Volume 93 Issue 9

EXPATRIATE TALKS WITH THE RAM - PAGE 18

SOFTBALL FINISHES WEEK 2-2 - PAGE 23

SERVING THE FORDHAM UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FOR OVER 90 YEARS

1918-2011

APRIL6, 2011

VOLUME 93, ISSUE 9

Sodexo Cited For Meyer-Matis Win USG Election Health Violations

By CONNIE KIM NEWS EDITOR

PHOTO BY STEPHEN MOCCIA/THE RAM

Caitlin Meyer, FCRH ’12, and Bryan Matis, GSB ’12, who ran unopposed, amassed 82.5 percent of the vote in USG elections held online on March 30 to win the executive presidency and vice presidency of United Student Government, with a platform of experience, transparency and collaboration.

The election process was smooth this year unlike last year’s, wherein students received online ballots with the incorrect class year because the ballots emailed to students were not based on their graduation year, but on their academic standing based in terms of credits.

“Last year, there was a problem with the online ballots because students who had taken a lot of credits for their year were emailed ballots for the year above them,” Sean Radomski, president of FCRH ’11, chairman of the Election Committe, said.

To fix last year’s problem, Sabrena O’Keefe, assistant director for leadership and commuter student services, who was in charge of set-

Caitlin Meyer, FCRH ‘12, and Bryan Matis, GSB ‘12, won the 2011 USG election.

SEE ELECTION ON PAGE 3

Health Inspector Finds Mice, Roaches and Poor Food Storage

By BRIAN KRAKER NEWS EDITOR

Health department inspectors cited health violations at four of Fordham’s Sodexo dining facilities during a March 21 examination.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene discovered health code infractions at the Student Deli, Millennium Grille, Ramskeller and Marketplace.

The inspections unearthed evidence of mice, roaches and improper storage of food, shortcomings that placed Fordham eateries in the lowest grade bracket. The Department of Health utilizes a grading system based on points earned by each infraction, where each violation amasses more points and lowers an establishment’s grade.

Restaurants scoring between 0-13 are awarded an A, while a restaurant earning between 14-27 points is classified as a B. If an establishment receives marks exceeding 27, the restaurant is given a C. With final grades still pending,

the Student Deli received a score of 53, the Millennium Grille a 47 and the Ramskeller a 30, with the Health Department classifying any score above 28 as unsatisfactory.

The health inspector cited critical violations in the Student Deli, including “evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/ or non-food areas.”

According to Brian Poteat, general manager of Food Services, the inspector discovered mouse “excretra or droppings in his report.”

The inspection also uncovered that the Deli was neither verminproof nor was food properly stored to protect against contamination.

The inspector also discovered the presence of live roaches on the premises, which earned the Deli another critical violation.

“Sodexo has a very stringent pest control program and a professional pest control company to manage issues in all of our food facilities,” Poteat said. “Since the inspection the pest control company has been SEE SODEXO ON PAGE 4

Crew Team Discovers a Dead Body

USG Advocates For LGBTQ Community Disabled Students Unhappy with Fordham

By KATHERINE McGEE STAFF WRITER

By BRIAN KRAKER NEWS EDITOR

The Fordham crew team was present when a dead body was discovered on the Hudson River on the morning of Thursday, March 31.

The men’s lightweight 4 and freshman 4, along with the varsity women’s 4, were participating in drills when Columbia’s crew team discovered the body and alerted authorities.

Angelo Labate, FCRH ’12 and member of the lightweight 4 team, was on the river when the body was discovered.

“It happens on the Harlem,” Labate said. “It’s not the nicest river, but it’s home to the crew team.”

The Fordham crew team was skeptical that a body was in the river when Columbia first raised their concerns.

“Columbia was down towards the 207 Street Bridge, which is normally our warm up area, circling this thing floating in the water,” Labate recalled. “One of the Columbia coaches was just sitting there yelling at his crews to go away.”

Labate was preparing to leave with the rest of the crew team when he observed EMS and police cars arriving at the scene, which confirmed Columbia’s belief that a SEE CREW ON PAGE 3

PHOTO BY BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

Collins Hall is currently inaccessible to wheelchair-bound students, a problem USG hopes to resolve with the Disabled Students Resolution.

By BRIAN KRAKER NEWS EDITOR

United Student Government debated a resolution addressing the handicapped accessibility of Fordham’s campus at their weekly meeting on March 31.

Donald Borenstein, FCRH ’13 and president of Fordham College 2013, presented the Disabled Students Resolution, which focuses on issues faced by handicapped students and proposes possible solutions to present to the administration.

“I would like to see a totally accessible Fordham campus, where a student with any disability could get around easily and into any

building on campus,” Borenstein said.

The resolution aims to provide students equal access to the educational and extracurricular opportunities that Fordham provides. The proposal finds that portions of the University are currently inaccessible to physically handicapped SEE USG ON PAGE 2

A group of about 10 students at Fordham College at Rose Hill addressed student leaders and administration at the first two Student Life Council meetings of the academic year to discuss possible additions to the University’s bias incident reporting system in the fall of 2010.

“Fordham does a good job of reporting many incidents, but some fall through the cracks,” Reynold Graham, FCRH ’12, the student who approached the committee on record, said. “Students don’t feel the support from the administration, especially for those who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer). There has been no message from the University on campus wide level to say that ‘we support certain identities.’”

Amanda Vodola, FCRH ’11, vice president of PRIDE, identifies herself as a queer bisexual. She attended the meeting with Graham, and in a private conversation, described Fordham as a “heteronormative place.”

“There’s an overwhelming feeling in the LGBT community that we do not fit into Fordham’s mission statement,” Vodola said. “When I’m walking on campus and I hear homophobic slurs being said, I hear a community of people saying something I connect with and embody and embrace in myself. It creates an environment in which I question what could be the next step?”

The issue was addressed at following SLC meetings, where students shared concerns about the lack of support of LGBTQ students from the administration and a desire to create an open communication system on campus between students and the University.

Sara Kugel, FCRH ’11, president of United Student Government, created a task force comprised of members of the Office of Student Leadership & Community Development and Security, along with student representatives from various clubs and organizations, to investigate the issue.

The task force is in the final stages of drafting a Community Initiative SEE LGBTQ ON PAGE 5

INSIDE Sports PAGE 28 Baseball beat UMass, but was swept

by Albany in doubleheader.

Opinions PAGE 12

Culture PAGE 17

Three year degree programs provide needed debt relief.

LCD Soundsystem performs final show at Madison Square Garden.

NEWS

PAGE 2 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2010

SECURITY

BRIEFS

March 29, McGinley Center, 5:10 p.m.

A trash can fire was started when a student improperly disposed of a cigarette in the receptacle adjacent to the Ram Van stop. ConEd, who was doing construction near the fire, quelled the flames with a fire extinguisher with no injuries.

March 30, Queen’s Court, 12 a.m.

Five female students were locked in a Robert’s Hall room due to a malfunctioning lock.

Security was notified and the students were released from the room. The locksmith was notified and the lock was changed.

PHOTO BY BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

April 1, McGinley Center, 2:30 p.m.

A small bag of marijuana was discovered in the commuter lounge. Security retrieved the bag and brought it to the security office where it was destroyed.

April 2, Off Campus, 12:30 a.m.

A female student left a party off campus when she discovered she left a wristlet in the apartment.

The student returned to discover that the property was gone.

April 2, Arthur Avenue, 11:30 a.m.

A female student was approached by a male, described in his 20s. The male grabbed the student’s buttocks and fled south on Arthur Avenue. The female was uninjured and declined medical treatment.

April 2, Manhattan, 4 p.m.

A female student watching a pillow fight had her bag unzipped and her purse stolen. She lost her credit cards, Fordham I.D., Metro Card and $25 cash.

April 3, East Fordham Road, 4 a.m.

Two male and two female students were walking off campus when they exchanged words with two other males. One male slapped a male student. A female student screamed and was then struck on the nose by the male.

Both males fled the scene.

April 3, Walsh Hall, 1:45 p.m.

Security was notified that a student was trapped in an elevator.

The elevator company arrived and removed the student without injury.

Dealy Hall sports a handicapped-accessible door that is activated when a person waves his or her hand in front of a sensor, which aids handicapped students.

USG Addresses Handicapped Students USG, FROM PAGE 1

students, which infringes on these students’ abilities to participate.

USG also has qualms with freshman residence halls that are unable to host wheelchair bound residents. Sara Kugel, FCRH ’11 and USG executive president, said she believes it is unjust to place wheelchair-bound freshmen in O’Hare Hall when housing handicapped students in freshman dorms would greatly increase their opportunity to make friends and enjoy their time at Fordham.

“The issue is: The ramp is apparently not wide enough for a wheelchair,” Kugel said.

To rectify these issues, the resolution aims to acquire funding from the administration to renovate campus facilities to accommodate handicapped students.

