Volume 98 issue 4

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham dh University Community Since 1918 Volume 98, Issue 4

FordhamRam.com

February 24, 2016

Midyear Report Released

Fordham Ranked By Peace Corps

By ERIN SHANAHAN

By LAURA SANICOLA

NEWS EDITOR

The approval of the proposed midterm course evaluations for Gabelli professors is one of the many initiatives highlighted in this year’s United Student Government (USG) 2015 Fall Report.

The report, released Friday, outlined USG’s future plans, town hall meetings, self-studies, and committees. Specifically, USG updated the student body on a variety of initiatives.

Senator Kaela Palmiter, FCRH ’18, and Senator Alexander Zamora, GSB ’18, are working to give students the opportunity to evaluate professors mid-way through their course. This initiative was created to allow students to provide their professors with feedback during the semester and see an improvement.

The Gabelli midterm course evaluation was well received at a Town Hall meeting with Dean RaSEE USG, PAGE 6

COURTESY OF SANDY POPE

COURTESY OF SANDY POPE

COURTESY OF SANDY POPE

FSU released a petition requiring that if Fordham terminates Sodexo’s petition, Sodexo employees be rehired.

Students and Union Seek to Protect Sodexo Workers’ Contract Provisions

By LAURA SANICOLA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Students know them by their first names – Nancy, Frances and Gloria, to name a few. They grin and greet students with a “how you doing,

baby doll,” while swiping into the Marketplace. Many have worked at Fordham University since before the students were even born.

But with the request for proposals echoing the potential to terminate Fordham’s long time relationship

with food service provider Sodexo, Fordham students are fighting to ensure that Fordham’s equally longstanding relationship with Sodexo’s employees remains.

“They’re nervous,” said Sandy SEE SODEXO, PAGE 3

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Peace Corps announced today that Fordham University – for the first time – has appeared on its 2016 Top Volunteer-Producing Colleges and Universities list. It is ranked No. 18 among mediumsized schools, with 15 Rams currently volunteering worldwide.

“The Peace Corps is a unique opportunity for college graduates to put their education into practice and become agents of change in communities around the world,” Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet said in a statement.

“Today’s graduates understand the importance of intercultural understanding and are raising their hands in record numbers to take on the challenge of international service.”

Since the agency was founded in 1961, 446 Fordham alumni have volunteered with the Peace Corps.

Compared to other Jesuit colleges on the list with between 5,000 SEE PEACE, PAGE 6

Residential Life Opens Faber Hall Next Semester New Upperclassmen Housing Created

By GREGORY WAGNER CONTRIBUTION WRITER

JACK BRENNAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Students bid on prizes and enjoyed free food at RHA’s Benefit Auction for the B+ Foundation.

RHA Silent Auction Raises $7,800

By ERIN SHANAHAN NEWS EDITOR

This year’s first room selection spot was sold for a record price of $1,385 at the Residence Halls Association (RHA) Annual Benefit Auction for the B+ Foundation. The evening consisted of raffle contests in addition to the silent auction, raising a grand total of $7,833 for the B+ foundation, an organization that operates to help children fight cancer..

The Benefit Auction’s total fundraising money accounted for 12 percent of their total goal. As a whole, the event brought Fordham’s RHA to about 56 percent of its total goal of $50,000.

This was the 22nd annual benefit auction run by Fordham’s RHA. The silent auction was orchestrated by Pearse Walsh, FCRH ’19.

Other items up for auction included two Under the Tent tickets, a 16 GB Apple iPad Mini 2 and two tickets to

the Beyonce Formation World Tour.

Sarah Hill, GSB ’14, the former executive president of RHA and Jesus Leon, FCRH ’15, former executive programmer of RHA, purchased the two VIP Under the Tent Tickets for $90, which allow the holders to skip the lines on the night of the event.

An Apple iPad Mini 2 was sold for $265 to Jack Walsh, GSB ’19.

Jeremy Roberts, FCRH ’19, bid $200 and won a jersey autographed by Demarco Murray, a running back for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. RHA auctioned off Beyonce Formation World Tour tickets for $520 to Victor Riccio, FCRH ’19.

“I felt very excited and happy when I won,” Riccio said. “I also was contemplating if bidding that much money was worth it, but I reminded myself it was for a good cause. The B+ foundation is an amazing organization and I was grateful that I was able to contribute to their cause.”

The first room selection spot for

juniors went to Peter Conlin for $1,385. The first spot for sophomores went to Clare Segota, Jenna Giordano, Cameron Kellett, Genevieve Longworth, Kerry Andrews and Gabrielle Rodriguez, all FCRH ’19, for $1,200.

In addition to the silent auction, more than 50 items were raffled off, including several themed baskets, 120 Ram Van passes and a Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

Three winners were awarded 40 Ram Van passes were awarded to over 150 contestants. The winners included Leah Chiaverini, FCRH ’18, and two other students. “I had a feeling I would win the Ram Van passes,” said Chiaverini.

“I won them last year, so I didn’t think I would be so lucky to win them two years in a row!”

RHA’s Fordham Dance Marathon on Feb. 27 will be the final philanthropy month event to take place this year.

Two new residential floors will be open in Faber Hall, the Office of Residential Life at Rose Hill announced on Friday Feb. 12.

“Faber Hall will open two floors of the hall in Fall 2016 as additional on-campus housing,” Julie Liss, Residential Life’s Assistant Director for Housing Operations at Rose Hill, said in a statement to The Fordham Ram. Faber Hall will accommodate “approximately 35 students on each floor,” and will function as “a traditional-style hall with large double rooms and a Resident Assistant for each floor,” Liss explained.

The final conversion of the two floors in Faber Hall comes after three years of planning, which was first reported by The Fordham Ram in 2013.

The renovations come after Fordham has recently welcomed some of its largest freshmen classes in its 175year history.

Originally, many Gabelli professors had offices on the first floors of Faber Hall. However, with the creation of Hughes Hall, many of these professors moved their offices to this new building. As a result, several spaces in Faber Hall were left unoccupied.

The new residential floors in Faber

Hall will be open to upperclassmen for Fall 2016, and the “current plans include sinks in each room, common bathrooms, air conditioning and a common laundry room,” Liss said. “Residents interested in living in Faber Hall will have an option during room selection this spring and summer to indicate this preference, although the specific rooms may not be selected until the summer.”

Faber Hall is currently home to Bepler Commons, a multi-purpose space, as well as departmental offices.

With the addition of two new floors in Faber Hall, the Office of Residential Life said it hopes to ease student stress associated with room selection and post-room selection.

in this issue

Opinion Page 7 Are College Students Coddled?

Culture Page 10 Beyonce’s Surprise Release Stirs Conversation

Sports See Insert Spring Preview

NEWS

Page 2

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Feb. 14 Finlay Hall 8:50 p.m.

A bat flew into a dorm room in Finlay Hall and students called administration. Public Safety responded and was able to get the bat out of the room.

Feb. 16 Walsh Library 10:25 a.m.

Walsh Library received a series of harassing phone messages from an anonymous caller. Public Safety is currently investigating the incidents.

Feb. 18 Walsh Hall 3:15 p.m.

A student left plastic on the top of a stove in Walsh Hall which produced smoke and set the fire alarm off. The student used an extinguisher to stop the burning.

Public Safety vented the room and the system was reset.

— Compiled by Michael Byrne

Follow us on Twitter! @TheFordhamRam

Are You Studying Abroad This Semester?

Contribute to Our Weekly Column!

Email: fordhamramnews @gmail.com

February 24, 2016

Journal From Abroad

The South of France’s Melting Pot Exploring the Political Atmosphere of France

By CAILIN McKENNA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

MARSEILLE, FRANCE — Last month, French Justice Minister Christiane Taubira stepped down from her position following a major disagreement with many leading government officials.

The disagreement spurred from a piece of legislation that, if passed, would strip individuals convicted of terrorism of their French citizenship. The proposal came two months after the Islamic State led attacks on Paris on the evening of Nov. 13, which claimed the lives of nearly 130 people.

In the weeks that followed the attacks, a manhunt ensued across France and its bordering countries in search of the attacks’ organizers, several of whom held French citizenship and several of whom had entered the country as refugees.

As a result, many governments around the world have called for tighter regulations on the immigration of refugees. Further complicating the discussion is what to do with the millions of refugees fleeing Syria and other regions of political unrest around the world.

The conversation has dominated international headlines, and led to greater polarization on the issue of immigration from the Middle East into Europe.

Like most of Europe, France is home to a large immigrant population. Today, about 8.8 percent of France’s population is made up of immigrants, arriving annually from other parts of Europe and North Africa.

In recent years, the French government has become increasingly split on the issues regarding its large immigrant population. The French values of liberty, equality and fraternity are swiftly being trumped by a larger emphasis on laïcité, or the separation of church and state. In the last decade, the government has passed laws banning religious symbols — namely the hijab — in public schools and buildings.

This growing anti-Islamic rhetoric has been met with backlash from France’s large Muslim population, which has manifested itself in violence throughout the coun-

try. In 2005, a series of riots broke out in the suburbs of Paris among disadvantaged youth, many of North African origin, protesting high unemployment coupled with growing religious tensions across the country. More recently, the Jan. 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks left 11 dead and another 11 injured, attacking freedom of speech and calling international attention to the growing religious tension in the country.

As France continues to demand that immigrants leave behind their culture in their private lives and assimilate into the French language and way of life, the nation’s second largest and oldest city, Marseille, has taken a different approach to immigration.

Much like Paris, a majority of the city’s population immigrated to France. A recent census of the city found that of the 900,000 inhabitants, Marseille is home to over 200,000 North African immigrants and another 250,000 Italian and Corsican immigrants.

However, unlike Paris, the culture of Marseille has been built on preserving the differences among its unique population.

The differences are so apparent in Marseille that the city is more

defined by the cultures of its Arab and Italian immigrants than by its French nationality. In the streets of Marseille, you’ll hear French, Arabic and Italian. In many of the city’s most popular restaurants, you’ll find Italian and Arab dishes rather than the French classics like escargot and frog’s legs.

The differences between this major port city along the Mediterranean and Paris extend far beyond the walls of the rivaling Olympic Marseille and Paris Saint Germaine stadiums, tracing back to the centuries-old rivalry between the North and South and the French and the not-soFrench.

In many ways, Marseille is not a part of France. Ask any Parisian about the South of France and you’ll be met with snide remarks about how Marseille is a country in itself. And the Marseillais would most likely agree with the idea that they exist apart from the rest of France.

The Marseillais have their own variation of the bis - the confusing French salutation - kissing from left to right instead of the Parisian right to left, only to set themselves further apart from the rest of France. However, without

a doubt, the greatest difference between France and Marseille is its relationship with its immigrant population.

And while the rest of France looks down on the Marseillais, this unique population has continued to grow and make a name for itself. In 2013, Marseille joined the ranks of some of Europe’s most prestigious cities and was named a European Capital of Culture. Since 2013, the tourism industry has expanded and the city of Marseille has seen a boom in social and economic development, including the opening of MuCEM, an art museum focusing on Mediterranean civilization.

Marseille is a melting pot, un creuset, a crossroads of cultures and languages. And while it may not be a typical “French” city, it may be on to something by catering to its immigrant populations and not forcing them to assimilate. As the rest of Europe comes to grips with the influx of immigrants from around the world, Marseille offers a new perspective and a new vision on not only how a multicultural city can exist, but how a multicultural city can thrive.

CAILIN MCKENNA/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Cailin McKenna examines how Marseille may be able to teach the rest of France about diversity and tolerance.

This Week at Fordham Thursday Feb. 25

Friday Feb. 26

Friday Feb. 26

Saturday Feb. 27

Saturday Feb. 27

Smart Girls Presents Speaker Jen Glantz

Special Olympics’ Red Out

ASILI’s Open Microphone Night

Freeman 103 1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Silent in Pittsburgh’s Improv Show

RHA’s Fordham Dance Marathon

McGinley Ballroom 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

McGinley 237 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

McGinley Ballroom 8 p.m.-9:45 p.m.

McGinley Second 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Blogger, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jen Glantz will be giving a discussion. She is famous for her company “Bridesmaid for Hire,” which offers personal assistance at weddings.

The Special Olympics Club is hosting its first annual Red Out. The event will have both Fordham and Special Olympic athletes walking the runway. Proceeds from $5 tickets will benefit Special Olympics NYC.

ASILI is hosting an open mic night. There is no set list of performers, but rather spontaneous performances by whoever wishes to participate. There will be food and music at this social event.

“Stranded in Pittsburgh,” Fordham’s only long form improv troupe will be performing an improv comedy show as a part of Fordham Experimental Theatre in primetime.

RHA is hosting their third annual FDM, a fundraiser for the Be Positive Foundation, an which helps children impacted by pediatric cancer.

Students can pay $10 at the door for entry and $10 for a t-shirt.

NEWS

February 24, 2016

Page 3

Some Wish to Cut Ties With Sodexo, But Not Sodexo Staff FROM SODEXO, PAGE 1

Pope, a union representative from 810 Teamsters, that represents Fordham’s food service workers. “I try to assure them but rumors abound, like that everyone working longer than five years will be let go. “ On Tuesday, Pope visited both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses to speak to students about ways they could get involved in spreading awareness about the union’s current provisions for the Sodexo workers.

By then, students had already sprang into action through social media, circulating an online petition over the weekend. It asks Fordham University “to fulfill their moral obligation to the workers who are important members of the Fordham Community.” Its main requests are that Fordham, if it is to switch food service providers in June, “employs all the current workers and maintains their current wages and seniority, preserves the workers’ retirement and medical benefits and labor contract in full and commits to maintaining a fair working relationship with Teamsters Local 810.”

The petition originated from the student group Fordham Students United, (FSU) which has previously campaigned for higher salaries for

adjunct professors at Fordham.

As of Tuesday night, the petition had collected 180 signatures.

“As members of a Jesuit institution we have a moral obligation to support Fordham workers, and we sincerely hope that our university will make it clear to all bidders that the workers, their contracts and their union must be respected in these negotiations,” said Mohan Eshadri, FCRH ‘16, and a member of FSU. Fordham issued a request for proposals in Dec. 2015 after announcing that it would terminate its contract with Sodexo and open itself up to new bidders.

Last week, Sodexo revealed that the four dining companies involved in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process are Sodexo, Compass Group, Aramark Corporation and CulinArt Group. In June, a decision will be made about the future food provider at Fordham’s campus.

Fordham has no legal obligation to uphold the stipulations of the contract if it changes food service providers.

“They come to me saying they’ve heard they might have to reapply for their jobs, jobs they’ve held for over twenty years,” Pope said.

According to Teamsters 810,

there are approximately 225 union employees of Sodexo Food Service on the Fordham Rose Hill and Lincoln Center Campuses covered by a collective bargaining agreement with Sodexo until 2020.

However, if Sodexo is outbid in June by other food service companies, then it will no longer be obligated to work with Teamsters 810 or continue to provide any stipulations in its current contract.

“Sodexo has been a good employer to work with,” Pope said. “We don’t think there are going to be any issues. We just want to make sure that the food service workers know that we have their backs.”

Sodexo declined to comment on this issue.

The labor contract between Fordham and Sodexo workers has seniority provisions which protects older workers and provides a fair way to decide on promotions and pay raises, comprehensive company-paid family medical, dental and prescription coverage, a benefit pension plan with a company contribution of now over one dollar an hour going to retirement, regular wage increases and promotional step increases. Sodexo workers currently make between $10.50 an hour to $18 an hour for

COURTESY OF SANDY POPE

Sodexo team, pictured above, gathers for a daily meeting.

higher skilled, more senior workers. The majority make around $12 hour, according to Pope.

“It’s taken a long time for us to achieve those provisions for the workers,” Pope said. “Its how Frances the cashier, who has worked here for so long, gets to sit on his throne in the Rose Hill cafeteria.”

Sodexo also provides employment for workers with physical and mental disabilities, a program that Pope is unsure if the competing bidders have but is certain they are not obligated to follow.

“Those workers are especially nervous about losing their jobs,” Pope said.

On Wednesday, March 2, FSU will hold a teach-in about the contract Sodexo’s food service workers have.

According to FSU, “students and other attendees will have a chance to hear Fordham food service workers themselves talk about why this is so important to them, how vital it is that Fordham ensures the preservation of their current labor contract, with benefits, seniority, anti-discrimination and union intact.”

United Student Government Installs the “Beautiful Bronx” Gallery in McGinley Center

By DIANA NELSON STAFF WRITER

Buses, towers, busy streets and a smiling homeless man were on display at Fordham’s Bronx art gallery, filled with student art and photos that highlight the sometimes forgotten beauty of the beloved borough.

Students and faculty celebrated the newest McGinley Art Gallery installation titled “The Beautiful Bronx,” gathering on the terrace for its opening night on Wednesday. The gallery featured 21 works of art, including 19 photographs, one painting and one drawing representing the diverse area in which the university resides.

According to Fordham’s United Student Government (USG) Vice President of Student Life Peter Vergara, FCRH ‘18, the idea for “The Beautiful Bronx” is based off of “Humans of Fordham,” the theme of last year’s gallery, which was inspired by the blog and best-selling book, Humans of New York. USG put effort into making this year’s gallery beneficial for students and the community.

Vergara worked together with the house committee to decide on this year’s theme.

“Our job is to give the student body what they want to see through this art show,” said Vergara. Of two contending themes, including ‘Unique New York,’ and ‘The Beauty of the Bronx,” Vergara found the latter to be more personal to Fordham students. “Based on the prominent number of commuter students we have, the engagement we have with the Bronx and the general student body we have on campus, we decided to go with ‘The Beautiful Bronx’ and get students to share the art that they’ve created around the Bronx itself,” he said.

USG also made additions to the newest gallery based on increased student interest.

“The biggest thing we added is the gallery opening,” Vegara said.

“We added it because of the number of submissions we had asking about the gallery. It gives us an opportunity to get together to talk about the works and what they mean for the artists and the community as a whole.

USG has also added more smaller pictures to feature more students, Vergara acknowledged. 32 submissions total were narrowed down to 21 works.

In the middle of all 21 works sits “The Nomad,” a blurred photograph of a homeless man smiling on a bench, taken by Ian Roden, FCRH ’18.

“Two of my photographs are included in the gallery and I’m very excited they got blown up and put

on display,” said Roden. “One of them I didn’t expect them to pick at all, but I just got super lucky with the shot. It came out pretty cool. He was just smiling when I took the picture.

I just got this ominous vibe from him that he knew something that we didn’t,” “The other one,” he added, ‘Mother Citrus,’ is a lady picking oranges and it’s very vibrant. It picks out some of the loud sounds and colors the Bronx is known for.”

Yancy Carrasco, GSB ’16 is another student artist featured. Growing up in Yonkers, NY, Carrasco has been in and out of the Bronx his whole life.

He has four photographs in the gallery, including “The Parkway” and “Highbridge Water Tower,” which were taken over seven years ago.

“Each of the photos were both

shot from a moving vehicle, Carrasco said. “I take the photo when I see something inspiring or something that I don’t normally see,” said Carrasco.

Carrasco took over 100 photos but thought the four on display were more representative of what I was looking for.

“The beauty of the Bronx was as strong then as it is now,” he said.

His inspiration for his photography stems from his appreciation of the community he has spent so much time in. Carrasco discussed how he feels that the Bronx’s beauty is often overlooked.

“There’s a lot of themes and places that a lot of people don’t think about. Some of the photos I have are of school buses and water towers,” he said. “These are gems of the bor-

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

Students observe the art in a new Fordham-sponsored exhibit promoting beauty in the Bronx.

oughs that I feel need a little more exposure. We think of the Bronx as this poor, congressional district that often times is troubled. But it’s a place of great attitude, great people and individuals of all various backgrounds,” said Carrasco. “And hopefully these photos kind of show people it’s more than what they see on the news, or what they may read on occasion in a book or an article — but this place of beauty that has so much potential.

