The Fordham Ram Volume 99 Issue 4

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 99, Issue 4

FordhamRam.com

February 15, 2017

Theology DraftKings Professors Exec Comes Write Trump to Fordham

By JAKE SHORE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

more clubs, and obviously by doing that hand in hand comes distributing information the same way too,” said Haley Hauge, FCRH ’18, vice president of RHA. “I think Fordham has a good interest in speaker events, so

Professors from Fordham’s theology department participated in a letter campaign to President Donald Trump in an effort to emphasize the role of religion in American values.

The American Values Religious Voices campaign invites 100 different religious scholars throughout the nation to write a letter for the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. The group of 100 featured four Fordham theology professors.

Michael Peppard, who teaches Christian history courses at Fordham and wrote about Trump’s relationship with golf for The Washington Post, wrote his letter to President Trump about the importance of religious liberty. He said it was the conflict between the importance of religion to America and President Trump’s apparent apathy for religion, which prompted Peppard to join the 100 letters campaign.

SEE FOUNDER, PAGE 6

SEE THEOLOGY, PAGE 6

THE FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

Joe McDonough, founder of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, spoke to students in Keating First.

Founder of B+ Speaks to Students, RHA

By AISLINN KEELY

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Residence Halls Association (RHA) hosted Joe McDonough, founder of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, to tell the story of his son’s battle with

pediatric cancer and spread awareness for B+ fundraising events. This was the first time the RHA event was open to all Fordham students, as McDonough had only spoken to members of RHA in past years.

“We wanted to reach out to

SJL Program Suspended

By AISLINN KEELY

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The Dorothy Day Center has suspended the Social Justice Leaders program. The center has begun strategic planning for a new direction based in service learning and deeper relationships with community partners, according to Michael McCarthy, SJ, vice president for mission integration and planning. This planning led to the decision to halt the program at the conclusion of this semester.

“The hope really is that as the Dorothy Day Center begins to have a much more strategic focus that we can involve many more students in projects of service learning, community engagement and social justice,” said McCarthy.

Though the Dorothy Day Center has not officially discontinued the program, it is considered suspended as the center plans for a new direction focused on service learning and community partnerships accessible to more members of the Fordham community, according to McCarthy. At this time in past years, the application process for the following year’s leaders had been active.

“We are not in the process of SEE SJL, PAGE 5

OWEN CORRIGAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

The Rival’s Valentine’s Day livestream was available to watch on Facebook and its website.

Students Debut the Rival Live

By ERIN SHANAHAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The debut episode of “The Rival Live” at Fordham, a student-run news satire and variety program, aired Tuesday on their official website and Facebook page. According to the managing editor of The Rival at Fordham University, Jess Mannino, FCRH ’17, ‘The Rival Live” program is an extension of The Rival brand

which aims to produce a satirical, late night show in conjunction with several other Fordham students who are interested in working in television and broadcast media.

This multi-faceted show consisted of “Weekend-Update” style desk dialogue between two co-hosts Tyler Bailey, FCRH ’18 and Kyle Morton, FCRH ’18. The two discussed Fordham-centric news stories with a comedic bent.

Events discussed included the naked man who was pinned down by police in front of the Fordham Lincoln Center campus last October, student protests in the wake of President Donald Trump’s election, racial divides reported on campus and the closing of The Blend Cafe.

Following the news brief, the character of Lynndonna, a mom played by Danielle Gallagher, SEE RIVAL, PAGE 3

By ASHLEY KATUSA STAFF WRITER

The Gabelli School of Business introduced their Gabelli School Speaker Series last Wednesday at Lincoln Center, and featured Mark Nerenberg, Vice President of Game Operations of DraftKings and the founder of Draftstreet, acquired by DraftKings in 2014.

DraftKings is the leading daily fantasy sport company, operating in most U.S. states, Canada, the UK, and most recently Germany and Malta.

Nerenberg spoke about his experience with a startup company that experienced a significant growth spurt, his involvement with DraftStreet and his insight on what the future of DraftKings holds.

“I learned quickly to work with a new business,” said Nerenberg.

Mark Conrad, an associate professor of law and ethics at the Gabelli School of Business, interviewed Nerenberg at the event.

After Conrad prompted the conversation, the floor was opened for audience questions.

Nerenberg was obsessed with fantasy sports growing up. He came up with fantasy sport games for he and his friends, and DraftStreet evolved from there, launching in the summer of 2010.

Like many entrepreneurs, Nerenberg faced the issue of funding for his startup. However, Nerenberg said “we had it pretty easy in the beginning,” referring to the time prior to DraftStreet’s exponential growth. Mark and his friends invested $100,000 of their own money, and six months later, raised $300,000 from angel investors, investors who invest in small startups, entrepreneurs, or earlystage products. By the beginning of 2011, DraftStreet had raised $1.7 million. DraftStreet skyrocketed to the third-most popular daily fantasy sport (DFS) site.

“We definitely did not see this [DFS] becoming a multibillion dollar industry,” said Nerenberg.

When asked about the acquireSEE DRAFTKINGS, PAGE 5

in this issue

Opinion Page 7 Turn Right: A Path to American Citizenship

Culture Page 12 The Controversy surrounding HBO’s Girls Sports Page 18 Women’s Basketball beats st. Joe’s

NEWS

Page 2

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

February 15, 2017

Journal From Abroad

Feb. 10 Collins Hall 1 p.m.

A student reported a broken window in the basement of Collins Hall.

There was a rock thrown through the window overnight, according to Public Safety.

Feb. 10 O’Hare Hall 11 p.m.

A student reported being stuck in the elevator of O’Hare. The student was stuck on the second floor of the building. Public Safety shortly responded and freed the student.

Feb. 11 Martyrs Court 5 p.m.

Public Safety was notified of a fire alarm at Martyrs Court. A supervisor responded and found that there was a leak in the boiler room which was causing smoke. F.D.N.Y. responded and the issue was resolved shortly after. There was no damage to the boiler room or the building according to Public Safety.

Feb. 12 Fordham Parking Garage 3 p.m.

A backpack containing $1,900 among other personal belongings was stolen from a Fordham employee. The backpack was last seen in the employee’s car which was located in the Fordham parking garage. There was no sign of forced entry into the car, according Public Safety. The employee declined to notify the police.

Feb. 11 Arthur 1 1 a.m.

Public Safety was informed of a fight outside Arthur 1. N.Y.P.D. was called and responded. A Fordham student recieved a summons of disorderly conduct. All other individuals were not identified and no injuries were reported, according to Public Safety.

-Compiled by Victor Ordonez

Follow us on Twitter! @TheFordhamRam

COURTESY OF EMILY JANIK

A Fordham student faces challenges abstaning from pork due to traditional Spanish delicacies.

Cultures Collide in Spain

By EMILY JANIK

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Pork and wine have come to be associted with Spanish culture, appearing with many meals throughout the week. These two products, not traditionally consumed by the Islamic community, have taken over a region that used to be predominantly Islamic, causing problems among the immigrant community.

The Alhambra, a historical Moorish citadel, overlooks all of Granada and reminds its citizens of the importance of Islam on Granada’s distinct culture. The region was once ruled by a Muslim dynasty and was a fundamental part of the Islamic world. After the Christians took over in 1492, a year most Americans know well thanks to a certain Italian world explorer, Granada’s culture followed suit. The crown passed a law forcing Muslims to convert to Christianity or leave the country.

One way of proving one’s conversion was to be seen eating pork and drinking wine, leading to the popularization of ham and wine in Spanish culture.

Today in Granada, there is not a single restaurant or café that does not sell pork products or serve alcohol. Not only does the Muslim community in Granada have difficulties finding halal food, but business owners are also at risk.

Kebab shops are some of the only widespread restaurants where a Muslim living in Granada can find halal food. They are on every cor-

ner, but are at risk of going bankrupt because of the lack of pork products.

Dounea Elbroji, FCRH ’17, is currently studying abroad at the University of Granada. Dounea’s father is from Morocco and she abides by the Islamic tradition of

abstaining from pork consumption. When speaking to Dounea, I learned that abstaining from eating pork immediately excludes you from enjoying most Spanish tapas, another iconic Andalucian tradition. Tapas are free with a paid-for drink, but for the Muslim

community, they are a reminder that although Granada is a crossroads between Judaism, Islam and Christianity, the cuisine is representative of only one.

Because ham is so iconic in Spanish cuisine, it is difficult to go a day without having to say “no thank you.” Dounea told me about her experience living with a host family here in Granada.

“I feel bad for my host family. I feel like my abstention from consuming pork is a burden for them because they have to go out of their way to avoid it,” she said.

Even when Dounea goes out to dinner to try new Spanish foods, there are at most three items on the menu that she can eat. Dounea mentioned that the tapas are a part of Spanish culture that she would like to take part in, but the extensive pork limits her opportunities.

Other Muslims abstain from eating food that has been prepared in the same dishes that has touched pork, eliminating almost every food option in Granada apart from kebab shops.

I don’t know if Granada will ever be able to fully accommodate these dietary restrictions. Luckily, Dounea found a new halal Pad Thai restaurant near the University of Granada, which is a little spark of hope for Muslims living in Spain.

LAURA ARNOLD/THE FORDHAM RAM

Photo of the Week

The original Delmonico’s restaraunt, pictured above at 2 South William Street, was opened by John and Peter Delmonico in 1827. It moved to its current location 10 years later.

This Week at Fordham Thursday Feb. 16 Valentine’s Week Tabling McGinley Lobby All day

Campus Activities Board will be tabling the entire week of Feb. 13 through 17 to advertise their Valentine’s Week activities.

Thursday Feb. 16

Saturday Feb. 18

Monday Feb. 20

Tuesday Feb. 21

Fordham Dance Marathon Auction

Fordham University TrepCon 2017

Diversity Action Coalition Meeting

Tabling for AMC Oscars Showcase

McGinley Ballroom 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

McNally Amphitheater (140 West) 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Resident Housing Association and Fordham Dance Marathon will hold an auction as a joint fundraising event for the B+ Foundation.

This annual entrepreneurship conference, presented by Gabelli, will feature panels, workshops and more centered around business and entrepreneurship. Learn more and register at www.TrepCon.com

McGinley 234 9 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

All are welcome to to view the open meeting of the Diversity Action Coalition, a subdivision of USG which pursues diversity related initiatives.

McGinley Lobby 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Cinevents and Weekend Activities Committee will team up to take sign-ups for their raffling of 20 tickets to the AMC Oscars Best Picture Showcase.

NEWS

February 15, 2017

Page 3

The Fordham Rival Debuts its First Live Programming FROM RIVAL, PAGE 1

FCRH ’18, was introduced. Next, Carlos Vierra’s, FCRH ’17 interview with students regarding “fake news.” The show also featured a creative commercial from Rams Deli Plus followed by an interview with former Blend Cafe employees conducted by Jack Byram, FCRH ’17.

The Rival Live plans to air their next show on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

The show’s inception began at the end of last semester through the collaborative efforts of Mannino as well as Lexy Leeds, FCRH ’18, Tyler Bailey, FCRH ’18 and Kyle Morton, FCRH ’18. Leeds, Bailey and Morton were part of Fordham Nightly News (FNN) before the program closed its doors last semester.

“I wanted to provide an outlet for people to produce creative, satirical news in a multimedia format,” Mannino said. “The production of the vision could not have been possible without the help of Lexy.”

Mannino reached out to Leeds at the end of last fall semester and shared her idea. Leeds, a former Tech Director at FNN, has been working with the Communica-

tions and Media Studies (CMS) department to reboot a studentrun television news program.

FNN was formerly operating out of Walsh Library and was shut down when the library experienced budget cuts and lost a key technician.

Leeds said that bringing back a news show as a part of CMS and as an OrgSync-approved club will take time.

Beth Knobel, associate chair of CMS, said the department is currently in the process of developing a space for student television to operate.

In the meantime, Leeds and many other FNN veterans will be working on The Rival Live with Mannino and about 40 other Fordham students.

“I truly believe that we have been so lucky to bring 40 of the most talented kids on campus together,” Leed said. “It’s been amazing getting to know everyone so well over just a few weeks.”

The Rival Live’s staff of 40 students is broken up into several teams. There are three writing teams for sketch comedy and monologues. In addition, the staff members are also a part of a small

strategy team, videographers, production assistants and on-air personalities.

Mannino was inspired to create a late night news show at Fordham after watching a simple late night

show sponsored by The Rival at University of Maryland. At the time, this show consisted of a reporter at a desk as well as a live studio audience and a band.

“I really wanted the show to

be satirical and multi-faceted. I wanted there to be not only news and humor, but also sketches, monologues and commercials,” said Mannino. “I wanted it to be really creative and cool.”

CASEY CHUN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Some students previously involved with Fordham Nightly News are part of the Rival’s online show.

Marketing Discusses Super Bowl Commercials

By MARIO NICASTRO DIGITAL EDITOR

Last Wednesday, the Fordham Marketing club discussed the role of commercials in Super Bowl LI. The discussion, led by Linda Luca, a professor in the Gabelli School of Business, analyzed the many marketing strategies and implications for one of the biggest advertising events of the year.

Luca, who spent 30 years in advertising at McCann-Erickson, says the Super Bowl is a high -takes arena, where companies can either win or lose big in front of an international audience.

“In the Super Bowl, there’s so much entertainment in the game itself that you can’t be a let down… you’ve got to tell a story,” said Luca. “You’ve got to do something spectacular.”

In her opinion, however, this year’s ads fell short.

“I was a little bit disappointed in Super Bowl advertising,” said Luca. “I didn’t think there was as much creativity as I’ve seen in other years… anything that was really innovative.”

Like most years, the Super Bowl featured a range of veteran and rookie advertisers. Car manufacturers commanded a lot of ad spots, which go for $5 million per 30 second segment. Avocados from Mexico and Busch Beer were a couple of the newcomers who burst onto the ad scene with their bizarre, but offbeat shorts.

Although Luca says 2017’s ads were largely lackluster, she said “there were a few smart media placements.”

One of those placements, which tied into the halftime show, was National Geographic’s advertisement for its new show “Genius.”

The commercial, which aired after Lady Gaga’s halftime performance, featured Albert Einstein playing Gaga’s “Bad Romance” on a violin. The commercial was

a hit, incorporating arguably the largest marketing ploy other than the game itself: the halftime show.