“It’s going to be expensive,” Kugel said. “But what’s more important to you, the cost or the equality of living students on this campus?”

The resolution proposes purchasing additional laptop computers to provide handicapped students easier testing environments for those whose learning disabilities require assistance during exams.

The legislation also identifies several locations on campus that require renovations to provide handicapped access, including Walsh Hall, Tierney Hall, Loschert Hall, Alumni Court South and Queen’s Court.

“We should be a community that promotes the inclusion of all of our students,” Kugel said. “We want all of our students to have the best experience they can have.”

The resolution proposes improvements to the general campus, allowing physically handicapped students more efficient travel. Borenstein stated during the meeting that there is currently only one wheelchair-accessible path across campus, an issue he hopes the resolution will solve.

Borenstein also hopes to help the Office of Disability Services through additional funding and possible improvements to office space.

Kugel began her interest with

PHOTO BY BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

A ramp in the McGinley Center appears to support wheelchairs; however, this pathway is designed for transporting Sodexo shipments and is not in compliance with ADA standards.

USG aims to create a campus accessible for all disabled students disabled-student issues when she helped co-author a bill against the structure of Collins Hall during her junior year. She made handicapped accessibility a major part of her platform when she ran for president in the spring of 2010.

During the first semester of her presidency, she pushed for campus maps to label all handicapped accessible entrances.

“You don’t really realize it when you’re walking around campus,” Kugel said. “If you’re disabled, or if you’re giving a tour to someone in a wheelchair, how would you do it?”

Kugel recalled watching a wheelchair-bound student struggle to navigate the supposedly handicapped accessible hill behind Tierney due to the rain-soaked ground.

“You think there are ramps be-

hind Tierney,” Kugel said. “But no, there are bumps, there are cracks and you realize exactly how hard this campus is to navigate.”

Kugel has since secured maps to be posted around campus that label all handicapped accessible entrances to buildings.

Under Kugel’s tutelage, USG has also moved their meetings from the faculty lounge in the McGinley Center to the music room where their meetings are handicapped accessible. Kugel said she initially believed the ramp on the second floor of the student center was handicapped accessible, but when she discovered the ramp was designed for Sodexo, not wheelchairs, she moved the meeting location.

Borenstein first came up with the idea for an amendment addressing disabled issues on campus in the fall semester, but did not begin tangible work on the legislation until early February. He met with multiple offices, including the Office Residential Life, the Office of Disability Services and John Carroll, associate vice president for safety and security.

“A lot of stabbing in the dark trying to figure out where to go next,” Borenstein said of the meeting pro-

cess.

Through these conversations, Borenstein compiled a list of the issues facing disabled students and formulated feasible solutions to these issues.

“The Fordham administration clearly wants to improve this,” Borenstein said. “They really want to improve the arrangements for disabled students. The issue is limited finances.”

However, Borenstein’s goal is not simply improving the accessibility, but also raising awareness of these issues among the student body.

“I’d also like to see a campus where a student population is more aware of student disabilities and more accepting,” Borenstein said.

Kugel intended to address these issues in an early bill, which also focused on international students, but when the issues became too complex, she opted to separate the topics into individual resolutions.

The resolution is still unfinished, and Borenstein plans to make revisions before a final vote expected to take place this Thursday.

THIS

week at FORDHAM Wed., Apr. 6 Ballroom Dance Ballroom Dance Club, Rose Hill Commons, 8-9 p.m.

Thurs., Apr. 7 “Getting it Right” Annual Suarez Lecture, Flom Auditorium, 4:30 p.m.

Thurs., Apr. 7 The King’s Speech Cinevents!

9 p.m.

Fri., Apr. 8 The Real Thing Mimes and Mummers, Collins Auditorium, 8 p.m.

Fri., Apr. 8 FUPAC Presents: Barrio 2011 Leonard Theater Fordham Prep, 6 p.m.

Sun., Apr. 10 University Choir Concert University Church, 3 p.m.

NEWS

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 3

Meyer-Matis Celebrate USG Election Victory ELECTION, FROM PAGE 1

ting up the online ballot last year, along with Radomski and Vice Chair Jenny Burns, FCRH ’11, made sure that the ballots were emailed to students correctly this year.

“Next year, Angelo Labate, [FCRH ’12], VP for operationselect, will be election chair, and he is already in the process of planning next year’s freshmen elections, to occur in September,” Radomski said.

Labate, who ran unopposed, will serve as vice president of operations on Meyer-Matis’ executive board. Joey Lauberth, GSB ’14; Elizabeth Anderson, FCRH ’13; Allison Daly, FCRH ’12; Sandie Habib, FCRH ’12; and Nico DePaul, GSB ’12, all won unopposed races to serve as vice presidents of finance, student life, communications, executive vice president of FCRH and executive vice president of GSB, respectively.

In the only contested race for a position on the executive board, Tommy Brown, FCRH ’12, defeated Alexander Chin Fong, GSB ’14, by a margin of 46 percent to 36 percent to assume the role of vice president of health and security.

In the senate race, most candidates also ran unopposed, but in contested races, there were significant margins of votes among winning candidates and the other candidates.

“Because at the end of the day, we’re acting as students, with students, for students.”

CAITLIN MEYER, FCRH ’12

In their first interview as the elected executive president and vice president, Meyer and Matis shared a few words on being elected and laid out a number of priorities for their incoming administration, some of which will carry over from USG’s efforts this year.

“We are both very excited for next year,” Meyer said. “But, you immediately feel the responsibility of what’s coming.”

“We are very humbled,” Matis said. “There are so many things we want to try and do in the short time that we have.”

Both Meyer and Matis served on USG this past year and plan to bring their experience with them into their new roles.

“I learned that our success as USG in implanting positive change is really at its best when we’ve en-

COURTESY OF MICHAEL DITANNA

This chart of the 2011 elections provides statistics on the votes garnered by each candidate and winners of each position.

gaged students in our cause and listened to what’s actually going on campus and responded the best way we know how and not just done it autonomously as USG,” Meyer said.

“I think we are definitely going to need to reach out to the whole Fordham community and really build partnerships to accomplish our goals,” Matis said.

Meyer and Matis also expressed their goals for the upcoming year.

“Fordham has a lot of exciting traditions and a really cool and rich history that we really don’t hear much about,” Meyer said.

“We’re really excited to revive and

enhance the Fordham traditions.”

Matis also hopes to create a student government that is more open to outside participation.

“We’re going to make USG a lot more transparent,” Matis said.

“We’re going to make the budget committee meetings fully public next semester, so club leaders can see the process [of how] the students’ activities fee money is allocated from start to finish.”

“We figured if we’re doing our jobs the way we should be doing them, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be fully open and transparent,” Meyer added. “Because at the end of the day, we’re acting

as students, with students, for students.”

Finally, Meyer stressed the need for USG to continue fostering its down-to-earth image by continuing to reaching out to clubs.

“I think the campus is going to see a USG that is much more involved in club life,” Meyer said.

Meyer and Matis plan to encourage their senators to attend multiple club functions each semester to increase the presence of USG in the Fordham community.

Meyer also hopes to create a collaborative tone rather than what she perceived as a combative tone from the past administrations.

John Hayes Discusses Branding

By JULIA PINEDA CONTRIBUTIG WRITER

COURTESY OF ANTHONY CONGIUSTA

The Fordham crew team practices in the Hudson, where they found a body.

Fordham Crew Team Finds Body in Hudson CREW, FROM PAGE 1

dead body was discovered.

“We were definitely rowing around it, we just didn’t see it while we were rowing. Or else we would have been the ones to call the cops.”

Although the crew team had been in the presence of a dead body for the majority of their drills, Labate described a murky river littered with debris as inhibiting the team’s ability to identify the body.

“We go by really quickly and we’re taught to keep our head in the boat,” Labate said. “Unless it’s directly in front of the boat or in your peripheral vision you’re not really going to see it.”

Labate estimates the body was found between 200 and 300 meters (650-1,000 feet) from the boathouse. While he is unsure if any members of the crew team saw the body, Labate could only make out an object bobbing in the distance.

The discovery of a dead body is not an anomaly for Fordham’s crew team, however.

“This is the second dead body that Fordham crew team has been involved with in the last five years,” Labate recalled. “The last time it happened, a student got injured because people were throwing rocks at the cop’s boats on the river.”

In the previous finding, Fordham specifically discovered the body and alerted the police.

“They stopped their piece right next to it,” Labate said. “Someone looked off the starboard bow and was like ‘There’s a dead body.’ Then everyone turned around and panicked.”

Still, Labate was upbeat about the situation.

“Other than that it was a regular morning of practice,” Labate joked. “Until the end, when we figured out there was a dead body in the river.”

Over 100 students filled the seats of the Flom Auditorium as John Hayes, American Express chief marketing officer, spoke about brand building, business reinvention and consumer relationships.

Last Wednesday, the Gabelli School of Business, with the help of the Fordham University Entrepreneurship Society, hosted Hayes, who created a strong global brand for American Express and also for his personal success.

