick like I was the first few weeks. However, it will become easier overtime, and pretty soon, you’ll be okay.
Haniyyah Usmani, FCRH ’27: Don’t overwhelm yourself, but don’t isolate yourself either. Know what opportunities are available for you by getting involved and stepping out of your comfort zone. Learn about clubs at the Club Fair, open those emails about events in the Career Center, talk to your professors outside of class. Building relationships with professors will never hurt, and don’t shy away from going to office hours. Professors genuinely like talking to students, and if you need help with anything, it’s easier to reach out to them. At the beginning of the year, everyone’s looking for someone to talk to, so strike up a conversation with whoever you come across and get their contact information. You’re not alone, and you’ll be okay! It’s your college journey, and it might seem like a lot at first, but remember that it’s just one day at a time.
With it’s Collegiate Gothic-style architecture, Keating Hall stands tall in the heart of Fordham University’s Rose Hill Campus.
COURTESY OF DALIA FOUQUART FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Cam pus Cravings: A Guide to Fordham Dining
By SOPHIE MASELLI DIGITAL PRODUCER
New to dining at Fordham University Rose Hill? Well, this is the article to read. One thing I love about Fordham is how many dining options there are. This article will give you a rundown of each food option, as well as my recommendations. Have any allergies? Stick around for the end.
First, let’s understand Fordham’s meal plan. You likely have meal swipes and dining dollars, which are two separate entities. You use a meal swipe when purchasing a meal. This typically covers a meal and a fountain drink. You use dining dollars when buying a snack, bottled drink, groceries or Starbucks. To check your dining dollar balance, you can use the Grubhub app and connect your Fordham account to order food online if you don’t want to order in person. However, you will have to go to the dining location and pick up the meal yourself. Also, credit and debit cards are accepted at each of these dining establishments if you do not have a meal plan.
Let’s start with the most obvious location: the dining hall. For the past year, the dining hall has been located on the second floor of the McShane Center, but the renovated version is set to reopen back on the first floor this fall. The dining hall has six different stations that have multiple food op -
tions. Included will always be pizza, a grill station, a salad bar, pasta dishes and vegetarian options. One station called True Balance is free of the nine main allergens: milk, eggs, nuts, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame. Desserts, cereals, fruits and drinks are also offered. Honestly, the dining hall isn’t my favorite destination, but you will definitely get the most bang for your buck there, as you can get as much food as you want just for one meal swipe when you enter. Note that while the dining hall renovation is ongoing, there is another miniature dining hall at Bepler Commons in Faber Hall with similar options.
Next up is the Grotto, formerly known as POD, short for “provisions on demand,” or simply Boar’s Head. This dining location is technically part of Queen’s Court, but only has one entrance which is across from Rod’s. There is a deli where they serve customizable Boar’s Head sandwiches, and starting this year, thew location will offer a new breakfast menu. POD is also similar to a convenience store. You can buy snacks, ice cream, drinks, frozen prepared meals, fruits and more using dining dollars. Rodrigue’s Coffee House, famously known as Rod’s, is the small building across from POD’s entrance. It is a small and inexpensive coffee shop, but more of a chill place to hang out and study. Note that you cannot use dining dollars or meal
swipes at this location.
Next is Cosi, located on the first floor of Campbell. If you’re not familiar with this chain, it is similar to Panera. There are sandwiches, salads, soups and pizzas. Note that Cosi is notorious for extremely long waits during rush hour at dinner time, between 7 and 8 p.m. Then there’s Urban Kitchen, which I would deem the most favored dining location at Rose Hill. It is part of O’Hare Hall, and the entrance is right next to the parking garage ramp. If you’re craving some fast food, this is the place to go. Urban serves chicken tenders, burgers, wraps and fries, but they also serve custom smoothies, salads, rice bowls and, new this year, Jack’s Burritos. I am personally a huge fan of their smoothies and get one almost every day.
Now let’s travel back to the McShane Center. On the first floor, just to the right of where the entrance to the new dining hall will be, is BKG Coffee Roasters, Sambazon and Grab N Go Retail. Here you can order coffee and açai bowls. There is also a convenience store with mainly allergy-friendly options, such as lots of dairy-free and gluten-free snacks and desserts that I recommend to anyone with allergies or intolerances. I definitely consider this a hidden gem on campus.
Then, in the basement of McShane is Dagger John’s — one of my favorite dining
locations at Rose Hill. This one might be tricky to find, but there are some signs to help you. There are three different areas to order from. First is BONMi, where you can order Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches or bowls. In the middle is Saiko Sushi, where you can order sushi rolls and poké bowls. To the right is Saiko Bubble Tea, where you can order exactly that. This location also has the Bronx Bagel Company that serves, you guessed it, bagels, in the seating room in the mornings. These lines are extremely long before noon, so make sure you get there early if you want to avoid a wait.
The last dining location is Salt & Sesame, located on the first floor of Faculty Memorial Hall, also known as FMH. You can order bagels, breakfast sandwiches, coffees and teas. This is a great place to go before or after a class in FMH, but it does close much earlier than all the other dining locations.