“It’s very interesting when you look at the choices from year to year, who they have for the headliner for the halftime show,” says Luca. “It tells you what needs they’re looking for. When they bring back, let’s say Paul McCartney, they’re looking for an older audience.”

A lot of the advertisements had political undertones, including an advertisement from 84 Lumber.

The advertisement, which follows a Mexican family’s immigration to the United States, was cut short

by Fox for its ending, in which the family reaches a border wall with a wooden door built by 84 Lumber.

Australian winemaker Yellowtail concocted a different approach to its marketing plan this year. It utilized an uncommon strategy to compete with Anheuser-Busch, who has an exclusive category ad rights for the Super Bowl. It aired its lewd ad in only 85 percent of the United States, buying advertising in 70 TV markets. The commercial follows a Yellowtail spokesman around a party scene with his pet kangaroo.

Jackie Herlan, GSB ’17 president of FMA, thought that this

commercial was unique on its own, but not very effective.

“The reaction [of the ad] is that people saw it, but didn’t know it was a Yellowtail ad until they went back and searched for it,” said Herlan. “The kangaroo, while it’s on the Yellowtail label, is not necessarily associated with the brand.”

Luca said commercial-saturated events like the Super Bowl are different for those familiar with advertising and marketing.

“It’s funny when you work in advertising and marketing, you never look at these things the same,” said Luca. “You’re always

sitting there analyzing them. As you move on in marketing, you’re going to be doing the research and learning the background of commercials.”

Herlan thinks that discussions like this one are key to the development of students who want to pursue a career in marketing and advertising.

“Most of our events are panels, so we bring in established alumni. Our biggest thing is connecting alumni with students to identify their passions and interests which will hopefully lead to internships and jobs down the line,” said Herlan.

COURTESY OF TWITTTER

The Fordham Marketing club discussed the role of commercials in the Super Bowl and their effect during the biggest advertising event of the year.

NEWS

Page 4

February 15, 2017

Fordham In The Bronx

Bronx Police Officer Turned Demonologist NYPD Veteran Combats Spiritual Evils

By VICTOR ORDONEZ

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

A former Bronx Police sergeant has gained recognition amongst fans of the supernatural with his first-hand accounts of the paranormal, some of which take place within walking distance of Fordham University’s gates.

Ralph Sarchie is an 18-year New York Police Department veteran who now finds himself combating spiritual evils as a religious demonologist, someone who believes in the existence of demonic spirits. These spirits can possess objects or people and are the manifestations of pure evil, according to Sarchie.

The former Bronx police officer and present-day demonologist has found success in sharing his experiences with audiences worldwide.

Hollywood star Eric Bana portrayed Sarchie in 2014’s Deliver Us From Evil. The film is inspired by Sarchie’s own detailed accounts and largely based on his book, “Beware the Night,” which was written in tandem with Lisa Collier Cool.

However, the events from the film are a bit dramatic compared to the actual life of the officer from the 46th precinct, according to Sarchie. Nevertheless, Sarchie’s life has been anything but uneventful.

Sarchie attributes much of his “work” to paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.

“I’ve read about the Warrens since I was about 13-years-old,” said Sarchie. “I eventually started working with them while in my mid-20s.”

The Warrens’ names may spark recognition with horror film enthusiasts, as they are the star characters of the well-received Conjuring movies. In both films, Ed and Loraine are portrayed by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga.

Although rarely acting in the capacity of both police officer

and demonologist, Sarchie began his work with the Warrens while working for the NYPD. However, there were instances in which both careers overlapped.

By being open with his colleagues about his work with the Warrens, as a member of the NYPD Sarchie was assigned to specific cases that resembled cult or demonic activity.

A fellow officer requested Sarchie’s help on a case that had “cult overtones to it,” according to Sarchie. The case involved two brothers who were occupying an abandoned building with a kidnapped hostage. The two suspects threatened to wash the victims feet, cut his heart out and sacrifice him, according to Sarchie.

The brothers refused to speak to Sarchie. However, while searching the building, Sarchie was able to identify specific cult objects.

In another instance, Sarchie was sent to Saint Barnabas Hospital to see a patient who claimed to be possessed. Unfortunately, this was an instance in which Sarchie could not be of assistance due to the declination of the patient admitted.

“I saw that something was clearly wrong with him, but once [the patient] said I don’t want your help, I backed out of the room,” said Sarchie. “I gave the family my number and urged them to call if they needed me.”

With this case as an example, Sarchie explained the challenges that a demonologist encounters when facing a difficult case.

Sarchie agrees that any paranormal investigator must consider various possible causalities of a subject’s condition before jumping to the conclusion of demonic possession. Admittedly, the cases can very well be the result of something far less extreme, according to Sarchie.

“Exorcisms are the last option,” said Sarchie. “If there is a doubt [of demonic possession], you work on the subject in other

ways, usually through psychiatric means.”

In the event that a psychiatric diagnosis has been established and the subject does not respond to the proper medication, the subject is then a candidate for an exorcism, according to Sarchie.

“Medication does not affect the demonic,” said Sarchie.

However, there are a lot of factors that go into an exorcism, like the emotional and psychological strength of the person,” said Sarchie. “If a person is psychologically fragile [they] should not have an exorcism performed on them.”

Other cases are evidently the

result of demonic spirits, according to Sarchie. One of these instances involved Sarchie’s first encounter with an exorcism. “[The subject] didn’t weigh more than 90 pounds, and the exorcisms progressed in violence as they went on,” said Sarchie. “We had about eight investigators there, and she would try to bite anyone who tried to restrain her. Eventually the tantrums would stop and she would go into a catatonic-like state. This particular exorcism will have been one of seven performed on the this subject.”

There was a medical doctor on the scene of the exorcism who de-

scribed the subject as having the “heartrate of a person at rest,” according to Sarchie.

“That should not have been the heartrate of a person who was aerobically active only moments before,” said Sarchie.

Even after his claim-to-fame, Sarchie is still retelling his encounters and forewarning of the dangers that come from Ouija boards, Santaria and the denial of God. With an average of about 100 Facebook messages a day, according to Sarchie, he is still being sought by many in need of the paranormal services he provides.

Ralph Sarchie has found success working as a demonologist after years wokring for the NYPD.

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Campus Briefs & Bites Fordham Closes Due to Inclement Weather

Fordham Professor Fights Influenza with Math

Scholar Presents Research on Syriac Christian Text

Panelist Discuss Justice System Reforms

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, students received an email from Fordham Public Safety that said due to severe weather forecast, all classes the next day would be cancelled. In addition, Ram Vans would not run on their usual schedule, and concluded at midnight on Wednesday. In an updated email, sevice resumed Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. Both Walsh and Quinn libraries remained open as a study zone, along with the Health Center and Counseling and Psychological Services. Dining services opened as staff became available. All senior events were cancelled and rescheduled for a later date, according to the email update. On Thursday, Feb. 9, a final email was sent to all staff and students regarding a delayed opening on Friday for the Rose Hill and Westchester Campuses. While the Lincoln Center campus operated on a regular schedule, Rose Hill and Westchester Campuses opened at 11:00 a.m. Fordham Public Safety provided phone numbers for weather related information to aid in student and faculty safety.

Associate professor of mathematics at Fordham University at Rose Hill Rolf Ryham, Ph.D. is working on mathematic models with cell activity. Rhyam began the process by calculating non-spontaneous membrane fusion, a process needed for medicine to fight diseases. His main interest is the linkage of virus and cell and the activation energy involved. One critical goal is to find where the virus consumes energy, which will allow researchers to create a drug that can block infections by interfering with genetic material delivery. Partnering with Frederic Cohen, Ph.D., from Rush University Medical Center, they found that the structure of the membrane fusion is the link to resisting influenza. What was found showed that the virus merges with the cell, ruptures, then reattaches. Knowing when the rupture will happen is the critical element that allows for treatment to occur. Two unexpected results from the experiment were a lower activation energy than anticipated, and the amount of cholesterol affecting the process.

After a decade of research into the textual heritage of the Syriac Christian world, Columba Stewart, O.S.B., professor of theology at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, shared his findings on Feb. 6 at the Lincoln Center lecture, “Out of the Flames: Preserving the Manuscript Heritage of Endangered Syriac Christianity in the Middle East.” As one of the oldest cultures, Syriac Christian texts from ancient centers shed light on its place amidst current conflicts. Stewart, a leading expert in these texts, said that they are currently in danger of being lost forever. As the executive director of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) at St. John’s, Stewart has been involved in digitizing the collection of manuscripts on microfilm and the library’s greater focus on Eastern Christian collections in the Middle East. Fordham’s Department of Theology, Orthodox Christian Studies Center and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences came together to produce the event.

A three person panel event coincided with the release of Fordham Law Professor John Pfaff’s new book “Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration – and How to Achieve Real Reform” this past week on Feb. 7. The panel consisted of Pfaff; Adam J. Foss, co-founder of Prosecutor Impact and a visiting senior fellow at Harvard Law School; and Phillip Atiba Goff, the Franklin A. Thomas Professor in Policing Equity at John Jay College and the co-founder and president of the Center for Policing Equity.

The event centered around reform of the United States justice system guided by the topics of Pfaff’s book. “Locked In” challenges the proposed reforms and supposed origins of the high prison population. He argued that mass incarceration in the United States stems from overlooked problematic issues within the justice system, such as prosecutorial discretion. Pfaff expressed hopes that “Locked In” will shed light on more misunderstood issues within the justice system to promote steps towards reform.

NEWS

February 15, 2017

Page 5

Dorothy Day Care Center Theologians Warn Trump Against Reevaluating Direction History’s Mistakes FROM THEOLOGY, PAGE 1

THE FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

The Dorothy Day Center is reevaluating its commitments, and suspending Social Justice Leaders as a result.

FROM SJL, PAGE 1

calling a new cohort for next year,” he said.

Various Social Justice Leaders (SJL) said they were saddened and worried by the change.

“The SJL community has always been a supportive and safe space for a lot of marginalized students and I’m worried that if this program is discontinued what’s going to happen to that safe space for students,” said Haley Hauge, FCRH ’18, a current Social Justice Leader.

The program will function in its current form until the close of this semester. This includes the College Access, Social Justice Awareness, Community Organizing and Senior Council working groups. In the coming year, College Access and Urban Plunge, which functioned under the program, will continue to function despite the suspension of the Social Justice Leaders program.

“Before there were SJLs, historically, there were Urban Plunge leaders, and we will continue to have those,” said McCarthy. “And the College Access program is a program that is engaged in the community.”

Jamie O’Connor, FCRH ’18, a current Social Justice Leader, involved herself with the Social Justice Leaders after her involvement with Urban Plunge as a freshman.

“It just changes you completely.

It changes the way you look at the Bronx. It changes the way you look at service,” said O’Connor, “I don’t think that I would be doing anything in service if I hadn’t been introduced to the SJL program.

It’s something that’s very near and dear to my heart.”

McCarthy said the program occupies a lot of the Dorothy Day Center’s time and effort.

“In the beginning of the year it takes a huge amount of time on the part of the Dorothy Day Center,” said McCarthy on the need to suspend the program pending the new direction.

Roxanne De La Torre, director of the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice, said the decision to suspend the program was not an easy one to make.

“This is a decision that was not made lightly, but one that has been thoughtfully and prayerfully discerned in full appreciation of the

many different ways our students have had an impact on our campuses and in the community at large,” said De La Torre.

The Division of Mission Integration and Planning and the Provost Division have created a faculty task force of faculty to study service learning as the first steps of strategic planning. Comparisons between Fordham and other Jesuit and New York City universities will provide a basis to see which community engagement strategies are most effective.

The Dorothy Day Center plans to put out a request for proposals when the university returns from spring break, according to McCarthy. This opportunity will be afforded to all students. There will be criteria for proposals, such as numbers of students involved, significant engagement with community partners and components of reflection, discernment and analysis. McCarthy said these are “activities that will help us, maybe even pilot kind of programs, that will help us towards building a more robust relationship with community partners.”

“This particular President is the least religious president we’ve ever had. He’s also the least religiously literate. It’s not clear that he really has any knowledge about any particular religion,” said Peppard in an interview. “I don’t think it’s a secret, but he’s a casino owner with Playboy magazines on his wall. He’s sort of lived a life of leisure up to this point that’s not in any way related to religion.”

President Trump, a professed Presbyterian, did not mention religion often along the campaign trail. When the now blocked travel ban came into effect, religion, specifically Christianity, entered the national discourse again as President Trump said Christian refugees from Syria were discriminated against in U.S. refugee policy.

However, Peppard, a fellow Christian, said he finds that a ban like this does more to curtail Muslims than it does to help Christian refugees. He said a frightening part of President Trump’s candidacy which inspired his letter was the talk of creating a Muslim database in order to counter terrorism.

He hopes it reminds people that a few years ago, Catholics were in a similar spot. “[The letter] may have some effect on those who hadn’t thought about the fact that Catholics, Mormons and Jews were heavily persecuted in our history. We ought not repeat those mistakes,” said Peppard.

President Trump never explicitly said he endorsed a database to record all Muslims in the U.S., but he has repeatedly answered vaguely to questions on a proposed database.

In his letter, Peppard addressed Trump directly.

“Mr. President, religious liberty demands that our government never register our fellow citizens by religion, nor allow surveillance on the basis of religious affiliation,” Peppard wrote. “To do either of these would be profoundly un-American, violating our sacred founding freedoms of religion and assembly.”

Other Fordham theology professors like Aristotle Papanikolaou, Karina Martin Hogan and Bryan N. Massingale also partook in the 100 letters campaign.

Massingale’s letter, the most recent, calls upon President Trump to bring the nation together through healing.

“Pope John Paul II declared that one of the most important questions facing society is: ‘How are we living together?’ Mr. Trump, our collective response to that question will depend greatly upon both your compassion for the vulnerable and the quality of your respect for those with whom you disagree,” wrote Massingale.

Although Peppard admitted that it is highly unlikely that President Trump or Vice President Pence will end up reading any of their letters, he said he hopes the open letter campaign brings the discussion of religion back into American values.

Though Peppard said he would not classify himself as an activist, he said his writing will continue to serve as an outlet for his knowledge and point of view on current affairs.

“I view writing as my civic role. I’ll continue to do that as I have done. You’ve got to use the skill that you have,” said Peppard.