Hayes emphasized that branding is the key to success not only for businesses, but also for personal careers.

Hayes began his talk by describing the four principles that he focuses on while building the AMEX brand.

He stressed never to compromise values in any decisions; the product of your work must always reflect the core values one holds dearly.

He also recommended serving others. It is noble to serve, and service must not be separated from your pursuit of success.

Third, recognize the importance of making a difference. Hayes also highlighted a need to laugh and enjoy what you are doing, or else you will end up regretting it.

Hayes said that these four principles guided him while creating over 200 successful AMEX products and campaigns, including Members Project, AMEX Open, “My Life, My Card” and the

highly coveted Centurion Black Card.

Hayes then used the American Express Black Card as an example of the power and value of a brand.

Hayes used the product to describe how brands develop marketplace demand for the product with which they are associated.

Although the Black Card has never been advertised in its 12 years of existence, Hayes said many people want this product without even knowing why.

Hayes also demonstrated the emotional side of branding. The speaker said if one creates a product that is wanted, such as American Express, people do business with one because they want your product.

“Being in the want business allows companies to better capture people’s emotions, which makes it more likely for those companies to keep their customers,” Andrew Arcangel, GSB ’11, said.

“The world we live in is in the midst of a revolution,” Hayes said.

“Out of the top 100 companies in the year 1900, only eight of them remained in the year 2000.”

Hayes said reinvention is the key to keeping up with fast-paced and dynamic business development. He used AMEX as an example, which started in the freight-forwarding industry, but only after 108 years of its existence had it reinvented itself to the strong credit card brand it is today.

“I left the auditorium with Mr. Hayes’ message not to market with the rules of today, but with

the rules that will become prevalent in a few years to come,” Andrew Weinzoff, GSB ’12, said.

“The world is in the midst of an ongoing conversation,” Hayes said.

He believes that for businesses to attract and retain consumers, they must join this conversation and listen to what consumers want through consolidating feedback and doing market research.

Hayes’s speech garnered a positive reception from the students in attendance.

“John Hayes was really down to earth,” Brian Mallon, GSB ’12, said. “It was great to finally see a speaker with a sense of humor.”

“I thought Mr. Hayes’s lecture was very informative, and it brought a new perspective on how to approach branding, marketing and business in general,” Arcangel added.

“I was thrilled to see the amount of students and faculty that came out to support the Event,” Weinzoff said. “All of which I think left with a valuable lesson learned.

Mr. Hayes was very charismatic and showed he was truly invested in the students.”

Throughout the event, the secret to success seemed to be the most highlighted topic. Hayes reminded students that simply knowing this information does not guarantee the success many strive for.

“Skills do not correlate to success, neither does intelligence,” Hayes said, instead stressing curiosity and persistence as keys to success in business.

NEWS

PAGE 4 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

Inspector Uncovers Sodexo Health Code Violations

PHOTO BY BRIAN KRAKER/THE RAM

SODEXO, FROM PAGE 1

in all of facilities daily to ensure any issues with pests do not reoccur.”

The Millennium Grille was also cited for evidence of mice, along with critical violations for not storing hot food items above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cold food items below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the minimum required temperatures for these items.

“The city violations recognized that foods ([hot sausage] and sliced cheddar cheese and sliced tomatoes-cold) were not out of temperature for more than two hours,” Poteat stated. “Sodexo took proper corrective actions in reheating and rechilling these foods.”

The inspector also found minor violations for the improperly maintained food contact surfaces, absence of accurate thermometers and a facility not vermin-proof.

“All ‘conditions conducive to pests’ have been corrected, including the plugging of all holes and replacement of any missing tiles,” Poteat said.

However, students previously experienced displeasure with insects present at the Grille.

A

Score: 0-13

B

Score: 14-27

C

Score: 28+

Public health hazards trigger a minimum of seven points (e.g. failing to keep food at the right temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria) Critical violations carry a minimum of five points (e.g. the presence of rodents) General violations are assigned at least two points (e.g. not properly sanitizing cooking utensils) Inspectors can assign additional points to reflect the extent of the violations “I went to the Grille and got a salad,” Michelle FlorCruz, FCRH ’12, said. “I found a full grasshopper the size of my thumb in the middle of it.”

FlorCruz returned the salad to the Grille, where she was asked to lodge a formal complaint and later compensated $25 DCB for the incident.

Katie Finnegan, FCRH ’13, recalls watching her friend Michael Cattermole, FCRH ’13, discover a plastic nail in a hamburger from the caf when opening the burger to add condiments.

“Had my friend not wanted ketchup on his burger and just ate it,

(Above) The Grille received a score of 47 for evidence of mice, storage of food at improper temperatures and failure to maintain clean food services, which would earn the Sodexo run dining facility a C grade.

he could have choked on the nail or chipped a tooth,” Finnegan said.

Cattermole returned the burger to a Sodexo employee and was given a $25 gift card to Dagger John’s as compensation.

However, this incident is no anomaly. One Ram staffer uncovered a blue push pin in a chocolate chip muffin and received the same certificate in return.

The Ramskeller was the third Fordham location cited for signs of mice, as well as “food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.”

The Marketplace was cited for

critical violations including filth flies “present in facility’s food and/ or non-food areas.”

Filth flies are classified as house flies, fruit flies, blow flies or other insects of the same order.

When confronted with the violations, many Fordham students expressed preexisting displeasures with the Sodexo-run facilities.

“I had food poisoning four times my freshman year from eating at the caf,” Mark Kotnis, FCRH ’12, said.

While all Rose Hill Campus facilities inspected received violation points, Lincoln Center’s Lowenstein Building garnered a clean score. Still, the campus’ lone dining facility was cited for “hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room,” but not awarded any points for the infraction.

Fordham’s food establishments have also experienced a decline in performance since previous inspections. The Student Deli scored a 17 on an Oct. 22, 2009 test before scoring a 53 last week. The Ramskeller also posted a 17 in a 2009 inspection prior to receiving a 30 this year.

The Millennium Grille held a 21, the worst 2009 score, and has since regressed to a 47.

Still, both the Marketplace and Lowenstein Café were awarded A grades based on the scores from the March 21 inspection.

Other major colleges in New York City scored better than Fordham’s eateries in thier inspections. Columbia University received a score of 2 while New York University had six dining facilities score in the single digits, four in the teens and only one dining hall fall within the C range.

In contrast to Fordham’s on-campus locations, the White Castle on Fordham Road received zero violation points in its 2010 inspection, while Tino’s Delicatessen scored a 13 on Jan. 13.

The Department of Health found several violations at Fordham’s facilities, despite Sodexo partaking in multiple safety programs.

“Sodexo constantly trains all of our managers and employees in many areas including customer service and food safety,” Poteat said.

Fordham is a member of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Program, which is a self- inspection system that focuses on identifying hazardous growths, and the Food Safety Audit Program, which invites an independent third-party company to inspect Fordham on an annual basis.

The Department of Health categorizes individual violations into three levels. General violations include violations such as failing to sanitize cooking utensils, and carry a weight of two points. The next tier is labeled critical violations, including the presence of rodents, and carries a minimum of five points.

The highest infringement, a public health hazard, carries a minimum of seven points and can result in the closure of the restaurant if the violation cannot be corrected before the inspection concludes.

Since the inspection, Fordham has taken strides to rectify the violations.

“Management has taken corrective action on all violations,” Poteat said. “Many corrective actions took place during the inspection, and the rest were completed within 48 hours of the inspection.”

Sodexo is entitled to an appeal of these scores at the Health Department’s Administrative Tribunal, an option Sodexo plans to exercise.

“Sodexo will attend a tribunal in May to appeal the violations with documentation to support our case,” Poteat said. “As is often the case, many of the violations will be overturned and dismissed during the tribunal.”

Dean Latham Delivers First Annual Last Lecture

By PATRICK DEROCHER

SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Inaugurating what the leadership of Campus Activities Board’s American Lecture series hopes will become an annual event, Dr. Michael Latham, dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, gave a ceremonial Last Lecture on March 31 in the Keating Hall Third Floor Auditorium.

“The idea of a Last Lecture has been around for quite some time,” Kristie Beaudoin, FCRH ’11 and American Age co-chair said. “Traditionally, professors are invited to give an academic lecture as though it were their last, ultimately focusing on the scholarship they’ve found most valuable or important in their careers.”

She cited Carnegie Mellon professor Randy Pausch, who gave what was truly his last lecture in 2007, as an inspiration for bringing the tradition to Fordham, and praised especially the shift that Pausch’s lecture brought about to a tone that is not strictly academic.

“It was both with the tradition of scholarship and recognition of the valuable experiences professors can share with us that we decided to begin a (hopefully) annual Last Lecture series,” Beaudoin said. “Dean

Latham was our first choice, as a respected scholar and well-loved administrator at Fordham.”

For his part, Latham avoided the more standard “life lessons” lecture.