I must also mention the Starbucks on the first floor of Dealy Hall. But beware of the lengthy line inside and on the Grubhub app. I do believe that waiting over 20 minutes for your dinner with a friend is a great bonding experience, but if you would rather avoid waiting up to an hour for your dinner, utilize the Grubhub app. Keep in mind that your food may not be ready in time if you’re ordering during busy hours between
around 1 and 2 p.m., and 7 and 8 p.m.
Now for allergies. Dining at Fordham with an allergy is a subject I am now a master of, as I developed an extremely restrictive soy allergy during my second semester. Due to this allergy, I was no longer able to eat most of the foods offered at any of the dining places at Fordham. Thankfully, I have still managed to find ways to eat on campus around that restriction. Skeptical that a certain meal has your allergen? You can find the ingredients of some meals that Fordham offers online. You can also find many of the menus online on Fordham’s Ram Hospitality page. Fordham’s dietitian Susana Debbe is also a great resource to use. You can contact her at ramhealth@fordham.edu if you have any questions regarding ingredients, crosscontamination or even eating habits and overall safety. If you have an extremely restrictive soy or gluten allergy and are having immense difficulty finding food you can eat on campus, I would then recommend asking Susana Debbe about the meal pickup program from the dining hall. I utilized this for three semesters and would highly recommend it.
I recommend discussing dining options with others to help you learn which meals you should try and which to avoid so you can find your favorite spots on campus. Good luck and bon appétit!
Master the Art of Making Friends On Campus
By CRISTINA STEFANIZZI ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Picture this. After hours of sweating through your shirt and lugging boxes of clothes and storage bins up the stairs, you’ve finally said your goodbyes to your family, who have now left you in your first-year dorm room. Wait, you don’t need to picture this, it’s actually happening.
Well, in that case, welcome to Fordham University! We’re glad you’re here. Put aside the panicking about where your classes are and what’s good to eat here (spoiler alert: nothing), because we’re going to discuss maybe the most important thing: how to make friends.
Not to sound cliche and say, “it was so easy to make friends as a child,” but yeah, it really was. I made my first friend ever by going up to the first girl I saw in my kindergarten classroom and saying, “Hi! I’m Cristina. Do you want to be friends?” She hid behind her mom and looked at me like I was an alien. But hey, she’s stuck around for the past 15 years, and she’s also here at Fordham with me, so I think
it worked. (Hey Lauren!) But, it’s truly as simple as that. You will meet the best people at Fordham just by saying hello. I met my friends Maddie, Juliana and Cate by knocking on their doors after my dad left me at school. I met my friend Sanya after playing Uno on our first night in the dorm lounge. I met my friend Sammi over the summer while talking on Instagram, sharing clubs we were excited to join.
I truly think this is the best way to make friends at Fordham. Say hi to the person behind you in line at Urban Kitchen. Invite the person in the laundry room with you to dinner. Knock on your neighbor’s door and talk to them. There are so many ways to make friends at Fordham, and it’s important to remember that everyone is in the same boat: everyone is new, everyone is scared and everyone is looking for a friend.
You’ll also get the opportunity to sign up for clubs on the first day of classes at the annual club fair. All 200+ clubs at Fordham will have tables around Eddie’s, begging for you to join. Sign
up for anything and every thing under the sun that sounds fun to you. I think I went home from the club fair last year with 40 wel come emails from differ ent clubs. It’s a great way to meet people with similar interests, and you can pick which clubs you stick with for the year.
in class. I’ve bonded with classmates over some of the best and worst professor experiences. My political science class spent the nights
moment decision one night brought me to a Taylor Swift DJ night in Manhattan one of the first weeks of school with 15 other Fordham
plete strangers to me. Now, they are familiar faces I see around campus and can say hello to, all because we have
Find someone who wants to go to a Rangers game, run a marathon with you or host a picnic in Central Park. There are so many people at Fordham, you just need to find your people. Once you find them, there are endless opportunities in NYC to have fun, explore and make memories.
Fordham’s Core Curriculum is Invaluable
By SAISHA ISLAM OPINION EDITOR
When first registering for classes at Fordham, the Core Curriculum is a checklist of classes and attributes that need to be completed before a student graduates. It includes classes such as “Philosophical Ethics,” “Faith and Critical Reason” and other advanced courses that may focus on topics from history or sociology. While the Core Curriculum does offer some flexibility, especially in choosing which advanced courses to take, students often regard it with annoyance and as another damper during registration. However, the Core Curriculum is invaluable in its benefits and can lead students to enjoy classes they might not have taken. The Core Curriculum prides itself on expanding a student’s
intellectual curiosity and their perspective. It also allows students to be able to develop multidisciplinary connections and improve their research skills. These benefits offer vital soft skills such as critical reasoning and leadership, which can help students throughout their lives, no matter which path they may take. While I was initially exasperated by the Core Curriculum, and still am sometimes during registration, I do admit that it has enriched my college experience in ways that I hadn’t expected. As a biology major, I was most looking forward to my science-heavy schedule, as I felt that I was learning about things that were more relevant to the future that I wanted. However, Core Curriculum courses have
offered a needed levity in my schedule that provides a better balance of classes which allowed me to enjoy science classes without burning out. Additionally, these classes have exposed me to a variety of new perspectives and unexpected ways to draw connections. For example, while learning about the mechanisms of cholera during Virology was interesting, it was even more enlightening to understand how the disease affected America during the 19th century. It was also intriguing to see how skills were able to translate between different classes. For example, many of the literary analysis skills I learned during Core Curriculum English classes helped me to better understand research articles for other science courses.