Caroline Quon, FCRH ’16, also uses photography as a creative outlet and is inspired by her surroundings.

Her photograph, “Fordham Plaza In-Progress,” was taken in March and features the construction of the new Fordham Plaza.

“This was just when I was walking across the street to get coffee, and I thought it was a very interesting perspective to see people walking across and seeing the construction of the Fordham Plaza and the development of how beautiful it will be,” said Quon. “Photography is definitely a hobby for me. Once I got into college and was doing more science classes, I needed some kind of outlet to continue expressing my artist inspiration and what I see as beautiful on my commute. I definitely think Fordham should have more of these galleries, because anyone can participate in these great events.”

Despite the positive feedback of “The Beautiful Bronx” from students and artists, there were some suggested improvements for future galleries.

Jomer Roman, GSB ’18, observed the gallery with his friends.

“It’s a nice little social event. It would be cool if they expand on it a little and just have more photos and works, because I feel like a lot of people might have submitted work and they just couldn’t go through with the limited space they had,” said Roman. “But, I am very much looking forward to the next gallery.”

By BA

NEWS

Page 4

The Son of Sam, 40 Years Later

By MICHAEL DOBUSKI BRONX CORRESPONDENT

“Well, you’ve got me.”

Those were the words uttered

by David Berkowitz, a US Postal Service worker, as he was taken into police custody on Aug. 10, 1977. He was arrested in connection with the killing spree, known in popular culture as the Son of Sam murders, that terrified and entranced New Yorkers in the already fraught-with-violence 1970s. All told, Berkowitz killed six women and is currently facing up to 365 years in prison. His sad story of murder and mental instability begins in the Bronx.

It was the early morning hours of July 29, 1976 when three shots rang out in front of an apartment building in the Bronx’s Pelham Bay neighborhood. Donna Lauria and Jodi Valenti were sitting in their car, discussing their evening out at one of New Rochelle’s

latest discotheques. Berkowitz allegedly approached the vehicle while carrying a gun, killed 18-year-old Lauria instantly and wounded 19-year-old Valenti in her thigh. Valenti survived but did not recognize her attacker.

Despite speculation that the killer could be anyone from a twisted police officer to a wronged lover, to a member of Italian organized crime (which Valenti’s father was said to have connections with), the media of the time deemed the incident a random crime, so it gained minimal news coverage.

Two key pieces of evidence did arise from the Bronx shootings, however. First, NYPD ballistics tests confirmed that the attack was carried out using a .44 caliber pistol, known as the “Bulldog.”

Second, neighbors and witnesses both confirmed that an unfamiliar yellow VW Beetle was seen driving through the area in the hours leading up to the shooting.

February 24, 2016

Fordham In The Bronx

JACK BRENNAN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

David Berkowitz, also known as the Son of Sam, is serving 365 years in prison for his crimes 40 years ago.

Berkowitz’s next murders were similar to his first in that he mainly targeted women and couples

ANDREA GARCIA/ THE FORDHAM RAM

A Stranger Views “The Forgotten Hand” The piece pictured above, a collaboration by Marcel Dzama and Raymond Pettibon, is entitled “The Forgotten JACK BRENNAN/ THE FORDHAM RAM Hand.” It can be found in The David Zwirner Galley at 533 West 19th Street, near Chelsea Pier.

in their late teens to early twenties, usually sitting in a parked car.

His crime spree lasted for over a year, during which his killings and weapon of choice gained national attention.

In addition to the Bronx, the police were able to connect Berkowitz’s .44 Bulldog with shootings that took place in Queens and Brooklyn. As the seemingly random killings continued, the story was picked up by publications as far away as the Soviet Izvestia, the Hebrew Maariv and even the Vatican’s own L’Osservatore Romano.

In spite of, or perhaps fueled by his newfound notoriety, Berkowitz began leaving cryptic letters to the police at his crime scenes in which he identified himself as the “Son of Sam.” After his arrest, Berkowitz revealed that his next door neighbor’s dog, which he thought was possessed by an evil spirit, forced him to commit the murders.

Berkowitz, who was a professed Satanist, grew up in the Bronx as a gifted, yet troubled, student. In his early years he gained a reputation as a bully and for his run-ins with law enforcement for petty larceny and pyromania. His adoptive mother’s sudden death from breast cancer in 1967 only exacerbated his tense relationship with his fa-

ther and, in 1971, he joined the army. Berkowitz served in South Korea before returning home, where he bought an apartment in Yonkers and worked odd jobs until his arrest and imprisonment.

While the Son of Sam murders succeeded in gaining national and international news coverage, cementing David Berkowitz’s name among the likes of Bundy, Gacy and Manson, it failed to shine a light on the epidemic of violent crime that was laying waste to the Bronx during that time. Berkowitz’s arrest in 1977 coincided with the infamous “Bronx is Burning” broadcast and saw almost two thousand confirmed cases of murder in New York City.

Today, though crime rates in the city have seen a steady decline, shootings have increased, especially in the Bronx. In 2016 alone, seven murders have taken place in the borough and the NYPD has stepped up patrols in particularly troubled areas. Meanwhile, David Berkowitz is currently living out his life sentence in the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York.

Since being imprisoned, he has joined a religious group, known as the Jews for Jesus, and is working on a memoir. His case is up for review this year.

Campus Briefs & Bites Theological Association to Meet at Fordham

Fordham Alumnus Examines Art in Hong Kong

Father Massingale Joins Theology Department

Fordham Professors Discuss City and Environment

The Association of Practical Theology (APT) will gather at Fordham this spring, bringing together various members of the theological, scholarly and activist communities to discuss the role theology plays in everyday life. This will be the 33rd biennial gathering of the APT. This year’s conference will focus on the theme of migration, which was partially inspired by the conference’s New York location. APT President Tom Beaudoin, Ph.D., a Fordham associate professor of religion in the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, discussed the connection between theology and migration. “We’ll be looking at all kinds of migration — forced and chosen migrations across borders, migrations through the prison system, migration into and out of religions, migrations through the journey of faith and spirituality — and asking how we are contributing to life in places where migration is happening.” The conference will also deal with contemporary issues, such as the Black Lives Matter movement.

Andrew Hevia, GSB ‘15, is currently spending a year in Hong Kong investigating questions of identity, art and commerce. Hevia is a documentary filmmaker who graduated from the Gabelli School of Business with a master’s degree in media entrepreneurship. His work is funded by the Fulbright Scholarship he was granted last year and will focus on “Art Basel Hong Kong,” a prestigious contemporary art fair that features over 200 galleries. Hevia plans to make a documentary focused on the evolution of Hong Kong through the lens of the fair by interviewing various artists. Hevia is from South Florida and previously won an Emmy Award. He is based at Hong Kong Baptist University’s School of Visual Arts, focusing on the global art market. Hevia discussed Fordham’s role in his life decisions. “Fordham absolutely expanded my world, gave me opportunities that I was completely unaware were options and really helped me clarify and understand the things that I am best at,” he said.

The Fordham theology department is welcoming a new professor in Fall 2016.

Bryan Massingale is a leading Catholic social ethicist and scholar of AfricanAmerican theological ethics, racial justice and liberation theology. Massingale received his doctorate from the Academia Alphonsianum in Rome. He has earned two honorary doctorates, held the Bernard J. Hanley Chair at Santa Clara and received Marquette University’s highest award for teaching excellence in 2009. He has written over 80 articles, book chapters and book reviews. His book, “Racial Justice and the Catholic Church,” published in 2010, won a first place book award from the Catholic Press Association. On Monday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at Fordham Lincoln Center’s campus, Father Massingale will present a discussion called “Beyond ‘Authentically Black and Truly Catholic’: Black Identity for a New Time.”

The New York Botanical Garden will host an event entitled “Ethical Landscapes and Environmental Law.” Three Fordham professors will be in attendance. It will be held from 2-4 p.m. in the Mertz Library Room by the NYBG’s Humanities Institute. J. Alan Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of conservation biology, will contribute his knowledge on radar, acoustic recordings and flight tunnels in studying bird migration. His talk is entitled “Bird Migration Through Urban Landscapes.” Sheila Foster, Albert A. Walsh professor of Law and Faculty and co-director of the Urban Law Center at Fordham School of Law will detail urban development in her discussion entitled “The City as a Common Good.”

Finally, Roger Panetta, visiting professor of history, will give a talk entitled “Whose Waterfront?” which details the renewal of the Brooklyn waterfront. The event is free but an online RSVP is encouraged.

NEWS

February 24, 2016

Page 5

Fordham Hosts Acclaimed News Correspondent, Bob Dotson

By THERESA SCHLIEP ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

While different media are available for news consumption, from television and web to newspapers and documentaries, “the only thing that has not changed is how to tell the story,” said acclaimed journalist Bob Dotson to a crowd of Fordham students.

On Monday, Feb. 22., Bob Dotson, NBC News correspondent, New York Times best selling author and eight-time Emmy Award winner held a talk in a McGinley music room about his 40-year career in journalism and the evolution of the industry through the decades.

Dotson’s new book, “Make it Memorable” was available for sale and signing.

Hosted by the department of communications and media studies, the discussion was intended for students who were interested in pursuing careers in communications.

Dotson began the discussion and asked, “Are you worried that the golden age of whatever you want to get into is two weeks before you joined?”

Students were then invited to ask questions about journalism, careers in media and Dotson’s own career.

Dotson detailed his experience in media. He retired on Oct. 23, 2015, 40 years to the day of his hiring at NBC News as a news correspondent. Throughout his career, he received a variety of awards and honors and worked in different areas of media including print, literature, radio and televi-

sion.

Through his career, Dotson has received over 100 journalism prizes, including eight Emmy Awards.

His niche for 35 years was “The American Story with Bob Dotson,” which explored the country in order to show “ordinary people who did extraordinary things.”

“I have done over four thousand stories in America and traveled over 400 million miles,” said Dotson. “I have visited every state in the Union.”

Dotson said that what was important was not being the first to report a story, but rather to report on what might have been missed.

“Hey, you got their attention and you, this story is about you,” said Dotson. “You do not want to just tell people what you saw, but what they might have missed if they were standing right next to you.”

Dotson described a turbulent first five years after graudation, describing how he had finished graduate school in the midst of the Vietnam War. “Everyone was trying not to get shot during Vietnam,” he commented. “We tried to stay in school as long as we could.”

After he graduated from Syracuse University, he sent his resume to 520 television stations and two offered him a job. He accepted a job at a news station in Oklahoma City. When he arrived at the news station, the staff had no women or minorities. Therefore, the station was threatened with the loss of its license.

“I wanted to do a documentary

FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

Bob Dotson talked about his experience in media from an Oklaholma City news channel to NBC News.

on black history in Oklahoma,” said Dotson. “Turns out there were 28 black towns in Oklahoma settled by ex-slaves.”

After this work, Dotson was given the title of Special Projects Director. This led to a career in media in which Dotson claims he won many small victories that contributed to his craft, like removing a lens cap for the first time.

“All of us were expected to edit

it, all of us were expected to film, all of us were expected to write,” said Dotson.

Dotson incorporated various anecdotes of his time both domestic and abroad, such as when he reporting in Central America as a war correspondent. He warned against committing to cliches.

“Everyone was dressing in their old Vietnam uniforms, while I wore a regular shirt,” Dotson said.

“It was during the revolution, and people would come running up to me in Spanish saying, ‘We’re gonna kill you’ and I would ask, ‘Do you know where I can buy a good hammock?’” He said this enabled him to get to know local communities.

Dotson lastly professed his passion for his profession, and said “My favorite story ever written?

The next one.”

FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

Von Ancken, FCRH ’16, co-president and co-founder of Special Olympics Fordham.

Special Olympics Fordham hopes that the fashion show will help the young chapter gain recognition and support from the Fordham community and begin to build strong ties with the Special Olympics New York City community, which will receive the proceeds from Red Out ticket sales. The club also anticipates that the Red Out will draw attention for its next event, the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, a Special Olympics movement to end use of the “r-word.”

“The Red Out is a fantastic opportunity for the Fordham community to integrate with the Special Olympics community and bring attention to the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign,” said Alyssa Dolan, FCRH ’16, copresident and co-founder of Special Olympics Fordham.

Biggins thinks the “r-word” needs to be eradicated because of its harmful effects. “Whether it is used in regular conversation or referring to someone who has a mental disability, we want to demonstrate the importance of maintaining an accepting and inclusive community.”

Following the Red Out, Special Olympics Fordham will launch a social media campaign on Feb. 27 to raise online awareness for Spread the Word to End the Word. Members of the club will change their profile pictures to a Special Olympics graphic accompanied by a short explanation

of Spread the Word to End the Word’s mission and a request that their friends do the same. On Feb. 29, Special Olympics Fordham will debut its Spread the Word to End the Word Pledge video, which showcases members of the Fordham community sharing why they are pledging not to use the “r-word.” The pledge video will also be shown on screens around campus.

If students make a pledge, they can visit the McGinley lobby on March 1 and write out their pledge on slips of paper that will be hung around Edward’s Parade on March 2, National Spread the Word to End the Word Pledge Day. Students can also buy a red “PLEDGE to End the Word” long-sleeved shirt as a fundraiser for Special Olympics for $10. To finish off its Spirit Week, Special Olympics Fordham will host a Wear Red for Awareness Day March 4.

Jamie Toto, FCRH ’17, copresident and co-founder of Special Olympics Fordham, said that the spirit week will be a good way for the club to start expanding its membership on campus and building its relationship with the local Special Olympics athletes.

“It is a great opportunity to get the Fordham community involved with a fabulous organization,” said Toto.

Tickets to the Red Out will be available for five dollars in the McGinley Lobby from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Feb. 23 and 24 and at the door on Feb. 26. The show will start at 6 p.m. in McGinley Ballroom.

A new club at Fordham seeks to give support to New York Special Olympics through a series of spirited events.

Special Olympics to Host a Spirit Week at Fordham

By BAILEY BARNETT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Special Olympics Fordham, a club recently founded at Rose Hill, is starting off its time on campus has finally launched. After a year’s worth of effort, Office of Student Involvement approved the jurisdiction of the club in the fall 2015 semester. Now, Special Olympics Fordham is ready to kick off the club’s first annual spirit week, be-

AILEY BARNETT

ginning with the Red Out fashion show this Friday.

The Red Out, the club’s largest event of the year, will feature appearances from the New York City chapter of Special Olympics as well as Fordham Athletics and the Special Olympics Fordham chapter. Erin Biggins, FCRH ’17, co-president and co-founder of Special Olympics Fordham, communicated the organization’s mission and values to the Fordham

community.

“The love of sports and athleticism is not defined by the ability or disability one has,” said Biggins.

As a Fordham club, the group also wants to work actively to change Fordham students’ perceptions of disability. “It’s an incredibly fun event for Special Olympic athletes…to promote awareness throughout the Fordham community,” said Victoria

NEWS

Page 6

February 24, 2016

USG Releases Midyear Report to Community FROM USG, PAGE 1

FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

Fordham Ranked No. 18 amoung mid-size colleges in 2016 for undergraduate alumni volunteers.

Peace Corps Ranks Fordham No.18 FROM PEACE, PAGE 1

and 15,000 undergraduates, Fordham ranks below Georgetown (No. 7) but above Boston College (No. 20).

The Peace Corps reported that the New York metropolitan area is the top volunteer-producing metropolitan area in the country. It has 349 area residents currently serving overseas.

Topping the list of medium colleges and universities is The George Washington University, with 43 alumni currently volunteering. American University and Western Washington University were ranked in second and third place, respectively.

Several Fordham University students serve in volunteer corps after graduation. Mary Frances Richardson, FCRH ’15, who volunteered through an episcopal organization and is currently

working at an immigration firm in Boston, found Fordham to be supportive of post-graduate volunteering endeavors.

“As someone who loves services and Fordham University, I think it is a well-deserved rank,” Richardson said. “Fordham works very hard to ensure that its students are inspired to use the skills and knowledge they acquired to empower others and engage in whatever work they do ethically.”

Shannon Marcoux, FCRH ’16, who is currently volunteerting planning to pursue full-time volunteer work after graduation, said that Fordham might appear even higher on a list where students volunteering in faith-based programs, such as the Jesuit Volunteer Corps ( JVC), were factored into rankings.

“At Fordham, volunteer programs like JVC are often graduat-

ing seniors’ first choice for postgrad plans, not simply a backup if they don’t find another job,” Marcoux said. “I have never felt like an outlier or an outcast at Fordham for choosing to pursue a year or two of service after graduating. The Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice, Global Outreach and Campus Ministry do a great job of fostering this desire to serve and balancing that desire with discussions on the white savior complex, voluntourism, justice and solidarity.”

Since 1961, The University of California, Berkley has produced the most undergraduate alumni volunteers — a total of 3,615, according to the Peace Corps.

The agency saw a 40-year high in applications in 2015 after the first full-year that its historic application and recruitment reforms were instituted.

paccioli. As a result, the initiative has been cleared to move forward for the spring. Dean Rapaccioli, Senator Zamora and the Gabelli Dean’s Council plans to use Google forms to administer the questionnaire this semester.

The proposal has also been submitted to the the FCRH Faculty Council and preliminary discussion has been helpful, according to the USG report. According to the faculty’s feedback, these “changes will be considered.”

The mid-year report outlined a “School Shooting Protection Initiative.” The initiative was created as a response to recent national events. Vice President of Health and Security Brianna Cali, FCRH ’16, and John Carroll, vice president of Public Safety, have been working to protect the campus from potential shooter situations.

So far, the two have worked to install locks and window shades in all campus classrooms and academic buildings. The classrooms in Dealy Hall were approved for these safety measures.

The initiative also works to increase student awareness of active shooter protocols. An email was sent out in the fall semester as a result. Future campus safety protocol emails should be implemented by the end of the academic year.

A proposed Unpaid Internship Fund is being pursued by Sena-

tor Elizabeth Wetzler, FCRH ’17.

The Director of Career Services, Stefany Fattor and the Director of Experiential Education, Bernard Stratford, are working with Senator Wetzler to plan the structure of the fund to provide students pursuing unpaid internships with grants and stipends. These funds are designed so that student interns can afford to work with government agencies and nonprofit organizations that are designed to serve others.

Similar to systems at schools such as New York University and the University of California-Davis, Fordham students are attempting to institute a meal plan donation program to fight local hunger.

USG Senator Sara Brown, GSB ’19 has been in contact with New York University’s student council and Fordham’s current food service provider, Sodexo, to examine possible ways to implement the program at Fordham.

In response to student’s demands to interact with the Bronx community, Fordham’s USG is starting a Bronx Youth Outreach Program. Vice President of Gabelli, Salvatore Cocchiaro, GSB ’17, is collaborating with a committee to create a kick-off event to take place in April 2016. This event would invite middle school students from local schools onto campus, to play games while learning how to stay happy and healthy.

Have a Nose for News?

Want Your Opinion Heard?

Have An Interesting Culture Take?

An Avid Fordham Rams Fan? Need Writing Experience?

We’d Love to Hear From You! Email theram@fordham.edu Follow Us on Instagram! @thefordhamram

OPINION

February 24, 2016

Page 7

The Fordham Ram

A Note to My M College: C ll Don’t D Baby Me

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Yale University lecturer Erika Christakis left after facing backlash from an email about racist Halloween costumes.

By OLIVIA COOLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In a recent New York Times article “The Sheltering Campus: Why College is Not Home,” A. Douglas Stone and Mary Schwab Stone accused college administrations of “sheltering” students and thus eliminating the opportunity for them to learn and grow without being “over-managed.”

This should come as no surprise — writers, reporters, comedians and pundits alike seem to criticize the “coddled” and “hypersensitive” nature of college students with almost monotonous regularity. The Stones are simply adding to this discourse.

The article focused on a series of incidents that occurred at Yale University last October after the Inter-

cultural Affairs Committee sent an email to the student body encouraging students to be thoughtful and culturally sensitive in their Halloween costume choices. Erika Christakis, a respected lecturer at Yale, sent a follow-up email to students questioning whether it was the university’s place to attempt to influence students’ personal costume decisions.