“I already give a talk along exactly those lines every year at Encaenia,” he said. “I also thought that it would be important to show that academic research, even in history, can raise serious political and ethical questions that we all, as citizens, have to wrestle with.”

Latham, a scholar of Cold War history, gave his lecture on American involvement in South Vietnam before and during the Vietnam War. Entitled “Redirecting the Revolution: The United States and Nation-Building in South Vietnam,” the lecture focused on American efforts to stymie pro-communist revolutions in that country in favor urbanization, modernization and capitalism. An important component of Latham’s lecture was that the notion of American intervention to alter a nation without regard to its cultural history has persisted beyond the 1970s.

“I’m going to argue that this is the idea that drove American involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq,” he said.

The last lecture series was inspired

by Randy Pausch, who gave a final lecture at Carnegie Mellon while dying from cancer Latham drew parallels between the ideological Cold War against communism and the Soviet Union and the modern War on Terror, referring to Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan as “test cases” in combatting such nebulous enemies in strategic nations without regard to their cultures.

Of particular issue, according to Latham, was forced urbanization. If the vast majority of South Vietnamese people in the countryside could be made to live in large cities, the American line of reasoning went, they would come to appreciate the benefits of Western-style capitalism and not be tempted to join the Viet Cong in their communist revolu-

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Pausch, a former computer science professor, inspired the last lecture.

tions.

To achieve this end, the United States began what was known as the “Strategic Hamlet Program.” South Vietnam’s hamlets, small villages that dotted the countryside, would be consolidated into larger villages with particular government services that would ingratiate the central South Vietnamese government to its rural constituents.

Multiple layers of walls and barbed wires, in turn, would fortify these villages, and inward- and outward-facing guard towers were placed at each corner of this wall.

Inside the wall, villagers lived and conducted their daily business; outside was a fire zone, where they could not count on government protection.

“The program was really a disaster from the very start,” Latham said, noting that two years after the program began, only a tiny fraction of the South Vietnamese rural population had been resettled.

This strategy, which stemmed from what Latham called “an assumption that foreign societies can be radically and dramatically changed overnight,” soon turned on the United States as it decidedly lost the Vietnam War in 1975. Using Vietnam as a template, Latham was able to draw a major conclusion about American efforts there and in the Middle East in the 21st century.

“The United States cannot provide legitimacy to the governments they promote,” he said. “Only the citizens can do that.”

Students in attendance found the lecture to be an engaging and educational way to spend a Thursday evening.

“Dean Latham’s Last Lecture was interesting and compelling,” Katie Corrado, FCRH ’12, said. “It made me think about history from a different perspective.”

NEWS

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 5

LGBTQ Students Seek Support From Fordham LGBTQ, FROM PAGE 1

Report, which includes six proposals USG and the University could possibly implement to show acceptance of all students. Proposals include a collective “sign-on” to a mission statement, updating the Credit Abuse Resistance Education brochure, and a campus-wide flyer campaign, among others.

“This is a step forward than what has been done in years past,” Kugel said. “I wanted to consolidate the information into a report to pass onto my predecessor.”

According to Adam Remiszewski, GSB ’11 and the vice president of Student Life, the report could be passed by USG as soon as April 7.

Mike Strom, FCRH ’11, is a member of PRIDE who identifies himself as queer. Although he says Fordham is the place where he has come into his identity as a queer person, he still feels as if he does not belong.

“It’s the action and inaction of those who officially speak for Fordham — specifically upper level administrators in student affairs — that have made me feel this way, along with the student body,” Strom said. “This past year [in the news], there’s been an epidemic of LGBTQ violence and a number of students, myself, included, have repeatedly talked about the fact we don’t feel entirely safe or welcome at Fordham. Despite this, we still feel like we come under intense scrutiny and are treated as a constant liability when it is pretty clear that what’s called for is speaking out against this, is taking a stance.”

Jeff Lockhart, FCRH ’13, identifies himself as gay and queer. He said that lack of safety stems from a silence that permeates campus.

“There are some spaces and subjects [where LGBTQ] students don’t feel comfortable expressing themselves, thoughts or feelings,” he said in an email. “Being silent is a product of a poor campus culture, and being silent is the cause of pain for too many.”

Kugel said that based on her experience as president, she has noticed the steps taken this year have been primarily student-led.

“From what I hear from students, is that student leaders are doing

enough, but they’d really like to see more from administration,” Kugel said. “I was personally very upset that a student came to talk to a group of administration and a handful won’t even say anything back in response.”

Kugel said she was referring to the November Student Life Committee meeting.

According to the minutes for that meeting, Sofia Bautista-Pertuz, assistant dean of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, was the only administrator to comment on the record.

Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill, said he did not comment on the record during that meeting because he sees those meetings as “a gathering of various constituencies from around campus to discuss issues. It was quite helpful to me and to others to simply listen,” he said.

Rodgers shared his concern in a private conversation.

“In the weeks since the SLC meetings, members of the Student Affairs staff have worked with these students and student leaders to generate ideas and programs and also to help everyone learn more about the array of programs and services we have in place,” he said.

According to dean Rodgers, all residence assistants and directors, orientation leaders and peer educators at Fordham University receive diversity training that involves issues regarding race, religion and sexual identity. The University also offers a reception for LGBT freshmen and allies at orientation each fall.

In addition to this training, each semester the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) offers an LGBT and Ally Network of Support program.

According to the school’s Web site, the program is open to all members of Fordham “who would like to demonstrate their active commitment to creating a campus environment that is open and welcoming to all LGBT students and their allies, in keeping with the Jesuit tenet of cura Personalis and the principle that all persons should be treated with dignity and respect which is explicit in Catholic teaching.”

This semester’s program will be held April 6 and 13. Each session is

DAVID BERGELAND/MCT

A student signs a memorial in honor of Tyler Clementi after he committed suicided because of harassment over his sexuality.

KEVIN R. WEXLER /MCT

Students at Rutgers University hold a vigil after a student committed suicide due to bullying over his sexual orientation.

five hours long, and all members of Fordham’s community are allowed to attend.

Ed Cahill, associate professor of English at Fordham and the faculty advisor of PRIDE, said he’s pleased with the progress made at Fordham, but more could be done.

“The administration is to be commended for their part in bringing [various programs] into being. But at the best universities today, these are standard. So I’d like to see Fordham continue working to create an environment in which LGBTQ students feel not merely tolerated, but full accepted and appreciated. We’re not quite there yet.”

One USG vice president, who identifies as bisexual and wished to remain anonymous for this article, said that the perception that LGBTQ students are treated unfairly is “pretty accurate,” but the student says the LGBTQ community is not an isolated target.

“I think the disparity in treatment has less to do with targeted discrimination against LGBTQ and more to do with OSL&CD’s new leadership trying to be cautious with potentially sensitive issues,” he said. “[Assistant] Dean [of student affairs, Alanna] Nolan has been leading the way with various improvements to OSL&CD operation. When dealing with such personal things it’s best to exercise caution.”

The main suggestion brought forward by students at the SLC meetings is the possible implementation of an anonymous bias reporting system through which students could report incidents through security.

Strom said a system like this is necessary.

“There needs to be a non-punitive way of telling these stories and getting this stuff out there, and that needs to be coupled with consciousness raising,” he said.

Some student leaders and administrators expressed apprehension to a system based on anonymity.

Jake Braithwaite, FCRH ’11, president of Residence Halls Association, said more discussion is needed.

“I think there are a wide variety of under- or unreported incidents on campus, but this feels a bit like a ‘catch-all’ system to me, where a more nuanced approach could prove more fruitful.”

Rodgers had similar sentiments.

“Anonymous reporting can attract false, reports, be used for pranks or simply leave staff with no way to effectively reason — much less care for the students who may be affected,” he said.

The Community Initiative Report drafted by USG also suggests more discussion about a bias incident reporting system.

According to John Carroll, assistant vice president of Safety and Security, there was only one major reported bias incident in 2010 regarding members of the women’s softball team and some female students. In 2011, there has been one aggravated harassment incident, but he did not specify if that involved issues of sexual orientation or iden-

his sophomore year in which a student approached him at an off-campus party and told him, “boys don’t dance with boys at this house.”

On the other hand, many students said they have had positive experiences at Fordham, as well. Kathryn Reddy, FCRH ’14, said her experience as a freshman at Fordham has been overall, extremely positive.

“I’ve had no problems with roommates at all,” she said. “Most people are interested in asking questions.”

Reddy also said academically, she has had positive conversations. She cited one exchange with the senior dean whom she said recommended some books to her on incorporating sexuality into religion.

“I didn’t say I was gay, but my brother is gay and he’s getting mar-

“There’s an overwhelming feeling in the LGBT community that we do not fit into Fordham’s mission statement.”

AMANDA VODOLA, FCRH ’11

tity.

Many students interviewed for this article cited incidents in which they say they had been harassed on and off campus because of their identity. One gay student, who did not wish to be identified, said people he did not know have called him a faggot once or twice as he has walked past them on campus.