In addition, the Core Curriculum can also lead you to enjoy classes you might not otherwise have taken. Taking a Medieval Literature class, which fulfilled my EP2 requirement during my first year, opened me up to enjoying literature more. As I read “Beowulf” and other texts, I found myself enjoying the assignments and essays for the class. My professor in the class was one of the key figures who inspired me to think about taking on an English minor and thinking about writing more as an extracurricular, which led me to end up joining the Opinion section at The Fordham Ram, an amazing decision which has added so much to my life. Now, I enjoy taking more English classes and writing and editing for The Fordham Ram, aside from my traditional path of STEM classes. Even Core Curriculum classes that I didn’t necessarily have a passion for but still found interesting were able to add to my knowledge and enhance or teach me new skills. Overall, while the Core Curriculum may inspire some irritation, it can provide so many important skills and experiences and even lead you to find classes you might not have had in mind but really enjoy. My tip while navigating the Core Curriculum is to keep an open mind and try to understand what you can take away from each class. College is a different experience for all of us, and we all have different paths, but the Core Curriculum can offer a way to explore interests and enhance skills.
COURTESY OF CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Eddie’s is a popular spot on campus for students to gather with friends.
COURTESY OF THE FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES
Students take a variety of Core Curriculum classes throughout their tenure such as “Philosophical Ethics,” “Faith and Critical Reasoning” and “Texts and Contexts.”
A Transplant’s Guide to the Bronx
By ALLISON SCHNEIDER MANAGING EDITOR
When I first arrived at Fordham University, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect out of my new home in the Bronx. In the months leading up to move-in, I received a lot of unsolicited advice and heard plenty of opinions about the area, much of it negative. But many of the people sharing those opinions had never actually visited the borough, let alone lived there. For the past few decades, the Bronx has fought to recover from the negative stereotypes perpetuated by harmful media portrayals and from a history fraught with political abandonment, failed urban renewal initiatives, discriminatory policies and massive displacement due to the Cross Bronx Expressway. I quickly learned that others’ perceptions of the Bronx did not have to mirror my experience of it. In the past couple of years, I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get to know my new home, explore the borough and challenge my own assumptions about the area, and I am excited to encourage others to do the same by sharing some of my favorite places in the borough. With over 6,000 acres of parkland, the Bronx is the greenest of New York City’s five boroughs. Lucky for us, a chunk of that parkland is right in Fordham’s backyard. Bronx Park, which encompasses both the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, backs up to the Rose Hill campus along its north and east edges. Not only are these parks convenient, they’re also affordable. The Bronx Zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays with an online ticket reservation, and the Botanical Garden, known by many Fordham students as simply “the Botans,” is free for all Fordham students who show their student ID at the gate.
If you’re looking for something a little farther removed from the hustle and bustle of Fordham Road, there are some other amazing green spaces just a bus ride away. First is a
among Fordham students. For delicious Chinese food or a budget meal, try Lee’s Restaurant on 187th St. For Dominican food, try Ajo y Orégano. For Vietnamese food, I recommend taking a walk to Jerome Ave. and trying the massive and delish signature dish at Com Tam Ninh Kieu. For Albanian food, try Çka Ka Qëllu on Hughes Ave. Rumored to be one of popstar Dua Lipa’s favorite restaurants, Çka Ka Qëllu serves slightly more upscale, absolutely delicious meat and cheese-forward dishes. Like Estrella Azteca, this spot has also been awarded a Michelin star. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, there is no shortage of yummy pastry shops, bakeries and cafes near Fordham. My personal favorites are Artuso Pastry Shop and DeLillo’s Pasty Shop, both on 187th St.
personal favorite of mine: Van Cortlandt Park. To get there, you can hop on the Bx9 bus at the stop in front of Walsh Library and take it all the way to Broadway and West 242 St., right at the edge of the park. Van Cortlandt boasts some of the city’s prettiest intact forestry and wetlands and is great for a nature walk or a hike. It has a massive open lawn with baseball diamonds, soccer fields and even a cricket pitch. The park is also across the street from the famous Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, which, true to its name, sells amazing carrot cake by the slice.
In addition, the Bronx is also home to New York City’s largest park, Pelham Bay Park. Three times the size of Central Park, this outdoor oasis offers almost endless walking and countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Situated right along the coast, Pelham Bay Park even has its own beach! Orchard Beach is the only public beach in the Bronx and draws thousands of visitors every year. To get to Pelham Bay Park, you can take the Bx12 all the way east and expect to reach the park in about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
It is no secret that New York City has one of the greatest varieties of delicious food in the world, and it would be a mistake not to take advantage of all the dishes the city has to offer. Because there are too many amazing dining spots in the Bronx to possibly cover them all, I’ll stick to giving a few recommendations for restaurants right here in the Belmont area. You’ll have to discover the rest on your own!