DraftKings Executive Speaks to Fordham Students Nerenberg Opens Gabelli School Speaker Series FROM DRAFTKINGS, PAGE 1

ment by DraftKings in July of 2014 that combined the second-leading and third-leading DFS sites, Nerenberg said that it “worked out better than I could have thought.”

DraftStreet helped to fill DraftKings shortcomings, especially in introducing niche sports such as Fantasy Golf and even Leauge of Legends. Nerenberg did admit to particularly liking the feel of a startup company, however.

Startups allow for more communication and intimacy between employees and sometimes this communication winds up creating a stronger product.

Yet this transition from DraftStreet to DraftKings allowed Nerenberg to take a step back, and a breath, from his otherwise consuming role as co-founder.

DraftKings allowed Nerenberg to discover what he was best at in the DFS industry, he assumed the role of Official Gamemaker of DraftKings, where he oversees things

ranging from game operations to development of new games. In his time at DraftKings, Nerenberg has lead the launch of five new sports: soccer, mixed martial arts (MMA), NASCAR, League of Legends and the Canadian Football League (CFL).

DraftKings has become one of the most popular DFS sites, due to their acquirement of DraftStreets, Nerenberg’s contributions and increased awareness of the DFS industry.

DraftKings sets itself apart from other DFS sites because it allows for more user freedom.

For instance, users don’t have to commit to playing full seasons there are “contests” which vary in length. Nerenberg said he looks forward to incorporating new sports into the website.

“The most exciting part is launching new sports,” said Nerenberg. “I think we’ll evolve to have focused teams based on location.”

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Mark Nerenberg spoke about his experience at DraftKings and his current positions as Vice President of Operations.

NEWS

Page 6

February 15, 2017

Founder of B+ Foundation Speaks to Fordham Students

THE FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES

RHA is preparing for Fordham Dance Marathon. Last year’s Fordham Dance Marathon is pictured above.

FROM FOUNDER, PAGE 1

it was a decision to engage in that outreach a little bit more.”

“The more people that we’re given the opportunity to share our story with, the more hearts we can touch,” said McDonough.

McDonough’s son Andrew, a fourteen-year-old baseball and soccer player, was diagnosed with leukemia on Jan. 29, 2007.

“Two days earlier I was cheering on Andrew at a soccer tournament. His heart had stopped,”

said McDonough.

Andrew fought leukemia for 166 days after the initial diagnosis and heart attack that ensued.

McDonough recalled that Andrew underwent 50 operations, took 20 to 30 medications each

day and breathed with the help of a ventilator or a manual ventilation apparatus when in transit to the OR. “That’s how fragile my son’s life was,” McDonough reflected.

McDonough recounted Andrew’s passing after his fourth stroke in July 2007. Andrew would be 24 years old this year.

Plans for the B+ Foundation began while Andrew was still battling leukemia. McDonough thought Andrew would be involved after his recovery. However, after Andrew’s passing, McDonough found it difficult to return to his job when he sought work that provided him more meaning. He began work on the foundation.

“We were at rock bottom. And I remember we helped a handful of families in 2007, and I thought, ‘wow that felt good’ like honoring Andrew’s memory,” said McDonough.

“I think it’s always important to get grounded to the deep meaning of why we’re here,” said Hauge.

“Just finding that deep ‘why,’ it’s for the kids.”

Emma Bausert, FCRH ’17, executive president of RHA, said she hoped McDonough’s message would motivate students.

“Especially trying to grow FDM and all the events that go with it, we feel that his message is best spoken directly from him,” said Bausert. “For some people, hopefully, it’s maybe the first time

they’re hearing about B+. It’s kind of putting a direct motivation to the work that they will hopefully do in signing up at this point.”

According to McDonough, the foundation got its name from Andrew’s blood type, B positive, which he felt was also an attitude Andrew espoused.

The B+ Foundation sponsors research to find cures for childhood cancers and advancements in chemotherapy, as well as provide financial assistance to families of children with cancer.

It has awarded $1,000,000 in research grants over the last two years and plans to provide over $1,000,000 to families of children with cancer this year.

100 percent of donations go directly to funding research and helping families.

“This is not one of those situations where you mail your check away and don’t know what happens,” said McDonough. “You raise it, and it goes to families and research.”

The B+ Foundation operates out of donated office spaces.

McDonough recounted stories of families have benefited from B+ and highlighted B+’s role in funding the recent cancer research breakthrough that uses the polio virus to combat brain tumors.

“We paid, I simply write the check. You make it possible,” said McDonough.

Goodwill to Host “College Moveout” this Spring

By MARGARET FAHEY STAFF WRITER

Two Goodwill donation bins at Rose Hill receive an influx of clothes, shoes and accessories as students move in and out. In the interim, Goodwill, a non profit organization that serves communities across North America, empties the bins and distributes them to any one of 43 Goodwill stores across the country.

This spring, Goodwill plans to host a “college moveout” at Fordham’s Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. Last year, Goodwill “collected 33,750 pounds of clothing, shoes and accessories.

These donations go to any of our 14 local NYC stores, we have 11 Goodwill stores in Manhattan and one in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens,” said Jose Medellin, director of communications for Goodwill Industries of Greater NY and Northern NJ, Inc. Fordham’s bins stand between John Mulcahy Hall and Walsh Hall on Fordham’s Rose Hill campus.

Medelin offers an inside look as to what happens after donation bins on our campus are emptied.

“Clothes collected at Goodwill NYNJ bins are taken to our Astoria headquarters where our production staff sorts through bags,” said Medellin. “Items fit for sale are tagged and sent to any of our 43 Goodwill stores and placed in the sales floor immediately.”

He also said that the clothing donated to Fordham’s bins are given, by and large, to the surrounding community or recycled

for other purposes.

“The clothing is mostly consumed locally,” said Medellin.

“Some textiles are re-purposed into insulation or industrial carpeting.”

Some students say the condition of the bins on campus concerns them when they deposit their clothing. Erin Stepka, GSB ’19, said that although the bins served a positive purpose, during the last snow storm, she saw that “some overflowing bins with donations were getting weather damage.”

Medellin said donations unfit for sale are baled and not sold on the floor.

“After a set amount of time on the sales floor, an item that is not sold will be available at half price,” said Medellin. “When the color-tag sale ends, remaining items are sent to our outlet store in Long Island City, NY for sale by the pound at a much reduced rate.”

If an item has still not sold after this process, it is sold to textile recyclers.

Goodwill does not accept any wet or hazardous clothing, as they are the only apparel they do not sell through stores or textile recyclers.

Here at Fordham, Edward Palermo, Operations Manager for Custodial Services, is in charge of managing the Goodwill bins on the Rose Hill campus. “The bins in place have been here since 2011,” said Palermo. When necessary, the bins are serviced and, when Palermo sees that the bins are full, he

contacts Goodwill directly, who then come to empty them.

Stepka said she and her friends “used the bins last year when they moved out. While they are a great asset to the Fordham community,” she said. “There should be more attention.”

They could be “advertised or promoted more, because when students get used to the campus, the bins seem to blend into the background and are only used at the end of semesters,” she said.

The bins are used most “when students move out for Christmas

break and at the end of the academic year,” said Palermo.

Goodwill NY and NJ diverted more than 128 million pounds of usable clothing and household goods, according to Medellin. It also collected 93 million pounds of textiles.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Students use the Goodwill bins on campus to donate clothing and other materials before moving out.

February 15, 2017

OPINION

Page 7

The Fordham Ram

Turn Right: A Path To American Citizenship BRIANNA LYMAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Along with taxes, Planned Parenthood and health care, immigration was one of the most debated issues during the 2016 presidential campaign. This issue causes people to gravitate towards either the left or the right, but rarely the middle.

Trump’s firm “Build a Wall” campaign solidified his win, as many Americans feel that the only way to stop this influx of undocumented immigrants is to build a physical barrier.

However, there are thousands of Americans who feel that rather than deport upwards of 11 million people, we should create a path to citizenship for them, and then fix our immigration system.

I am not one of those people, nor am I the other type. Instead, I have created my own sort of solution to the controversial immigration issue.

In a perfect world, people would respect our laws, and no one would come here illegally and then expect to be granted all the rights granted to an American citizen and be protected under American laws.

However, we live in the age of Liberal America, meaning that the politically correct thing to do is to claim that no person can be “illegal.” And so we are now faced with a dilemma: do we grant citizenship to the millions

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Undocumented immigrants should be allowed to stay in the United States, provided they take steps to become documented.

here illegally? Perhaps we should deport them and mandate that they come back here legally, like the thousands of others who patiently wait?

Many use the argument that if we deport 11 million people, who will do the dirty work? Who would do jobs so physically demanding for such low wages? I ask the same thing to them.

If you grant citizenship to people, then are they not legally entitled to a minimum wage job as well? And if that is the case, then does that not mean that they are doing jobs that now any American would take, considering the employers would have no choice but to pay at least minimum wage?

However, the real issue is

lodged between the law and logic.

The resources needed to deport 11 million people will undoubtedly be costly.

We not only have to employ agents to find these 11 million people, but then process them, send them back and figure out what to do with their children who were born here.

Although I think the just thing to do is to deport them, I understand it is just not feasible. However, with that being said, there has to be some type of reparation that undocumented immigrants must pay for entering our country illegally. To just create an easier path to citizenry is a slap in the face to the thousands that apply and wait patiently until they are cleared.

I think that, in order to gain a a new path to citizenship, immigrants should have to prove that they have been working in the United States since the day they arrived, that they have no other criminal charges (aside from immigrating illegally) and that they are able to speak or understand English.

In my ideal solution, undocumented immigrants would be required to use a permit for six months, as well as pass a state mandated drivers test. They should also not collect social security, and there would be a fine to pay for those who have been here longer than a year, since undocumented immigrants often avoid paying income taxes.

Some may think these are rath-

er harsh conditions, but it is the price to pay for breaking the law, and quite frankly, a cheap price.

Also, undocumented immigrants are not the only ones who should be punished.

Business owners should also have to pay a fine per undocumented immigrant hired, as this encourages people to come here since there are jobs available to them.

By cancelling out the middleman (employers), undocumented immigrants have no valid reason to come here illegally since they will not find work, forcing them to wait patiently until they are legally processed.

There is no easy answer to solve a problem as enormous as this one, and although I hope President Trump can ease the issue, he alone cannot fix it.

We need lawmakers and citizens to come together and realize that, first and foremost, we are a country of laws, and that if we want the United States to stand, we need to follow and abide by these laws.

Yes, we are a country of immigrants, and it is one of the things that makes us so great. So yes, we will welcome immigrants with open arms, as long as it is done legally.

Brianna Lyman, FCRH ’20, is an international political economy major from Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Our Celebrities Will Not Be Forced Into Silence

By BRIANNA ALLARD STAFF WRITER

Beyoncé, Amy Schumer, Katie Perry, Demi Lovato, Kim Kardashian, Lena Dunham — at first it may seem like these celebrities have nothing in common, but as of recently, they have all been very vocal about their views on politics.

Additionally, all of them have received some sort of criticism for using their platforms to express their view on politics, criticism that is not very well — placed.

Some people think that celebrities should not use their social media platforms to express their political views, but I disagree. Celebrities have the same right to express their political views that everyday citizens do.

First, much of this controversy stems from the fact that politics has become taboo in today’s society.

Even for everyday citizens, politics as a topic of conversation is generally avoided.

For example, as an International Studies student, I enjoy talking politics, both domestic and abroad.

However, my grandmother refuses to talk about anything that has to do with politics with me. And this does not only apply to me — she does this to anyone in my entire family who does not agree with her.

This is the root of the issue in today’s society. We need to open up the political dialogue and make it mainstream.

In fact, I do believe that one of the reasons we are in the political

situation we are in today – where the majority of Americans do not trust their elected representatives in Washington – is exactly because the majority of Americans feel uncomfortable broaching the topic of politics.

It is time to change that. It is time to open up political discourse and make it mainstream. Perhaps if more people talked about politics, especially their frustrations with the political system, we could see actual change in Washington.

Who better to start to open up this political discourse than celebrities? Many of the people I mentioned at the onset of this article are part of daily household conversations. Because these people are so popular, they can bring attention to the fact that politics needs to be discussed.

Celebrities have the ability to reach millions of people from the comfort of their homes. Kim Kardashian has 92 million followers on Instagram. Even Lena Dunham enjoys a rather large following.

These social media accounts can be platforms for change.

Granted, some celebrities – Sophia Bush, Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham – already do this. Sophia Bush has been especially vocal since Trump’s election. She went to the Women’s March, and made a post prompting her followers to contact their senators and express their dissatisfaction.

Sophia Bush has the right idea.

She, as an American citizen, has ev-

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Celebrities of all different backgrounds have every right to voice their opinions on their own various platforms.

ery right to express her dissatisfaction with politics on social media.

Being a celebrity should not change this right. True, some things are different for celebrities, but this should not be one of them. Celebrities have the ability to create a much needed political dialogue in the United States.

That being said, some celebrities take it too far. I think they should use their platform to discuss politics, but not to try and persuade their followers to agree with them.

Perhaps that is one of the reasons that politics has become such a hard topic in society today. The discourse needs to be open, but to all opinions.

I think the reason why a lot of people do not like to talk politics is because political discussion soon

turns to argument. Celebrities also have the power to change this.

They obviously get thousands, if not millions of comments on their posts and it is safe to say that if they post something political they will get both positive and negative comments.

As household names, celebrities should set the example for others to engage in healthy political discussion rather than all—out arguments with those who leave negative comments.

I am not saying that celebrities have to respond to every negative comment they receive on their political posts, as that would be ridiculous.

I am just saying if they do publish a response to a negative comment, the response should be civil

rather than aggressive. This is the example for political discourse we need.

Celebrities have every right to use their social media platforms to express their political views. They are great platforms to get the general population to bring politics back into everyday conversation.

That being said, these platforms need to be used to promote politics in a positive, constructive way. The discourse needs to be civil and constructive, something that would be a nice and refreshing change from the current political conversation today.

Brianna Allard, FCRH ’18, is an international studies major from Somers, Connecticut.