The student also stated that he had a negative experience coming out to his friends sophomore year. He said their reaction was so negative that he said he had to move out of his dorm room and find new living arrangements.

“I didn’t feel accepted at Fordham after that experience,” he said. “I had a really hard time dealing with the fact that people were going to basically hate me on principle for the rest of my life and that I was going to have to deal with legitimate discrimination which I hadn’t had to deal with before.”

Lockhart recalled a time when a student harassed him because he was wearing a powder blue shirt with rainbows and unicorns on it, while Strom spoke of one incident

ried,” Reddy said.

Another female student who identifies herself as a lesbian, but wished to remain anonymous because she is not entirely out to her family and friends, said her Christian Life Communities group at Fordham helped her as she worked to reconcile her faith and sexuality.

“My group made it very clear to me that they would love me and support me in my struggle,” she said.

Kugel says a disparity of acceptance exists between academics and student affairs that can complicate the issue even further.

“I think it’s demonstrated with the Vagina Monologues, [where] academics supported it, Student Affairs didn’t,” she said.

She says, progress has been made, however.

“I think student government has done a pretty good job in addressing [these concerns],” Kugel said. We’ve done exactly what students ask. It’s difficult when you are dealing with something that’s not tangible. It’s a feeling…it’s campus wide, so figuring out how to change a climate of a campus is a difficult thing to do.”

NEWS

PAGE 6 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

SLC Approves Autonomy for CAB’s Budget By giving CAB internal budget authority, USG eliminates the problem of stagnant funds

COURTESY OF MICHAEL DITANNA

Student Life Council passed the motion to grant Campus Activities Board the complete autonomy on its budget.

By CONNIE KIM NEWS EDITOR

Assembling for its penultimate meeting of the spring 2011 semester, the Rose Hill Student Life Council met on March 30 in the multipurpose room of Campbell Hall to discuss two public agenda items.

The first public agenda item was a suggestion to install a better waterrefilling station at Lombardi Center.

Joseph Maurantonio, GSB ’14, began with a brief presentation of the new model and expressed concern about the current water

fountain, which is inconvenient for students to use due to lack of water release.

The model Maurantonio proposed, one that he saw at Boston College, uses a sensor to dispense water automatically.

“I am actually aware of this problem and have been working to replace the current one with a better refilling station,” Marisa Totino, assistant director for campus center operations, said in response to his suggestion. “Just know that it will happen in phase.”

The budget audit update was also discussed in the public agenda items section of the meeting.

Emily Amato, FCRH ’12, United Student Government vice president of finance, has been working on this matter with the Budget Committee.

“In terms of the overall audit, our next biggest [task] is [the] rewriting of [the] handbook,” Amato said. “[However, due to the extensive amount of work,] we decided to push it back to over the summer and write it together. And hopefully, we will be ready for the vote at the first SLC meeting of next school year.”

During the meeting, Amato brought up Campus Activities Board’s budget autonomy matter and put it to a vote.

According to Amato, by being

separated from the general fund, CAB no longer competes with clubs for funding. Additionally, by giving CAB internal budget authority, USG eliminates the problem of paralyzed funding, such as what happened with the American Age Lecture series incident of fall 2010.

“Basically, we are giving them autonomy over it, so it is CAB’s decision,” Amato explained. “We feel like [this decision] is best for all of us because budget committee cannot [properly] program for CAB.” Regarding Amato’s suggestion, Christopher Rodgers, dean of students, raised a question.

“Does anyone have a sense of how the original allocations for CAB and within CAB are decided?” Rodgers asked. “It would be helpful if we could review it to lay out the context and lay out the map of what is allocated to CAB right now out of the student fee budget. Maybe the total amount, so that folks know that what it is that we are talking about, and talk about what the divisions within that lump sum, perhaps we could also talk about how those divisions were originally determined.”

“The way they are allocated now is mostly correct; it tends to be pretty close,” Kathleen Biemer, FCRH ’11,

president of CAB, said in response to Rodgers’ question. “Occasionally, some committees need less than one semester and some more.

So I think that’s where this will allow the flexibility. It is not that there is [a] major issue that the amounts allocated are too high or too low in any of the committees. It is just that there is occasionally spillover or underused budget.”

Currently, within CAB, the Concert Committee receives $50,000, the Weekend Activity Committee receives $35,000, Comedy receives $20,000, American Age receives $25,000, Cinevents! receives $14,000, Cultural Affairs receives $15,000 and Rodrigue’s receives $15,000, totaling $174,000. In a new proposed system, however, CAB will receive over $170,000 from the beginning and have full autonomy in distributing its budget for each committee.

“I think it makes sense to me because most clubs are not tied to any kind of structure when they get their money,” Bryan Matis, GSB ’12, vice president of operations, said.

“So I think [the way CAB receives the money] should exactly be the same.”

“Will there be a way people in the general population know how much each committee gets?” Jake Braithwaite, GSB ’11, president of Residence Halls Association, said, raising a concern regarding the matter. “Because I feel like people would be interested in knowing how they used the given budget.”

“I don’t think we would be able to release the information before we are done distributing,” Biemer said.

“But, why not?”

The council’s vote – nine to one, with four abstentions – came in support of Amato’s proposal.

Johnson’s Book Stirs Theological Controversy

By PATRICK DEROCHER

SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

The Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a press release on March 30 that sharply criticized the theological underpinnings of a book authored by Fordham University theology professor Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, C.S.J. The book, Quest for the Living God: Mapping Frontiers in the Theology of God, explores understandings of God using the experiences of women, the poor and oppressed, Holocaust victims, non-Catholics and Hispanics as a lens.

“The basic problem […] is that the book does not take the faith of the Church as its starting point,” the bishops said in the March 24 statement on which the press release was based. “Instead, the author employs standards from outside the faith to criticize and to revise in a radical fashion the conception of God revealed in the Scripture and taught by the Magisterium.”

The Magisterium is the authority over Catholic doctrine that the Church vests in the assemblage of all bishops, including the Pope. Johnson’s book includes such chapters as “Womanist Survival Theology” and “The Failure of Theodicy.”

According to the statement, the

committee responded to Johnson’s book in large part because of its intended audience of readers without extensive theological training.

“For these reasons [conflicts with the Magisterium], combined with the fact that the book is directed primarily to an audience of nonspecialist readers and is being used as a textbook for the study of the doctrine of God, the Committee on Doctrine finds itself obligated to state publicly that the doctrine of God presented in Quest for the Living God does not accord with authentic Catholic teaching on essential points.”

The statement takes issue with various parts of Johnson’s writing in several subsections, including “A False Presupposition: All Names for God are Metaphors” and “The Presence of God in All the Religions.”

Fordham students, faculty and administrators have come to Johnson’s defense on the matter, regarding both the theological soundness of her work and the committee’s authority.

“The statement has only the authority of the committee,” Dr. Terrence Tilley, Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., professor of Catholic theology and chair of the theology department, said. “It is only the opinion of that body that there are substantial deviations from Catholic doctrine

PHOTO BY SIMON SULIT/THE RAM

Elizabeth Johnson debates The Vagina Monologues during an campus dialogue on March 30. Her recent publication has stirred controversy.

in that text.”

Tilley added that the bishops’ statement does not reflect good, modern theology, and that the document has no real implications for Johnson or her work.

In a statement from the University, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University, referred to Johnson as “a revered member of the Fordham community.” “[She] approaches her work as a theologian very seriously and looks upon the action that the bishops’ conference as an invitation to dialogue, dialogue on both the mission

and craft of the theologian, and on the complexity that a serious theologian faces as she or he tries to explain God to the modern world,” he said.

In the same release, Johnson also commented briefly on the matter, though in that statement she declined to give any interviews or elaborate beyond the released material.

“The book itself endeavors to present new insights about God arising from people living out their Catholic faith in different cultures around the world,” she said. “My hope is that any conversation that

may be triggered by this statement will but enrich that faith, encouraging robust relationship to the Holy Mystery of the living God as the church moves into the future.”

Johnson added that, although she would have willingly discussed the book’s content with the committee, she was not offered that opportunity, and that this lack of communication led to crucial misinterpretations of her work.

Fordham students have tended to view Johnson sympathetically in this matter.

“My impression of her book from reading the Bishops’ statement is that it attempts to understand God as a diverse group of Catholics understand God,” Mike Finucane, FCRH ’12 and a theology major, said.

In a similar vein to the commentary put forth by Johnson and McShane, Finucane said that he was happy to see that the bishops’ statement has elicited discussion on Johnson’s theology, but not the direction in which that discussion has gone.

“We may debate on whether or not the issues she raises belong in the Catholic Church, but with certainty I can say that slander against Sr. Johnson or the Bishops has no place in the Catholic Church whatsoever,” he said.