First up is Estrella Azteca. Formerly known as Estrellita Poblana III or just Estrellita’s, this Mexican restaurant is located on Arthur Ave., right in the heart of Little Italy. It has affordable prices, fantastic margaritas and a Michelin Plate award. You can’t really go wrong with any of the restaurants in Little Italy, but Enzo’s on Arthur Ave. is definitely one of the most popular
different bus routes, the D or 4 train, or even the Metro-North train to Melrose and walk. For a much closer neighborhood visit, you can check out Little Yemen, which borders Belmont and is just on the other side of the Bronx Zoo. Like Little Italy, Little Yemen is known for its fantastic, and often affordable, restaurants.
Outside Fordham and Belmont, the Bronx has a bunch of other great neighborhoods to explore. All of these areas are easily accessible by bus or by foot, although walking to some of the further spots isn’t for the faint of heart. On the top of my list for a good walking tour is Norwood. Not too far from the Fordham area, Norwood is home to some great diners, flower shops and a nice outdoor space in the Williamsbridge Oval. It also boasts some of the oldest homes in the Bronx including the Valentine Varian House, built in 1758.
Another interesting area I’ll recommend is Concourse. Concourse is perhaps best known for being the home of Yankee Stadium, another great pastime for new Bronxites, but it also has lots of other spots to explore. Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park is nearby, and The Bronx Museum of the Arts is just around the corner. If walking all the way from Belmont to Concourse sounds like too much for you, you can take a couple of
Although Fordham and Grand Concourse have several shops like Old Navy and TJ Maxx, the area isn’t necessarily a bustling student shopping center. However, that doesn’t mean you need to travel all the way downtown for a day spent shopping. For first-hand items and a range of shopping options, you can take the bus to the Mall at Bay Plaza near Pelham Bay Park. In terms of the Bronx thrifting scene, you can choose from a couple Salvation Army locations, a MyUnique, LePoint Thrift and a smattering of other locations scattered throughout the borough. For special shopping and unique food options, keep your eyes peeled for weekend events like Bronx Night Market and the upcoming Ferragosto Festival.
One of my favorite parts about living near Fordham these last couple of years has been getting to learn about Bronx history, and there is a lot to learn! First up is world-famous author and poet, Edgar Allan Poe, who called the Bronx home for the last several years of his life. His cottage is located inside Poe Park, just a few blocks northeast of campus, and is open to visitors every Saturday. The Bronx is also known for being the birthplace of hip-hop music and culture. For superfans of the genre, various companies offer walking tours of the borough where you can learn more about the community center where hiphop was born and about Bronx hiphop legends like DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash. To explore
more Bronx music, check out the Bronx Music Heritage Center located near Crotona Park East. Other historic and cultural sites in the Bronx include the Kingsbridge Armory, a massive castle-like structure located in the heart of the Bronx, and Woodlawn Cemetery. Woodlawn Cemetery, situated next to Van Cortlandt Park, serves as a beautiful outdoor space for walking around, but it is also the resting place for numerous historical and cultural figures. From jazz icons Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to famous writer Herman Melville to America’s first female self-made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker, the cemetery represents some of America’s greatest influences.
My final recommendation for students in the Bronx is the Bronx Library Center. The center is the largest public library in the Bronx, and it’s only a 10-minute walk from campus. While Fordham’s Walsh Library offers many great services, sometimes students need a change of scenery or access to a different selection of books. The Bronx Library Center is free to use and offers interlibrary loans with the other New York City public libraries. Getting a library card is not only easy, but a necessity for students in the city, and the employees at the Bronx Library Center can help you get started. New York Public Library cards can also grant you reduced price or free access to a number of cultural sites and events in the city with the culture pass program.
While this list may be long, it is by no means exhaustive. Many of these recommendations are personal favorites of mine, but there are so many more hidden gems to uncover in the Bronx. Hopefully, these spots can serve as a valuable launching pad for new students’ own unique explorations of the borough they’ll call home for the next four years.
Norwood is one of many neighborhoods to explore in the Bronx.
COURTESY OF ALLISON SCHNEIDER/THE FORDHAM RAM
The Bronx River flows through the New York Botanical Garden located across the street from the Rose Hill campus.
COURTESY OF ALLISON SCHNEIDER/THE FORDHAM RAM
Welcome to Your New York City
By LUSA HOLMSTROM
ASST. OPINION EDITOR
Whether you are a seasoned New Yorker or from a small town on the opposite coast, the city will always have something to offer. It is a patchwork of cultures, communities, languages and traditions, with a tangle of public transportation to match. Here at Rose Hill, students have easy access to a network that takes riders throughout the city. You have four years to explore each nook and cranny of the five boroughs, but we’ll start strong with Manhattan. If Fordham University is your school, you might as well take advantage of your campus and experience your New York City.