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 Erin Shanahan Managing Editor Margarita Artoglou Business Director Matthew Schiller Operations Director Andrea Garcia Copy Chief Elizabeth Doty Editorial Director Catherine Swindal Assistant Business Directors James Haranzo Connor Smith Assistant Copy Chief Taylor Shaw News Editor Theresa Schliep Assistant News Editors Aislinn Keely Victor Ordonez Opinion Editors Christopher Canadeo Briana Scalia Culture Editors Bailey Hosfelt Libby Smislova Erin Cabrey Sports Editor Jack McLoone Assistant Sports Editors Alvin Halimwidjaya Tom Terzulli Photo Editors Julia Comerford Owen Corrigan Layout Editor Delaney Leiter Digital Team Mario Nicastro Nick Wetzel 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 15, 2017

From the Desk | Theresa Schliep

What I Learned From Spongebob and History I remember very little from my childhood. My memories leading up to high school, largely consist of recollections: the pain of my broken arm after my brother fell on it, my mother mourning the election of George W. Bush, watching Spongebob Squarepants with my sister and later on, watching the History Channel with my dad.

As a history buff, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand bothers me. It’s a tragically romantic tale.

The archduke traveled, on the fateful day of June 28, 1914, to Sarajevo, Bosnia, with his wife Sophie.

She had never been allowed to appear besides her husband in public, but was allowed to this day because it was the couple’s wedding anniversary.

As the story goes, there were many opportunities to avoid the assassination. The couple traveled in an open car and an assassin threw a bomb that rolled off their car and injured a group of

bystanders.

Returning from their function, they traveled the same route they arrived on, and took a wrong turn. There, Gavrilo Princip shot the Archduke and his wife at point-blank range, killing them both.

In hindsight, this story is almost frustrating, especially since the assassination is considered to be the catalyst for the First World War. Did they really not consider the threat of an assassination?

Were they so oblivious that they did not realize the risk of traveling the same road on which, earlier on the same day, a would-be assassin threw a bomb at the car?

The irritation I feel towards this episode is similar to the annoyance (but also, pleasure) I feel towards a particular episode of Spongebob.

This episode is one of my most vivid childhood memories.

Spongebob loses his identification and in an attempt to find this synecdoche for his identity,

he literally retraces his steps.

He does everything he did the day he lost his identity: he falls down the stairs, tries Gary’s snail food and goes dumpster diving with Patrick Star. Many tonguedips of snail food later, Spongebob finds his ID while dumpster diving. The funny thing is, it was on the back of his pants the whole time.

Maybe the assassination of Franz Ferdinand and Spongebob Squarepants have nothing to do with each other.

I can not help but to question how both of them did not see what was so clearly in front of them. Spongebob had his pants on backwards, and Ferdinand had to have known the risk of a Serbian nationalist assassinating him.

Pragmatically, Ferdinand lived before the age of bullet-proof glass and sniper-on-roofs security. Similarly, Spongebob is a cartoon sponge.

Philosophically, though, these two episodes forced me to realize

OWEN CORRIGAN/FORDHAM RAM

how often I am blind to reality or refuse to accept it. If Spongebob was watching a cartoon based on my life, he would probably find me silly for not realizing that my procrastination would lead to a series of all-nighters. On the other hand, Ferdinand, looking on the history of my life, might think me arrogant for presenting on the Wizard of Oz in Spanish without having seen the movie and thinking I would do well.

Sometimes, reality is difficult to recognize. Should I fault an archduke or a cartoon character for their inability to?

Editorial | New Secretary of Education

The Downside of DeVos for Public Schools On Feb. 8, Betsy DeVos was confirmed as Secretary of Education in President Trump’s cabinet. After a tenuous 24-hour protest led by Senate Democrats, DeVos won after a 50-50 tie in the Senate was broken by Vice President Mike Pence.

This nomination was, according to CNN, “Trump’s toughest confirmation battle yet,” and for good reason: Betsy DeVos is against public schools, and that spells trouble for the children of our nation who are most dependent on public resources.

According to The New Yorker, Betsy DeVos is a billionaire who has never worked, been enrolled or had children enrolled in public school.

She has never been an educator nor an administrator. She instead has a strong dislike for public institutions, has led the movement for privatizing public schools and lobbied for charter schools in Detroit, Michigan.

According to The Washington Post, DeVos’ nomination could mean the loss of funding for public schools, thus leaving millions of students to enroll in charter schools. Often a charter school’s “primary mission is to sustain a flow of dollars, not provide an excellent education.”

These charter schools, according to CNN, have historically had lower-than-average test scores that have fared no better than traditional public schools.

Since Fordham is a private institution, Fordham students will not suffer directly from DeVos’ nomination, as we have passed our primary and secondary education.

Many students’ families who have children enrolled in private schools will not hurt from DeVos’ time as Secretary either.

We at The Fordham Ram encourage students to take a step back and think of how this nomination might affect our Bronx

community.

The South Bronx is the seventh public school district of Manhattan, where 19,200 students attend school. According to The New York Daily News, 93 percent of District 7 students are “economically disadvantaged,” and “one in 10 students is homeless.” Only 54 percent, of the students graduate.

Reading and math proficiency are the lowest in the city, with 10 percent and 13 percent, respectively. The New York Daily News dubbed it “the city’s worst school district.”

These students are our neighbors and we are a part of their community.

Betsy DeVos’ confirmation may negatively affect this district and its chances of getting more funding and more resources, according to an article from DNAinfo.

Fordham students may feel powerless in the situation. However, we are blessed that Fordham

provides us with opportunities to help schools in our community.

The Dorothy Day Center has opportunities for students to tutor students in the Bronx, with programs such as the Rosedale Achievement Center, the Crotona Achievement Center and Peer Health Exchange, to name a few.

This is the perfect opportunity to not only help but also explore our Bronx community, one that is easy to neglect while living on Fordham’s fenced-in campus.

Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, once said, “For a community to be whole and healthy, it must be based on people’s love and concern for each other.”

We have the opportunity to step up and support our fellow students in District 7 in order to create a more whole and healthy community. We must show this love and concern during this time of vulnerability for our local public schools.

Disagree with our editorial?

Let us know!

Send your letters to fordhamramopinions@gmail.com!

OPINION

February 15, 2017

Page 9

Chick-fil-A is Here To Stay

By CHRIS CANADEO OPINION EDITOR

Chick-fil-A has been one of the most dominant and fastest growing fast food chains in the South for decades. However, according to The New York Times, its newest stunt includes a rapid expansion of the company, beyond rural lines and into the streets of the largest metropolitan area in the country: New York City.

Will Chick-fil-A survive in the concrete jungle? Absolutely.

The urban conquest of Chickfil-A will be extremely successful, especially if they follow these guidelines.

Long ago, Chick-fil-A actually invented fast food in the form of a chicken sandwich and has piggy-backed off of that brilliant idea ever since.

Although Chick-fil-A is entering a new cultural demographic, there is really no need to reinvent its classic product. People already love the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich. It is just a matter of getting it to them.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Chick-fil-A has shown consistent, positive growth rates since its opening last year and produced more net sales than Kentucky Fried Chicken, despite having hundreds fewer stores.

Chick-fil-A’s average sales per restaurant in 2014 were $3.1 million, according to the report.

Fried chicken competitor KFC sold $960,000 per restaurant.

The chain generated nearly $5.8 billion in revenue in 2014, making it the eighth largest fast food chain in the US, according to QSR. Chick-fil-A has been able to stay in business because no other fast food establishment can top its mastery of the simple, yet savory chicken sandwich. Although its main competitors, such as McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy’s have tried to emulate the product, they have failed for two reasons.

One reason is based solely on the fact these fast food companies do not produce a tasty, crispy chicken sandwich like Chick-filA does. Other companies’ chicken sandwiches are greasy and are not their main selling point.

When you think McDonald’s you think BigMac. When you think Burger King, you think Whopper. When you think Wendy’s, you think Baconator.

This stigma hurts competitors, but not Chick-fil-A. The reputation of their chicken sandwich is one that is, quick, affordable, healthy and tasty.

The fact that Chick-fil-A produces a healthier product than that of other fast food places is a huge advantage in New York City. The capital “A” in Chickfil-A is capitalized on purpose. It is meant to symbolize “top quality” or “Grade A.” Due to the quality of the chicken, the oil in which it is fried in and the actual process of producing the chicken, Chick-fil-A has an overall better product than its competitors.

Millennials in New York City are becoming more and more

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Chick-fil-A is set to dominate the fast food industry in New York City and grow to new heights.

health conscious and to provide a product to them that is healthy with great efficiency will cause a serious increase in profits. Much like other fast food places, Chickfil-A accompanies its best-seller with an entourage of other fantastic options such as the chicken salad. These products will increase the scope of Chick-FilA’s desired customers and bring a wider range of buyers through their door.

One major contrast between a customer in New York City vs a customer in the South is NYC customers generally live at a much faster pace. New Yorkers’ expectations for food production is much higher because they expect it to match their upbeat lifestyle.

Luckily, Chick-fil-A produces its quality products at around the same speed that McDonald’s does.

This is a major plus for Chickfil-A and means that the average McDonald’s customer in NYC can seamlessly integrate Chickfil-A into his or her meal rotation without a major stumble in routine.

Another major plus of Chickfil-A is that it the stores are known for their exceptional service. They provide service with a smile, which often resonates with people as they order food and plays a formidable role in customer retention.

One downside of Chick-fil-A, however, is the history of Chickfil-A CEO Dan Cathy’s remarks towards African Americans and the LGBTQ+ community.

Cathy has been quite vocal in his disapproval of same-sex marriage and has been quoted saying “I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at Him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’ I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about.”

Cathy is clearly not someone in favor of the progressive actions often taken by the majority of residents in New York City.

The worst possible situation for Chick-fil-A will be if the NYC

residents went on strike in the near future. However, considering that has not happened to the few stores that are already in place, I highly doubt a full-scale revolt is in the foreseeable future.

New York City is known for non-sleepers and early risers.

This is why the breakfast menu of Chick-fil-A (one of its strengths) will flourish in NYC and will attract an even larger amount of customers.

Chick-fil-A has a complete breakfast menu, much like McDonald’s, but like their main products, the breakfast options are much healthier than that of other food places and is just as efficient.

This fast and high-quality breakfast menu will fit in perfectly with the busy schedules of New York City residents. If Chick-fil-A begins to attract customers to walk into its store before they step in the office every morning, profits will go through the roof.

That being said, it is also important that Chick-fil-A is open extremely late or even all night.

While some of the stores already in New York City are open until midnight, a few stores close as early as 10 p.m.

These extra two hours may not seem like much, but in the city that never sleeps, this could be the difference between serving hundreds of customers.

Hungry customers wander the streets of New York City at all times of night, and if they begin to have the cravings for some fast food in an open eatery, it might as well be for Chick-fil-A. Although I think that Chick-filA stores will be extremely profitable in New York City, my one suggestion to them (other than opening on Sundays, which I will back off on because that policy stems back to the company’s religious routes and core values) is to diversify the sides on the menu that can accompany the classic crispy chicken sandwich.

Because chicken is the focus at Chick-fil-A, more effort should be spent into bolstering the quality of sides that accompany the chicken sandwich on the customer’s plate. I really like how they offer various choices such

as the type of fries (standard or waffle) and different flavors of milkshakes.

I would even suggest allowing the customer to select what bun they would like their chicken sandwich on such as seeded, nonseeded, or whole wheat so long as it does not greatly diminish the overall taste.

Quality bonded with variety is a recipe for success, and a major reason why companies like Chipotle are successful. They use the same few meats, but sell them in several different forms and styles.

The same can be done with Chick-fil-A by introducing perhaps a chicken pot pie or even selling the whole chicken thigh.

Finally, Chick-fil-A can even further increase its foot traffic through promoting.

Before the first Chick-fil-A store landed in New York City, the craze for this southern fast food delicacy brought lines out the door.

People in boroughs that do not have Chick-fil-A may be attracted to the product just for the sheer novelty of it.

The reputation and brand value of Chick-fil-A is so large that most people in New York City are familiar with the chain even if they have never tried it before.

Special events are a great way to attract customers, particularly millennials, and gain recognition in new areas.

Promotions that are advertised on social media are extremely effective ways to add loyal customers to stores and hopefully build long lasting relationships.

Offering a free milkshake if a person tweets about what a positive experience they had at the new Chick-fil-A opening is a great example.

Chick-fil-A has all of the necessary attributes to thrive in New York City.

By sticking to its guns and adapting to the millennial lifestyle of the Big Apple, Chick-filA will become extremely profitable in all boroughs. Chick-fil-A will bring that southern flavor to a city that is truly hungry for it.

Christopher Canadeo, GSB ‘19, is a marketing major from Long Island, New York.

Marcelle Meyer

Fordham Versus SJP

Trump-era politics are generally described by the opposition in terms like “extremist,” “fascist” and “unprecedented.”

We treat the current political landscape as if it is completely foreign to anything that has existed before — and perhaps this is true for the White House.

However, the conceptions of power, representation and authority that drive many of President Trump’s actions are and have been very prevalent in many aspects of society — including our own university.

The controversy of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) was reported by The Fordham Ram as well as The Paper after SJP was refused club status

by Dean Eldredge, the dean of Student Life at Lincoln Center.

The club organizers gathered together to promote their cause on campus, but the university said no.

The United Student Government approved their request and recommended them for club status, but the university said no.

There has been significant backlash from students at both campuses, but the university still says no. Perhaps this is beginning to sound familiar.

From access to contraceptives on campus to making our core curriculum more intersectional, students have made many demands from the university in the past few years, and SJP is only the most recent demonstration of seemingly-unilateral actions from the Fordham administration to either reject or ignore these demands.

Of course, each case has its explanations and justifications. SJP is affiliated with a national organization about which the university has concern. It was also seen as more of a “lobbying group” than a club, given that it focuses on a single political issue.

There are very specific debates around every instance of university controversy in the past few years, but these specificities do not eliminate the overarching theme: we have little control over what happens to the more than $40,000 we give to the university every year.

This is not a new phenomenon, and universities are hardly democracies. However, when I find myself voicing some of the same concerns about Fordham’s administrative actions as I am about that of Trump, I cannot help but ask: who are the constituents on campus?

The most striking reality that has come to light since the inauguration is the divide between executive actions and public will. Many Americans feel that they are facing a much larger battle of having their voices heard in a meaningful way that creates any change.

SJP being denied club status is not the equivalent of millions of Muslim people being banned from the country. But the fact remains that there are many times in which the Fordham administration does not answer directly to its students.

Whatever the justification, there is still an implication that students do not know what is best for our campus.