NEWS

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 7

Fordham Students Meet Warren Buffet in Omaha

By VICTORIA RAU MANAGING EDITOR

“If Congress had voted down the second TARP [Troubled Asset Relief Program], we’d be meeting at a McDonald’s somewhere . . . and you’d be picking up the check,” Warren Buffett, the world’s third wealthiest person and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, a Fortune 500 Company, said of the government’s response to the 2008 financial crisis.

Two Fordham students had the opportunity to meet Buffett at a conference in Omaha, Neb. from March 31 through April 2. Rebecca Horne and Nicole D’Souza, both GSB ’13, served as Fordham’s representatives for an annual event that marks the only time Buffett meets with undergraduate students each year.

Organized by the national organization of Smart Women’s Securities, a student club that focuses on personal finance skills and value investing techniques, the trip featured company tours, lunch and a question-and-answer session with and an exclusive SWS dinner with Buffett. The group visited Union Pacific, TD Ameritrade, Nebraska Furniture Mart, a Berkshire Company and ConAgra Foods. During the visits, they heard from highranking company officials about career planning, the daily operations of multimillion-dollar corporations and sustainable business

COURTESY OF TERESA HSIAO

As Fordham’s representatives, two Fordham students attended a trip, organized by the national organization of Smart Women’s Securities, and met Warren Buffet during a conference in Omaha, Neb. on March 31 through April 2.

growth.

The highlight of the trip, though, was an exclusive dinner with Buffett, according to Horne.

“Being at dinner with him was like going out to eat with my grandpa,” Horne said. “We talked about everything from boyfriends to playing bridge to movie premiers.

I actually felt bad for him because we were so anxious to talk to him that I was afraid he would never get to eat.”

While D’Souza said that she enjoyed talking with Buffett about careers and life, her favorite part of the trip focused on a slightly lowerprofile speaker.

“The real highlight of the trip was Fordham alum Joe Moglia [chairman and former CEO of TD Ameritrade], who gave us gave us advice on how to choose the right career, stating spiritual soundness and really knowing yourself as the most important factors in making that decision,” D’Souza said. “I know all the girls on the trip really took what he said to heart. He was definitely the most dynamic speaker of the trip.”

Throughout the group’s time with him, Buffett shared his experiences and offered advice on investment strategies, wealth management and corporate leadership, but

he did not limit the conversation to business topics, or even philanthropy.

“Though he’s known for being the most successful investor of our time, he doesn’t talk about business and investing as much as I’d thought he would,” Horne said.

“He talks a good deal about the other decisions you’ll have to make in your life, getting married, raising a family and, amazingly, he thinks that these decisions are the most important ones that anyone can make.”

“The most important job you may have is raising your children,” Buffett said during the question

and answer session, “Because from when they’re born, you’re their hero.”

Even in the midst of a scandal involving one of Buffett’s former employees and accusations of an insider trading scandal, Buffett reportedly maintained his composure and poise, ensuring that media attention would not have averse effects on the trip.

“I met him on a day when Berkshire Hathaway was going through a public relations crisis, hounded by news of possible insider trading by a former firm executive, and I never would have been able to tell that all of that was going on,” Horne said of Buffett.

Horne and D’Souza’s group read hundreds of pages, which they discussed on conference calls, and wrote investment pitches to present to Buffett in preparation for the trip.

Harvard classmates Tracy Britt, Teresa Hsiao and Tiffany Niver, all present on the trip, founded SWS in 2006 as a non-profit aimed at providing undergraduate women with the opportunity to engage in investing in financial markets as a way to learn about personal finance and investing. By granting SWS club status in 2010, United Student Government and the Operations Committee allowed Fordham to join Boston College, Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Harvard, Princeton and Yale as schools with SWS chapters.

Computer Department Hosts Forum on Analytics

By BRIAN KRAKER NEWS EDITOR

“[Dr. Watson] constructed for us a world that has no boundaries and a world whose architecture is still to be filled out,” Rev. Joseph M. McShane S.J., president of the University, said of the former IBM president at the Forum on Analytics. McShane now hopes students continue to explore this world.

Fordham welcomed the alumni of the computer science department as well as employees of IBM to Flom Auditorium for a discussion on the use of computer technologies on Thursday. The forum attracted a full house, with only standing room available for those who entered after the first speaker began.

Dr. Frank Hsu, a professor in the computer and information science department, opened the forum with a welcome address, setting the stage for the importance of the day’s lecture. He reminded his audience that computer analytics could have major impacts in many fields, including the environment, health professions, energy consumption and economic growth.

Next, Dr. Lillian Wu, the Worldwide University Programs Executive at IBM, reiterated Hsu’s message. Wu praised Fordham’s ability to collaborate across disciplines, which she feels is a necessity for analytics and for preparing students for the real world.

McShane concluded the welcoming remarks with an apology for failing to arrive on time due to his attendance at Geraldine Ferraro’s funeral earlier that morning.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Computer analytics can be applieded to a variety of fields, including the improvement of traffic flow on highways.

McShane then used the reason for his tardiness to frame the context of the forum in a non-technological manner.

“Geraldine Ferraro was a pioneer, a trailblazer,” McShane said.

“But she was more than that. She was a discoverer, and she discovered for us, and opened up for us a new world.”

McShane segued from the esteemed Fordham alumnus to the need for computer-minded people to use technology to again help propel society forward into new territories.

Dr. Jane L. Snowdon, the senior manager for Smarter Building Research at IBM, delivered the keynote address, speaking about the need for developing smart cities.

“A smarter city is a city; it could

even be larger than a city,” Snowdon said. “It could be a metropolitan area, or it could be smaller than a city, like a stadium or an airport.”

Snowdon described scenarios such as a totally “wired” city, where citizens are given constant access to information about an urban setting through mediums such as phones and tablets.

She also demonstrated research performed by IBM in areas such as building construction, where analysts study the behavior of occupants before constructing heating and lighting systems. Snowdon also demonstrated how video analytics now play a major role in safety surveillance and weather forecasting. IBM invested time in creating more efficient transportation, altering the ways highways

collect tolls to reduce traffic.

Following the keynote address, the forum transitioned from IBM’s research to analyzing Fordham’s approach to teaching students.

Dr. Damian Lyons, chair of the computer and information science department talked about the collaboration of ideas happening at Fordham.

“I think the best thing about this kind of forum is it raises lots of questions,” Lyons said. “It presents interesting applications in lots of different areas and lots of different view points and people are bound to think ‘Wow, I never thought of it from that perspective.”

Lyons also presented the research he has conducted at Fordham, including work on urban rescue robots and wireless sensor

data mining, through which devices can track a person’s movements through wireless sensors.

Next, Dr. Wullianallur Raghupathi, a professor of information systems, discussed the growing need for analytics in the business realm.

“When I came in this morning someone said ‘We need analytics to pronounce your first name,’” Raghupathi joked.

Raghupathi discussed student projects in which students must analyze publicly available data on health statistics and considering public policy decisions based on their findings.

Rosemary Wakeman, the director of the Fordham urban studies program, was the final professor to speak at the forum, challenging the audience to use computer analytics to enact social change.

The forum shifted to an open discussion with a panel of speakers and questions from the audience.

“Can we get away from this hard/soft designation of where we are?” Wakeman asked from the audience, stating a need for collaboration rather than debate regarding the importance of the two schools of learning.

The forum also allowed Fordham alumni in the computer field to return to campus and observe the progress made in the technology field.

“Just from coming on campus today I can see a big change,” Joanne Tuccillo, GSB ’82 and a current IBM employee, said of her time at Fordham. “Duane Library had a catalogue box; there was nothing online.”

PAGE 8 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

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PAGE 9

Non-Alcoholic Programming Found Lacking

By DONOVAN LONGO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As the weekend approaches, many students wonder what it will bring. Sunday will most likely be dedicated to many hours in Walsh Library, but before those dreaded hours of studying, an entire weekend is free. So as Rams, what should we do with our weekend? We could spend Friday and Saturday night at TriBar, but is that really our top priority while at Fordham? Tri-Bar is a poor collection of rundown establishments that attracts students because it is the only reasonable option not because it possesses actual appeal.

Fordham states that they have alternative programming to curb the amount of drinking that occurs on campus.

“We intentionally program at night to provide our residents with alcohol alternatives,” O’Hare Resident Assistant Scott McDonald, FCRH ’12, said. “We frequently provide midnight breakfasts, movie showings and game nights to give our residents a fun and productive alternative to alcohol use and abuse.”

Even if this programming exists, many residents do not find it exciting enough to keep them from going out.

Skye Weiss, FCRH ’12, another resident assistant in O’Hare decided to take initiative to keep Fordham students fed and in the dorm on a known partying night at Fordham.

“Instead of going out to Tri-Bar

at night, I thought kids would maybe want to put some food in their stomachs,” she said. “I thought it would be good as a preventative program too.”

The program began at midnight. Billy Allingham, GSB ’13, attended the program and had a mediocre experience.

“The food was good,” he said.