Many students responded angrily to Christakis’ email, some even demanding her resignation. She retired from Yale shortly thereafter.

The Stones, who are both either current or former Yale faculty members, defended the views Christakis presented in the email.

They argued that the college experience has been transformed from “a decisive break from parental supervision” to an “extended period

of adolescence” due to universities attempting to coddle and exerting too much control over their personal lives.

One of the topics Christakis wrote of in her controversial email was the following: “Is there no room anymore for a child or young person to be a little bit obnoxious…a little bit inappropriate or provocative or, yes, offensive?”

Ironically, Erika Christakis herself seemed to call for the coddling of college students by arguing that they should be granted a “safe space” in which they can engage in offensive behavior with impunity.

Christakis’ attempt to delay the point at which students face the consequences of their actions would do more to create a period of extended adolescence than a simple reminder

to be mindful of one’s behavior.

If one of the goals of the college experience is to prepare students for life after college, as the Stones claimed, then expecting them to follow a basic code of conduct should be considered beneficial, not detrimental. College students should be prepared to engage with people in respectful, non-offensive ways because this is what will be expected of them in the workplace.

Advising college students to avoid participating in racist behavior is no more infantilizing than advising office workers to avoid sexually harassing their coworkers.

While the Stones lament the fact that college has become a period of “extended adolescence,” their description of the ideal college experience involves exploration, experimentation and preparation for increased autonomy and responsibility, all of which are key features of adolescence.

In addition, they wish to give students “a certain degree of freedom” to do all of the aforementioned things, a proposition that might sound empowering at first, but is actually terribly infantilizing upon closer inspection. We most often give a pass to say and do offensive things to children, who often do not know any better.

While I agree with the Stones that experimentation and exploration are generally good things in college, when I imagine “new ways of thinking about oneself both intellectually and personally,” the image of white

students parading around in blackface and feathered headdresses does not come to mind. That is not a “new way of thinking about oneself” — it is racism. It is a failure to challenge one’s own experiences and beliefs, and a total failure to develop “new ways” of thinking about oneself and the world as a whole.

Above all else, the college experience is about becoming educated.

This involves moving away from regressive behavior, not embracing it.

In fact, regressive is defined as “becoming less advanced and returning to a former or less developed state.”

Why would we want to allow or encourage regressive behavior in college, a place of learning, progress and advancement?

College students are not coddled — we do not want the freedom to do whatever we want and be protected from the consequences. We are asking you to treat us like adults, to hold us to the same standard of respect and courtesy to which you would hold your coworkers to.

We are asking you to hold our peers accountable for their behavior the same way you would hold someone accountable for violating the code of conduct in your workplace.

You do us a disservice when you fail to hold us to these standards, which fails to prepare us for life after college.

Olivia Cooley, FCRH ’16, is a women’s studies and Spanish double major from Meriden, Connecticut.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: Criminal History in College

By JACLYN WEINER STAFF WRITER

Many colleges throughout the country question applicants on their criminal history. According to a study done by the Center for Community Alternatives, a nonprofit agency that promotes justice and a reduced reliance on incarceration, 66 percent of colleges ask applicants about their criminal history.

This occurs regardless of a conviction or the level of severity of the crime. This has the potential to produce unfair discrimination against committers of non-violent crimes and those proven not guilty of crimes.

Additionally, this type of questioning can contribute to the racial disparity that occurs within the college admission process, due to the fact that minorities more frequently face arrest.

Several colleges, such as Auburn University and Alabama University, that have received complaints about their criminal history questions have assured that answering “yes” does not immediately bar students from being accepted into these universities. Though they make this claim, it is hard to believe that no discrimination occurs depending on applicant answers.

Even though the American justice system considers defendants innocent until proven guilty, this is not always how human nature works. It is common for individuals to assume guilt despite the assumption of innocence that our legal sys-

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Auburn University requires students to divulge all arrests, even if they were not convicted of an actual crime.

tem supposedly boasts.

Since it is a human and not a computer, or even a jury, reviewing applications, it can be fair to assume that someone’s criminal history will weigh on the mind of the reviewers of college applications.

Plea bargaining should also be taken into consideration when discussing the issue of criminal history on applications. The Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice (BJA) found that 90 to 95 percent of cases result in plea bargaining.

Though taking a plea bargain may sound like an admission of guilt, this is not always the case. Many take plea bargains for lesser sentences when chances of winning a case that goes to trial are not favorable.

The BJA found that those who take pleas are more likely to get a lesser sentence from accepting a plea bar-

gain rather than going to trial. U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff states in his article “Why Innocent People Plead Guilty,” that as much as eight percent of convicted felons who are innocent plead guilty.

This means that many applicants who are forced to reveal their criminal history could very well be innocent, though they may have pleaded guilty.

The criminal history questioning on college applications that occurs also contributes to racial issues.

There are high rates of school discipline and incarceration of people of color and this can affect the racial admission disparity. A study done

by USA Today found that at least 70 police departments throughout the country arrest black people 10 times more than non-blacks.

The Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice found that nationwide,

African-Americans represent 26 percent of juvenile arrests, 44 percent of youth who are detained, 46 percent of the youth who are judicially waived to criminal court and 58 percent of the youth admitted to state prisons. There are many factors that contribute to this disparity, but some include biased policing, and economic and educational gaps.

With the current state of the nation, it is unfair for universities not to take it into serious consideration.

Additionally, having a college diploma versus having a high school diploma affects the quality of life, at least economically, and economics affect crime statistics. Rejecting those with a criminal history may affect crimes committed in the future.

The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan American think tank which provides information on social issues, public opinion and demo-

graphic trends shaping the United States and the world, found that millennials that are between the ages of 25 and 32 with a bachelor’s degree earn $17,500 more than those with a high school diploma. 21.8 percent of millennials between 25 and 32 with just a high school diploma live in poverty, while only 5.8 percent of those with bachelor degrees live in poverty.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance found that persons in poor households at or below the Federal Poverty Level had more than double the rate of violent victimization as persons in high-income households.

Lack of a college-level education links to poverty, and both education and poverty affect rates of crime.

Colleges discriminating against those with any type of criminal history can potentially aggravate the issue, creating individuals that are even more susceptible to further criminal activity.

It is important for colleges to assess their policies on the relevance of applicant criminal history. Knowing committers of violent crimes may be beneficial to the safety of college attendees, but by forcing applicants to detail criminal history, regardless of the type of crime or innocence of the individual, it has the potential to breed discrimination, to further admission racial disparity and to perpetuate the links between poverty, education and crime.

Jaclyn Weiner, FCRH ’18, is a communications and media studies major from Wantagh, New York.

OPINION

Page 8

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 and distributed free of charge every Wednesday during the academic year to the Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses with a readership of over 12,000 and a web readershipi of over 300,000. The Fordham Ram office is located in the basement of the McGinley Center, room B-52.

Website FordhamRam.com Email Address theram@fordham.edu Mailing Address Fordham University - Station 37 Box B Bronx, NY 10458 Editor-in-Chief Laura Sanicola Managing Editor Drew Casey Business Director Zack Miklos Copy Chief Tara Martinelli Editorial Director Amanda Giglio Assistant Business Director Tyler Dikun Assistant Copy Chief Amanda Maile News Editor Erin Shanahan Assistant News Editors Mike Byrne Theresa Schliep Opinion Editors Margarita Artoglou Kristen Santer Culture Editors Bailey Hosfelt Libby Smislova Sports Editor Sam Belden Assistant Sports Editors Pat Costello Jack McLoone Features Editor Cate Carrejo Photo Editors Jack Brennan Andrea Garcia Kate Mackie Digital Team Ellie Bruckner Meghan Campbell Anna Carey Faculty Advisor Beth Knobel Editorial Page Policy The Fordham Ram’s editorial and ramblings topics are selected on a weekly basis and reflect the editorial board’s view on a campus issue.

Opinions Policy The Fordham Ram appreciates submissions to fordhamramopinions@ gmail.com. Commentaries are printed on a space available basis. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions in The Fordham Ram’s editorials are those of the editorial board; those expressed in articles, letters, commentaries, cartoons or graphics are those of the individual author. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

February 24, 2016

From the Desk | Meghan Campbell

Reinforcing Duchess Kate’s Mental Health Advocacy I am among the many people in this world who are huge fans of the royal family, and more specifically Kate Middleton. I watched the royal wedding live from home as if it were the Super Bowl, got extremely excited both times she announced she was pregnant and watched the Lifetime film William and Kate several times.

Is this normal behavior? Probably not, but that’s OK. Among the Duchess’ many qualities that have made her an incredible role model is her dedication to charity work. Most recently, as a guest editor for The Huffington Post, she wrote about the significance of childhood mental health.

In her article, she stressed the importance of addressing any signs of mental illness among children and making sure parents let their kids know that they can talk about their emotions.

“For too long we have been embarrassed to admit when our children need emotional or psychiatric help, worried the stigma associated with these problems would be detrimental to their futures,” stated the Duchess.

I could not agree more with what she is advocating for and feel as though this is a subject that is not touched upon enough in our society.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) one in five children in the U.S. has a debilitating mental disorder. These disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorder.

While these disorders are becoming more apparent throughout society, there is still a stigma when someone is diagnosed with a mental disability. It is seen as a negative reflection of the individual and his or her family.

This is where the problem lies.

While communities across the world are creating facilities for those suffering from mental illnesses to seek treatment and support, there are still many people struggling to address the fact that they might have an issue or are unsure about how to reach out for help.

The Duchess went on to explain that mental illnesses that go unaddressed during childhood could have

a seriously negative effect throughout the rest of one’s life. She touched upon the connection between an individual’s unattended mental disorder and destructive actions, such as drug abuse or suicide. Through this behavior, the individual suffering from a mental illness often unintentionally hurts those around them.

We must end the taboo that goes along with mental disorders, both among children and adults, so that this unnecessary harm can be avoided. By assuring those around us that they are safe to talk about their feelings without judgment, we could potentially make someone’s decision to seek help that much easier.

Mental illnesses are not a reflection of parenting. They do not make someone weaker or any less of a person than someone without a mental illness. They are disorders that one should not feel embarrassed or shameful about. They are just as important to treat as any other illness, and should be approached as such.

Princess Kate ended her article by introducing “Young Minds Matter,” a series dedicated to mental health

among youths and how communities can take part in helping future generations. After her article was posted, Princess Kate received worldwide support from people suffering from mental illnesses, people with a child or friend suffering from mental illnesses and people fighting for the same cause. The hashtag #youngmindsmatter spread across Twitter like wildfire, gaining support from many, including First Lady Michelle Obama.

Causes such as this are crucial for spreading the type of mindset society must adopt in order to help past, future and current generations acknowledge and treat mental illnesses.

Editorial | In Defense of the FBI This week, the editorial board’s opinions were split on the on-going national security issue between the FBI and Apple.

The following are the two opposing views on the issue.

Fourteen. Two touchdowns in a football game. The number of lines in a sonnet. A fortnight.

Fourteen. The number of people killed on Dec. 2, 2015 in a terrorist attack at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California for no reason at all.

Nearly three months after the tragedy, the FBI’s investigation continues to examine those responsible, the “violent extremists,” according to FBI Director James Comey. As has been in the news for over a week, the United States government, specifically the FBI, wants Apple Inc. to unlock a phone used by one of the terrorists who was involved in the attack.

Seems like a no brainer, right? Unlock a terrorist’s phone to complete an investigation of a senseless massacre to prevent a similar act from occurring again in the future, in addition to getting as many answers as possible. But that has obviously not been the case.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, the FBI obtained a court order requesting that Apple create software for a “backdoor” that would allow the FBI to access the encrypted iPhone of the San Bernardino terrorist. Apple refused vehemently, claiming that the request was unprecedented. “The implications of the government’s demands are chilling,” CEO Tim Cook said in a letter responding to the FBI’s request.

This point of view is understandable. Apple is concerned that if they were to create software to access this specific iPhone, it would allow others outside of the case to be accessed in the future. Such an instance could, and likely would, alarm a large portion of Apple’s customers.

But what Apple doesn’t seem to realize is the highly unique nature of this case. We’re talking terrorism, possible life and death for hundreds of thousands of Americans. We’ve seen how grave terrorist attacks can be in the past. Obviously, the fewer

there are the better. If the legitimate concern is privacy, then destroy or secure the backdoor software after it’s employed in this case.

It is not that simple to create such an individualized software for this specific case given today’s digital landscape, but as a leader in innovative technology, I’m sure Apple can find a way.

Perhaps you are still not convinced. Let’s go back to Cook’s letter to customers on Feb. 16. To use his word, Cook writes some pretty “chilling” things in the section of the letter referencing the San Bernardino case.

“We have no sympathy for terrorists,” he states. Cook’s logic is off somewhere. Apple has no sympathy for terrorists, yet it won’t exercise all means to access one of its products tied to an extreme act of terrorism?

I’m not implying that Apple supports terrorism or has sympathy for terrorists, but stating that Apple having no sympathy for terrorists is

extremely misleading and not the whole truth in light of this specific case. Additionally, Cook stated, “Up to this point, we have done everything that is both within our power and within the law to help them.”

Cook and Apple are missing a slight distinction. It should be written, “Up to this point, we have done ‘almost’ everything that is both within our power and within the law to help them.”

Essentially, Apple has helped with the San Bernardino case when it’s wanted to help.

What makes this current situation even more puzzling is the fact that San Bernardino is just 400 miles from Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. With human emotion, it would only be natural to feel a sort of connection based on geographic proximity to such a horrific event.

Apple, unlock the phone. Erase the “almost.” Take a look at your logo.

There’s now a bigger chunk.

Dissenting Editorial | In Defense of Apple Almost three months after the terrorist attack that left 14 dead in San Bernardino, the FBI wants Apple to help hack into the iPhone used by one of the terrorists in the San Bernardino shooting.

The FBI is in possession of shooter Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone 5C, which belonged to his employer, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, and they have been given the department’s permission to examine it. The feds hope to find information, including the contact list and text messages that are locked behind a password, which could help them investigate Farook.

The problem is that Farook took his passcode to his grave in a shootout with law enforcement officers on Dec. 2. In 2014, Apple decided to no longer store copies of its customers’ passcodes in order to make them less accessible to hackers. But his phone still has more information, which is why the FBI wants Apple to help dis-

able a password-protection feature.

The feds want the ability to make tens of millions of guesses at Farook’s password until they eventually guess correctly.

This may seem like a non-issue for Apple at first. Who wouldn’t want to help the government catch a terrorist? Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, seemingly does not. According to Cook, a “back-door” key to its operating system, would leave Apple vulnerable to criminal hackers across the globe and put users’ privacy at risk.

Last week, a federal magistrate demanded that Apple work with the FBI, a decision which Apple has vowed to appeal.

Is Apple using privacy as a marketing ploy? Yes. Is this more of a business strategy for Apple than it would like you to think? Most likely. Should Apple unlock the phone? Absolutely not.

Farook’s data was backed up on the cloud six weeks before the tragic

events in San Bernardino occurred, and Apple has turned over that data.

In order to comply further, Apple would need to create a software program that could be used on other devices, puting users’ security at risk, while the FBI insists it needs to create a tool to unlock a single phone.

There’s a larger issue at stake. The reason Apple and other companies created highly secure systems is to ward off criminals and terrorists who, every day, attack weaknesses in computer systems, including at colleges.

The fact that Apple is not able to break into its own iPhones is a good thing. Creating a back-door for law enforcement will almost invariably lead to information being obtained by a source that desperately and frequently makes attempts to obtain it.

The United States is trying to protect valuable assets while warding off daily attacks from hackers who ransack banks and other firms, stealing credit card data, personnel files and

trade secrets. This obviously is not an easy position for Apple, as no U.S. company wants to stand in the way of solving a terrorist event. It’s clear how some could see Apple’s move as a national betrayal and boycott Apple goods.

Thankfully for consumers, Apple has been able to outsmart hackers so far. Writing software to defeat its own encryption systems will not bode well with customers. Its competitors, often outsourcing manufacturing out of range of U.S. laws, will use the software to bolster their own systems.

This case is likely to go to tbe Supreme Court, and with good reason.

At play is not only user privacy, but cybersafety concerns. This is not an issue of terrorism anymore, in our opinion. The terror attack has already occured. It is an issue of precendent and of protection. We don’t want a back door key to be created and we trust Apple not to be terrorist sympathizers, but privacy enforcers.

OPINION

February 24, 2016

Page 9

What Kesha’s Case Reveals About Sexism in the Music Industry and Beyond

By MARGARITA ARTOGLOU OPINON EDITOR

For the past couple of years, fans of pop music — or any sane person with ears, really — have been wondering when Kesha (formerly stylized as Ke$ha) would grace the world with her next album.

They continue to wait as Kesha is still embroiled in a legal battle that will determine the future of her career in the music industry.

And so far, it is not going her way.

Kesha filed a lawsuit in 2014 that alleged that she had been abused for years by her producer, Lukasz Gottwald, better known as Dr. Luke. She claims that he drugged her, raped her and repeatedly verbally abused her.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich ruled that Kesha would not be granted a preliminary injunction.

This does not mean that Kesha has lost her entire case, as some media outlets have been claiming.

Instead, it means that there was not enough reason to let Kesha out of her contract without further trial, and that she and her lawyers are now tasked with proving Dr. Luke’s abuse to the court, which will likely be a long and arduous process.

The problem does not lie with the courts. Preliminary injunctions are notoriously hard to obtain.

The problem lies in a sexist power structure within the music industry that is actively treating Kesha as an object instead of a human being.

Kesha had noted — multiple times — that she was more than willing to continue working under Sony, as long as she was no longer forced to work with Dr. Luke or his label, Kemosabe Records.

What she hoped to gain by filing this suit was the ability to record music without the influence of her alleged abuser, which sounds reasonable to me.

Elle Rothermich Space, Relative to You Last Thursday, a team of scientists announced the discovery of empirical data confirming the existence of gravitational waves, a major component of Einstein’s theory of relativity.

If you’re a physicist, you’re probably beside yourself with glee.

If you’re not a physicist, you’re probably a bit confused as to what the fuss is about.

Gravitational waves are the “ripples” in spacetime that massive objects make when they accelerate. The distance between objects in space changes as gravitational waves stretch spacetime in one direction and simultaneously compress it at a 90 degree angle to

MARY ALTAFFER/AP

Kesha’s legal battle to get out of her contract is far from being over.

But one of the arguments put forth by Dr. Luke’s camp is that he invested money into her career, so he should be able to continue to reap the benefits of her career. Sony seems to agree.

Had Sony agreed to let Kesha leave Dr. Luke’s label when she first came forward, they could have avoided this media frenzy.

Kesha could be recording and performing, and Sony could be making money off of her.

Kesha is not even pressing criminal charges against Dr. Luke, so it is likely that his career would have been just fine too (although his career probably would have recovered even if Kesha did decide to press criminal charges, which is a whole different issue).

But Sony is making her stay, effectively saying: We don’t believe you, and even if we did, Dr. Luke is more important.

Sony has even gone so far as to claim that Kesha has the opportunity to record without Dr. Luke’s influence, but the catch is that Sony executives still expect her to record under his label, Kemosabe.

First of all, it is unfair to argue that Kesha has had fair opportu-

nity to record without the influence of Dr. Luke — a mere technicality.

Sure, she was offered the chance to make music without his presence in the room, but at the end of the day, she would have been working for Dr. Luke and increasing his wealth as she is only allowed to record under his label.

She simply wants to be free of the man who she said put her through hell.

This is bad business for Sony.

Kesha is clearly not willing to record under Dr. Luke’s label.

As a result, Sony is losing out on a popstar who could be making a lot of money for Sony under any of the other labels that fall under its umbrella.

Sony is favoring Dr. Luke instead of bailing Kesha out of this situation, because in the long run, Sony thinks he is more valuable to them than Kesha.