We have more dialogue on our campus now than when I arrived here almost four years ago, but that dialogue has yet to create the changes we want.

OPINION

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February 15, 2017

TheWhite House: No Place For Business Interests

By MARGARITA ARTOGLOU MANAGING EDITOR

It is ridiculous that Ivanka Trump’s failing clothing line is constantly making the headlines.

I wish I could ignore it and focus on more important missteps on the part of the Trump administration.

But I cannot, because now it is an issue of ethics, and the White House has crossed a serious line.

First, the president tweeted a complaint about Nordstrom’s “unfair” treatment of Ivanka, as if her line has not been doing terribly in sales. However, I was not really too shocked about that kind of behavior from the president himself.

But Ivanka’s clothing line is apparently a topic of interest for other individuals on Trump’s staff.

Kellyanne Conway, Trump’s former campaign manager and current White House advisor, did an interview with Fox News in which she shouted out the brand and gave it a “free commercial,” as she called it.

“Go buy Ivanka’s stuff,” Conway told viewers.

This is not the first time the brand has made controversial headlines. Back in November, right after Trump won the election, Ivanka did an interview with “60 Minutes” in which she wore a bracelet from her own brand. The day after, her company sent out an email urging shoppers to buy the bracelet “as seen on 60 Minutes!” And after her Republican National Convention speech, during which she wore

a dress of her own creation, the company tweeted, “Shop Ivanka’s RNC look!”

“Saturday Night Live” poked fun at the administration’s preoccupation with the first daughter’s lifestyle brand and featured Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer, showing off his Ivanka Trump high heels and bracelet.

On the surface, the issue is frivolous and petty — and McCarthy’s take was hilarious.

But the incident becomes worrisome when one realizes that though there are a million things the president and his staff could be passionate about, but at the end of the day, Trump only really cares about his family and its personal gain.

Probably out of a desire to stay on his good side, Conway decided that she should make it a big deal too.

The part that bothers me the most is that no one seems to be getting in trouble for this — I guess the Trump administration is such a train wreck that this ethics infraction is but a drop in the bucket.

The “60 Minutes” incident was brushed off as a misstep as the company learned to deal with its founder and CEO making the transition from style icon to public servant.

When asked about Conway’s ethics violation, Spicer responded that she had been “counseled” on the issue.

But these instances point to a troubling trend of the first family prioritizing the lining of their

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Ivanka Trump’s clothing line should not be the main topic of interest for the 45th President of the United States.

pockets over public policy. I was convinced during the election that Trump’s run was a publicity ploy —and I still am.

He spent much of his campaign attacking mainstream media, and I believed he was poised to start his own media company at the end of the election — he even aired the third debate on Facebook Live as an alternative to “biased” media outlets, giving us a glimpse at what “Trump TV” might have looked like.

I remember thinking, “This is it. This is really why he is run-

ning—a new business endeavor.”

But then he won the presidency.

I do not believe Trump ever meant to win the White House, and now that his politics could be hurting his family’s business interests, he is outraged. And so he does the only thing he knows: he takes to Twitter to rant.

Again, this seems petty and childish — but what if our president is at the top of a slippery slope? Today, he tweets about the Ivanka Trump brand and Nordstrom; tomorrow, he might use

the State of the Union address to promote Trump Hotels.

Regardless of whether you are a Trump supporter or not, we must remember that our president was, and still is, first and foremost a businessman. We as citizens must stay informed to ensure that public service is Trump’s first priority, not making a profit.

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

Disagree with these opinions?

Have your own take?

Email us at fordhamramopinions@gmail.com!

Faustino Galante

Penn. State Crackdown On Nov. 12, 2014, West Virginia University freshman Nolan Burch was found unconscious after an initiation event for the school’s Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was quickly rushed to the hospital where his blood alcohol level was measured at .493 percent.

Two days later, Burch died of alcohol poisoning.

Since Burch was an alumnus of my high school in Buffalo, New York, his death specifically hits close to home.

In the wake of Burch’s tragic death, WVU suspended all Greek life on its campus and revoked Kappa Sigma’s charter.

Though many hoped that fraternities across the nation would clean up

their acts after the death of Nolan Burch, this was not the case. Since the incident, various other fraternity related catastrophes have occurred.

The most recent instance occurred just this past month.

On Feb. 2, Penn State student Timothy Piazza was found dead in the university’s Beta Theta Pi house.

Investigators claim that Piazza’s death was the result of an intoxicated fall down a basement stairwell at a fraternity party.

Speculations have surfaced over whether fraternity members are liable for his death. Not only have suppositions arisen that Piazza was hazed the night of his death, but even more unfortunate is the fact that an ambulance was not called to the scene until 12 hours after the student’s fall.

Penn State responded to Piazza’s death very aggressively. According to the school’s newspaper, the University has indefinitely suspended all Greek life activities, banned students from

visiting Greek homes, indefinitely forbidden all-alcohol related social activities and stipulated that no “Greeks” can be present anywhere where more than 15 Greek life members of the same chapter are present.

A debate has now arisen over whether the university’s actions were reasonable. Many believe that the administration’s “punish the innocent” mentality is unwarranted. According to many students, the absence of Greek life has shattered much of PSU’s social scene. Others, though, have come to the school’s defense stating that this aggressive response is necessary.

In truth, the administration’s response was merited. By cracking down, the university has managed to maintain their public image, acknowledge the tragic death of Timothy Piazza and help demonstrate a zero tolerance policy for future fraternity misconduct.

Upholding public image is one of

the main roles of a university’s administration. Over the years, PSU has not had an easy time doing so. Various humiliations, such as the Jerry Sandusky scandal, have tarnished Penn State’s reputation. A death such as Timothy Piazza’s has the potential to be detrimental to the university.

Without having taken proper action, it is possible that parents may have become weary of sending their kids to a “dangerous party school.”

The university could have lost its academic reputation simply for being associated with such a catastrophe.

Alumni may have also become reluctant to donate to the school if proper measures were not taken to clear up this situation. The school’s response to the tragedy helped spur positive damage control.

Timothy Piazza was a sophomore at the time of his death. His friends characterized him as a person who “just loved making people smile and be happy.” According to some investi-

gators, his death could have been prevented. In regards to Piazza’s remembrance, it seems reasonable for the university to demonstrate deep concern for the student’s death.

By holding Greek life on campus accountable, the university does just that.

Penn State University, in closing down all Greek life, sets a tone for future Greek activity.

The college has demonstrated to students that a zero tolerance policy will be enacted to any cases like Piazza’s. Going forward, one can only hope that after this tragedy, students at Penn State and across the United States, will be more cautious in their endeavors.

Hopefully, other colleges in America will learn from PSU and use aggressive measures to eliminate social wrongdoings such as the one which occurred last week.

February 15, 2017

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CULTURE

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February 15, 2017

The Fordham Ram

Learning From the TV We Love (or Hate)

By ERIN CABREY CULTURE EDITOR

Hannah, Marnie, Jessa and Shoshanna, the leading ladies of “Girls,” have returned to television screens this week for the final season of the oft-debated HBO series. Over its five seasons, “Girls” has been deeply dissected by critics and fans, giving it a reputation as a show one either loves or hates. As the show enters its sixth season, it provides an opportunity to take a look back at why the show has been simultaneously praised and chastised, and the effects this kind of television polarization has on audiences.

When “Girls” premiered in 2012, it quickly became one of the most buzzed-about shows on television.

The series, about four twenty-something women living in New York City as they navigate through the difficulties of friendship, romance and careers, was quick to earn accolades. The first season earned two Golden Globes: one for Best Television Series- Comedy or Musical, and the other for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical, awarded to Lena Dunham.

Critics and viewers were torn. The series’ honest portrayal of female friendship and post-college millennial confusion was something not previously explored on television.

The New York Times also called it “sexually frank,” creating realistic depictions of sex and redefining the female body. That being said, Dunham’s frequent onscreen nudity proved divisive for viewers. The show was also deeply criticized for its lack of inclusion, with four white women heading a show set in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

The show, while praised for its depiction of millennial feminism, was condemned for its lack of intersectionality, to the point that Dunham

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HBO’s Golden Globe-winning series “Girls,” a show whose frequent nudity and realistic depictions of sex have polarized audiences, returns for its final season this month.

admitted to Nylon that “I wouldn’t do another show that starred four white girls.”

“Girls,” therefore, has been polarizing for viewers. The show has launched countless think pieces, and its episode reviews are often indepth analyses. However, this polarization can affect television viewers in a number of ways. It can tear audiences, and perhaps even households, apart. Some may wait eagerly until the season premiere, participating in the “Girlsathon” on HBO. Others may see a naked female body or sex scene on their TV screens and quickly change the channel. Women of color could choose not to tune in at all because they are largely unrepresented in the “Girls” narrative.

For the many things that “Girls” has not done, there is one notable thing it has: created a dialogue. Since the show’s inception, critics and audiences have been discussing the importance of diversity and inclusion,

intersectional feminism, representation of the female body and millennial entitlement.

“Girls” is not the only show to prove divisive for audiences. The sitcom “Ellen” starring Ellen DeGeneres and running for five seasons from 1994-1998, received intense media exposure following its monumental fourth season episode entitled “The Puppy Episode” where the series’ main character, Ellen Morgan, came out as gay. The series lasted only one more season after this episode, with each fifth season episode prefaced by a Parental Advisory and receiving criticism for excluding viewers by focusing too heavily on the LGBT community. However, the show is lauded for paving the way for the representation of homosexuality on television and reducing prejudice toward the LGBT community.

The CBS sitcom “Maude,” starring Bea Arthur and airing from 1972 to 1978, chronicled the life of an out-

spoken liberal woman living in New York. It was the first primetime television show in which the leading character has an abortion. The twopart episode “Maude’s Dilemma”, airing two months before Roe v.

Wade and the legalization of abortion, featured Arthur’s 47-year-old character facing conflict when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant.

Not wanting to raise a child so late in their lives, she and her husband ultimately decide to not have the child. The Chicago Tribune called this episode “a watershed in TV history, an event that brought the battle over choice into the prime-time arena.”

While the show was one of the mostwatched during its run, this episode led to corporate sponsors refusing to buy commercial time during the shows airing and CBS receiving thousands of protest letters. While abortion remains a highly-debated issue today, the show contributed to an increased dialogue and opened

the door to further media depictions of abortion, such as in shows like “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” “Friday Night Lights” and “Parenthood.”

While “Girls” concludes in April, the long-term effects of its honest depiction of sex and the female body could perhaps be felt in future programming. Newer shows with similar themes, like “Broad City” and “Master of None,” which also call New York City home, avoided the mistakes regarding diversity made by its predecessor. Series come and go, but their successes and pitfalls often live on far after their time slots are filled. Television shows tackling controversial issues, exploring uncharted territory and often making mistakes can lead to polarization.

Criticism might be deserved or unmerited, but it does not change the fact that the shows that isolate audiences createw a dialogue about what exactly it is that makes audiences so

Review | Film

Silence Proves Scorsese Can Do No Wrong

By ELIZABETH SMISLOVA CULTURE EDITOR

As a person who loves to rewatch movies until I can practically recite them, saying I will never watch Martin Scorsese’s new masterpiece Silence again means a lot. However, I found it a deeply moving experience to watch, and I

believe everyone should do so as a duty to themselves and their relationship to any higher being they acknowledge.

I left the theater after watching the film mentally and almost physically exhausted—it is an almost three hour string of the most difficult trials imaginable. Scorsese created Silence as the culmination of

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Andrew Garfield gives a powerful perfomance as Fr. Rodrigues in Silence.

the sizable collection of renowned movies he has already directed.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by the Japanese author Shusaku Endo, and follows the journey of the Portuguese Jesuit priest Sebastian Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) through 17th century Japan. Rodrigues, along with fellow Jesuit Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver), enters the incredibly dangerous country that has outlawed Catholicism in search of their mentor Jesuit Father Cristóvão Ferreira (Liam Neeson). The two young priests heard rumors that their beloved Ferreira was lost in Japan, had denounced the faith and taken a Japanese wife; in disbelief of these speculations, they take it upon themselves to find him.

Needless to say, the two are not met with champagne and balloons in Japan. They do find, however, Japanese peasants who have been practicing their Catholic faith, albeit without a priest, in complete secrecy. The faith of these suppressed Catholics is astounding. As a Cath-

olic myself, and one who considers herself utterly in love with her faith, seeing the unbelievable risks they took to even hold a small handcarved cross was extremely moving.

The Japanese Inquisitor becomes the antagonist of the film, and one of the worst I have ever seen. He brutally punishes those who he finds practicing Catholicism and who will not step on a plaque of the Virgin Mary. These executions are savage, violent and are very hard to stomach. Saying Silence is an uncomfortable movie to watch would be an extreme understatement.

The film placed me in a situation, through Fr. Rodrigues, where literally everything I thought I knew to be true was placed in question. The title of the film refers to the silence of God in response to the most difficult questions imaginable—a lack of sound or acknowledgement so unbearable even the most devout of believers would undoubtedly begin to doubt. Silence challenges the idea of missions and the notion

that Catholicism can flourish everywhere and in everyone.

When the credits began and the lights of the theater came on and I realized my life was not in danger as a Catholic in Japan, I realized I really did not fully understand any of the three hour movie. It is very complicated and difficult, and definitely a film that should be talked and talked about with other people.

Probably the only remotely enjoyable part of Silence is the swoonworthy Andrew Garfield, despite the fact that he plays an intensely religious Jesuit priest.

I did not necessarily enjoy Silence, but it made me genuinely think about my faith and how grateful I am to attend a Catholic, even Jesuit, school that constantly celebrates the religion I love so much.

I never want to see Silence again, but I think every human person should see it. Everyone should see it and subsequently listen to the silence all around that, with reflection about the moving film, becomes louder than ever.

February 15, 2017

All On The Same Page

By BAILEY HOSFELT CULTURE EDITOR

In the wake of this election season, millions of Americans are turning to literature for a breath of fresh air amid tumultuous politics, putting their noses in a book as a temporary break from the news.

New York City is following suit and showing its democratic devotion to getting the entire city on the same page. As a result, New York has launched a new initiative, a city-wide book club of sorts, appropriately called “One Book, One New York.”

Drawing inspiration from previous one book, one city reading campaigns in Chicago, Philadelphia and Seattle, the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) formed an advisory panel comprised of public library heads, publishers and academics to choose potential books for the program.