The Bronx’s most direct connection down the west side is on the corner of Fordham Road and Grand Concourse, a short walk from campus. The B and the D are elusive
trains that run on schedules even Fordham seniors don’t have down to a science. The B doesn’t run on weekends, so the D, which normally runs express, makes all local stops. But if on a weekday outside of rush hour, you hop on the D at Fordham Road hoping to get off on 72nd St., you’d better buckle down for the express ride between 125th St. and 59th St. That being said, the D can get you deep downtown faster than you realize, so far that you might find yourself at the Grand Street stop in Chinatown, just blocks away from delicious food at college-friendly prices. At Super Taste on Eldridge, you can order 10 pork and chive dumplings for only $4.95. Or, if you’re feeling so inclined, a frozen bag of 50 from behind the counter is $12. At Nom Wah on Doyers St., the oldest tea house in New York, bring cash to eat a stack of crispy scallion pancakes and
a steaming pork bun on pink and yellow tables outside.
From a seat on the aboveground 4 train, I once caught a glimpse of Yankee Stadium and a woman kissing a bearded dragon on her chest between the same two stops. Though it gets a bad rep for being farther away than the D (just barely!), the 4 has become my new favorite because it runs express down the east side. For those who persevere, there is a treat waiting for you at the 14th St.-Union Square station. On both Thursdays and Sundays, the Union Square Market plays host to rows of tents throughout the week. With an eclectic variety of offerings, the collection of merchants caters to all kinds of visitors — those looking for crocheted coasters can shop next to friends on the hunt for the city’s best whole wheat sourdough loaf. If it’s feeling like a two-stop day, jump right back onto the 4 and ride
up to 77th St., where after a few minutes’ walk on the ritzy Upper East Side, your Fordham ID can get you into the Metropolitan Museum of Art free of charge. With exhibits spanning from musical instruments to Islamic art, this famed building and its steps are home to much more than the annual Met Gala and is always worth a visit (or many).
A Fordham student exclusive, the Ram Van goes directly between the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses for $3.50. Whether you’re commuting down to class or going down to enjoy an afternoon in the city, Birch Coffee on 57th St. and Ninth Ave. offers drinks and baked goods at reasonable prices and honors a discount with student ID. For a dinnertime excursion, Sala Thai on 74th St. and Amsterdam Ave. serves some of the best pad see ew, green curry and kao moo kratiam that you will find off any mode of city transit. Finally, settled cozily in the entertainment district, Carnegie Hall is just blocks from Lincoln Center and serves as another locale that can often be more affordable than expected. By checking the website, students can find $10 tickets to select shows through the Student Insider program.
While waiting for the Bx12 on Fordham Road, you can hear street preachers or smell the meat from the man who grills on a shopping cart. Though you might be tempted to sit a spell, if you get onto the bus, in 10 stops, you can get off at Broadway and
207th St. and walk through Inwood to the Met Cloisters. Up a winding hill under trees and tunnels, the Cloisters look over the Hudson and are home to gardens and extensive art collections. Your Fordham ID will also get you an entry ticket to this staple of New York museum culture. Last but not least is the Metro-North (MNR). This is the most efficient connection to midtown Manhattan and can even now connect riders to the Long Island Railroad and multiple subway lines. For a quick, spur-of-themoment trip downtown, ride an off-peak train to Grand Central and be there in just over 20 minutes. Some mustsees in this bustling area are the New York Public Library, which offers free entry and allows silent study in the Rose Reading Room, which boasts beautiful ceilings and ornate bookshelves. Behind the library is Bryant Park, which serves as an outdoor movie theater in the summer and an ice skating rink in winter. The MNR is often the most reliable and central form of transportation that gets you (almost) door-todoor in under 30 minutes if you’re willing to pay the varying prices.
Between classes, jobs and trips to the post office, there will always be a new corner of the city to explore. New York city welcomes its students with warm embraces and will always give you a subway story to tell your new friends when you get back. First-timers and lifelongers, welcome home.
COURTESY OF LUSA HOLMSTROM/THE FORDHAM RAM
The One World Trade Center is one of New York City’s most famous buildings.
Competition and Controversy at the Paris Olympics
By HANNAH BORING PRODUCTION EDITOR
The 2024 Summer Olympics held in Paris from July 26 to Aug. 11 promised to be recordbreaking and breathtaking, and they certainly were. The United States ended the 19 days of competition with a grand total of 126 medals, almost evenly split among the three categories with 40 golds, 44 silvers and 42 bronzes.
Women dominated this year’s Olympics — point, blank, period. This was the first Olympics in history to have total gender parity, with 50% of the athletes being women and 28 out of 32 sports reaching full gender equality. Out of the 126 medals Team USA took home, 67 of them were won by women. Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in U.S. history. Her four medals in Paris brought her grand total to 11, seven of which are gold.
Swimmers Torri Huske and Regan Smith took home five medals each, the most of any woman this year on Team USA. Also from the pool, swimming legend Katie Ledecky raised her career medal count to 14 during her fourth Olympics, becoming the most decorated woman Olympian from the United States. Sprinters Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson showed out on the
track, with Thomas boasting three medals and Richardson two. Women’s basketball won its eighth consecutive gold medal, whereas women’s rugby took home bronze as their first medal since returning to the Olympics in 2016. While the moments above are just of the women from our wonderful Team USA, women around the world continued to impress.