“I wish there was more though, just a sample of the food isn’t enough; it actually left me hungrier, and I’m a growing boy.”

These programs, which RAs consider preventative, are not preventing anything at all. They do not make students stay in on Friday or Saturday night; they are only attended by students who happen to notice them while already in the dorm.

“The average RA program is probably about 30 to 45 minutes, although they can range from five minutes to four hours,” McDonald said.

Do these short programs held in small lounges outweigh the draw of spending the night out with all of your friends?

As a campus in the Bronx, our surroundings can be viewed as dangerous, but when Fordham provides little programming on campus they ultimately push Fordham students off-campus.

In doing this, Fordham creates a large problem for themselves.

Instead of working diligently to keep kids entertained, Fordham has left kids walking around the Bronx, sometimes inebriated, in the middle of the night.

“New York is My Campus.

Fordham is My School,” is preached to students since the moment they step onto Rose Hill campus freshmen year. While Fordham wants students to utilize N.Y.C., they provide little aid for students to actually participate in programs.

Moreover, students lack easy and reliable transportation. Fordham boasts about the excellence of the Ram Van, although this service is far from excellent. The Ram Van costs more to ride than the subway; in addition, students can only catch the van at one location in the city, making its accessibility poor.

Since they are located so close to the city, many Fordham students would love to be able to visit and experience all that NYC has to offer, but, unfortunately, many of them do not have the necessary funds to participate in such activities.

“In April, I will be running programs to both a Knicks game as well as a Yankee game,” McDonald said.

While programs like this are a step in the right direction, Fordham needs more efficient and attractive programming, because students will attend and take part in programming if it actually appeals to students. When brainstorming programs, RAs should spend their budget on a few programs that are high-quality and fun rather than simply boasting about multiple programs that are unorganized and futile. If programs take the form of movie screenings, they should at least

be movies that students want to watch.

Another option would be to provide more programs like Yankee and Knicks games, or even trips to places that offer free or nearly free admission, like the Metropolitan Museum, where entry is based on a suggested donation; Museum of Modern Art, which is free on Fridays, or the American Folk Art Museum, which offers free live music every Friday night.

Whatever their form, these programs should aim to include more students; it is unacceptable that many programs accommodate little more than 13 people in a building like O’Hare Hall, which houses almost 500 students.

Donovan Longo, FCRH ’13, is an English major from Babylon Village, N.Y. Additional reporting contributed by Christine Barcellona.

CHRISTINE BARCELLONA/THE RAM

Subway Sanitation Leaves Much to Be Desired

By RORY MASTERSON STAFF WRITER

You are downtown, farther than you might like. You stagger into the subway station with a few of your friends after the highenergy event of your choice, perhaps the last-ever concert of one of your favorite bands at Madison Square Garden. Your MetroCard miraculously allows you onto the D-train platform when you thought you only had $1.20 left on it.

When the train pulls up, you ask yourself the all-important question: Do you sit down on bacteria-infested plastic seats, or do you grab hold of a similarlyinfected metal bar?

The high volume of people is reason enough to believe that someone, at some point in time, has transported some kind of unpleasant disease to every seat on every train in New York City.

In addition to numerous passengers, another issue the Metropolitan Transportation Authority must deal with are messy passengers, like hungover col-

lege students who throw up on the subway in the wee hours of the morning or people who spill drinks on the floor. In many cases, the MTA does not have the resources or manpower to clean up messes in a timely fashion.

The MTA has been suffering from cutbacks due to the fall of the economy in the United States.

According to a Fox5 news story from February of this year, the MTA cut 176 positions to save over $13 million. While these cost-cutting maneuvers may be necessary in the short-term, their long-term effects may include a general descent into a state of irreparable squalor.

Trash has polluted subway and bus stations all over the city, and now there are fewer people to help clean.

“Employees clean all 468 subway stations on a regular schedule, and station walls, stairs and platforms are cleaned several times a year with high-pressure power washing equipment,” a MTA spokesperson said in the Fox5 report.

How often is “regular?” With

fewer employees, the ability to maintain a “regular” cleaning schedule surely becomes increasingly difficult.

New Yorkers and dwellers of the surrounding areas are too numerous, and perhaps slightly stubborn, to cease use of the MTA’s services altogether. It would be a complete waste if such a boycott was to occur; however, somehow the customers must send a message to the powers that be concerning their own personal safety and hygiene on subway trains and buses around the city.

Perhaps the city is making budget cuts in the wrong place by taking funds away from public transportation, which many New Yorkers use. In the meantime, we will simply have to deal with whatever hand the MTA, and New York City, deals us.

What with the presence of snow in April along with other ridiculous weather atrocities, it is a decent alternative to walking from MSG. Rory Masterson, GSB ’14, is a business administration major from Fort Mill, S.C.

COURTESY OF MTA

The subway is the cheapest mode of transportation to and from campus, though some students worry about how frequently it is cleaned.

COURTESY OF MTA

OPINIONS

PAGE 10 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

The Ram Serving campus and community since 1918.

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From the Desk of Connie Kim, News Editor I like Fordham’s core curriculum, but it would be a lie if I said I liked the core curriculum from the beginning.

Before I came to Fordham, one of the reasons I had been looking forward to going to college was that I would finally get to choose my own classes. For that reason, I disliked the idea that the curriculum might limit my choices in some ways, and as a result, I dragged myself to the first day of my core philosophy class last semester, which was my first semester in college. I was curious about the course content and a bit excited to learn what “philosophy” was, but my main feeling for that class was simply fear. I’d have to say that it was a combination of fear of learning something new and fear of failing. In particular, as a potential finance major, I did not want to take a course that I did not see myself succeeding in (I see myself with numbers more than I see myself with philosophical thoughts).

The first few classes changed everything, however. Learning philosophy opened up my eyes to look at the world differently.

The world became a more understandable place.

I particularly like the notion of an “end” in philosophy. In mathematics, we learn that “x” stands for the unknown. I will call “x” an end for all human beings, since it is also unknown. This end indicates the final goal, or the ultimate good, in human life.

When we encounter complex math problems, finding “x” is not an easy process. Even with all the different formulae we have learned, we might not know how to approach the question; it may take hours or even days to solve that one problem, and we might have to combine all the knowledge and skills we have. Even after all the efforts we put in, we may still struggle; however, one thing we know for sure is that we have to solve the problem unless

we want to admit our failures.

The same thing applies to human beings. There must be an end for all human beings because we always want something better, which means that there is something “best” at the end. Some people say that the endless desire for something better indicates that there is no end; however, I believe that the continuous longing for something better actually indicates that there is an end.

The final goal in life might be different for every individual.

Someone might say that his goal is eating good meals every day, and another person might say that her goal is earning a lot of money. Neither of these can be the final goal in life because they surely will not be satisfied with those “goals;” there will still be something left for them to desire. The final goal has to be the ultimate purpose of living for all human beings. We certainly do not know how to approach that end, but we do know that an end exists for all human beings and that we somehow have to find our way there.

Let’s say we are trying to solve a difficult math problem, and we do not know how to solve it. The first thing we do is to come up with all the formulae we think might be helpful. Similarly, the first step we must take to find our end is asking questions. For instance, in Plato’s dialogue Meno, Socrates and Meno attempt to discuss human virtue. Meno asks Socrates if virtue can be taught.

Instead of answering his question, Socrates perplexes Meno by asking him what virtue is.

Their conversation leads to “Meno’s paradox,” in which Meno argues that he would not know how to describe what “something” is if he does not know what that “something” is. Although Meno certainly does not know the meaning of the word “virtue,” he is in a better place after this discussion because asking ques-

tions helps us to know what our end is; this process makes us realize where we are, and what we do not know, which tells us what we need to discover in order to move toward our end.

Taking a first step is not always guaranteed to bring us to what we want — the answer. When solving a difficult math problem, even with all the helpful formulae, we might not be able to get to the answer on the first attempt.

Likewise, asking dumb questions certainly will not bring us to our end.

For instance, as exams approach, we encounter many students who ask questions like, “Is this going to be on the test?”

Those students are not likely to be heading towards an end because they are not trying to find the purpose of their lives. Moreover, people who hesitate to even take a first step to ask questions because they are afraid of getting a wrong answer are also heading in the wrong direction.

There are dumb questions, but there are never wrong questions. We might feel lost if we do not know what we want from our lives, but we have to take the first step. Once we start going in a certain direction, whether it is the right or wrong path, we will have a choice to keep going in that direction or to alter the route. Starting on a path is the only way to know where we are heading, however; the journey would be like when we try many different formulae to finally realize which formula we need to use when solving a math problem.

Even if we realize that we have been heading the wrong way, there is always a chance to start over, just like the math problems we are willing to solve by using many different methods.

Not knowing our end allows us to hope. If we knew our end, and we knew that we could not reach it, we would be discouraged and unmotivated to do

anything for our lives. Knowing our end limits our possibilities.