By creating a panel to narrow the contenders, the MOME helped prevent detrimental splits from arising as they did when the city attempted a similar campaign in 2002, devoid of a concrete organizing committee.

But this year is not like 2002, seeing as the panel successfully boiled the list down to five finalists: “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao”

by Junot Diaz, “The Sellout” by Paul Beatty, “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”

by Betty Smith, “Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates and “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Each of the five finalists displays the author or main character grappling with what is difficult in the world around them. They showcase themes that are especially relevant in today’s society ranging from immigration to race relations in America.

To add some face recognition, video testimonials made in partnership with BuzzFeed feature celebrities from William H. Macy (“Shameless”) and Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black”) to Bebe Neuwirth (“Madame Secretary”), Giancarlo Esposito (“The Get Down”) and comedian Larry Wilmore, promoting their respective books of choice and the campaign altogether.

Between now and Feb. 28, the MOME encourages residents from

all five boroughs to choose their pick.

New Yorkers can cast their votes online or underground at one of many digital kiosks on subway platforms throughout the city.

Once the winner is announced on March 1, New Yorkers will have three months to read the book with six community-based reading events planned along the way. This is all in preparation for the culminating event in June, which will take place at the New York Public Library’s main branch and include an appearance from the winning book’s author.

Julie Menin, Commissioner of the MOME, said in a press statement at the launch of the campaign that, “‘One Book, One New York’ will help readers connect with one another while rediscovering their local libraries and the independent neighborhood bookstores.”

Considering Staten Island has just one independent bookstore and the Bronx has no bookstores to its name, this initiative comes with an important message to not only foster a sense of unity among New Yorkers, but also to reaffirm a widespread dedication to reading. After all, New York City is the place the “Big Five” publishing companies call home, the birthplace of bookstore chain Barnes & Noble and independent locales like Strand and Astoria Bookshop.

Menin hopes that the “One Book, One New York” campaign will help spark both economic and community development and inspire people to buy one, if not all five, of the books or visit their local public library branch.

According to The New York Times, the publishers of each finalist will donate a total of 4,000 copies of the books to over 200 library branches throughout the five boroughs.

Information about the city-wide initiative is everywhere from subway and bus ads to LinkNYC kiosks on the streets and Taxi TV. If the extensive advertising of “One Book, One New York” is a sign of anything, it is the amount of energy that has gone into ensuring that it is a success.

As NYPL President Tony Marx said, “The power of reading is on display everyday: the power to inform and to unite people, communities and indeed, whole cities.”

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New Yorkers vote on the book to read; for the time, one choice is by Junot Diaz.

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Playlistism | Meredith Nardino

Songs for a Stressful Winter If these last few weeks haven’t completely exhausted you, I envy you. We are in the middle of a complicated, stressful transition with dramatic and unexpected changes at every turn. Luckily, we have artists who understand this feeling of isolation and confusion well enough to transform it into something beautiful. When the world gets too overwhelming, sometimes you just need to climb into bed with a cup of tea, turn off your phone and turn up some music.

1. “I Will Follow You” – Toulouse Little is known about this New York-based singer and producer.

There is something so natural and earnest about the tone of this brilliantly reinvented cover. Toulouse transformed the campy 1960’s track into an affectionate and delicate expression of devotion. As the song builds, so does the emotion behind the lyrics; these are words sung so honestly, its nearly impossible not to believe them. Simple, spacious and soulful, “I Will Follow You” proves Toulouse is an artist worth watching.

2. “Every Little Thing” – Young the Giant Before they were selling out Radio City Music Hall, Young the Giant were little more than a young California band with a summertime acoustic sound. “Every Little Thing” perfectly demonstrates this breezy energy. The track can only

be found on the deluxe edition of their self-titled LP, but it quickly became a fan-favorite when featured in the band’s exquisite “In the Open” video series. Yet another strong performance from vocalist Sameer Gadhia, this track is as easy and airy as a day at the beach.

3. “California Daze” – Peace Listen to Peace once and it’s easy to think they are simply another independent English band heralded by the NME as being the future of music. But this song from 2012’s EP Delicious shows a respectable depth to the band’s originality. In the same vein of bands like Swim Deep and Superfood, Peace specializes in bridging the gap between psychedelic rock and indie-pop. The band’s melodic tributes to 90’s Britpop are obvious without being too cliché.

4. “All Is Now Harmed” – Ben Howard In 2014, singer-songwriter Ben Howard released an album so subtly stunning that it almost completely flew under the radar. Howard’s debut LP earned him a Mercury Prize nomination and two BRIT Awards, but his sophomore work is truly a masterpiece. “All Is Now Harmed” is equal parts reflective and restless, painful and poetic. It may be considered too dark to get major radio play, unlike Howard’s earlier works, but the track is the definition of emotional catharsis. Intensity and delicacy are two of Howard’s artistic specialties, each complementing the

other in this slow-burning single.

5. “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” – U2 This is one of the most special songs from one of the most special albums in U2’s discography. If you’re in need of some low-maintenance self-care, All That You Can’t Leave Behind should be the first record you put on. This particular single peaked at #2 in 2001, marking a critical return to the band’s original vision.

Though each song on this album was constructed with creative care, “Stuck in a Moment” is a true testament to Bono’s prophetic lyrical power. There are songs with emotional weight, and then there are songs like this – so intimate and salient it feels like it’s being sung directly to you.

6. “Lostmyhead” – The 1975 Potentially one of the most introspective of the U.K. band’s repertoire, “Lostmyhead” is as relaxing as it is heartbreaking. There is something so powerful in the simplicity of this song. The lack of lyrical complexity showcases the band’s affinity for stadium-sized symphony.

Though it was intended to be an extension of the song “Facedown” from an early EP, the track stands alone as an experiment in reach and resonance. Stepping away from his typically outrageous persona, “Lostmyhead” allows singer Matty Healy to embrace a more honest artistry in these five minutes of self-reflection.

Editor’s Pick | Film

Dive Into Documentaries

By ELIZABETH DOTY COPY CHIEF

As we are currently living through what film and television aficionados have come to dub the “Golden Age of Television,” it is easy to become wrapped up in six to eight seasons of 15 hour-long episodes. Yet, I am writing here to make a case for a genre that I believe has been thriving, despite a serious neglect by the film and television community.

While you will not be able to delve deep into the psyche of a master politician or high school chemistry teacher-turned-meth cook, documentaries provide a glimpse into the window of the lives of real people, events and cultures. Documentaries provide a return from caricatures created

by Hollywood back to some of the more mundane, un-sexy if you will, basics of our society.

Aside from ‘mainstream’ documentaries such as Making a Murder, Blackfish, Amanda Knox and Super-Size Me, I have a few I think are worth watching: The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young (2009) This documentary takes you deep into Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg Tennessee, and follows contestants through their struggle to compete in and finish a 100-mile course with a 54,200 feet vertical climb. The course was designed by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, a runner himself, in 1986 and is a trek through the wilderness of Tennesee, even at one point

taking contestants underneath the infamous Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (location of the 1977 escape of James Earl Ray Dr. MLK Jr.’s assassin). Since its inaugural year, only 17 participants have ever finished, and some years no one finished.

If you ever wondered just how far the human body can be pushed, this documentary is for you.

Into the Inferno (2016) For the geologist, I would recommend checking out Into the Inferno, a film directed by Werner Herzog which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival back in September and was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The film takes viewers exploring active volcanoes with volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer and Herzog as they travel to Indonesia, Ethiopia, Iceland and North Korea. It’s the unique blend of cinematography, science and journalism that brings out the adrenaline- junkie in all who watch, while also emphasizing the pure beauty of nature. It is without a doubt a well-orchestrated symphony of not only explosions, but also the intense cultures which shrouds each volcano.

The Short Game (2013) Produced by Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, and directed by Josh Greenbaum, this documentary follows eight fierce child competitors from around the world as they face the 2012 U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. The film traces the athletes’ training six months prior to the big day until they finally reach the coveted green

at Pinehurst, NC. From the struggles of parents who only want the best for their kids to tournament day challenges that each kid faces, this film demonstrates the power of practice and hard work when it comes to sports (or anything in life, really). I would go so far as to say this is definitely a hole-in-one you do not want to miss.

Iris (2015) The final film I recommend to you is the very fashion forward, individualistic Iris. Albert Maysles strikes again with another beautiful documentary (see Grey Gardens) focused on the eccentric fashion icon Iris Apfel. Apfel is notorious for her unusual shopping strategy which entails anything from roaming into an African clothing store in Harlem to vintage shops up and down the East Coast. Known best for her extra-large and extremely round bifocals, Iris and her style have even graced the window display installation at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris this past spring. Regardless of whether or not you love fashion, this documentary highlights the genius of a woman who has refused to live her life any other way than her own.

Thus, before you get deeply lost in a Netflix series over spring break, assuming you are not on a beach somewhere, I recommend you browse through the documentary section and check some of these films out. For while we may need an escape from reality every now and then, it may also be worth taking the time to escape into the world that is all around us.

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Ewe Sorosis | Katie Quinlisk

Who’s That Kid? | It’s Madison Shyer FCRH ’20

Sister McGeady Follow columnist Katie Quinlisk as she sheds light on Fordham’s female history, one woman’s experience at a time.

In September of 1990, Fordham graduate and Daughter of Charity of Saint Vincent DePaul, Sister Mary Rose McGeady was made captain of a swiftly sinking ship. Sr. McGeady was appointed president of Covenant House, the U.S.’s largest shelter network for homeless youth, in the wake of scandal and consequential financial disaster.

Earlier that year, Covenant House’s charismatic Founder and President, Reverend Bruce Ritter, was accused of sexual assault by several young men who reached out to the organization for aid in their youth. These accusations, combined with rumors of financial impropriety, resulted in Ritter’s resignation in February of 1990.

The New York-based organization, founded in the Lower East Side, had once received an average of $80 million in donations annually, and aided nearly 30,000 youths in 11 cities across America. However, in the dark hours of Rev. Ritter’s resignation, Covenant House was $38 million in debt. Its annual income was halved and the organization was forced to begin closing its outreach centers and cutting services.

Covenant House needed a President who donors and young people could trust. Sr. McGeady was just the woman, armed with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Fordham University, 40 years of experience with children and teens, the no-nonsense attitude of a CEO and a dedication to homeless youths that would later earn her the nickname, “Mother Theresa of the streets.”

Sr. McGeady was born in 1928 into an Irish Catholic family from Hazletown, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Washington, D.C., where she attended Immaculate Conception Academy, a high school operated by the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul, the same order of sisters she would later join in 1946 when she was just 18 years old.

Sr. McGeady’s work with children began at St. Ann’s Infant Asylum, where she first engaged with impoverished and homeless youths. After joining the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent De Paul, Sr. McGeady attended Boston’s Emmanuel College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology. She then graduated from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in 1961.

Before her role as President of Covenant House, Sr. McGeady served as the executive director of Nazareth Child Care Center for Homeless Children in Boston as well as the executive director of Rhinebeck, New York’s Astor Home for Children.

At the time of her appointment as

February 15, 2017

president of Covenant House, Sr. McGeady was serving as the associate director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

When Sr. McGeady arrived at Covenant House in the fall of 1990, she was tasked with confronting the organization’s lethal public relations problem. Under the leadership of Rev. Ritter, the organization exposed vulnerable young people to the dangers itclaimed to protect them from. Covenant House had lost public trust.

Sr. McGeady attacked this problem with stringent new transparency measures. She formalized the rules of child-volunteer relationships and promised donors honest, detailed records of the organization’s spending.

Her honest efforts were met with success. During Sr. McGready’s 13 years as Covenant House’s president, the organization opened new crisis centers, established a 24-hour hotline, improved its street outreach tactics, developed long-term residential programs for homeless youths and worked with legislators to create jobtraining opportunities and child care resources for teen mothers.

When Sr. McGready retired in 2003, Covenant House’s annual donations had reached an average of $130 million, and the organization was able to provide service in 26 cities and six countries to over 50,000 young people annually affected by issues like drugs, homelessness, poverty, sexual abuse and abandonment.

Kevin Ryan, Covenant House’s current president, described Sr. McGready as “a holy tornado of determination and compassion.”

“She lived and died every day with the successes and failures of our kids and she saw God in the tired faces of the kids who walked through the open doors of Covenant House,” said Ryan.

Sr. McGready died in 2012 at 84 years old in her order’s retirement home in Albany, New York with a legacy still very much alive. Covenant House continues to serve thousands of children and teens in the United States, Canada and Central America.

As Sr. McGready once said, “We never finish. It’s amazing how many kids there are.” Sr. McGready’s work secured the Covenant House’s future and gave the organization the honesty and longevity it needs to continue to serve those kids.

Sr. McGready’s life captures the very essence of the Fordham spirit.

She lived her life for others with the simultaneous intensity of a CEO. Cardinal John O’Connor observed this quintessentially Fordham ability in her disposition: “Even when she smiles, which is often, it’s a bright and warm smile. But it turns up ever so slightly at one end, as if to say, ‘I’m a very friendly lady, but don’t try to push me around.’”

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Fordham graduate Sr. McGready was president of Covenant House.

From the One Star to the Big Apple

By BRIANA SCALIA OPINION EDITOR

Every freshman experiences their own transition phase when starting college. All students are in a similar position, struggling to find their niche, to find friends and to become acquainted with their new room. However, some students are in a more difficult position than others. A great deal of Fordham students are from the tri-state area, so they are already used to the experiences of New York City.

Madison Shyer, FCRH ’20, is not one of those students. Shyer, a neuroscience major from Houston, Texas, had only been to the city three or four times before she began her visits to Fordham University. She was not completely clueless about the East Coast, but she recognized she had more than a few things to learn about living in New York.

Though unsure, Shyer was still enthusiastic about attending Fordham College at Rose Hill. “I really liked the fact that the Rose Hill campus still had the campus feel to it while still being close to the city,” she explained. Still, Shyer can recall how jarring the transition of moving from the South to the Northeast was during her first few months on campus. She was teased every now and then about her accent and was also slightly caught off guard with the season of autumn. “The fact that I was wearing a sweatshirt in September? Yeah, that was odd.”

She also expresses that she was surprised about her peers’ attire. In Texas, students would usually opt for function over fashion, wearing over-sized shirts or athletic shorts. Compared to Fordham students, Shyer felt underdressed.