One reason the Olympics are so special is because we get to watch talent from around the world celebrate themselves and their homes, and while it is great to watch the U.S. continue to dominate, the most heartwarming moments are when the underdogs win. This summer, four countries received their first medals in Olympic history. Representing Albania, Chermen Valiev won bronze in the men’s freestyle 74 kg wrestling event. From Cape Verde, David de Pina took home bronze in the men’s 51 kg boxing event. The women of the Caribbean proudly represented their countries, with Thea LaFond of Dominica winning gold in the women’s triple jump and Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia winning gold in the women’s 100-meter sprint. The Refugee Olympic Team took home their first Olympic medal when Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba won
the bronze medal in the women’s 75 kg boxing event.
During the Paris Olympics, 125 Olympic records were broken in 10 disciplines, and 32 world records were broken in eight disciplines. Fordham University’s own Alexander Shah, FCRH ’25, represented Nepal and broke his previous national record with a time of 51.91 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle. Swimmer Leon Marchand of France set the Olympic record and won gold in each of his four events, becoming only the fourth swimmer in history to go four-for-four in the Olympics. Sydney McLaughlinLevrone beat her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles at a stellar 50.37 seconds, a record she previously set during the U.S. Olympic Trials in June. Also in track, the mixed 4x400-meter relay set the world record in the preliminary round, with Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, Bryce Deadmon and Kaylyn Brown running a 3:07.41. Mondo Duplantis of Sweden crushed his pole vault record for the ninth time in his career, making the new world record a solid 6.25 meters. Team USA’s Bobby Finke took gold in the 1500-meter swim with a time of 14:30:67, shattering the record set during the 2012 London Olympics.
Unfortunately, the time spent
in Paris was not free from controversy. France banned their Muslim women athletes from wearing a sports hijab or any other form of religious headgear during competition, drawing criticism from international human rights nonprofit Amnesty International for “blatant discrimination” and the perpetuation of systemic issues for women athletes in France.
Jordan Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal in the gymnastics floor routine event days after the conclusion of the Olympics; the medal was instead given to Romania’s Ana Barbosu. Chiles was originally awarded the medal following an appeal by Team USA coach Cecile Landi during the floor exercise final that pushed Chiles from fifth to third place. USA Gymnastics said that they will continue to fight for Chiles.
Despite making its Olympic debut in Paris, breakdancing will not return to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. However, most of the attention was on Australia’s Rachael Gunn, a.k.a. Raygun, who scored an impressive zero in each of her three events. Her memorable routines accompanied online debates surrounding Australia’s selection process, a controversy which has
been called “defamatory” by the Australian Olympic Committee. Boxing gold medalist Imane Khelif of Algeria was the victim of intense online harassment following her win, composed predominantly of false claims about her sex. Among the online attackers were former U.S. President Donald Trump, “Harry Potter” author J. K. Rowling and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Khelif has since filed a criminal complaint against Rowling, Musk and others for cyberbullying.
Despite passing quality checks for the open water swimming events, multiple athletes who swam in the Seine River — a river running through the heart of Paris with a long, rough history of pollution — fell ill after their competition. It is not confirmed whether the Seine was the cause of the athletes’ illness, but it raised suspicion nonetheless.
Despite the controversies and criticisms, the true joy of the Olympics is bringing all corners of the world together to celebrate the best-of-thebest. We’ll hopefully see these athletes again in Los Angeles at the 2028 Summer Olympics, but next up is the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, the two hosting Italian cities.
Rams Football Ranked Third in Preseason Poll
By LOU ORLANDO ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
The Patriot League is more competitive than ever, but Fordham Football should be in a prime position to contend for the league title this season.
The Rams ranked third in the conference’s preseason poll and were one of three teams to receive a first-place vote. Lafayette College and the College of the Holy Cross nabbed first and second in the poll, respectively, after both staking claim in the 2023 Patriot League title as co-regular season champions with identical 5-1 conference records.
Fordham is stacked with plenty of top-notch talent and ample depth on both sides of the ball. The big question will be if they can put it all together in a meaningful way.
The Rams finished the 2023 season with the second-best offense and defense in the Patriot League. However, the season that included a stunning upset win over an FBS opponent, the University of Buffalo, ended as an abject failure. Fordham finished fifth in the league with a 2-4 conference record, dropping three of their last four games to close out the year with a 6-5 overall record that didn’t quite match the eye test.
“That’s been a big emphasis for us all summer,” said senior defensive end Matt Jaworski. “Putting the pieces together and playing a consistent game rather than going through the ups and downs.” Jaworski was named the Patriot League Defensive Player
of the Year after finishing second in the conference with nine sacks in 2023, leading Fordham in sacks and tackles for loss.
Jaworski was one of eight Rams named to the All-Patriot League Preseason Team. None are more important, however, than the return of quarterback CJ Montes, who is back for his second season after an excellent debut year.