We constantly hear about institutions turning a blind eye to allegations of violence against powerful and talented men, whether it be a school administration that refuses to take punitive measures against a rapist because he is a superstar athlete or a workplace

that direction. Theoretically, this change can be measured. Unlike other more familiar phenomena like cosmic background radiation, gravitational waves are not on the electromagnetic spectrum, so they cannot be “seen” in the way that visible or ultraviolet radiation can be seen.

So the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) listened.

Caltech and MIT jointly operate LIGO, which spans two locations: one in Livingston, Louisiana and one in Hanford, Washington. Each site has two 4-kilometer-long instruments arranged in an “L” shape. Together, LIGO Livingston and LIGO Hanford use meticulously aligned laser beams to detect interference that causes the beams to move infinitesimally out of alignment — about one ten-thousandth the width of a proton.

It took years to create the technology necessary to isolate the

tiny movement caused by gravitational waves. Few people outside the program thought it would ever be possible to observe such small disruptions.

But when the most advanced version of LIGO was ready to test in September 2015, the experiment rewarded scientists with the sounds of something extraordinary: two black holes, each more massive than our sun, colliding a billion light-years away. To date, this is the most direct piece of evidence humanity has gathered for the existence of black holes.

If that does not put the looming threat of midterms in perspective, you may want to read it again.

The scientific impact of this discovery is far-reaching and readily apparent. Once confined to visual cues, scientists can now turn an ear to the universe.

Perhaps even more significantly, the observation is an immense step towards proving Einstein’s general theory of relativity. As

that refuses to fire a manager who harasses his workers because he is good at his job.

The more this kind of outcome occurs in alleged rape cases, the more we are sending the message that a man with power or money can do whatever he wants to whomever he wants.

This makes it difficult for people to confront their rapists or abusers, especially if they feel it could put their careers in jeopardy.

How can a woman working a low-level job feel confident coming forward when a boss or coworker harasses her if a talented and established star like Kesha is losing her formerly successful career for the same reasons?

It may have taken Kesha a few years to come forward with her allegations, but that is unsurprising considering that we live in a society where powerful men usually have the upper hand.

Indeed, according to the lawsuit, Dr. Luke “threatened that if she ever mentioned the rape to anyone, he would shut her career down, take away all her publishing and recording rights and otherwise destroy not only her life but her entire family’s lives as well.”

I commend Kesha on her bravery.

Her case is far from over.

She is accusing one of the most successful men in the music industry of some really terrible things, and although she has already faced some bumps in the road, she continues to move forward.

Her bravery sets an example for other victims who are afraid to face their abusers.

Taking her life back will be a challenge, but she has a slew of musicians and fans who support her and the fight to free Kesha.

Margarita Artoglou, FCRH ’18, is a communications and media studies major from Queens.

astrophysics and cosmology continue their headlong rush into the abstract, a sound foundation of proven theory may soothe the current controversy over the place of empirical methodology in the theoretical sciences.

But what is the importance of this for the rest of the world? Why spend so much time trying to detect something that happened a billion years ago in a galaxy far, far away?

With so much of the earth covered with humans and our technology, it can be easy to lose sight of just how little we know of reality.

It may be hundreds of years before humankind’s understanding of dark matter climbs out of the shadows. We may not, for one reason or another, ever make contact with an extraterrestrial species we deem intelligent. Yet now, in this present, we can grasp at something beyond price: our collective wonder.

Joseph Moresky Remembering Scalia’s Success It is a cutting reminder of the hyperpolarized nature of our political landscape when the death of a sitting Supreme Court Justice only begins to freshly sharpen partisan divisions. Fewer than 24 hours after the news of Antonin Scalia’s death broke, the national conversation had already shifted to what tactics would be employed to obstruct his successor’s nomination and criticism of his legacy. The satirical news outlet The Onion needled the justice’s passing as an end to his, “30-year battle with social progress.”

As the intellectual anchor of the Court’s conservative wing, Scalia was no stranger to drawing contempt from detractors over his opinions. From the defense of capital punishment to the unfortunate resistance of gay rights, Scalia’s constitutional originalism landed him squarely on the right end of the jurisprudential spectrum. His penchant for penning ferocious yet digestible dissents, filled to the brim with vitriol (and occasional sarcasm), earned him the thanks of many journalists eager to throw some spice into the national discourse. Whether or not one disagrees with Justice Scalia’s school of thought, his style undoubtedly changed the Supreme Court’s prominence in the modern national conversations.

And that is what his contribution to the law truly was: conversation.

The Supreme Court functions best when opposing schools of jurisprudential thought come into conflict, with the bench caught in vibrant debate over the nation’s most important issues. It is a legal microcosm of the liberal ideals our democracy holds on high, where intellectual freedom and competition produce superior results by virtue of the crucible of debate that ideas must flow through. Issues must be confronted, ideas picked apart from conflicting viewpoints and contentions rebutted and defended, all while the merit of the final decision is strengthened.

To frame it in a more human context, one need only look at the professional relationship and personal friendship between Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsberg. Fundamentally disagreeing on most matters of constitutional law, Ginsberg nevertheless appreciated the eloquence with which Scalia articulated his dissents. When Scalia offered up his opinion so that she could properly respond, Ginsberg noted, “He absolutely ruined my weekend, but my opinion is ever so much better because of his stinging dissent.”

Antonin Scalia was a weighty force of scholarly will and raw personality who helped to steer the Court to a more intellectually rigorous environment. His voice on issues ranging from the proper separation of powers, to the freedom of speech, to the correct approach to the reading of the Constitution itself will continue to impact legal scholars across intellectual divides for years to come. The bench, and the country, has suffered a profound loss with his passing.

SPRING PREVIEW

Page 2

Baseball Eyes Postseason Success

By SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

Fordham students have endured a chilly winter, but there are signs that spring is on its way.

Days are getting longer, warm weather is fast approaching and, perhaps most importantly, the Fordham baseball team is back in action. Through the first weekend of the season, the team is 1-2.

The team will return to Houlihan Park on March 8 for its home opener against Manhattan College. After a second consecutive appearance in the Atlantic 10 Championship last year, it will look to build on that success.

“We are focused first on qualifying for the A-10 Tournament, and from there, our goal is to win the tournament,” said head coach Kevin Leighton, now in his fifth year at the helm of the NCAA’s all-time winningest baseball team. “The league is a grind, and every game is tremendously important. Last year, the difference between first place and seventh place was three wins.”

With so little margin for error, the Rams will need to be on their game this season. Fortunately for them, most of the members of last year’s team are returning for another season, so Leighton will have a more experienced roster at his disposal. Fordham lost three regulars from last year, including pitcher Brett Kennedy and catcher Charles Galiano, both of whom were selected in the MLB Draft. The former led the team in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched last season, while the latter hit nine home runs and batted .301.

The loss of those players leaves a hole in the roster, but Leighton is confident in his squad’s ability to pick up the slack. “Losing those two is definitely tough, but it’s one position player out of our lineup and one pitcher out of our rotation,” he said. “The guys have stepped up, and I have no doubt we will be able to overcome it.

Every year you’re going to lose players to either graduation, the MLB draft or injury, and every year someone new will step up

JOSHUA KIM/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham looks to build off its 2015 season and be a threat in the A-10.

and fill the void.”

The focal point of the Rams’ offense will likely be their four starting infielders: junior first baseman Matthew Kozuch, senior second baseman Joseph Runco, senior third baseman Ian Edmiston and senior shortstop Joseph DeVito. Last season, Kozuch, Edmiston and DeVito batted over .300, with Kozuch’s clip of .333 leading the team. For his part, Runco led the team in both runs scored and steals.

Junior outfielders Mark Donadio, Jason Lundy and Ryan Mahoney, along with graduate student Ryan McNally, will also be important contributors. Donadio’s .376 on-base percentage placed second on the team last year, and he placed third in steals.

On the other side of the ball, junior Greg Weissert, sophomore

Ben Greenberg and junior Kirk Haynes, Jr. should get the majority of starts for the Rams. Seniors Jimmy Murphy and Joseph Serrapica, along with sophomore David Manasek, will be among the most important relievers.

For Leighton, the key to his team’s success is not anything fancy. He just wants them to go out and get the job done. “We need to compete on the mound and go deep in games,” he said. “Our offense needs to find ways on base and be able to be the aggressor.

Defensively, we need to make the routine plays.”

Fordham’s window could be closing faster than it might seem, with six seniors on the roster. The Rams hope their experience will see them through to the postseason — and perhaps beyond. A-10 play begins on April 1.

February 24, 2016

2016 Schedule Fordham Men’s Baseball Feb. 19 20 N 21 26 27 N 28 Mar. 4 @ 5@ 8 11 12 13 15 @ 16 @ 19 @ 20 23 @ 25 @ 26 29 @ April 1 2 3 6@ 8@ 9@ 10 @ 12 13 15 16 17 19 20 @ 22 @ 23 @ 24 @ 26 @ 29 @ 30 @ May 1 @ 6 7 8 13 @ 14 @ 15 @ 19 20 21 25-28 N

Furman Presbyterian Michigan State Canisius Canisius Canisius LSU LSU Manhattan Villanova Saint Peter’s Stony Brook Sacred Heart Hofstra Wagner Wagner NYIT NJIT NJIT Albany Richmond Richmond Richmond Rutgers La Salle La Salle La Salle Iona Siena Rhode Island Rhode Island Rhode Island Fairfield Columbia Davidson Davidson Davidson Manhattan Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts George Washington George Washington George Washington Saint Joseph’s Saint Joseph’s Saint Joseph’s Dayton Dayton Dayton A-10 Championship

Greenville, SC

Wilson, NC

4:00 4:00 11:00 3:00 12:00 10:30 7:00 2:00 3:00 3:00 1:00 1:00 3:00 3:00 12:00 1:00 3:30 12:00 12:00 3:00 4:00 2:00 12:00 3:30 11:00 12:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 2:00 12:00 6:00 3:30 6:00 2:00 1:00 6:30 3:00 1:00 1:00 6:00 2:00 12:00 3:00 3:00 1:00 12:00 12:00 7:00

Bronx, NY

Golf Ready to Tee Off in 2016, Sets Sights on A-10s

By SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

After an encouraging fall season, the Fordham golf team will return to action this spring. Head coach Paul Dillon’s squad will play a sixtournament slate, culminating with the Atlantic 10 Championship in Orlando, Florida.

“For the spring events, I think our goal is to get a win,” said sophomore Joseph Trim. “Our first event is right after spring break, so I believe if we maximize our time to get ready and come back firing on all cylinders, we can pick one up quick.”

Last spring, three of the team’s top contributors graduated, resulting in what could have been significant holes in the roster. Instead, the younger contingent had no trouble picking up the slack, reeling off a

trio of top six finishes in five events, including a tie for fourth at the Ryan Lee Memorial Tournament in September. Still, the team is hungry for more.

“Compared to the past couple seasons, this fall season was a success, but we are a competitive group of guys,” said Trim. “I think we all believe it was fairly lackluster.”

Over the past few months, the Rams have been preparing for what

lies ahead. Thanks to the relatively mild winter weather, the team has been able to hit some balls on the range to remain sharp.

“One of our courses recently opened back up, so we got out there,” said Trim. “It will be nice to go down for spring break in better form than last year.”

The team still has some time to cram in additional practice before the season gets underway. The

Rams’ first event, the Wildcat Invitational, starts on March 28, and three more standard events will follow. Fordham will get a final tuneup at the Til Duty is Done Collegiate Invitational and head down to Florida for A-10s the following week.

Trim and fellow sophomore Matt Schiller will likely lead the way for the Rams this season. The former notched a pair of top 25 finishes last

COURTESY OF WIIKIMEDIA

Golf doesn’t kick off the season until March 28, but the team is already preparing for the spring season.

fall, while the latter had some good results of his own, including a phenomenal fourth-place finish at the Ryan Lee Memorial Tournament.

Juniors Oscar Cabanas and Fernando Morett, sophomore James Mongey and freshman Tommy Hayes also got to play plenty of rounds last fall.

The team’s goal is to perform well against the rest of the conference.

“Ultimately for A-10, I think our goal is to finish in the top half,” said Trim. “We were voted to finish dead last, but our rankings have us in the middle of the conference. If we can play well, we might be able to break into the top six.”

The roster is a young one, but it has plenty of room to grow. Given its solid results last fall, that could be a scary prospect for the opposition. With luck, the Rams could arrive at A-10s as a team to watch.

SPRING PREVIEW

February 24, 2016

Page 3

FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

After a long winter layoff, the women’s tennis team is back in action for the spring season.

By ANDREA GARCIA PHOTO EDITOR

After a three-month-long hiatus during the winter, Women’s Tennis is swinging back into action, and the players are picking up their momentum from the fall season.

The team opened its 2015-2016 season with a successful doubles invitational at Sacred Heart. Juniors Hannah Drayton and Mayu Sato took the win in the A flight tournament against the respective doubles teams from University of Hartford, Sacred Heart and Providence. On their way to the top, Drayton and Sato dropped their teammates, freshman Lexi Zobeideh and sophomore Caroline Sa, in the semifinal round. Sophomore captain Estelle Wong and freshman Whitney

Women Ready for 2016 Weisberg took the second title for the event in the B flight competition by defeating Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac, Providence and the University of Hartford.

The players travelled again to Connecticut to compete in the Quinnipiac Invitational in Connecticut. Zobeideh lost in B flight semifinals to Seton Hall. Sato progressed to the A flight finals and lost to Rhode Island in a 6-2, 6-4 game. Hannah Drayton and Whitney Weisburg took the title in the B flight and D flight consolation finals. Neither of the two doubles teams moved past the quarterfinal round.

Next on the schedule was a day-

long invitational at West Point. Sato and Zobeideh had good weeks, succeeding in singles and teaming up in the first doubles, where they ultimately lost to Connecticut in the semifinals.

The season progressed at the Great Dane Invitational in Albany for a weekend-long tournament.

Sato and Wong were both entered into the same singles bracket and ended up meeting in the finals. The team cheered as the two matched up to play for the title, and Sato won after a 6-4, 6-3 match. Wong later teamed up with Drayton to win the consolation round finals against the FDU Knights.

The team wrapped up its fall

season with a 6-1 dual win against Seton Hall. Fordham won the first doubles match, then took five of six singles to come out on top.

The entire team was scheduled to open their season on Jan. 23 at the NJIT Invitational. However, the girls had to practice close to campus due to snowy weather.

They took advantage of their next dual match against Drexel, but lost 2-5. Wins for the day included the doubles team of Sato and Drayton, as well as Wong’s 6-3 (2) second singles match.

The latest match was a 5-2 win over NJIT. Wong, Sato, Drayton and junior Destiny Grunin won their respective singles matches.

The doubles matches won the day for Fordham, with first and third doubles wins by Sato/Drayton and Gruinin/Zobeideh.

When previously asked about the upcoming season, head coach Bette-Ann Liguori said, “We started our fall season, which was individual play, not playing to our potential. By the end of the season, when we played Seton Hall, they came together as a team to have a decisive 6-1 win.” She is very optimistic about the success of the upcoming spring season.

Wong is feeling positive about the upcoming season. “The team chemistry is great and we are looking forward to fighting our way to the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships in Ohio at the end of the season,” she said.

Men’s Tennis Looks to Bounce Back in Spring Season

By TOM TERZULLI STAFF WRITER

The men’s tennis team has a sense of positivity, something that was hard to come by last season. The Rams come into the spring with lofty goals after a dismal 3-13 campaign just a year ago.

Head coach Michael Sowter, now in his second year, is desperate to rid his team of the stench of losing. “Last year was tough for the men’s tennis team, so my goal since arriving at Fordham has been to change the culture

of the team,” he said. It seems to have worked thus far, as the Rams have already matched last year’s win total.

Last year’s campaign had plenty of lows and very few highs. The Rams suffered through five and six-game losing streaks, separated by only a 6-1 triumph over Yeshiva on March 22. The season started positively enough, with Fordham going 2-1 in its first three contests. The Rams took a close one 4-3 against St. Peter’s in the season opener and rolled past Adelphi 5-1 on Oct. 12. However,

Fordham was completely and utterly dominated for the majority of the season. They scored a combined four points in their last nine defeats. There are seven possible points in a match, meaning that the Rams converted on four of a possible 63 point opportunities.

It is safe to say that the Bronx was not a great place for men’s tennis last season.

Pol Giraldez finished his college career leading his team with seven victories and eight losses.

Pedro Alonso, who is entering his senior season this spring, was up

next with a 4-12 campaign.

“He brings a lot of experience to the team,” Sowter said of Alonso. “He’s definitely playing with more confidence.”

Sophomore Joseph Kavaloski is expected to take on a much bigger role this season after taking only one of his nine matches last year. Of the four players featured in the best doubles combinations, only one is still on the team, sophomore Harris Durkovic. He and Joey Brander went 2-3, while Giarldez and Max Peara posted a 2-4 record.

FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

After a lackluster fall season, Men’s Tennis will look to bounce back.

The obvious problem facing the Rams for the coming season is putting points on the board. Although they have already matched their win total from last year, there have been some early traces of scoring troubles. After jumping out to a 3-0 start, Fordham has dropped three straight, and in two of those, the Rams only registered one point. On the other hand, in the three victories, Fordham has scored five, five and seven. Which Rams team will we see for the rest of the spring: the same struggling team that defined last season or a squad that can match score for score with their opponents?

The four teams remaining on the schedule that topped Fordham last year are Marist, Wagner, Hofstra and Sacred Heart. Marist and Sacred Heart did not give up a single point to the Rams. The Rams gave Hofstra the toughest test in a 5-2 defeat. Yeshiva and Adelphi will also be on the schedule, representing Fordham’s two easiest wins in last year’s campaign.

Only time will tell which Fordham team we will see. Nevertheless, this year’s squad has a different attitude. It has a feeling of confidence in what they can accomplish. The question is how far those positive feelings will take them, but at any rate, the team is ready to do some winning.

SPRING PREVIEW

Page 4

February 24, 2016

Softball Primed for Another Successful Campaign

By PAT COSTELLO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Fordham Softball is coming into this season as the favorite to win the Atlantic 10, as voted by the other coaches. The Rams netted five preseason “All A-10” selections, while coach Bridget Orchard was pegged as the preseason Coach of the Year.

When asked if these accolades have affected her players, coach Orchard responded by saying, “Not at all, especially after we have opened up with some tough losses. We stress everyday it is not how you start, it is how you finish and also that the preseason rankings, favorites, etc. mean nothing.”

“We have to prove it on the field.” she said. “You cannot take any days off and what you did last year or the year before that means nothing.

Every year we have a new team and new challenges to face. We lost five starters from last year’s championship team, so there are big shoes to fill this year, but I am optimistic it can be done.”

This year’s team has big shoes to fill indeed. Fordham is coming off of a four year stretch in which they won three championships and made multiple NCAA tournament appearances as well. This season has not gone exactly as planned early in the year, with many losses coming to high ranked, high caliber teams, but Orchard is not afraid of the challenge; in fact, she embraces it. “Our team is very resilient and they knew the challenge they had with competing with top 25 teams right out of the gate,” she said. “I am a big believer that you learn more from the losses. We have seen many things that we need to work on and playing these teams has showed us what needs to be done to be playing in post-season come May. I stress to the team that they are lucky to

have the opportunity to play with and against the best players in the country.”

The Rams have already faced a litany of tough opponents already, but Orchard believes that it is what’s best for her team. “We have faced several All-American and USA national team players already in the first 10 games. My goal is that our players get used to playing at that level. The game is a lot faster than many are used to, so it is a huge adjustment and they must be tough to get through this grind. The longterm goal is to limit mistakes and get timely hits. The win over DePaul we came back down 4-1 and that really showed me that our team is ready to face this adversity.“ After enjoying one of the finest seasons by any Fordham pitcher,

graduate student Rachel Gillen will return for one final go-round with the Rams. On the offensive side of the ball, junior outfielder Sydney Canessa, junior infielder Lindsay Mayer and junior infielder Amy Van Hoven are expected to be major contributors.