“A couple of my hallmates came

COURTESY OF MADISON SHYER

FCRH Freshman hits her stride in the Women in STEM program.

into my room in October and sat me down for an intervention. They were concerned that I didn’t have enough clothes.”

Not all of the adjustments were drastic though. Shyer appreciates that New York experiences all four seasons and is thankful for how accessible public transportation is here versus in her home state. She also felt liberated after moving away from home, stating that she was grateful to have her own schedule. One thing Shyer was a bit confused about was how little knowledge native New Yorkers had about the rest of the country. “A lot of people who have grown up in the area have lived here their whole life and don’t really know anything about the rest of the United States. Moving to New York, I suppose I was hoping for a little more culture,” said Shyer.

Shyer has not given up on her adventures though, and strives to meet new, diverse people every day.

Even while maintaining classes fit for a neuroscience major, Shyer has

time to be heavily involved in campus life. Shyer is Secretary of Women in STEM, which she has been interested in since the start of her freshman year. She is also in the Integrative Neuroscience Student Association, University Choir, Autism Speaks U and is on the novice Women’s Rowing team.

Her advice to other freshmen? “I would highly recommend getting involved, it definitely opens up a lot of avenues for meeting people and figuring out a balance between academics, health and social life.” Though she is still a born and raised Texan, Madison is becoming more familiar with living in New York. She recognizes how different her hometown is from New York City, but can appreciate their differences, and has learned to value each city for its own worth. “I really enjoy living up here. I appreciate the fact that it’s almost like I have two different worlds to live in that are totally separate and I’m very glad that I now feel like I’m in the right place.”

New York is My Campus Stay out of the cold this February with these four museum exhibits throughout the city.

Exhibitionism- The Rolling Stones Industria, 775 Washington St. West Village This exhibition tells the story of The Rolling Stones and chronicles their formation up to their rise to become a cornerstone of rock n roll, containing over 500 original Rolling Stones items.

Tickets are $30 for the exhibit which features fashion from designers such as Gucci and Prada spanning back to the 1960s. Filled with videos and immersive displays throughout, exhibitionism culminates in a 3D concert that is not to be missed.

Raymond Pettibon: A Pen of All Work The New Museum, 235 Bowery Featuring more than 800 drawings spanning from the 1960s to the present, this exhibit covers three floors of the New Museum. The exhibit combines image and text, along with videos and previously-published zines and books to chronicle the history and culture of America. Students can purchase discounted tickets for $12 for the exhibit which runs until April 9.

Night Fever: New York Disco 1977–1979, The Bill Bernstein Photographs The Museum of Sex, 233 Fifth Avenue (@ 27th Street) Night Fever features 40 photographs spanning 1977-1979 from Bill Bernstein and also includes video interviews from the disco era. The works express the “radical multiculturalism” of the New York’s disco clubs of the late 1970s by exploring these clubs as arenas for interaction between different races, ages and sexual orientation. Be quick – the exhibit ends on Feb. 19.

A Year of Yes: Reimagining Feminism Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn Feminist art is the focus of this collection of 10 exhibits and public programs, that features the works of such artists as Georgia O’Keeffe and Marilyn Minter. A Year of Yes, which runs until early 2018, is a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art. Don’t hesitate to say yes to this showcase, as it examines the next steps for the feminist movement and the future of equality and intersectionality.

February 15, 2017

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THE RAM-ANTIC

February 15, 2017

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“Let all that you do be done with Love.”

-Corinthians 16:14

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SPORTS

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Women’s Tennis Takes Two in a Row

By ALVIN HALIMWIDJAYA ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

After losing their first team match to Drexel, Fordham women’s tennis rebounded with two wins this week, beating Rutgers 4-3 and the New Jersey Institute of Technology 6-1. Both games were on the road, with the Rams traveling to Piscataway on Friday, Feb. 10 and Newark on Saturday, Feb. 11.

After losing to Drexel, Fordham started off poorly on Friday, dropping the first two doubles sets. Sophomore Carina Ma and junior Estelle Wong lost to Chloe Lee and Ksenija Tihomirova 6-1, while freshman Maia Balce and sophomore Gianna Insogna fell to Katherine Muzik and Mingxiu Du 6-2. Though they ended up losing the doubles point, Fordham managed to win the last set, with senior Mayu Sato and sophomore Alexis Zobeideh pulling out a win over Jacqueline Cochrane and Farris Cunningham 7-6 and giving the Rams momentum going into their singles matches.

When asked about Fordham’s subpar doubles play, head coach Bette-Ann Liguori said, “We have a lot to work on in our doubles play, so we know that our singles have to be spot on to make up the difference. They know that they have to let the doubles point go and move forward to take the singles.”

In line with Liguori’s sentiment, Fordham managed to turn their luck around during singles play. Ma was the first to shift momentum, defeating Mingxiu Du 6-1, 6-2, and Fordham proceeded to rattle off three more wins afterwards. Balce bounced back from her poor first set to beat Chloe Lee 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, while Sato mounted an even more impressive comeback, winning against Jacqueline Cochrane 0-6, 6-4, 6-3. Senior Destiny Grunin provided their last singles win, defeating Farris Cunningham 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. Wong dropped her match to Ksenija Tihomirova 6-4, 6-1, and Insogna fell to Katherine Muzik 6-4, 0-6, 7-5, but Fordham had done enough to pull out a win

over Rutgers.

The next day, Fordham traveled to face NJIT and built on their success by taking the doubles point. The duo of Ma and Wong beat Rafaella Sampaio and Mayan Eltony 6-4, while the tandem of Sato and Zobeideh won against Natacha Minc and Natalija Tasovac 6-3. Balce and Insogna took the only loss in doubles play, falling to Nathalie Habegger and Alba Rosas Garcia 6-3.

Fordham continued to dominate NJIT, winning five of six matches in singles play. Ma defeated Rafaella Sampaio 6-4, 6-1, while Wong pulled out a three-set victory over Mayan Eltony 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. Balce defeated Nathalie Habegger 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, and Sato managed to beat Alba Rosas Garcia 7-5, 6-4. Grunin completed the blowout with a win over Natalija Tasovac 6-1, 6-1, and Insogna fell to Natacha Minc 6-3, 7-5 in Fordham’s only loss in singles play on Saturday.

Coach Liguori knew that the Rams had what it took for this statement win. “As a player and as a team, we take each point at a time. We focus on our matches individually and must have tunnel vision in order to succeed.

We knew that we could dominate against NJIT because Rutgers played them and beat them 6-1, and we beat Rutgers.”

Liguori was pleased with the team’s overall performance throughout the week, stating that “the first two wins were tremendous for our confidence. We had to rebound after our loss to Drexel, which was a bad loss for us.

Our win against a Big Ten team made us believe in our potential.

I’m a big believer in momentum, and our goal is to peak as team players by April, when we start our A-10 matches. As a team, we are in a better place this early in the season, which is a plus.”

The Rams return to action on Friday, Feb. 17 as they play Hofstra at Life Time Athletic in their first home game of the season.

Busy Weekend for Fordham Track

By TOM TERZULLI ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

It was a busy weekend for the Fordham track team. They competed in two meets in two different boroughs of New York City. The relay teams took home three top five finishes at the Millrose Games in Manhattan on Saturday, while their teammates took part in Staten Island’s Fast Track Invitational the day before.

Freshman Gabriella Gavalas granted the Fordham women their only top 10 finishes at the OBP Track & Field Complex. A season best 5.24m performance in the long jump was good for fifth and 11.02m in the triple jump was 10th best. “My goals when I go to meets are to make it to finals and get those extra jumps in for a workout, but also to try to get a personal best even if the field is strong to make finals,” she said.

On the track, sophomore Aidan Moroz finished 21st in the 400m, with a season best time of 59.66. Fellow sophomore Leah Hickey (32nd - 1:01.37) and freshman Gabrielle Schrieb (36th – 1:02.33) followed.

Junior Laura Jaeger was the lone Ram representative in the 200m. Her season best 26.44 placed her in 48th.

Comparatively, seven Fordham runners finished the mile, led by a season best from freshman Sydney Snow. The Holliston, Massachusetts native captured 38th with a time of 5:02.91. Sophomore Angelina Grebe (42nd – 5:06.90) (season best) and Senior Shanna Heaney (49th – 5:12.49) joined Snow in the top 50. Meanwhile, sophomores Laurel Fisher (55th – 5:15.68) (season best),` Abigail Taylor (58th – 5:19.28), senior Josephine Jacob-Dolan (61st – 5:21.56), and sophomore Blake Elwood (62nd – 5:25.92) rounded out the Fordham contingent.

Finally, in the longest race of the day, Isabel Huelskamp paced the 3000m, finishing 42nd in a time of 10:45.20. She was trailed by senior Brianne Roche (10:57.29) and sophomore Kieran Hanrahan (10:58.85), who finished 45th and 46th respectively.

On the men’s side, Ryan Riviere kept the theme of field event success going. The junior was eighth in the pole vault, climbing to a season best

STAFF WRITER

SAM JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM

RAM ARCHIVES

Fordham exclelled in two meets over the busy weekend.

4.30m.

Also on tap for the Rams, junior Nik O’Brien was 30th best in the 3000m with a season best time of 8:40.14. Freshman Ryan Kutch and senior Jake Duckworth were also each in the top 30. Kutch captured 28th and Duckworth 30th in the mile, posting times of 4:18.28 and 4:18.92 respectively.

In the 400 meter run, senior Peter Strom ended up 43rd in 54.29.

Freshman Jeremy Milite was one spot behind (56.87).

While the mile was the most populated race for the women, the 800m held the biggest crowd on the men’s side. Sophomore Sean Phillips topped the nine Fordham participants, finishing 24th in a season best time of 1:56.22. Another season best from junior Fritz Heinrich (41st – 1:57.59) and a 44th place finish for senior Devin Rocks (1:57.92) rounded out the top 50. Freshman Sean Sullivan (51st – 1:59.35), sophomore Patrick Dineen (53rd – 1:59.70), freshman Matthew Roma (59th – 2:00.81), senior Ryan McGann (61st – 2:02.49), junior Michael Campbell (62nd – 2:02.58) and freshman Jordan Milite (63rd – 2:03.01) were the other finishers.

With all the individual races and field events out of the way, the relay teams took center stage on Saturday. Three quartets competed in the prestigious Millrose games, looking to show what they could do against track’s best. With all three finishing in

the top five, they sure did not disappoint.

Sophomore Jared Benn, freshman Michael Petersen, junior Louis Santelli and freshman Richard Webber took home the 4x400 championship, posting a season best time of 3:18.09.

Benn and Santelli joined juniors Brian Cook and Thomas Slattery to finish second in the distance medley.

Their 9:47.61 time was just .33 seconds shy of top finisher Penn, and also ranks among the top 25 best times in the country for the event.

It was quite the day for Santelli.

The Huntington native pulled double duty on both successful squads, going on to carve out a day he will never forget. “This meet is one of my favorites of the year and possibly even all time at Fordham. “There’s no environment quite like the Millrose games,” he said “Throughout the entire race we had at least 20 Fordham alumni cheering us on. It was an incredible experience to run there on a team with so much history in the sport...and to come back from a nail biter 2nd place in the DMR and win the 4x4 was even sweeter.”

Finally, the lone women’s squad of sophomore Nkeka Pinheiro, junior Merissa Wright, sophomore Mary Kate Kenny and sophomore Aidan Moroz captured 5th in the 4x400.

Their time of 3:54.31 was good for a season best.

The A-10 Championships in Fairfax, Virginia are up next for the Rams.

Races begin on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Men’s Tennis Dumps La Salle

By ALEXANDRIA SEDLAK

The Rams rebounded from a loss against Drexel with a pair of wins.

Feburary 15, 2017

For the second week in a row, the Fordham men’s tennis team won their match over the weekend with a final score of 6-1. They played La Salle University on Saturday, Feb11 at Life Time Athletic in Harrison, Fordham’s home courts. It was another successful weekend for the Rams, which will propel them forward for the rest of the season.

Fordham had tough doubles matches to play, with all the scores being close. The team was able to push through and win two doubles matches, halting the third doubles match, and giving the Rams the sole doubles point. Senior Tomas Cosmai and freshman Allen Thornes won their set 7-5 against La Salle’s Francesco Mowrey and Tomas Christian. Junior Joseph Kavaloski and freshman Steven Duka also won their set 7-5, playing La Salle’s Patrick Pascual and Braden Ward. The final

doubles match, which was halted at a score of 5-6, was played by sophomore Victor Li and freshman Jeremy Chung against La Salle’s Joe DiOrio and Brian Bolico.

The Rams won five out of the six singles matches, giving them a total score of 6-1 against La Salle. Senior Cosmai played in the first singles spot, coming out on top in his match with an extremely close score of 7-5, 7-6 (4) against La Salle’s Francesco Mowrey. The second singles position was played by sophomore Li, who won his match with a score of 6-0, 6-3. freshman Fabian Mauritzson won his match 6-4, 6-1 against La Salle’s Joe DiOrio in the third singles position.

Freshman Chung had a rough match against La Salle’s Tomas Christian in the fourth singles position. Chung fought hard, splitting sets, but ultimately dropped the match 1-6, 6-3, 6 (5)-7. Freshman Thornes won in the fifth singles spot against La Salle’s Patrick Pascual with a score of 6-2, 6-4, and junior Kavaloski secured the

sixth singles position, winning with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (5).

Overall, this weekend was a great success for men’s tennis. There were some long, difficult matches, but the Rams brought the level of their game up and gave it their all, allowing them to capture a win with a seemingly breezy score. However, there was much passion and determination behind that score. This victory couldn’t have been achieved without the commitment and support of each and every one of the players on the team.

The Rams have a busy schedule for Presidents’ Day weekend coming up. On Friday, Feb17, they will be travelling to Fairfield, Connecticut to play against Sacred Heart University.

Then they will be back at their home courts, Life Time Athletic in Harrison, for Sunday, Feb19. They have a match against Marist College at two in the afternoon, and a final match against Wagner College at seven at night.

SPORTS

February 15, 2017

Page 19

Softball Starts Out Hot in Arizona, Goes 4-1

By JONAH HASKELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I have been told that the ball travels well in the warm, dry weather of Arizona. I imagine Fordham Softball would agree. The Rams went 4-1 at the Hillenbrand Invitational in Tucson, Arizona over the weekend, using a combination of strong pitching and power at the plate to get off to their best start since 2013, when they also went 4-1 to open the season.