After last summer, when the offense was clouded in uncertainty following the graduation of the program’s all-time passing leader Tim DeMorat, head coach Joe Conlin should be relieved to enter the season with a talented QB who has more than proven himself in the offensive system.
Montes earned Second Team All-Patriot League honors while leading the conference in passing yards and passing touchdowns, throwing 26 TDs with only one interception. His 3000 yards ranked ninth-most in the entire FCS and ninth-most in program history.
While Fordham’s 2022 team featured one of the best offenses in college football, averaging a ridiculous 49.5 points per game, they were severely limited by a defense that allowed 36.2 points per game, one of the worst marks in the FCS.
That changed last season under Allen Gant, who assumed the defensive coordinator role after several seasons as a linebackers coach. Led by Gant, the Rams surrendered 24.7 points per game, the second-best in the Patriot League, while
also posting their first shutout against a D1 opponent since 2008 with a 44-0 victory over Stonehill College.
The Rams have the most defensive selections to the preseason All-League team with Jaworski, junior tackle Claudy Robinson, senior linebacker James Conway and graduate student cornerback Nahill Perkins.
Ironically, the biggest addition to their defense wasn’t a player but rather a coach, with Ryan Greenhagen assuming the role of outside linebackers coach for the 2024 season.
Greenhagen graduated in 2022 with 424 tackles, the most in program history, memorably setting an FCS single-game record with 31 tackles against Nebraska University. The former All-American returns to the Bronx, looking to lend his expertise to a talented defensive unit.
A deep receiving core is led by graduate student Garrett Cody, named Second Team AllPatriot League last season, and senior Mekai Felton, backed by a wealth of exciting young receivers. In the backfield, senior Julius Loughridge will lead the charge for a third straight season, while University of Utah transfer Ricky Parks will look to make it a two-headed monster after missing most of last season with an injury.
Their strong-legged kicker Brandon Peskin has transferred to the University of Richmond, but he’ll be replaced by freshman Bennett Henderson, who converted six field goals from 40
yards or deeper in his high school career.
Nothing is guaranteed, particularly in this conference, but Fordham certainly has the talent to win a Patriot League title this season.
“It’s certainly not gonna be easy in-league,” Conlin noted at media day. “I think the league is the most balanced it’s ever been.”
On top of league play, the Rams will also challenge themselves by opening the season against an FBS opponent and playing two CAA opponents in Monmouth University and Stony Brook University.
“It’s certainly challenging. But
while it is a challenge, we had a tough schedule in ’22 — we played Monmouth and Stony Brook out of league,” observed Conlin. “It’s never gonna be easy. You don’t necessarily want it to be easy. Going back to my playing days, the tight games were always the most fun games.”
The 2024 Fordham Football season begins on August 29, with the Rams traveling to Ohio to take on Bowling Green State University, their lone FBS opponent of the season, in a Thursday night matchup.
The Rams will try to set the tone as they vie for their first Patriot League title since 2014.
August 25, 2024
Volleyball Poised to Build on Promising 2023 Campaign
By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
There’s seldom been a more exciting time in the history of Fordham Volleyball. Coach Ian Choi’s 2024 team brings a potent mixture of experience and youth that should give the Rams a crack at a deep postseason run.
Since Choi entered the picture, the Rams have been competitive in the Atlantic 10 Conference, even making their first-ever conference championship appearance in 2021. Choi’s club burst out to a 7-0 start in 2023, finishing at 17-12 overall and at a respectable sixth place in the A-10, with an 8-10 record against inconference competition.
The Rams have managed to retain the majority of their central rotation, one headlined by two-time All-A-10 first-teamer Whitley Moody. The outside hitter enters her graduate year as one of
the most effective attackers in Rams history — last year, she paced the club with 3.6 kills/set, good for second in the A-10. Not far behind her is junior Audrey Brown, whose 3.22 kills/ set were good for third in the A-10 and earned her All-A-10 second-team honors. Brown ranks among the Rams’ bestever finishers, leading the entire A-10 in kills last season with 345 — no one else topped 300.
Among others, Whitney Woodrow should be a massive contributor to the Rams’ highoctane offensive engine; as a setter, she turned defense into offense at an absurd rate last year, posting over 850 digs and 850 assists. Rotation fixture junior Zoe Tabalong is in for a big season, too; she and senior Lauryn Sweeney are two-way contributors on the outside, racking up digs and kills at impressive clips.
Choi loaded up on length and talent with his recruiting class, bringing in five players with stellar high school and club resumes. The incoming freshmen won’t be alone in upholding the stonewall status that the Ram’s defense has built, though. The Rams’ roster has a slew of talented returning defenders, including a rising star in sophomore Tatum Holderied. Factor in names like sophomore Lorenza Rosenkilde, junior Alexa Pyle and senior Audrey Hayes, and the Rams should improve as a blocking team, despite already placing sixth in blocks/set and fourth in total block assists among A-10 clubs.