Looking ahead, the Rams play a five game slate in Orlando this weekend, going up against some very good teams such as Penn State and Syracuse. The Rams are attempting to right the ship right now, and coach Orchard’s message hopes to inspire them. “It is a process and you need to work hard to compete everyday…No days off, if you want to win championships you must out work your opponent every day. Actions speak louder than words.”

FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

2016 Schedule Fordham Softball Feb. 12 James Madison/Alabama Orlando, Florida 13 N Rutgers/UCF @ 14 Stetson 19 DePaul/South Florida 20 N James Madison/Tennessee Clear ater, Florida 21 Auburn 26 Syracuse/North Florida 27 N Penn State/Morgan State Orlando Florida 28 Charlotte N Mar. 4 Boston Coll./Iowa St. Macon, Georgia 5 @ Mercer 12 Providence/Saint Peter’s 13 Providence/Saint Peter’s 16 Hofstra 18 @ Towson 19 @ Towson Towson, Mar land 20 N Villanova 23 @ St. John’s 25 Massachusetts 26 Massachusetts 31 @ Iona April 2 @ Saint Joseph’s 3 @ Saint Joseph’s 5 Lehigh 6 St. Bonaventure 9 @ George Washington 10 @ George Washington 13 @ Seton Hall 16 Saint Louis 17 Saint Louis 23 @ Rhode Island 24 @ Rhode Island 30 @ Dayton May 1 @ Dayton 7 George Mason 8 George Mason 10-14 N A-10 Championship Washing on, D.C.

9:30 9:30 12:00 11:00 10:00 11:15 11:00 3:30 10:00 11:00 12:15 12:00 2:00 3:00 1:30 9:00 11:00 2:30 11:00 11:00 4:00 12:00 12:00 4:00 3:00 12:00 12:00 4:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 12:00 1:00

Fordham Softball is hungry for victory in 2016.

Track and Field Looks to Build Off Strong Indoor Season

By ALEXANDRIA SEDLAK STAFF WRITER

As spring weather draws closer, Fordham Track and Field prepares for its outdoor season. With a few remaining indoor meets and practices, they hope to work as a team to get ready for the season ahead. The spring season is always full of some riveting races, including personal bests and ECAC/IC4A qualifiers.

If you look at the last spring season you can see what the Rams have to look forward to, and perhaps, what they will be competing against in the future.

The two-day Fred Hardy Invitational at the University of Richmond was the first meet of the season last spring. In the 5,000m run, thenjunior Quincy O’Connor claimed first place with a time of 14:52.67.

Senior Brianna Tevnan came in second place overall in the 5,000m with a time of 17:39.53. Their next meet was the Colonial Relays hosted by the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. The highlight of this meet was Tevnan’s fourth place finish in the 3,000m steeplechase, which she finished with a new

personal best and school record time of 10:54.49. Continuing their meets in Virginia, the next weekend was the Mason Spring Invitational in Fairfax.

The sole top 10 finish for the Rams was sophomore Nicholas Regan, who came in eighth in the javelin throw with a distance of 181’5”.

The Wolfie Invitational at Stony Brook University was a successful meet for the Rams. For the women, junior Danielle Rowe won the 400m dash in 56.58 seconds and senior Mara Lieberman won the 800m run in a time of 2:14.11, while sophomore Shanna Heaney took second in 2:14.49. For the men, sophomore Nik O’Brien won the 3,000m run in 8:52.29, while freshman Brian Cook took first place in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 9:14.43, which qualified him for the IC4A. At the Penn Relays, the 4x800m relay team consisting of seniors Mara Lieberman, Kristen Stuart and Melissa Higgins and junior Danielle Rowe, took 11th place overall with a time of 8:56.39, which also qualified the relay team for the ECAC. At the 2015 Atlantic 10 Outdoor Track and Field Championship at George Mason Stadium, sophomore Nicholas Regan placed second in the javelin throw

with a distance of 185’5”, earning him Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors.

Stuart finished fifth in the 400m hurdles with an ECAC qualifying time of 1:01.64. Tevnan placed third in the 3,000m steeplechase with a time of 10:39.55, which is a new personal record, a school record and an ECAC qualifying time. In the 800m finals, senior Lester Taylor came in second with a time of 1:52.07, which earned him Second Team All-Atlantic 10 honors. The women’s 4x800m relay team finished in third place with a time of 8:49.91, less than a second away from first place.

The Swarthmore Final Qualifier in Pennsylvania was the team’s last chance to qualify for the ECAC/ IC4A the next weekend. Two Rams accomplished this goal. Taylor finished the 800m run in second place with a season best time of 1:49.95, which qualified him for IC4A. Cook, though already qualified for the IC4A, achieved an even better qualifying time, finishing the 3,000m steeplechase in 9:12.44 and fifth place. Only Tevnan and Cook took part in the 2015 ECAC/IC4A Outdoor Track and Field Championship at Princeton University. Tevnan finished 17th overall in the women’s

steeplechase, while Cook finished 13th overall in the men’s steeplechase.

The biggest highlight of the season came with freshman Thomas Slattery’s qualification for the 2015 USA Junior Outdoor Track and Field Championship that took place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon in June. This accomplishment made Slattery the first Ram to compete at the Junior Nationals since 2011.

The Fordham Rams had a successful season last spring, and they continue to practice to try and make each season better than the last. Constant training in the year-long sport only

helps them prepare that much more for the spring season. With only a couple more meets left in the indoor season, the team is looking forward to beginning their outdoor season. “I think everyone is in excellent shape for the spring season,” comments sophomore Merissa Wright. “It’s nice to finally see the work we’ve put in since last June pay off. It is just the beginning and I am excited to see what is to come. We have ECACs in two weeks and that’s when we pull out some of our best times, then it is straight on to outdoor! Watch out for the school records, because we intend to break them.”

COURTSEY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

The track and field team is ready to go as they head outside for the springtime.

CULTURE

Page 10

February 24, 2016

The Fordham Ram

A Suprise Release by Beyonce Stirs Conversation

By EMMA CAREY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Since its release on Feb. 6, Beyonce’s new single, “Formation,” has arguably established itself as the 21st-century “shot heard ‘round the world.” The song, which was published privately via Youtube and shared by various sources, made immediate waves with its proximity to Rihanna’s ANTI album and its music video. However, there is much more shock value to “Formation” than its spontaneous release or “(Dirty)” label. Knowles’ “Formation” has become a source of activist movements such as Black Lives Matter and feminism, and it seems that this is only a warning of what the iconic artist holds in her artillery.

Since the unannounced release of her last self-titled album in December 2013, fans have become accustomed to Beyonce’s musical surprise attacks. Around mid-evening on Saturday Feb. 6, social media erupted with praise from “Beyhive” superfans and celebrities alike, often using the hashtag #ISlay in homage to the single’s lyrics. In reply to the song’s admiration for “Jackson 5 nostrils,” Chance the Rapper tweeted: “Beyonce just made me so proud of my nose.” In just two weeks, the video already has almost 30 million views.

Meanwhile, in just three days, Red Lobster noted a spike in sales by 33 percent (for any entrepreneurs hoping for insight, refer to the song’s explicit lyrics).

The wildfire video opens to Beyonce crouching confidently atop a police car submerged in water, a Hurricane Katrina reference and motif throughout the video. As Beyonce flaunts her signature clever lyricism and flawless dance routines, “Formation” unfolds rapidly to reveal a mes-

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Beyonce sings about racism, activism and feminism in her newest song “Formation,” released on Feb. 6.

sage that the immeasurably successful African-American female artist seems to have been constructing for quite some time. Beyonce transitions seamlessly, commenting on the racist speculations of her success’ ties to the Illuminati, her southern heritage, black culture and her status as a celebrity.

Unlike many artists currently speaking out on equality issues, Beyonce firmly acknowledges her potential image as a “black Bill Gates in the making.” Knowles is embracing her extraordinary success against racist and sexist odds as a privilege to speak out on current controversies. The artist closes the intense social commentary bragging about her ability to “cause all this conversation.”

As her verbal attack on injustice plays out, however, the video’s imagery holds equal weight. NPR recently headlined: “Beyonce’s ‘Formation’ is a visual anthem.” The music video ultimately composes what filmmaker

Dream Hampton observes to be a “black future [where we] are imagining ourselves having power, and magic.” Various members of the so-called “black South” are depicted standing boldly in churches, festivals, restaurants, hair salons and more, flaunting beloved cultural traditions of the deep south. Some key focuses are actually those of the south who identify as “queer,” likely tied to the source of the song’s intro and outro voiceover, Messy Mya, a flamboyant New Orleans performer who was shot and killed this past year.

Perhaps the most powerful visual, however, is the recurring scene of a young boy dancing in front of a S.W.A.T. team, who, after the boy finishes, throws their hands up in surrender as graffiti reading “Stop Shooting Us” flashes across the screen. The scene is indubitably reminiscent of the deaths of Tamir Rice, Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin among others.

Hampton notes that the video’s release occurred upon the birthday of Trayvon Martin, a relation that was likely more than coincidental.

The catchy single’s one-day proximity to the Super Bowl also was, as the New York Times’ Wortham notes, “not insignificant.” Beyonce performed “Formation” as an introduction into her halftime performance alongside headliner, Coldplay, and Bruno Mars. The halftime show, which included a montage of past Super Bowls in honor of its 50th anniversary, marked a jump in viewership from the game’s average 111.9 million to 115.5 million. Knowles donned a classic black leather leotard studded by a golden “X” along with her back-up dancers, who also wore berets and afro hairstyles. The bold wardrobe, along with the ensemble’s tossing up of a right-handed fist and formation of an on-field “X”, was later thought to be a reference to Malcolm

X’s Black Panther Party.

While her performance and the single itself have reaped tremendous success, some of the buzz on Beyonce has been less than supportive. Members of police forces nationwide, as well as their supporters, have openly expressed their disapproval of Beyonce’s message. Congressman Pete King recently described “Formation” as “just one more example of how acceptable it has become to be antipolice.” Tha hashtag BlueLivesMatter has also become increasingly prevalent on social media. Following initiative from the Miami Fraternal Order of Police, multiple police unions consider boycotting Beyonce’s recentlyannounced “Formation” World Tour, threatening to refuse their local services to the concerts’ venues.

As of yet, no official police action has been taken (or not taken). At a recent planned “Formation” protest outside of NFL headquarters, the fan-to-opponent ratio resulted in a pro-Beyonce rally, instead. One fan crafted a makeshift sign taunting, “Where Y’all At?” Despite recent backlash, “Formation” has been determined not to fail in its mission. The bird-flipping “Formation” Beyonce was certainly not attempting to please the crowd. While activism through music is far from unheard of, “Formation” stands separate from classic 60’s anti-war anthems or today’s body image ballads, as its message is driven by highly controversial calls to action and analysis. Beyonce has stirred up likely conversation, and this is just the introduction. Yahoo reporter Shehnaz Khan, who had predicted the single’s surprise release from her inside sources on Twitter, added shortly after its release: “One more thing…THERE IS MORE.” Knowles is packing more artistic heat than just “hot sauce in [her] bag.”

La Dolce Vita

Where Communism Ends, Bohemia Thrives

By PASQUALE GIANNI STAFF WRITER

In Prague, the remaining signs of what was decades of communist rule are rapidly beginning to erode.

25 years later, the city is a magnet for bad behavior. Pick your poison: casinos, brothels, brew-pubs, illicit drugs or heavy food. These are not the characteristics that drew me to the charming Czech capital, though.

The city itself has a rich history and boasts tremendous aesthetic diversity. The magnificent architecture, for example, ranges from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau, Cubist, Neo-Classical and ultra-modern.

It is a city that reminds me much of Budapest, and they share similar histories. Much of that history is still on display, everywhere you look.

What is most surprising, though, is the city’s rapid transformation into a leading economic and business center in spite of that history.

“Praha,” as they call it, served as the Capital of the Kingdom of Bohe-

mia (1198-1918) during which time it fell under control of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, among others. The 14th century, more specifically the reign of Charles IV (1342–78), is considered the Golden Age of its history. Today you will find the Prague Castle, walled in and perched up on a hill, serves as a reminder, museum and point of pride for the glory days of Bohemia.

As homage, most Czechs still refer to themselves as Bohemians, much like Southern German ‘Bavarians,’ even if they come from an area outside of what was considered Bohemian territory (modern-day Czech Republic encompasses more than just ancient Bohemia). They seem to milk it as much as they can, as everywhere you go there is some form of “traditional Bohemian fare” or “traditional Bohemian costumes” or “traditional recipe Bohemian pilsner beer.”

The Czechs are very good at remembering, taking pride and profiting off of this part of their history. The 75 years to follow are not so much.

The Czechoslovak Republic formed in 1918 in the aftermath of World

War I as a Democratic Republic, although with a strong communist presence. It was annexed by Nazi Germany and technically ceased to exist during World War II. After all the dust settled in 1945, what followed was 45 years of (not necessarily) uninterrupted communist rule in the Soviet-dominated easternbloc. In 1968, party leader Alexander Dubcek proposed reforms that included a democratic process and this led to the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Under pressure from Moscow, all reforms were repealed, party leadership was taken over by more authoritarian wing and a massive non-bloody purge of party members was conducted. In 1989, during what was known as the ‘Velvet Revolution’, the first democratic elections were held and the communist party was ousted in what became the collapse of planned economies all over Europe. Four years later, the country would peacefully split into Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where Prague remains the vibrant capital.

Today the city boasts tall, quasi-

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Tourists flock to the once Communist city for history and entertainment.

skyscrapers, big foreign banks and familiar businesses (there are KFC’s everywhere, strangely), and a bustling and growing, tourism sector.

Tucked away in a corridor of an old building next to a casino, ironically, is the ‘Museum of Communism.’

It holds an over exaggeratedly drab and musty display of recreated history through props, video and posters serving as a reminder of an era most Czechs choose to overlook.

They would rather be remembered

as Bohemians than communists. Being proud or, sometimes, ashamed of your history is something we should all be able to appreciate. What is better, however, is the growing number of young Czechs who proudly refer to themselves as only Czech. They have seen the incredible transformation and subsequent prosperity of their renewed nation of 23 years and take great pride in it, as they should.

Such is the beauty of history in motion.

CULTURE

February 24,2016

Page 11

Fruit Juice H2Melon Debuts at Rose Hill

By MARGARET FAHEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It is easy for busy college students to substitute more convenient, on-the-go options for the nutrients our bodies need. Often, this comes at a cost—available alternatives often fall short of being the most health-conscious.

Recently, Fordham College Rose Hill welcomed a new beverage to campus titled H2Melon. The new product combines the active pace of college life with the nutritional benefits of 100 percent natural fruit.

The drink was launched through Fordham Dining’s Twitter feed, and advertisements for the new refreshment can be seen on screens across campus. The appeal of the drink reaches beyond its natural health benefits.

The co-founder, Busayo Ogunsanya, is a Fordham alumnus.

H2Melon brings a reminder of the warmer summer weather to campus and offers students a healthy and rehydrating alternative to sugary fruit juices.

As the story on H2Melon’s website recounts, the brand was cre-

ated in New York by two friends.

The process of making H2Melon is simple, as it has just one ingredient, watermelon. The fruit is coldpressed in its entirety to produce the juice--which includes the rind, the flesh and the seeds. From here, the juice is bottled and shipped to a select number of retailers across New York City. Fordham is the only current higher institution retailer of the beverage. The H2Melon brand has experienced success within many different demographics, but especially with younger individuals.

When asked to identify the company’s target consumer, Ogunsanya said, “First, we’re targeting college and grad students who are trying to balance early morning study sessions and late night partying with a healthy, balanced diet. We’re also targeting young, urban men and women, who, like college students, are part of the healthy-food trend. This demographic of consumers is always on the go: running businesses, taking care of little kids – you name it!” The brand’s success with the younger demographic explains why it has become a part of the

Fordham community.

Ogunsanya also stressed the importance for college students to consume healthy products.

“Students with busy schedules need to be consuming the right products to keep them alert in class and in all of their extracurricular activities,” he said. In order for students to adapt to a healthier way of life and keep up with the fast pace, it is important that healthy and easily accessible options exist.

On campus, a 12-ounce bottle of H2Melon can be purchased for $4.99. Brynn Fiacchi, FCRH ’18, an active student-athlete, recently bought a bottle from The Grille. “It definitely tastes like watermelon, but I would prefer the crunch of fresh fruit rather than its liquefied form,” she said.

She also added that she might enjoy the drink more when the weather warms up. Fiacchi won’t return for another, however.

“The price is too expensive for college students,” she said.

As many college students are on a tight budget, Brynn’s comments point to a fault in H2Melon’s appeal to the student

COURTESY OF H2MELON

Fordham alumnus sparks interest with new watermelon drink at Fordham.

body. Ogunsanya still believes a student on a tight budget should choose H2Melon over other, less expensive fruit juices. “Sure, a traditional sugary juice is probably a few bucks less than a bottle of H2Melon, but you can’t even begin to compare the health benefits of H2Melon over that other stuff,” he said. Frankly, there are grave health costs of reaching for a bottle of traditional juice. Not only are you not getting the nutrients you need, but you’re also filling up on unhealthy additives and sugars.”

The appeal of H2Melon to a younger, more health-conscious

demographic is undeniable. With just one sole ingredient, it stands apart from other fruit juices on the market due to its natural health benefits. The drink’s presence on campus is made even more engaging with the student body because its co-founder was once in our shoes. The company has a strong social media presence and Ogunsanya reminds students to follow H2Melon’s accounts and hashtag “H2Melon” for the chance to win free prizes. Whether one enjoys the taste of watermelon, the appeal of natural rehydration or the alumnus connection H2Melon has come to campus, so give it a try.

Review| Television

Theater Talk | Claire Del Sorbo

Stephen Colbert

Fiddler on the Roof on Broaway

By JOHN CHRISTEN STAFF WRITER

Stephen Colbert has officially and fearlessly taken the reigns from longtime “Late Show” host, David Letterman. Colbert’s charisma and confident improvisational skills have carried over flawlessly from Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report,” which aired its final episode (of nearly 1,500) on Dec. 18. I was lucky enough to attend the taping of “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” this Jan. 27th, an experience that solidified both my love for Stephen Colbert and the legitimacy of the immediate success of the show.

I have previously indulged in live entertainment, but experiencing the taping of a late show transcended normal precedents.

Participating in a television series that attracts four million viewers per night only amplified the excitement. The show began with stand-up comedian Paul Mercurio at 5 p.m., who used his 20 minute time-slot to warm up the studio audience. After some hilarious crowd work, Mercurio encouraged the audience to laugh and cheer with gusto during the taping, since our recorded voices were broadcast when the show aired at 11:35 p.m. The use of a warm-up comic, common for shows with live studio audiences, was extremely effective.

Jon Batiste and the house of New Orleans band Stay Human’s entrance followed Mercurio’s exit. They proceeded to bless the audience with an incredible, sololaden private concert before Colbert’s appearance. Shortly afterwards, Stephen ran out to greet his 80th live studio audience as CBS’s franchise late night host. His enthusiasm while taking audience

members’ questions displayed his clear love for his profession. One man seated to my left asked how Stephen knew his wife was “the one,” which prompted Colbert to share an incredibly detailed, personal and entertaining account of how he met, then subsequently fell in love with his wife, Evelyn McGee-Colbert.

The actual show, which featured interviews with actor Chris Pine and “Orange is the New Black” actress Danielle Brooks, began at about 5:30 p.m. With the exception of one or two minor misinterpretations of the teleprompter, Colbert gracefully and hilariously dashed through the show with ease. His banter with guests kept audience members (and later, viewers) interested and enthused, and his impressively delivered monologues presented headlines intelligently and satirically. There truly was not a dull moment during my two-hour stay in the Ed Sullivan theater. Colbert kept the audience involved and happy, all while engaging in informative and engrossing interviews with his guests.