Fordham began its long weekend in the Southwest with a double header on Thursday against Baylor and Arizona. Lauren Quense was the star of the first game against #21 Baylor, which the Rams won, 1-0, behind a complete game shutout from the senior pitcher. She allowed seven baserunners on five hits, a walk and a hit batter, while striking out four. The biggest threat against Quense came in the third, when Baylor RF Kyla Walker bunted to advance the runners to second and third with two outs, but the Rams’ starter was not fazed, as she struck out Ari Hawkins to put an end to the threat.

The sole run of the game came in the fifth, when Fordham 2B Jessica Hughes launched a solo shot out to left-center. The Baylor Bears were unable to get that run back against a dominant Quense, who had a 1-2-3 seventh to end the game.

The Rams’ second game of the day did not go as well, as they fell, 8-1, to #10 ranked Arizona, who was hosting the tournament.

Freshman Madison Auginbaugh

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Lauren Quense was stellar out at Arizona, winning all three of her starts and earning A-10 Pitcher of the Week.

got the start for Fordham and received a rough introduction to college ball, as she was shelled for six runs (five earned) in three innings. Fordham got on the board first, courtesy of an RBI single by CF Sydney Canessa to score Amy Van Hoven in the top of the first.

But Arizona responded in the bottom of the inning when Alyssa Palomino’s RBI single that would have just tied the score, developed into a three-run debacle as both RF Chelsea Skrepenak and catcher Ally Vergona made errors on the play, allowing Palomino to come all the way around and score.

And that would be the game, as Arizona added three more runs off of Auginbaugh before she gave way to fellow freshman Taylor Stocks.

Stocks pitched well to end the game, allowing just one earned run (one unearned as well) in three innings while striking out three.

After a 1-1 Thursday, the Rams had only one game on Friday, as they staved off a late comeback to defeat Tulsa, 7-6. Fordham jumped out to an early lead when Jessica Hughes hit her second home run in as many days, this time a two-run shot over the leftcenterfield wall. The Rams tacked on two more by the fifth to take a 4-0 lead. Meanwhile, Lauren Quense, who was named Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week this week, was dealing, having not allowed a run over the first four innings.

But in the fifth, Tulsa RF Julia Hollingsworth homered with two

on to make it a one-run game.

Fordham came right back in the sixth when freshman Skylar Johnston hit her first career homerun, a two-run shot. The Rams added one more run to take a 7-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh.

But Tulsa rallied to knock Quense out of the game with a home run, and made it a one-run game when Sarah Kosmata came through with a two-run, pinch-hit single. Finally, Madison Auginbaugh was able to get a groundball to end the game and give Fordham a tight win.

Coach Orchard’s squad was back on the diamond Saturday for another doubleheader, this time against California State University, Northbridge (CSUN) and Northwestern. Madison Shaw was

the hero in the first game, against CSUN. With the game tied, 3-3 (thanks to a home run by Sydney Canessa) in the bottom of the seventh, Shaw connected for a walkoff, solo homer. Madison Auginbaugh, who started on the mound, also had a great game, allowing just three runs and striking out five as she pitched her first ever complete game.

Quense may have felt the need to show the freshman who was boss, as she came out Fordham’s next game, against Northwestern, and turned in a gem of a start, just slightly better than Auginbaugh’s.

The senior tossed a complete game, allowing three runs and striking out seven as Fordham won their fourth game of the weekend, 4-3. Quense also took the lead at the plate, hitting a two-run single in the third that provided the final margin of victory for the Rams.

The 4-1 record from Arizona is an impressive one, and the Rams have received votes in the first edition of the USA Today/NFCA poll that put them at around 30th in the nation. Things look good for the Rams going forward, as it appears that Quense may be able to step into the role of dominant starter left open by Rachel Gillen’s departure, and that Auginbough or Stocks could be very capable deputies.

The Rams are next in action on Friday, when they take on Bryant University as the first part of a doubleheader. That will take place in Greenville, North Carolina, where the Rams will be all weekend for the Pirate Clash tournament.

Summer Session 2017

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Or choose from more than 200 available courses!

Session I: May 30–June 29 Session II: July 5–August 8

Learn more at fordham.edu/summer eeo

Page 20

Brendan O’Connell Retooling After a Championship Last week, everyone rightly took the time to pause and appreciate the greatness and dominance of the New England Patriots, their legendary quarterback and coach and their historic comeback in Super Bowl LI to capture their fifth title in 17 years.

Now, with the shock subsiding and the championship parade through chilly, drizzly Boston behind the team and their fans, reality is beginning to settle back in and the offseason presents new challenges.

With a Super Bowl ring for each finger on one hand, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady are widely regarded as the greatest to ever do what they do. In their time in Foxborough, the two have rewritten the NFL record books, individually and together. Nevertheless, the two are aging, and likely nearing the end of their careers.

When the Patriots raise another banner at the start of next season, Belichick will be 65 years old and Brady will be 40.

In the week leading up to Super Bowl LI, news broke that Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick have a mutual, confidential knowledge of when Belichick, the second-oldest coach in the league plans to retire. This will likely be before he reaches the age of 70, based on previous rhetoric from The Hoodie.

Brady, easily the oldest quarterback in the NFL today, has already reversed the downward trend associated with aging and outperformed expectations as of late, but Father Time is notoriously undefeated. Perhaps avocado ice cream and recovery sleepwear will make Brady different from the rest, but very few have been able to withstand the wear and tear of decades of play at football’s highest level over the age of 40.

Even if BB and TB can continue to excel at their advanced ages, this year’s free agency class includes several key Patriots who could be donning different uniforms next year.

Elite linebacker and Super Bowl hero Dont’a Hightower, top-end tight end Martellus Bennett, cornerback and team-leading tackler Logan Ryan, running back and league-leader in touchdowns LeGarrette Blount, defensive end Jabaal Sheard, defensive tackle Alan Branch and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, among others, are headed for the open market, while legendary cornerback Malcolm Butler is a restricted free agent. The Patriots must choose some of these players to re-sign, considering they were significant pieces to this past season’s championship puzzle.

Finally, back-up quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and despite only garnering limited playing time — he has started just two games — Garoppolo has received plenty of hype and attention. The Patriots have a chance to trade the 25 year-old and receive high-end draft picks in return, or keep the budding young player as a security policy against a Brady injury or rapid decline, while risking the chance of losing him for nothing in free agency after the 2017-18 season.

As New England commences its “Blitz for Six” next season behind two all-time greats, they will likely have some holes to fill and newcomers to integrate during their quest for a second edition of three Lombardi Trophies in a four-year span.

SPORTS

Senior Profile|Hannah Missry

By SAM BELDEN STAFF WRITER

Fordham’s senior guard Hannah Missry is one of the most experienced players in the Atlantic 10. Through Tuesday’s game at Davidson, the New Jersey native has started 117 games for head coach Stephanie Gaitley and holds the school record for three-point field goals with a whopping 296. Missry is also an academic star — she finished her B.A. in Communication & Media Studies in just three years and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Media Management.

After one conference title, 1096 points and 3641 minutes played as a Fordham Ram, Missry has just a few weeks remaining in her collegiate career. This week, she sat down with The Fordham Ram to talk basketball, academics and life after Fordham.

The Fordham Ram: Tell me a bit about your recruiting process. What ultimately made you choose Fordham?

Hannah Missry: It was a while ago! I was a junior in high school at the time. Coach Gaitley was originally at Monmouth University, and she was recruiting me there. I’m from Jersey, and [the idea] was just very attractive, playing at Monmouth. It’s a beautiful school. Then she ended up leaving and came here, but she didn’t recruit me right away, so I kept my options open. Once she offered me in March of my junior year, I committed right on the spot. The first time I visited Fordham, I knew I wanted to go here — it’s just so beautiful. And I loved Coach, obviously, and I’m close to home.

TFR: Since that time, how has your experience been transitioning into one of the team leaders?

HM: It was tough. Just coming in as a freshman and starting, I have a lot of experience. I can look back to our A-10 Championship from freshman year and draw on that. Just having that experience definitely helped [my leadership skills].

TFR: You’ve started for Coach Gaitley for four years now. What changes to the program have you seen during that time?

HM: There’s been a lot of changes, whether it be different types of players, different coaches. We’ve changed our style of play a couple of times — we were more guard-oriented my freshman year and last year we were more post player-oriented. So there have been a lot of changes, but it was still a lot of fun.

TFR: What has been the most unexpected thing about your senior season?

HM: Coming into the year, we had one post player. It was a lot of, what’s going to happen? How are we going to play these teams that have multiple 6’5” post players? But we adjusted and have played really well. We have a lot of rebounders. [Forward] G’mrice [Davis] has obviously taken over that role, but we’ve all had to step in and do things to make up for our lack of post players, so it’s been interesting to see how successful we’ve been.

TFR: The team is doing well this year, but has been streaky — you lost four straight games at one point. Now that you’ve won a few in a row, how are you feeling as we head down the stretch?

HM: I feel better than I did [before] now that we got those losses out of the way. We went on a 6-0 run [to start conference play] and we got very confident and almost complacent in a way.

But then, once we lost four in a row, we had to reset. I think that we learned from it and we’re really starting to grow. We needed it. As bad as it sounds, we needed something to help push us forward.

TFR: You hold the school record for most three-point field goals and are second in free throw percentage. What’s your shooting secret?

HM: Shoot a lot. Coach always tells me, “Just keep shooting!” and I listen to her. I have the green light. As for foul shooting, it’s all mental. It’s the easiest thing you can do, you just have to believe it’s going to go in. It’s always been the strongest part of my game. In high school, I used to drive to the basket a lot because I was a lot bigger than a lot of girls, but now I’m probably one of the smallest girls out there. It’s better behind the three-point line — I don’t go inside. [Laughs.]

TFR: You went to the NCAA Tournament when you were a freshman. Describe what that experience was like.

HM: It was so much fun. It was my freshman year, so I didn’t really get a chance to really savor it — I was like, “We’re gonna go every year!” But it was so fun to go to the tournament, because that’s what everyone’s goal is.

That’s why you play college basketball. It was such a cool experience to play at Baylor, to see all the different teams and how they treated us. It was a lot of fun.

TFR: I know you got your B.A. in just three years. Tell me a little about your academic experience at Fordham.

HM: Coming in, I had to take two summer classes, so I was already kind of ahead. In the back of my mind, I was doubling up on

Febraury 15, 2017

Peter Valentino Dysfunction in Miami

COURTESY OF HANNAH MISSRY

credits, doubling up on classes, and I was like, “I’m going to have an easy senior year! I’m going to take all my hard classes, get them out of the way!” [Laughs]. But then, last spring I go to register and my academic advisor told me that I need seven classes to graduate [early] and asked me if I want to do it. I said, “Absolutely,” and it was a challenge — it was tough. I took five classes a semester, maximum credit hours. But it was so worth it. I worked really hard, and basketball taught me time management, so one went with the other.

TFR: Other than basketball, what’s been your favorite part of Fordham?

HM: I’ve [made] so manyfriends that I’m going to keep forever. I actually don’t live with anyone on my team, I live with softball players and other athletes. I think it’s a great balance, because my teammates live right down the hall and I hang out with them all the time. It’s been such a good experience.

TFR: As of right now, what are your plans for life after basketball? Have you thought about coaching at all?

HM: My [degree] program ends in August. Right now, my goal is looking for internships in the city. I would love to stay in the sports world. I’ve reached out to Madison Square Garden and am hoping to see if I can work for a team one day, hopefully in the communications or marketing department. But as for coaching — not really. I don’t think I could handle that. [Laughs].

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There may be no team in baseball, or sports for that matter, with an organizational mentality quite like the Miami Marlins. With the Cardinals, it’s success in small market. For the Yankees, it’s spend to succeed. For the Marlins, it’s fire sale, start over and hope for the best. The team has never won the NL East, yet has the same number of World Series as the Phillies and the Mets with two, one behind the division-leading Braves with three.

The two times they’ve made the playoffs, they’ve won the fall classic. They consistently rank near the bottom of the league in Opening Day Salary, have had three owners in their 24-year history and seem close to another one.

The team isn’t necessarily horribly run, it just does things a bit differently.

The team began play in 1993 after Wayne Huizenga, CEO of Blockbuster, was awarded the new franchise with an expansion fee of $95 million in 1991. The team went through the usual expansion woes, going 221 and 285 from 1993 to 1996. Enter Jim Leyland in 1997, and the team manages to win the NL Wild Card in just its fifth year of existence. In October, the team swept the NL West champion Giants, and then beat the Atlanta Braves in six games to go on to the World Series. In one of the greatest Fall Classics ever, the Marlins beat the Cleveland Indians in extra innings of Game Seven, 3-2, to bring the championship home to south Florida. However, the next year, the team had probably the biggest fire sale in sports history, and plummeted to a 54-108 record, the worst of any defending World Series champion.

After that season, Huizenga, who cited financial losses despite winning the World Series a year prior, sold the team to John Henry, who owned the Fish for three years until selling to Jeffrey Loria in 2002. Henry then went on to buy the Red Sox, winning the World Series three times since the purchase.

After a slew of below .500 seasons, the Florida Marlins were 16-22 halfway through May of the 2003 season. The team then brought in 73-year-old Jack McKeon as interim manager, and the team finished 91-71, clinching the NL Wild Card. The team beat the Giants again in the NLDS and then the Cubs in the NLCS (cue Bartman highlight) before beating the Yankees in six games to its their second championship in 11 seasons. The team, again, had a fire sale after the season, but rather than plummeting to obscurity, the team hovered around .500 for the next three seasons.

After the 2006 season, the team traded superstar third baseman Miguel Cabrera to the Tigers for a slew of players that failed to pan out, except for Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin.

The team made a similar trade in 2012 with the Toronto Blue Jays. After the team bought a multitude of great talent in the offseason before, expecting to be competitive in its first season in the new ballpark, the team had another fire sale that was just as large and just as much of a net negative.

Nowadays, the team has been rumored to be back on the market, as Loria apparently has a handshake agreement in place. If it goes through, this would be the fourth owner in 24 years for the Marlins.

The team could, at any time, resurrect the Marlin Magic that was seen in 1997 and 2003. That’s not only the magic of the Marlins, but the magic of baseball.