The Rams have been on an upward trajectory since Choi became head coach, and in 2024, they’ll put their most talented and balanced squad on the hardwood, possibly since the inception of Fordham Volleyball. How the
team gels on the court remains to be seen, but their combination of incoming talent and returning star power leaves them with aspirations of another playoff run. Don’t be surprised if this team makes a serious push at an A-10 title, even when the conference
seems as competitive as ever. It’s a long road until November, though; a road that begins on Aug. 30-31 in Colorado, with non-conference matches against the United States Air Force Academy and the University of South Dakota.
Men’s Soccer to Kick Off Season
By GRIFFIN STEVENSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Returning for his sixth year with the program, head coach Carlo Aquista will lead Fordham Men’s Soccer into action this fall. Matt Sloan, a former All-Conference and All-Region selection standout at Fordham University, will join him as assistant coach.
In addition to the six new additions to the squad during the spring semester, Aquista has recruited eleven new players to join the team this fall. Graduate student Lukas Hackaa and freshman Emile Kisse are two standouts from this class.
Hackaa, the Stockholm-born midfielder, joins the Rams after
two stellar seasons at Indiana University Indianapolis. In 2023, he earned All-Region honors after netting seven goals and dishing out five assists. His 2022 season was even better, with Hackaa registering eight goals and nine assists, the latter of which was the most at IUI since 1991. Hoping to be on the receiving end of Hackaa’s
passes will be Kisse. The Ontarioborn attacker played for Toronto FC’s academy before committing to Fordham. As the number 24 ranked prospect in Canada for his class, he will look to add the cutting edge to the Ram Attack.
Last season, Fordham looked like the team to beat in the Atlantic 10 when they started the 2023 campaign seven games unbeaten. Unfortunately for Aquista’s players, conference play was less motivating. The team’s difference in quality when they were at home versus on the road was put on full display. The Rams failed to win a conference match on the road, losing three and drawing one. On the flip side, they went undefeated with three wins and a draw at Moglia Stadium during A-10 play. The Rams went out in heartbreaking fashion against Virginia Commonwealth University in
the quarter-finals of the A-10 championship, losing 1-0 and having what they thought was a last-minute handball in their opponent’s box go uncalled.
The Rams begin their 2024 campaign with a match against NEC Tournament runner-up Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. They will then play their first match at Moglia Stadium on Sept. 1, where they will host Colgate. Their first big test will be the following Thursday when they host the Co-Champions of the West Coast Conference, Santa Clara University. Fordham will start A-10 play on Sept. 21 with a trip to St. Bonaventure. They will end the regular season at Duquesne on Nov. 2, with the A-10 tournament beginning a week later on Nov. 9. The Rams could look to repeat their 2021 championship in a potential championship match on Nov. 16.
Women’s Soccer Looks for Redemption
By GRIFFIN STEVENSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
Fordham Women’s Soccer will look to bounce back after a disappointing season, which saw them finish with an overall record of 4-10-4. Head coach Magnus Nilerud has strengthened his Rams side by adding 11 recruits for the 2024 season.
Standouts from this class include graduate student Abby Borchers and freshman Sophia Chipriano. Borchers joins the Rams from the University of California Berkeley, where she played over 50 matches for the Golden Bears, netting five goals and two assists. Borchers also has experience on the big stage. During the 2022 season, she was a member of Cal’s NCAA Tournament squad. Joining her up front is fellow forward Sophia Chipriano. The freshman from Schuylkill Haven, Pa., was a four-year member of the Blue Mountain High School varsity
squad, where she was a threetime selection for First-Team All-Schuylkill League. On top of her league honors, Chipriano was named 2023 County Coaches Player of the Year.
The 2024 captains, senior Abby Doyle and junior Ella Guth, will lead this attacking duo and the other nine recruiting class members into battle. Doyle earned team MVP honors in 2022 when she became a rock in the Rams’ midfield before transitioning into a more defensive role, while Guth has been a staple in Fordham’s defense since her first day on campus. “Ella and Abby have all the ingredients you want in a captain. Their work rate in training, their compassionate personalities when a teammate needs support, and their passion for Fordham women’s soccer makes them the ideal captains of our program,” said Nilerud.
These changes for the 2024
season will set up Nilerud for massive improvements from the 2023 season. This season, the Rams’ goal is an A-10 championship after failing to reach the final since 2019. Last season, the Rams finished 2-5-3 in conference play, good enough for seventh place. Fordham will have to crack the top eight again if they want to have a shot at A-10 glory.
On Thursday, Fordham began the season with a win against Manhattan College at Moglia Stadium. Goals from freshman Julia Acosta and sophomore Lena Johnsen lifted the Rams to a 2-1 victory. This match marked the beginning of three straight home matches to start the season. Conference play begins on Sept. 19, when the Rams will begin their campaign to reach the A-10 Championship on Nov. 1 before reaching their ultimate goal of the A-10 Championship final on Nov. 10.
Head coach Ian Choi speaks animatedly with the 2023 team.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
The Fordham women’s soccer team celebrates on the field.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
The 2023 men’s soccer team huddles together on their home field to discuss game play.
the fordham ram and it’s the same but it’s the orientation issue so it’s not