During commercial breaks, Colbert routinely returned to his story about falling for his current wife, adding auxiliary details before the camera started rolling once again.

His acknowledgement of and respect for the audience exemplified Colbert’s comfort with this new role. He knows that we love him, so he treats us like acquaintances.

Obviously, the opportunity to attend a taping of “The Late Show” is not available to all, but I would strongly recommend tuning into the show every weekday on CBS at 11:35 p.m. You will not be disappointed with what the warmly intelligent Stephen Colbert has to say.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Fiddler on the Roof evokes a plethora of emotions, with its comedic and tragic story that pulls at the audience’s heartstrings.

Today’s global conflicts look eerily similar to events from the past when viewed from the right lens. It is difficult not to empathize with the millions of families displaced from countries in the Middle East due to rising political conflict and imminent threats from ISIS. In a similar fashion, the Russian Revolution, which toppled the Russian Empire and introduced communism into the newly united Soviet Union, affected millions of citizens residing in small villages, driving them out of the country. Barlett Sher’s revival of Fiddler on the Roof examines how the rise of communism uproots the lives of a small Jewish community in Russia.

Fiddler on the Roof has a history richer than many other productions currently on the Great White Way, as one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Written by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, it originally premiered on Broadway over 50 years ago. Harold Prince directed and the comedic icon Zero Mostel starred.

The show spawned numerous revivals since then, including the one I recently decided to see playing at the Broadway Theatre in Manhattan.

Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of Tevye (Danny Burstein), a poor Jewish dairyman living with his wife Golde (Jessica Hecht) and five daughters in a shtetl (small Jewish

town) called Anatevka in pre-revolutionary Russia. Tradition reigns supreme in Anatevka, as sung in the brash opening number. In accordance with the Jewish faith, a matchmaker must pair up a man and woman of age to be married, which must be approved by the woman’s father.

Tevye’s three eldest daughters, Tzeitel (Alexandra Silber), Hodel (Samantha Massel) and Chava (Melanie Moore), eagerly await their matches from Yente (Alix Korey), the local matchmaker. Tzeitel warns her younger sisters that, given their poor socio-economic status, they will likely receive a man from a low social tier. Tzeitel is dismayed when Yente arranges a match between her and the old widowed butcher, Lazar Wolf (Adam Dannheisser). She is in love with the poor tailor, Motel Kamzoil (Adam Kantor). They ask Tevye’s permission to get married, arguing that he must do right by his daughter. He accepts, and they are married. Next, Hodel and the revolutionary student Perchik (Ben Rappaport) decide to marry.

When Perchik is arrested by the Czar’s troops and sent to Siberia, Hodel decides to leave her family and homeland and travel to Siberia to be with Perchik. When his third daughter Chava decides to marry a Christian named Fyedka (Nick Rehberger), Tevye does not accept

this and considers her dead. Exiled by the Bolsheviks, Tevye, Golde and their two youngest daughters ostensibly end their ordeal by leaving Anatevka for America, “far from the home they love.”

The role of Tevye is as demanding as it sounds. Whoever is playing him must strike a perfect balance between self-depreciating humor and a desperate need to fulfill his cultural responsibility. He constantly pleads to an apathetic god to make all his trials work out, from his headstrong daughters to his declining wealth. Danny Burstein does a fine job at guiding the audience through Tevye’s struggle to adhere to his morals in turbulent times. Through his acting choices, Burstein makes this goal overwhelmingly clear, a goal that is likely shared by all of the refugees fleeing the Middle East today.

Elegantly designed, warmly acted and beautifully played and sung, Sherr’s production of Fiddler on the Roof accomplishes what few shows today can: it makes its audience laugh whilst tugging at its heartstrings. It is a show that makes you ponder about the state of the world, especially in today’s troubled times. The destiny of Tevye and his family is left unknown, just as millions of Middle Eastern refugees are unaware of what lies ahead.

However, just as it is in Fiddler, they use their faith as a moral compass to guide them to a better place.

CULTURE

Page 12

February 24, 2016

Review| Music

Editor’s Pick: To Kill a Mockingbird

Kanye West’s Album, The Life of Pablo

Tribute to Harper Lee: The Benefit of Rereading a Classic

By BRIAN CONWAY STAFF WRITER

Dependinwg on who you ask, Kanye West’s name will mean many different things — to some, he’s just a loudmouthed rapper with a tendency for controversy, but for others, he’s one of the greatest and most creative artists this generation has seen.

I identify with the second group, and eagerly awaited the coming of his latest release, The Life of Pablo.

After multiple listens, Pablo isn’t Ye’s best work, but it certainly holds its own in his discography.

Sound-wise, Pablo is entirely out of control in a good way. West seems to have struck the perfect balance between the harsh, spastic aggression of his previous album Yeezus and the delicately intricate soul sampling that kick-started his career.

The record often marries trap beats with gospel melodies, with surprisingly powerful results (in “Father Stretch My Hands Parts I & II,” the choir-like atmosphere of the former part transitions effortlessly into a hard-hitting banger).

Almost every song has some sort of beat change, keeping things fresh while adding on layers of sonic gold.

Speaking of choirs, it’s impossible not to mention the album’s opener, “Ultralight Beam,” an extremely uplifting and spiritual journey that features a guest verse from Chance

the Rapper that may actually be the best on the entire album.

The lyrical aspect is where the album get a bit polarizing, as Pablo brings with it some of Kanye’s most introspective moments as well as his most shallow. Tracks like “Real Friends” and “FML” give fans the “old” Ye back, as he opens up about loyalty, the loss of friendships and remaining faithful.

“FML” in particular is an especially emotional and somber track, with West touching upon staying loyal to his family despite the temptations of fame.

However, disappointing deliveries run rampant on this album; West spits bars without any real substance. A lot of lines come across as unnecessarily raunchy or out of place, and that is saying something for a Kanye release. Another negative would have to be the interludes, which, while entertaining at first, lose their luster after a few plays.

At first glance, The Life of Pablo may seem like an album without a clear direction, instead using mixed metaphors of different themes to get its point across. It is not exactly innovative like his previous works, but it takes bits and pieces of what people love about his music to craft something special. That lack of a clear path to the end zone is what makes it ultimately great and why Kanye has delivered once again.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Kanye’s new album, featuring other artists, is finally available after much anticipation.

By PAT COSTELLO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

“You never really understand a person until you consider something from his point of view.” That line comes from the 1960 classic book To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee. The novel is considered one of the greatest and most influential books of all time, and is still read in schools all across the country to this day. The story is set in Alabama in the 1930s and focuses on a small family, the Finches, made up of a father, Atticus, and his son and daughter, Jem and Scout.

Atticus is a lawyer, and has been given a case in which he must defend an African-American man named Tom Robinson. Atticus is ridiculed by the community, causing backlash against his children and his own personal life. The story was immortalized in the 1962 movie of the same name, with Gregory Peck giving an Oscar winning performance as Atticus.

I am most likely not telling you anything you do not already know. I reread the book over the summer (for the fourth time) because I forget just how beautiful Harper Lee’s writing is. What makes the work so infatuating is her ability to paint a picture in your mind by giving the tiniest of details. Not many writers since Lee have been able to use imagery in the same manner as hers. Her ability to tie in themes of courage, class, race, identity and loss of innocence was something that nobody had ever seen before, and that we may well never see again. Since its publication,

THE FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

Harper Lee was an incredibly influential author, though she only wrote one book.

the book has sold over 40 million copies and is widely regarded as one of the most important books of the 20th century.

Many situations that occur in the story are relevant even now.

Racial tensions are very high right now, but Lee reminds us and reassures us that there are good, caring people in the world. The novel stresses the beauty of the judicial system, but points out how unjust things can be as well. It teaches that compassion and understanding for everyone and everything should not be an afterthought, but the ultimate goal of one’s daily life. Lee was a visionary in her time and ours.

Sadly, Lee passed away late last week at the age of 89. She was

reclusive for most of her life and kept a very tight circle around her in an attempt to avoid becoming a public figure. Her last interview came in 1964, when she spoke about the shocking success of her novel and how she never expected it to accrue such great success.

Lee’s death is a time to remember that success, not mourn her loss.

I tell you this: reread To Kill a Mockingbird. Go find a copy at the library or online and read it from cover to cover. Enjoy every second of it. Become engulfed in the beautiful treachery that is Maycomb, Alabama. When you finish that, watch the movie and do the same thing. Harper Lee left us a message from the 60s. It is time we reread it and listen once more.

Food | Allison Russo

Robert at MAD: Dinner with a New York City View I am always on the hunt for a great view. Whether it is waterfront views from Brooklyn Flea or skyline views from the Roosevelt Island tram, a beautiful vista is even better with dinner or a drink in hand.

Though there are plenty of outdoor dining spots in NYC in warmer months, it is difficult to find an enclosed rooftop or waterfront spot that won’t leave you freezing this time of year.

I recently had dinner at Robert, the restaurant inside the Museum of Art and Design (MAD). It is located at Columbus Circle, and serves drinks, dinner and weekend brunch. I chose this restaurant primarily because of the view it offers of Central Park and Columbus Circle.

While I’m sure this view is beautiful in daylight, the nighttime views made even NYC traffic look stunning. Brake lights and green lights along 59th Street made for the ultimate urban view, and our window seat looked out on pre-war apartment buildings

COURTESY OF ALLISON RUSSO

Manhattan’s abundance of restaurants can be daunting, but you can never go wrong with an amazing view.

below. The live piano music and video art made for a very refined, modern atmosphere.

Robert’s menu definitely has something for everyone, and I enjoyed sampling a variety of dishes.

The portions aren’t enormous, but the food is high quality and obviously gourmet. I definitely recommend getting bread service, which features three different kinds of house-made bread, butter and

coarse salt.

For starters, I had the butternut squash risotto that was parmesan perfection. The risotto itself was quite traditional, creamy and cheesy with some strips of crispy butternut on top. It left me wanting a more sweet squash flavor, but it was a great way to start the meal. I also tasted the squid ink pasta, which was served in a light

cream sauce with fresh shrimp.

Squid ink is an acquired taste, but black spaghetti makes for an offbeat culinary experience.

Next, I had the branzino, a European seabass that is served skin-on. It came with a roulade of tomato, onion and olives, and was served on top of mashed potatoes.

As a New England native, I’m always hesitant to order seafood in NYC, but the branzino at Robert

was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked. My dining companions ordered duck breast and filet mignon, both of which they highly recommend. The filet is the most expensive menu item, but the portion was enormous.

While overall it was a lovely dining experience, my biggest complaint about Robert is the drink menu. The wine and cocktail prices are obscene, even for Manhattan. While this is definitely a restaurant for special occasions (especially for college students), I was disappointed that a glass of wine would set me back $20.

It was also difficult to get a reservation. I called a week in advance, and had to take a table nearly two hours later than the time I had wanted. While we were lucky to get a seat with a view, it definitely was not the best one Robert had to offer. If you have a special occasion coming up, you should definitely plan on making reservations several weeks in advance.

CULTURE

February 24, 2016

Page 13

Who’s That Kid? | It’s Jack “Blue” Donaton, FCRH ‘18

Blue Student Rollerblades on Maroon Campus

By TYLER DIKUN ASSISTANT BUSINESS DIRECTOR

What were the first words out of Jack Donaton’s mouth during our interview? “Call me Blue.”

The name and color are in more ways than one, a perfect description of Blue. This Scarsdale, NY native stands out as a vibrant, unique individual. Blue’s hair is a bright pink, the tails he wears span from black to blonde and the purple goggles around his neck are a reminder of how fast he likes to go. Why so fast you may ask?

This Ram doesn’t walk to class, he rollerblades.

“I became interested in rollerblading after watching the Japanese anime, Air Gear,” Blue said.

“It also takes less effort to rollerblade than to walk.”

It makes sense, I may try my hand at it as I can never seem to master getting to an 8:30 a.m. class on time.

For Blue, Fordham University was not actually his original choice of school. “I am originally from Chicago and had initially preferred to study in the Midwest, but my parents preferred that I stay closer to home,” he said.

At Fordham, Blue has been able to take advantage of the many clubs that Fordham has to offer.

When he is not writing for The

JACK BRENNAN / THE FORDHAM RAM

Look out for Jack “Blue” Donaton racing around the Rose Hill campus on his rollerblades.

Paper, Blue can be seen finding his inner chakra at the Meditation Club or sitting in on a meeting of the Women’s Empowerment Club.

A frequent patron of the Astor Place shops in Manhattan, Blue enjoys rummaging through his favorite comic book shop for that next hero versus hero comic or trying

his hand at arcade games. While his favorite movie, Airplane, is a pretty obvious choice for even the less adventurous movie goer, his favorite band left me with more questions than answers.

“I’m big into the band Lady Baby right now,” he told me. Lady Baby? “The whole thing centers

around an Australian wrestler’s alter ego, Lady Beard who plays off the soft tone of two female Japanese singers by performing death metal,” he explained.

Blue found his real passion in life, the environment, through the hilarious cartoon you might recognize as “Rocco’s Modern Life.”

“One of the episodes involved the depletion of the ozone layer, he said. “This freaked me out as I realized the reality of the situation. I needed to strike back.” As an environmental science major, Blue can go on for hours about the problems facing our planet that inexorably affect future generations.

On the topic of overpopulation, he laid down the problems the Earth will face if we continue to deplete our most precious resources. He ended our meeting on one final note:“We need to think about the future generations — what will be left for them?”

After graduating from Fordham in 2018, Blue foresees himself earning his doctorate degree and fighting back against the growing dilemmas our planet faces. He hopes to one day become a public figure in the fight for the protection of the environment.

For right now, Jack “Blue” Donaton continues to glide seamlessly down the walkways of Fordham, weaving in out of his fellow peers.

He is likely listening to Japanese Pop music that is a little bizarre but slowly growing on me (emphasis on slowly), and rocking his style on campus as only he can.

If the Ram statue outside Hughes Hall could talk, I think he would look back at Blue as he rode by on those rollerblades and shout, “you’re my boy, Blue!”

Session I: May 31–June 30 Session II: July 5–August 4

Can’t be on campus 4 nights a week? How about 1 or 2?

Hybrid electives meet once or twice a week: ࠮ :ports Communication (COMM 3350) ࠮ )usiness Communication (CM)< 2 5) ࠮ 7opuSar CuSture (:OC0 2 0) Or choose from 200 a]aiSabSe courses

SUMMER SESSION 2016

Learn more at fordham.edu/summer eeo

Page 14

CULTURE

February 24, 2016

STAFF OSCAR PICKS Jack McLoone

Andrea Garcia

Best Picture: The Revenant Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: Alejando Gonzlez Inarritu

Best Picture: Room Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Best Cinematography: The Revenant

Best Cinematography: The Revenant

Pat Costello

Theresa Schliep

Best Picture: The Big Short Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: Lenny Abrahamson Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone

Best Picture: Mad Max: Fury Road Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Cate Carrejo Best Director: Alejandro Gonzlez Inarritu Best Cinematography: The Revenant

Amanda Giglio

Cate Carrejo

Best Picture: The Martian Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: George Miller Best Animated Feature: Inside Out

Best Picture: The Revenant Best Actor: Bryan Cranston Best Actress: Theresa Schliep Best Director: Alejandro Gonzlez Inarritu Best Adapted Screenplay: The Big Short

Laura Sanicola

Kristen Santer

Best Picture: Spotlight Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: George Miller Best Animated Feature: Inside Out

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Best Picture: The Revenant Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: Alejandro Gonzlez Inarritu Best Cinematography: The Revenant

Bailey Hosfelt

Sam Belden

Best Picture: Room Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: Lenny Abrahamson Best Original Screenplay: Spotlight

Best Picture: The Revenant Best Actor: Michael Fassbender Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: Alejandro Gonzlez Inarritu Best Original Score: The Hateful Eight

Mike Byrne

Margarita Artoglou

Best Picture: Spotlight Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: George Miller Best Animated Short Film: World of Tomorrow

Best Picture: Spotlight Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: George Miller Best Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone

Libby Smislova

Drew Casey

Best Picture: Brooklyn Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne Best Actress: Saoirse Ronan Best Director: Tom McCarthy Best Cinematography: Carol

Best Picture: Spotlight Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio Best Actress: Brie Larson Best Director: George Miller Best Cinematography: The Revenant

COURTESY OF FLICKR

SPORTS

February 24, 2016

Page 15

Softball Continues to Struggle

By PAT COSTELLO ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The softball team returned to action last weekend with a fivegame swing in Clearwater, Florida as part of the Michele Smith Pediatric Cancer Foundation Invitational. It was a rough weekend for the Rams, as they went just 1-4, while giving up double digit runs in every loss.

The invitational started on a positive note, though, with a hard fought victory over DePaul on Friday. With the score tied 4-4 in the top of the sixth, DePaul’s Nicole Pihl hit a homerun to center field, giving the Blue Demons the lead and momentum in the second-to-last frame. Fordham sophomore Morgan Figueroa led off the bottom of the inning with a single, and eventually moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. After a pop-up for out number two, freshman Jessica Hughes walked, putting runners on first and second. Junior second baseman Amy Van Hoven stepped to the plate and hit a two-out, bases-clearing double, giving the Rams a 6-5 lead. Van Hoven’s hit proved to be the game winner, as junior Lauren Quesne was able to close the game in the seventh, picking up her first win of the year.

The second game of the day turned out to be a microcosm of the rest of the weekend for the

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Softball had a tough trip down South last weekend, going 1-4, against multiple top-tier programs.

Rams. They faced off against the South Florida Bulls, who managed to score three runs in the first, five in the fourth and one in the fifth to push their lead to 9-0. Fordham was eventually able to respond in the bottom of the fourth with two runs of its own, the first of which came off of the bat of Lindsay Mayer. The junior doubled to score Sydney Canessa, and then scored for herself, thanks to a single by freshman Jordana Storm. The Bulls responded in the top of the fifth and put up two more runs, stretching the score to 11-2, where it would remain for the rest of the game.

Grad student Rachel Gillen pitched three innings, giving up eight runs, six of which were

earned, on 11 hits while taking the loss.

A new day brought the same story for the Rams. On Saturday morning they were matched up against the number 19 James Madison Dukes. JMU scored seven runs in the first three innings, jumping out to a quick lead. The Rams were able to battle back in the fourth, shrinking the deficit to three, by scoring four runs thanks to some timely hitting from Canessa and Gillen. However, they were unable to put any more on the board. The Dukes squashed the comeback in the sixth, when they tacked on another four runs to push the score to 11-4.

Quesne was dealt her third loss of the season after throwing two

innings while giving up six runs on six hits. Junior Lindsay Mayer came in for relief, but was unable to hold back the JMU offense.

She gave up five runs on five hits in 3.1 innings of work. Gillen finished the game for the Rams, striking out one of the two batters she faced.

The second game of the day was close throughout but in the end appeared one sided. The Rams were pitted against a very good Tennessee team who came into the game ranked 12th in the country. The Lady Vols slowly built their lead, scoring a run per inning in the second, third and fourth, as well as two in the fifth to push the score to 5-0. Fordham had two runs come across in the

sixth due to a throwing error by Lady Vols second baseman Aubrey Leach, but were not able to extend the rally any further. The Lady Vols piled on five more in the sixth, ending the game due to the runs rule.

Fordham left runners stranded in scoring position all game, and could not find the timely hits that are necessary to beat a high caliber team. The loss dropped Gillen’s record to 1-4 on the season.

She gave up 10 earned runs on 13 hits while also walking seven.

The weekend culminated in a game against the powerhouse Auburn Tigers. Auburn came into the game ranked third nationally and played like it. They scored 18 runs during the course of the game, 17 more than the Rams, and notched a victory in the fifth inning thanks to the runs rule.

That type of play has been typical for the Tigers, who have scored at least 18 runs in five separate games, including a 28 run performance earlier in the year against Butler.

The weekend might not have gone exactly how the women would have liked, but games like these will only serve to test their character. It will be interesting to see how they are able to respond going forward. The Rams play another five games in Orlando this coming weekend, and will look to bounce back and get their season headed in the right direction.

Individuals Shine at Swimming A-10s

By BRYAN KIEL STAFF WRITER

Over the course of four days, Fordham Swimming and Diving competed at the Atlantic 10 Championships in Geneva, Ohio for its last meet of the season. The team entered competition after months of training and a series of strong performances in recent meets. All of this boded well for Fordham in the conference meet, where they would face some of the best competition of the year. As projected, the women performed well, coming in fifth out of nine teams, while the men finished last out of eight teams. However, neither team was without strong individual swimmers, as senior Steve Sholdra and junior Megan Polaha led the Rams to multiple school and conference records.

The meet started on Wednesday, Feb. 17, with the 200-yd medley, 800-yd freestyle and 1-m dive events. The best performance of the day came from the women’s 800-yd freestyle team, which took fourth overall and featured Polaha, fellow junior Kalena Laurent, senior Megan Gray and sophomore Erin McBride. On Thursday, Sholdra led the men’s team with a third place, schoolrecord finish in the 500-meter freestyle with a time of 4:26.27, besting his own record. No other male swimmer could crack the top 20 in the 200-yd individual medley or 50-yd freestyle, with sophomore Chris Viera and freshman Jack Madigan finishing 23rd and 31st in those races, respectively. The women’s team finished the day with two medal-winning performances from Polaha and

KATE MACKIE/THE FORDHAM RAM

Though swimming did not place particularly well, that did not prevent some record-breaking individual performances.

sophomore diver Wendy EspinaEsquivel. Polaha earned a school record and met the NCAA ‘B’ cut time in the 200-yd IM with a time of 2:00.85, good for the gold.

Espina-Esquivel took silver in the 1-m dive, becoming just the second Fordham diver to earn AllConference.

On Friday, the women’s team earned even more accolades with a number of athletes taking home medals. Polaha continued her incredible performance in the meet with a second-place finish in the 400-yd medley, besting the school record and recording an NCAA ‘B’ cut time. Senior Shannon Lulley stood out in the 100-yd butterfly, where she took home the gold, set a pool and school record and also earned a ‘B’ cut time. Lulley, however, was not done. Later in the night, she joined up with her sister, senior

Chandler Lulley, as well as Polaha and junior Morgan Fairclough for a third place finish in the 400-ydmedley relay. The biggest event of the night for the men was the 400-yd medley event, where Sholdra defended his 2015 title by finishing first in school-record time, also earning a NCAA ‘B’ cut time in the process. Sholdra broke his old record by nearly a second.

Competition came to a close with a number of events on Saturday. Polaha capped the night with a win in the 200-yd butterfly, where she set yet another school record, and the Atlantic 10 record,as well as recording an NCAA ‘B’ cut time. Chandler Lulley earned her first individual A-10 medal with a third place finish in the 100-yd freestyle and a school record time of 50.24 seconds. Steve Sholdra, capping his Fordham indoor swimming ca-

reer, did not leave Ohio quietly.

He won the 200 butterfly event in a school and A-10 record time of 1:47.10. The time was also an NCAA “B” cut time. Junior Miguel Mattox was another top men’s swimmer; he took 12th overall in the 200-yd backstroke.

Overall, Sholdra, Shannon Lulley, Polaha and Espina-Esquivel all earned All-Conference Honors, with nine school records, two A-10 records and one pool record broken. Top swimmers like Sholdra and Polaha stood out, and emphasized the importance of having supportive teammates at the competition to help them along. “This was definitely the best meet of my life,” said Sholdra. “It was an honor to represent Fordham on the podium for my three events at the A-10 Conference Champs. Our team performed well, and it was amazing

to have such great support on the sidelines from our teammates as they cheered us on during every finals event.”

For most seniors, it was the last time representing Fordham in the pool. Feelings were particularly strong on the women’s side, who have seven seniors getting ready to graduate. Still, having Polaha return for another year as anchor for the team keeps hope for a strong 2016-2017 season.

“The A-10 conference just keeps getting more and more competitive every year,” said Laurent. “If anything, we have left this season motivated to make a more powerful team impact next year.”

The loss of Sholdra will particularly sting on the men’s side, which is one of the youngest teams in the Conference and in need of a leader. It will not be Sholdra’s last time donning a Fordham cap, however. A noted long-distance swimmer back home in Washington, he will represent Fordham this summer in open-water competition as well. “I have USA Swimming Open Water Nationals in Florida coming up in April,” said Sholdra. “Fordham will be taking me to that event, so it will be a great chance to put my Fordham cap and suit back on for one more meet.” As one of the top swimmers in Fordham history, Sholdra wanted to savor every moment. “I couldn’t have asked for a better last conference championship,” he said. “I’m so thankful to have teammates who were standing behind my lane cheering for every race. Fordham Swimming has been an amazing experience.”

Page 16

ADVERTISEMENT

February 24, 2016

Don’t Forget to Recycle

The Ram

SPORTS

February 24, 2016

Page 17

Pat Costello

Drew Casey

Remembering the ABA

The Yankees’ StubHub Strife

The most recent dunk contest was one of the best of all time, with Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon putting on a performance for the ages. Today, we think of the dunk contest as perfectly normal, but 40 years ago there was a league that dared to be different, entertaining and fun: the American Basketball Association, also known as the ABA. The first dunk contest came about 40 years ago, when the ABA proposed the idea as a way to excite fans into watching more of their games.

The league was losing money at a rapid pace due to low attendance and hardly any television coverage. It was not to be, as the ABA merged with the NBA at the end of the 1976 season, but for the nine years of its existence, it was supremely entertaining and boldly stylistic.

The ABA had many things going for it that the NBA did not understand or try to duplicate. It allowed underclassmen and high school players to be drafted into the league, such as Moses Malone.

It instituted the three-point line as a way to generate more scoring.

It had that gorgeous red, white and blue ball. But the biggest draw, for fans and players alike, was the high flying, electrifying dunks, which were illegal in the NBA. All of these things managed to draw some of the best players of the era, such as George Gervin, Artis Gilmore and, most importantly, Julius Erving. Doctor J was the most appealing player in the league because of his vicious dunks, ability to win regularly and, of course, his afro. The Doctor won two championships with the then-New York Nets as well as an MVP award and multiple scoring titles. He was the poster boy for the league, and everyone loved him.

By the 1975-1976 season, the ABA was hemorrhaging money and saw multiple teams fold. The Virginia Squires, Utah Stars and San Diego Sails all folded that year, to name a few. Teams could not sustain economic success and turned to the NBA as a solution. Four teams — the Spurs, the Pacers, the Nuggets and the Nets — struck a deal that allowed them into the NBA. These players made an immediate impact; 10 of the 24 All-Stars that year were from the ABA. The biggest blow of all came to the Nets, who were forced to sell The Doctor to the Sixers in order to pay their entrance fees. The Sixers would go on to the NBA Finals that season, led by Doctor J, but would ultimately lose to the Portland Trailblazers. After years of questions about whether he could ever win in the NBA, Doctor J finally got his third championship and first NBA ring in 1983.

The ABA was the epitome of cool. The style and grace of its players were elements that we still see shades of today. Zach Lavine’s free-throw line dunks were something to be admired, but would have never come to pass had it not been for the ABA, the cool league with the red, white and blue ball.

The New York Yankees are not only often regarded as one of the top franchises in baseball, but also as one of the top franchises in all of sports.

However, the Yankees, like all sports organizations, sometimes make decisions that puzzle and confuse its top fans and supporters.

Most recently, the Yankees have decided to discontinue print-athome tickets for the upcoming season, claiming fraud crackdown as the main reason for the change.

It might not seem like a big deal to some, but this decision significantly affects the secondary market of ticket sales, an avenue utilized by many fans, especially the younger, techdriven generation.

While you’ll still be able to buy re-sale tickets from brokers like StubHub and Vivid Seats in hard paper ticket form, you’ll have to do so days in advance to ensure you receive them in the mail in time. Otherwise, you’ll be out of luck and have to resort to in-person meetings with sellers, street scalpers or purchasing day-of-game box office prices. The times of buying tickets on StubHub hours, or even minutes, before a Yankees home game and printing them out are over.

One can probably understand the Yankees’ reasoning, although they’re probably unhappy with it. However, comments made by Yankees Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost on Thursday add another wrinkle to the story.

“The problem [selling] below market [price] at a certain point is that if you buy a ticket in a very premium location and pay a substantial amount of money,” Trost said on WFAN. “It’s not that we don’t want that fan to sell it, but the fan is sitting there having paid a substantial amount of money for a ticket and [another] fan picks it up for a buckand-a-half and sits there, and it’s frustrating to the purchaser of the full amount.”

The preceding sounds like basic supply and demand, one of the most fundamental principles of a market economy.

“And quite frankly, the fan may be someone who has never sat in a premium location,” Trost added. “So that’s a frustration to our existing fan base.”

The last two lines are what concern me. I would hope these weren’t Trost’s intentions, but it almost sounds like the Yankees are trying to define their existing fan base as only those with premium seating.

Many would strongly argue against that given the various reports in the past that the club has struggled selling its premium seating and the fact that most fans of any team never have an opportunity to attend a home game.

Regardless of the intention or misunderstanding, the transfer of mobile tickets with a few authorizations and modifications from the Yankees, Ticketmaster and StubHub could solve what has become a pretty big issue in New York.

We’ll have to wait and see. The spur of the moment trip to Yankee Stadium, at least for now, has become much more difficult for Fordham students, and for all other fans as well.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Baseball enjoyed a productive weekend in the Palmetto State, winning one of three games.

Baseball Goes 1-2 in Greenville

By MATTHEW MICHAELS STAFF WRITER

Last weekend, Fordham Baseball opened its season with a trio of non-conference games in Greenville, South Carolina. After playing three tough opponents, Fordham came out of the weekend with one victory and two defeats.

Junior Greg Weissert got the start against Furman University in the first game Friday. Weissert gave up only one hit through the first five innings, but four walks kept his pitch count high. Following a leadoff walk and a sacrifice bunt by Sky Overton in the sixth inning, Weissert allowed his sixth, and final, free pass of the game. With two Paladins on base and only one out, sophomore Ben Greenberg came on in relief.

Greenberg threw two wild pitches to the first batter he faced, which allowed the first run of the game to score. Jordan Simpson followed with a run-scoring single to give the Paladins a two run edge over the Rams. From there on out, Greenberg shut down Furman.

Furman’s starter Will Gaddis allowed one hit and struck out eight Rams in his six innings of work. Two relievers combined to silence Fordham in the seventh.

Still down 2-0 in the eighth inning, Fordham received some much needed help, reaching base on a pair of errors. Ian Edmiston led off the inning by reaching on

a Simpson defensive miscue at the hot corner. A hit by pitch and a walk set up the bases loaded for graduate student Ryan McNally who cleared the path with a three-run double.

Now up one, McNally stole third base and scored on a throwing error by Furman’s catcher.

Sophomore Joseph Runco singled and junior Matthew Kozuch tripled to give Fordham five unearned runs for the inning.

Greenberg then shut out the Paladins in the eighth and ninth to pick up the win in a game that included eight hits, five for the Rams.

Fresh off its first win, Fordham played Presbyterian College on Saturday but failed to keep its unblemished record intact. Sophomore Joseph Serrapica faced some early trouble and allowed the Blue Hose to score two runs in the second inning. After allowing an additional run in the fifth, Serapica was taken out of the game trailing 3-0.

On this day, Fordham was not able to complete another comeback. In the sixth inning, McNally blasted a solo shot to left field for the only home run the Rams hit over the weekend. Following the home run, Ethan Wortkoetter, Michael Trebendis and Hayden Deal combined to be perfect out of Presbyterian’s bullpen.

The Rams relief corps was not as fortunate, as sophomore Moshup Galbraith was pinned for three

runs in the seventh inning and freshman Anthony Zimmerman allowed a single run in his eighth inning debut. All told, the Rams fell to the Blue Hose 7-1.

Fordham did not fare much better on Sunday against Michigan State, falling to the Spartans 7-2. The game started well for the Rams as junior Mark Donadio drove in a first inning run with a single. However, the lead was short lived because senior Jimmy Murphy allowed a home run to Brandon Hughes hitting in the third spot in the order.

Murphy continued to watch Spartans cross the plate as he gave up six runs on seven hits and four walks in his 4.1 innings on the mound. Junior Kirk Haynes, Jr. pitched the rest of the way for Fordham, conceding one unearned run but allowing no hits.

Junior Luke Stampfl had a pinch hit double to drive in a run in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late for the Rams.

“I liked how we fought back in the first game against Furman and competed in the other games,” said head coach Kevin Leighton.

He also wants the hitters “to have better at bats and cut down on the strikeouts.”

Fordham is back at it this weekend, playing four games in three days against Canisius College.

When asked about the upcoming games, Leighton said “I’m sure the guys are excited to get back on the field.”

Tennis Defeated in Double-Header

By TOM TERZULLI STAFF WRITER

It was a day of firsts on Sunday for the men’s tennis team. They had their first double-header with back-to-back matches against the Colgate Raiders and the Villanova Wildcats. In addition, it was the first time in the young season that the Rams played under a 4+1 format. In this new format, only one doubles match determines the point, as opposed to three, and the next four points are contested in four singles matches, differing from the usual six.

Fordham struggled with the new format and dropped both of the weekend’s matches.

“The doubles is still evolving, and we are continuing to improve and getting good looks,” said head coach Michael Sowter. “We just need to execute better on the big points. Winning doubles always gives the team an emotional boost, but I don’t think the guys

are feeling any additional pressure in singles.”

The day began with the Rams losing a close one to the Raiders, 3-2. Doubles play, a thorn in the Rams’ side throughout the spring, was the difference in this one. The two squads split the four singles matches. Junior Tomas Cosmai bested Nick Laub (3-6, 6-2, 11-9), and senior Pedro Alosno topped Noah Rosenblat (6-4, 2-6, 10-5). The singles matches had the teams deadlocked at two, with the one doubles match being the difference between the two squads. The Ram duo of sophomores Joseph Kavaloski and Cameron Posillico were downed in straight sets by Tom Haile and Dean Koman.

A close bout in the first match did not carry over into the second as Fordham was handled easy by Villanova in a 4-1 defeat. Team captain Alonso picked up the only point of the day on the Fordham side with a three set victory over

Jimmy Purdy (7-5, 4-6, 10-8) and remained undefeated on the day.

Cosmai could not carry over success from the first match in a (61, 6-0) defeat courtesy of Chris Seitz. Freshman Victor Li and Posillico remained winless when they lost to Bradley Noyes (6-4, 3-6, 10-6) and Thomas Dodson (6-4, 6-0), respectively. The doubles point struggles continued in (6-4,6-1) defeat of Kavaloski and Senior Nick Borak.

The loss drops the Rams to a middling 3-3 on the spring, but Sowter is unfazed. “I’m confident that we will finish above .500 for the season,” he said. “I think the team will learn and improve from these tougher opponents and we will finish the season with a flourish.”

Another double header is up next on Sunday, Feb. 28, with Marist and Wagner as the adversaries. Play will begin at 2 p.m. in the Life Time Athletic Gym in Harrison, New York.

SPORTS

Page 18

February 24, 2016

Squash Competes at CSA Championships

By TOM TERZULLI STAFF WRITER

Squash teams from around the world gathered in Connecticut for the 2016 College Squash Association championships over the weekend.

The Rams were eager to see how they would fare on an international stage.

They played some tough squash against some of the sport’s best and came away 1-2 over the weekend.

Fordham’s first adversary was a team the Rams knew well, the Haverford Black Squirrels. They handed Fordham their second loss of the season in a close 5-4 matchup back on Nov. 7. This weekend’s match was not the same close battle, as Haverford rolled to an 8-1 victory. Senior Kincade Webster managed the only Ram triumph over Nate Vestrich-Shade (11-7, 7-11, 11-9, 14-12). Seniors Jeremy Keller and Matt Crowe, who were both victors in the first meeting of the two teams, could not find the same result in the second.

If the Haverford loss could be characterized as a “bad loss”, the 5-4 defeat by the University of Chicago Maroons was a “good loss.” Webster continued his stellar weekend, topping Jonathan Abrams in the first position (11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-9).

But the Maroons bested the Rams in the next four positions to take a commanding 4-1 lead. The Rams did not fold and resiliently took the next three spots to tie the score at four and bring the match to a winner take all ninth position. The winners were Crowe, senior James Potts, and freshman Robert Levis. “They played some gutsy squash, never giving up and in the end mentally stronger than their opponent,” said head coach Bryan Patterson. With the hopes of a victory on the national stage resting on his back, senior Paul Monaghan faced off with Raghunath Kadamangud.

Coach Patterson knew the odds were

not in his player’s favor: “Paul had not played for the team as he had had the last semester off and was nursing an injury to his knee.” Monaghan took the first set 11-7, but succumbed in the next three to secure a win for Chicago.

The Rams were 0-2 going into their Sunday matchup. A triumph over the Lehigh Mountainhawks was their last hope to leave the national championship with a win. They got just that when they topped their foe 6-3. Lehigh was only carrying eight players as opposed to the required nine, so the Rams had a 1-0 lead before they even took the court. Webster went undefeated on the weekend when he bounced Max Liu (11-4, 11-1, 11-7).

Keller picked up his first victory with a (11-9, 7-11, 11-3, 11-1) trouncing of Gordon Newell. The Rams clinched victory, going undefeated in the sixth through eighth positions.

Crowe defeated Jack Littlefield (8-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7). It took three games for Potts to dispose of Alec Shimell (12-10, 11-6, 11-9). Finally, Levis picked up his second weekend win over Osama Eljai (11-1, 11-0, 11-2).

The win puts the team’s final ranking at 39th and Patterson believes the finish makes a huge physiological difference: “It was the difference between being ranked in the 30s or finishing in the 40s. Although not a big difference, definitely a huge psychological one and I think that’s highest we’ve finished for a long time.”

The Rams finished up the season at an even 9-9. One tournament remains, and it will also be on a national stage. Next weekend, the team will travel to Stamford, Connecticut to compete in the CSA Individual Championships. However, that will only house individual Fordham players and not include team matchups.

This past weekend’s tournament was the last time the Rams will compete as a team this season.

By SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

Bubba Watson is one of the PGA Tour’s most unique stars. He never shies away from showing his emotions or speaking his mind. He’s also not afraid to make splashy purchases — in the last five years, Watson has bought a replica General Lee, a pair of hovercraft golf carts and a minority share of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Cincinnati Reds’ Double-A affiliate. His demeanor can be perplexing, ranging from goofy and gregarious to aloof and disenchanted. All of these traits are overshadowed by one indisputable truth: the 37-year-old is among the greatest golfers of his generation.

Watson’s week at the Northern Trust Open was a fairly fitting summary of what he’s all about. Thanks to a number of errant tee shots, he found fewer fairways than most of his opponents, but his monstrous length allowed him to tie for seventh in greens in regulation. The 54-hole leader, Watson faced several spirited challenges throughout the final round but proved his mettle, birdieing two of the last three holes to come out on top by a stroke. It was his second win in three years at Riviera Country Club and brought him back up to No. 4 in the world rankings.

As is typical for him, the victory wasn’t the only highlight of Watson’s trip to Los Angeles. The former Georgia Bulldog passed a kidney stone (yes, really), made a guest appearance on the Disney Channel show “Girl Meets World,” hung out with Justin Bieber and attended a Warriors-Clippers game at the Staples Center. He even got a text from Warriors point guard Steph Curry, offering to give his three-year-old son some shooting lessons. All in a week’s work, right?

Needless to say, it was a banner week for Watson, but it was underscored by the reality that there may not be many more in the future. The victory was his ninth on the PGA Tour, and he’s repeatedly stated that his career goal is 10. Many golfers have made those types of remarks in the past, usually having no bearing on career length, but things might be different in Watson’s case. He’s al-

ways presented himself as a guy who puts family first — one who doesn’t exactly relish an intense spotlight and can appear fidgety in front of the cameras. If he’s got enough money (and he certainly does), what’s to stop him from hanging it up early and retiring to the Greenbrier?

Actually, a couple of things: it all depends on how badly Watson wants them. For one thing, there’s still major glory to be found. Watson has won two majors in his career, the 2012 and 2014 Masters. 2016 is another even-numbered year, and even more auspiciously, he won the Northern Trust Open in 2014, as well as in this season. In short, Watson’s great play has put him near the top of the Masters shortlist for this year, along with names like Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Phil Mickelson.

Even if he doesn’t win at Augusta this year, Watson is on a World Golf Hall of Fame trajectory. With two major wins, he’s already satisfied the minimum for enshrinement. His current total of nine wins is a bit low, but given how he’s been playing, that total will almost certainly grow by the time he turns 40, the age when players become eligible. The question is whether or not he’ll be willing to keep going once he reaches the double digits — it’s one that he’ll have to carefully consider in the en-

suing couple of years.

It’s not guaranteed that he will follow through on his threats of an early retirement. Boo Weekley, golf’s most famous good ol’ boy, often speaks of giving up the game to focus on hunting and fishing, but he remains on the PGA Tour, even winning an event in 2013. Jason Dufner, the PGA Champion in that year, has also spoken of putting his clubs away for good, but he hasn’t seemed to make any progress on that front. It can be a grind, but the life of a professional golfer is essentially a pretty good one. Watson might realize that once he hits that magic number of 10.

Of course, fans across the country would be devastated if Watson actually followed through. His booming drives and imaginative approach to the game make him one of the PGA Tour’s most exciting players. The human element can’t be discounted — in a sport that’s often viewed as stuff y and bland, people want to see a guy ride a Razor scooter off of a diving board. Watson’s done that and a whole lot more.

No matter what happens in the rest of his career, Watson has made an undeniable mark on the game of golf. He’s provided a tremendous amount of entertainment value over the years, but his wins are what will really go down in history. Hopefully, he’ll get more than 10.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Bubba Watson has the resume to make the Hall of Fame — if he keeps playing.

Varsity Calendar HOME AWAY

Thursday Feb. 25

Friday Feb. 26

Saturday Feb. 27

Davidson 2 p.m.

Men’s Basketball

Canisius 3 p.m.

Canisius 12 p.m.

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM

Squash finished the season with a .500 record.

Canisius 10:30 a.m.

Softball

Diamond 9 Citrus Classic II

Track

Last Chance Invite: 5 p.m.

Marist 2 p.m.

Men’s Tennis Women’s Tennis

Army 10 a.m.

Monday Feb. 29

Tuesday March 1

Wednesday March 2

Duquesne 7 p.m.

Dayton 5 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Baseball

Sunday Feb. 28

Marist 10 a.m.

A-10 Tournament

SPORTS

February 24, 2016

Varsity Scores & Stats

Anthony Pucik

No Buzz in Columbus Things appeared to be turning around for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The expansion team, now in its 16th season, made its first playoff series since 2008 two years ago. With a young core and a solid goaltender in Sergei Bobrovsky, the Blue Jackets looked to be turning the corner and becoming a series playoff threat in the Eastern Conference. This season, however, the Blue Jackets are back in the cellar of the Eastern Conference and bordering on being the worst team in the NHL. Firing head coach Todd Richards for John Tortorella, as well as a mid-season trade, has not allowed Columbus to climb out of the hole it dug itself early in the season and, suddenly, the surging Blue Jackets have fallen off the map.

The Jackets took a step back after their playoff season in 2013-14, missing the postseason by ten points, and upper management realized a shakeup needed to occur in order to keep Columbus competitive in the Metropolitan Division. So, they went out and acquired Brandon Saad from the Chicago Blackhawks in one of the biggest blockbuster trades of the summer. In return, Chicago received Artem Anisimov, Marko Dano, Jeremy Morin, Corey Tropp and a fourth-round draft pick this upcoming year.

Saad, a twenty-three-year-old Stanley Cup winner who had 23 goals and 52 points in his third full season with Chicago, brought another top six forward to an already talented group with Ryan Johansen, Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner and Brandon Dubisnky, which made many believe the Blue Jackets would have one of the best offenses in the East, if not the league. Saad is pulling his weight this season, but that cannot be said for the rest of his team. Foligno is having a down year after a 31-goal 2014-15 campaign, and past the top two Columbus lines the team is not getting much scoring.

Injuries have also been a big issue this season, with Bobrovsky being placed on injured reserve on multiple occasions throughout. And when he’s been in, he hasn’t been the Vezina candidate of years past, going 11-131. However, that is also a product of a below average Columbus defense, which was flagged as a problem before the season started. To combat this, the Jackets traded Johansen, who wasn’t getting along with Tortorella, to the Predators in exchange for young defenseman Seth Jones to try and sure up the blue line. While Jones has been a help, the lack of depth behind Bobrovsky has left Columbus short-handed between the pipes and at a disadvantage in nearly every game they play.

The problem is evident: the Blue Jackets lack depth and one or two players (Saad) cannot do it all. And once a team with no depth gets injuries as Columbus has, it will surely struggle. So yes, the Blue Jackets acquired a great goal scorer in Brandon Saad, but at what cost? They traded significant depth players that they are clearly missing this season, and did not address their glaring issues on defense. So before you take the team that is the “sexy pick” in the offseason because of the huge trade it made, make sure you look past the trade and see what the rest of the team has to offer. If people had done that with Columbus, this season would not have been as much of a surprise.

Page 19

Men’s Track A-10 Championships Women’s Track A-10 Championships Softball Fordham DePaul

Men’s Basketball Fordham 76 UMass 66 (FOR) Chartouny 16 pts

9th

12th

6 5

Saint Louis 76 Fordham 68 (FOR) Rhoomes 17 pts, 10 rebs

Women’s Basketball

South Florida Fordham

11 2

James Madison Fordham

11 4

Tennessee Fordham

10 2

Auburn Fordham

18 1

Richmond 52 Fordham 48 (FOR) Burns 12 pts, 2 stls Saint Louis 51 Fordham 49 (FOR) Burns 12 pts, 3 rebs (STL) Kemph 21 pts, 6 asts Squash Chicago Fordham

5 4

Men’s Swim A-10 Championships Women’s Swim A-10 Championships 200-yd Fly (FOR) Polaha- 1:58.46

Alvin Halimwidjaya

8th

5th

Tennis Colgate Fordham

4 1

Villanova Fordham

4 1

Baseball Presbyterian Fordham

7 1

Michigan State Fordham

7 2

Athletes of the Week Steve Sholdra

Megan Polaha

Senior

Junior

Swimming

Swimming

Sholdra ended his the A-10 Championships with a bang, winning two events, including an outstanding performance in the 200-yd Butterfly.

He set a new school and A-10 record with an incredible 1:47.10, which was also an NCAA “B” cut time.

Polaha shined during her time at the A-10 Championships. She won two events, the 200-yd IM and the 200yd Butterfly. Her time in the latter event was good enough for a school and A-10 record, as well as an NCAA “B” cut time.

Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports editors honor one male athlete and one female athlete for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”

News & Notes • Rams Honored at Football

• Golf Ranked Last in A-10 Preseason Coaches Poll The

of the football team were honored at an awards banquet this past Sunday. Recipients included freshman running back Chase Edmonds, who was given Most Valuable Player, and sophomore quarterback Kevin Anderson, who was awarded Offensive Player of the Year. The dinner was in honor of the Rams’ stellar season. Their 9-3 record, including 5-1 in the Patriot League, was good enough for their third straight appearance in the FCS Championship postseason tournament.

Rams were voted last, with the announcement coming ahead of A-10 Match Play, which started on Monday. The Rams were not selected to participate in the tournament due to the fact that only the top eight teams were invited. The number one rank was unanimously given to VCU, who is attemping to win its third straight A-10 Championship. The first tournament of the season, Villanova’s Wildcat Invitational, begins March 28.

Awards Dinner The 2015 members

• Fordham Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Neubauer Faces Off Against Alma Mater Neubauer is coaching against his alma mater, La Salle University, for the first time in his career on Wednesday night. He played under legendary Philadelphia coach Speedy Morris from 1989-1993. As a freshman, Neubauer was a part of a fantastic Explorers squad that went 30-2 for the year, including 16-0 in the MAAC league. Neubauer served as team captain during his senior season.

The Rams will attempt to complete a season sweep of La Salle on Wednesday in Philadelphia.

•

Senior Samantha Clark Achieves Another Career Milestone Against St. Louis Clark became just the third person in program history to record 1,000 points and 900 rebounds. She also became the 10th player to score 1,200 career points.

Her 11 point, 10 rebound performance against the Billikens was not enough, as her team fell by a score of 51-49. The women return to action Wednesday against St. Bonaventure.

– Compiled by Pat Costello

Yes He Peli-can: Anthony Davis’ Era On Sunday night, the Pelicans beat the Pistons 111-106. It was a close game, but there was only one player everyone focused on: Anthony “The Brow” Davis. He absolutely exploded, scoring 59 points on 24-34 shooting and snagging 20 rebounds. He became the third player to notch a 50-20 game since 1983, joining legends Shaquille O’Neal and Chris Webber. It was just another example of why Davis is on his way to becoming an NBA legend. Whether it was hitting from outside, working in the post or making tough midrange jumpers, no one could stop “The Brow.”

Despite an extremely underwhelming season from the Pels, who are sitting at 11th place in the currently stagnant Western Conference at 22-33, Davis is still doing all he can to keep his team afloat. He is currently averaging 24.3 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, 1.3 steals per game and 2.2 blocks per game. Even though the Pelicans roster is depleted due to injury issues and their performance has been subpar due to system issues, Davis has still continued his progress towards becoming the best big man in the league. There are so many ways that he can dominate a game; from his improved offense to his already-stellar defense, Davis has very few flaws left to fix.

We all know about Davis’ skills as a defensive anchor. His 7’5” wingspan alone would attest to that fact. Coming out of Kentucky, Davis was always touted as a future defensive icon who would wreak havoc in the NBA, and he has done so with aplomb, constantly blocking or altering shots all over the floor. His offense was in question when he came into the league: despite playing as a guard before his growth spurt in high school, many wondered if he would be able to retain the ball handling, facilitating and scoring that one would expect from a wing player. Davis has come through when it comes to scoring. He has started to develop a three point shot along with his already dangerous inside game.

If he continues to improve his 31 percent clip from beyond the arc this season, there’s no telling how impactful he could be on the offensive side of the floor. He still has two turnovers per game and only averages two assists a game, evidence that there is still work to be done. However, Davis has already become an NBA superstar, scoring 31.5 points per game along with 11 rebounds per game in last year’s first round playoff series against the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors.

Though the Pelicans’ season isn’t currently looking well, they have a lot to look forward to in the future.

Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans have found doses of success in the New Orleans system, and with a roster more suited to coach Alvin Gentry’s liking, his schemes will take root and flow better in years to come. However, the Pels are ahead of many teams in the league because they don’t need to search for an NBA superstar. Their hopes lie on Anthony Davis’ broad shoulders, and whether he can carry them to playoff success or not, he will mark his place in history trying.

SPORTS

Page 20

February 24, 2016

The Fordham Ram

Men End Streak vs UMass, Fall at SLU

By JACK McLOONE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Men’s Basketball played in two games the past week, starting with a 76-66 win over Massachusetts to end a three game skid. A loss down in St. Louis followed, a 76-68 slugfest.

The Rams now sit at 13-12 on the season, but 4-10 in Atlantic 10 conference play. Mandell Thomas missed both games, bringing his total to five, in which the Rams are 1-4.

Wednesday night started with UMass dominating early. They led 18-9 with 9:51 to play in the first half.

It seemed as though this game might go the way of the Rams’ previous efforts against St. Joseph’s and Richmond.

However, the next seven minutes were arguably the best Fordham has played all season. It started with junior guard Jon Severe hitting a three.

He would add another three during the run, with sophomore guard Antwoine Anderson and sophomore forward Christian Sengfelder also hitting one apiece, as well as sophomore guard Nemanja Zarkovic adding a trio of threes. Add two-point field goals from Severe, freshman guard Joseph Chartouny and senior forward Ryan Rhoomes and you end up with a 27-0 run from which UMass would never recover. The Rams went from being down 18-9 to leading 36-18.

ANDREA GARCIA/THE FORDHAM RAM

After playing one of their best games of the season against UMass, the Rams slipped at St. Louis.

While the Minutemen would finally break their drought at just under the three-minute mark, an Anderson dunk as time expired put the exclamation point on the first half for the Rams, putting the score at 40-25.

“We’re starting to play better basketball at the offensive end,” said head coach Jeff Neubauer. “But the key to us getting ahead and playing with the lead was our defense holding UMass to 25 points in the first half.”

The Minutemen came out firing to start the second half, using an 8-0 run to cut the lead down to seven. However, the Rams once again benefitted from the three, as Sengfelder stopped the UMass run with one, bringing the Fordham lead back to 10.

The Rams were able to coast the rest of the way, rebuffing any attempt from UMass to shorten the lead, and end the game with a 76-66 win.

It was a total team effort for the Rams, with Chartouny, Sengfelder, Rhoomes, Severe and Zarkovic all having double-digit points. Chartouny paced the team with 16 points, along with eight assists. Rhoomes would add 13 rebounds to his 10 points for his seventh double double of the season.

The Rams outrebounded UMass 36-31, the 12th time this season they outrebounded their opponent (they are 10-2 in those games).

“Coach said in the beginning of the game that this needed to be a real

good rebounding game for us, me and Christian,” said Rhoomes. “But to see Antwoine have five and Joe, who always rebounds, have five, it was good to see everyone rebounding productively.”

While everything seemed great for the Rams Wednesday night, it was an entirely different story in St. Louis on Saturday.

Both teams took a bit to get going, with the Rams leading just 9-5 after a full five minutes of play. That four point lead would be the Rams’ largest of the game.

After trading one point leads over the next few minutes, the Billikens took a 22-21 lead with 5:07 left in the half. They would never relinquish

that lead.

The wheels came off for Fordham in the second half. The Rams came out flat, and St. Louis jumped out to an 11-point lead almost immediately.

The Rams went almost five minutes before converting a field goal.

The Rams did, however, end up with a chance in this game. They broke out of their below-40 percent from the field slump by making 5-7 shots over a five minute stretch to pull the St. Louis lead down to just four points with just under three to play.

However, the Billikens seemingly could not miss the rest of the way, especially not from the free throw line, as they hit 9-10 free throws to close the game.

While the Rams took care of the ball in the first half with just six turnovers, they lapsed into their old ways in the second, committing 10, for 16 in total, their most in a game since committing 18 against VCU on Jan. 13.

Three players for the Rams — Rhoomes, Sengfelder and Anderson — had double-digit points, with Rhoomes the only player with more than six rebounds with 10. In other words, the points of emphasis that led to the UMass win — multiple scoring threats, team rebounding and ball security — did not make the trip to St. Louis.

The Rams will look to climb out of 12th in the A-10 in their next game at La Salle on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Loses Two Close Ones

By SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

The Fordham women’s basketball team endured a pair of tough losses over the past week, falling to Richmond and Saint Louis by a combined six points. Fordham’s Atlantic 10 record is now 7-7, good for sixth place in the conference.

On Wednesday, the Rams traveled to Richmond to face off against the Spiders in the Robins Center. Fordham was going for its first-ever victory at Richmond but just fell short, pulling within one point in the fourth quarter but ultimately losing 52-48.

The first quarter was an exciting one, featuring numerous lead changes and standout shooting performances from both sides. The Spiders held a one-point lead with 1:45 remaining, but a three-pointer from junior forward Danielle Burns put the Rams on top, where they would stay until the end of the period. Burns scored 12 of Fordham’s 18 points in the first.

The only points in the first four minutes of the second quarter came off a jumper from Richmond’s Karleigh Wike, which tied the score at 18. With 5:43 remaining, freshman guard Lauren Holden hit a three to put Fordham back in the driver’s seat, but a successful three-point play from the Spiders evened things once again.

By the end of the half, Richmond had hit two additional threes, putting them up by five at the midway point.

The third quarter was evenly matched. The Spiders stretched their lead to seven with around seven minutes remaining, but back-to-back jumpers from sophomore forward G’mrice Davis and sophomore guard

KATE MACKIE/THE FORDHAM RAM

Despite strong play, the Rams came up short twice against strong competition.

Asnate Fomina controlled the damage. With 1:27 remaining, Fordham trailed by three, but a layup from Richmond’s Bria Powell gave her team a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.

A three-pointer from Fomina kicked off the fourth quarter for the Rams, cutting Richmond’s lead to just two. The Spiders quickly responded and made the next two baskets, putting them up by six. Soon, however, junior guard Hannah Missry hit another three off a Fomina assist, and a layup from Davis put Fordham back within one. The game remained close until the final minutes, but a threepointer from Richmond’s Janelle Hubbard put her team up by four and served as the turning point. The Rams missed seven of their final eight field goal attempts and lost by a score of 52-48.

Burns and Davis led the way for Fordham with 12 points apiece. Senior forward Samantha Clark also

delivered a strong performance, grabbing 12 rebounds.

On Saturday, the Rams returned home to square off against the Saint Louis University Billikens. It was Senior Day in the Rose Hill Gym, and Clark and guard Khadijah Gibson were honored in a pre-game ceremony.

Saint Louis was sizzling out of the gate. They opened the game by going on a 14-3 run, making a pair of threepointers over that stretch. Fortunately for Fordham, baskets from Holden and Clark cut the lead to just eight, and a pair of free throws from Burns put it at six as the first quarter ended.

The Rams were much more competitive in the second quarter. Burns came out strong, scoring Fordham’s first five points of the quarter to pull within three, and a Davis layup cut the deficit to one. Saint Louis bounced back, increasing its lead once again, but Fordham responded by going on a 9-0 run, taking a two-point lead. At

the half, the score was 28-26, and the game had a totally different feel than that of the first quarter.

The third quarter was dominated by the two sides wrestling over the lead. It had five lead changes in all, and neither team pulled ahead by more than three until 1:17, when Saint Louis’ Denisha Womack hit a second free throw to give her side a four-point advantage. In the remaining time, the Rams attempted a pair of three-pointers, but neither one fell.

The Billikens led 41-37 as the game headed into its final quarter.

Clark got the fourth quarter off to a good start by driving for a layup, but Billikens responded by going on a 6-0 run, putting Fordham down by eight.

The Rams did not go quietly, however, and responded by going on a 10-2 run of their own. Burns got things going with a three-pointer, while junior forward Danielle Padovano hit two over the stretch to put Fordham back on the right track. A free throw

from Clark provided the other point, and suddenly, the game was tied with 1:28 remaining on the clock.

Both team traded possessions until the end, when but eventually, Jackie Kemph of Saint Louis hit a jumper to put her team up by two with just two seconds remaining. Head coach Stephanie Gaitley called a timeout to advance to halfcourt, and Fomina’s potentially game-tying runner barely missed, resulting in a disappointing loss. The final score was 51-49.

“Winning close games means really paying attention to detail,” said Gaitley. “In both losses, we allowed their best players to get the gamewinning shot. As a team that prides itself on defense, that’s not acceptable.”

Three players scored in the double digits for Fordham: Burns, Holden and Clark. The game had a special importance for Clark, who scored her 1,200th point and grabbed her 900th rebound, becoming one of just three players to reach both milestones as a Fordham Ram. Next, the Rams will play St. Bonaventure before traveling to Ohio for a showdown against Dayton on Saturday. After that, the team is off to Richmond for the Atlantic 10 Championship, where it will be on the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid.

“We have a tough stretch of games,” said Gaitley. “We have the opportunity to play some very good teams and gain great confidence heading into the tournament. We have proven we can play with and beat the best of the conference. Now is the time to put it all together.”

The Rams return to action on Wednesday night, when they will host the Bonnies at home at 7 p.m.