Let’s say we have a limit problem, y=1/x, where the range limit is x approaches three. In this case, the answer is limited; however, with the same function, y=1/x, but with a different range limit of x approaches infinity, although the answer is zero, the answer actually indicates that the curve is approaching zero. The curve gets closer to the x-axis, but never touches it. In the same way, if there is no limit, we would have infinite possibility ahead of us, and we could continuously hope to achieve our ultimate good.

The curve that approaches zero is similar to an asymptote, or a line which approaches nearer and nearer to a given curve but does not meet it within a finite distance. Likewise, the graph of y=1/x shows that the curve will never touch the x-axis no matter how big the number gets. Our end may never be reachable, but our continuous desire to reach that end will bring us closer to it, just like that curve. We ought to keep looking for our end by asking questions to try to find it.

The purpose of human life is asking what the purpose of human life is. The unknown “x” remains unknown, but we can hope because we know that the end is undefined.

I, who only liked learning math-related subjects, became a fan of philosophy and even found the connections with math. I thank the Fordham core curriculum for enabling me to develop learning flexibility and skills, all of which could be useful in the future.

Students Find Cheating a Problem

By KATHERINE VALLES CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Students increasingly find cheating a rewarding practice. Researchers from the Harvard Business School and Duke have discovered that students who have cheated successfully in the past expect continued academic success, even without cheating. These students are, of course, overestimating their academic abilities because they are used to floating by without testing their own academic skills.

The study has shown that cheaters perform more poorly than they expect. When students can get away with academic dishonesty and are rewarded with desired grades, the practice of cheating becomes a slippery slope.

Among the Fordham student body, it is difficult to gauge how widespread cheating is. Students can all agree, however, that it is a fact of college life.

“People cheat obviously,” a science student said, “but I don’t think it’s major problem.”

Liz Szymanski, FCRH ’13, agrees.

“I don’t think it’s a huge problem, but it’s definitely around, and there’s definitely people who do it,” she said.

Jen Khedaroo, FCRH ’14, however, disagrees.

“I think about half of the student body cheats,” she said. “Maybe more.”

Studies have shown that cheating is an alarmingly common practice.

About 45 percent of law school students cheat, according to a study conducted by the Washington State University. Similarly, 59.4 percent of high school students surveyed by the Josephson Institute Center for Youth Ethics admitted to cheating on exams. The results of these findings may not apply to the Fordham student body, however. The University has taken care to educate each incoming student about its academic integrity policy.

In order to prevent cheating, the University established the Academic Integrity Tutorial, which clarifies what constitutes academic dishonesty. According to Michael Latham, dean of FCRH, the policy of academic integrity, such as plagiarism, is a standard that remains

consistent for every student, while the penalties for academic dishonesty range from failing the assignment to failing the course, depending on the instructor.

Ellie Christenson, FCRH ’14, believes cheating sometimes results from miscommunication between the instructor and the student.

“When it comes to individual assignments, the definition of cheating depends on the professor,” she said.

Even when the standards of academic honesty are clear, however, students may continue to cheat. Jen Khedaroo, for example, recalled when two students were caught plagiarizing, despite the fact that the instructor had recently dedicated an entire lesson to plagiarism.

“I don’t know what the University has tried to do to prevent cheating except for the Academic Integrity Tutorial,” Szymanski said.

“And I also don’t think there’s anything the University can do to stop cheating. It’ll always be around as long as people know they can get away with it.”

According to Dean Robert Parmach, dean of freshmen, however,

“The University offers a variety of resources … such [as] the Writing Center, the Math Help Room, free tutoring in many academic disciplines, the Center for Teaching Excellence, Center for Ethics, Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice, Campus Ministry initiatives, Peer Educators, student orchestrated programs and the FCRH Freshman Advising Program.”

These resources for extra academic help are only available to those who want them. For students convinced that cheating is the easiest and most successful method to gaining the desired grades, it may be a practice they continue. The question of whether to cheat or not is ultimately up to the individual. Students must judge for themselves whether getting a good grade is worth risking failing a course or even expulsion. For those who do, cheating may become a regular practice, as the studies by Harvard Business School and Duke suggest.

There will always be a number of students at Fordham who cheat, even if they are in the minority.

Katherine Valles, FCRH ’14, is a biology major from Queens, N.Y.

OPINIONS

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 11

Title IX is Well-Intended but Flawed

Unfair Trade Eric Horvath Oil Loyal

AARON MAYS/THE RAM

Title IX has the admirable goal of offering equal opportunities, but there are problems with its implementation and monitoring of its results and universities’ needs.

By MARK BECKER STAFF WRITER

Equality of opportunity is a major concern in the college landscape and has been for some time. Between affirmative action, diversity of applicant pools and whatever else goes into the often-bewildering decisions colleges make, about as many people get upset at these initiatives as are helped by them.

None may be more polarizing than Title IX, which many consider to be more of a hindrance to men than an aid to women.

Officially titled the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act as of 2002, Title IX was originally introduced in an effort to end any forms of discrimination in any educational setting, including athletics, but also dorm facilities, clubs and other activities. It was championed by the women’s rights movement and has since become synonymous with female participation in collegiate sports.

In short, the language in Title IX, which is already brief and unclear at best, requires all federally assisted institutions to provide equal opportunities in athletics, including scholarships, facilities, coaching, scheduling and more, proportionate to student enrollment by means of disclosing roster size, scholarships, budgets and so forth. Many states, including New York, have passed laws requiring the same of private institutions as well.

Concerns have been voiced for years about the proportionality rule not being an adequate tool of measurement and suggestions

have been raised for tweaking the implementation of the law, most notably including proposals to exclude revenue-producing sports such as football and basketball from the count.

Title IX has been blamed for a

as affirmative action in particular, and it holds so much weight because it is difficult to estimate the truth to that contention. Taking a look at grammar and high school numbers, interest levels by gender correlate well with college level, suggesting that a change needs to be made.

Of course men’s sports do not have any higher right to exist than women’s, but it is not only about current athletes; it is also about opportunities for prospective athletes. The number of males interested in college athletics is undoubtedly significantly higher than that of women on the high school level, and thus more males are hurt by Title IX’s effect in limiting male athletic opportunities than women would be if their opportunities were more limited.

Title IX is a good measure for collegiate sports; women have a right to participate, or at least

have the opportunity to do so, and without such measures a number of schools surely would sacrifice non-revenue women’s sports. Yet the current implementation has some serious flaws, and while the U.S. Department of Education can insist that it encourages schools not to drop men’s sports in order to comply, the reality within those departments is that such becomes the last resort in many cases.

Those who somehow find a way to comply while retaining all men’s sports often find themselves at a competitive and/or financial disadvantage. Fordham has taken its lumps at the hands of Title IX, with its resurgence in the ’70s being derailed in part by Title IX’s effect on several men’s sports and it being the favored “reason” for not promoting men’s crew and other club sports to varsity status in recent years.

Title IX needs to be amended to account for interest level rather than simply proportionate enrollment (which deserves some credit, as it is already a better measure than total enrollment would have been). Whatever the solution, forced relegation of popular but low-revenue men’s sports is inexcusable when it simply works to include more opportunities for the opposite gender. Be it the interest level determined by school, conference or the NCAA, some bar needs to be set at some level to repair some of the harm Title IX has caused and finally allow it to accomplish its purpose.

Mark Becker, FCRH ’11, is a communications and media studies major from Covington, KY.

Marco Rubio, Redstate

Carolyn Maloney, Hufflington Post

“Running our government on the fumes of borrowed spending is unacceptable, short-sighted and dangerous. While attempts at new spending reductions are commendable, we simply can no longer afford to nickel-and-dime our way out of the dangerous debt America has amassed.”

“The Republican budget cuts treat women and children as if their lives and their health just don’t matter. The GOP budget cuts Title 1 education grants, which would result in a loss of jobs for teachers and aides. [Those] job losses . . . would disproportionally affect women.”

“Title IX is a good measure for collegiate sports; women have a right to participate, or at least have the opportunity to do so. . . . Yet the current implementation has some serious flaws. ” number of problems in the collegiate sporting landscape. These include, but are not limited to, driving athletic departments deeper into debt through necessary inclusion of high-cost, lowrevenue women’s sports and in some cases, forcing schools such as Rhode Island or Cal-Berkeley to drop various men’s sports.

There is a simple solution, however: base Title IX compliance on interest level. No one needs to see any numbers to know that more men are interested in sports than women, and thus more opportunities should be present for men than women. Interest level should dictate the number of opportunities present, not enrollment. Interest may be somewhat harder to gauge than straight enrollment numbers, but since when is more effort an excuse to perform at a sub-par level?

Proponents of Title IX – not to

Issue of the Week:

Republican Budget Cuts A Look at the World Outside of Fordham from the Perspective of Professional News Bloggers

be crass, but try to find a guy who supports it in its current form – argue most strongly that women’s interest level would be measured lower than men’s because of past lack of opportunity, which is part of the basis for initiatives such

See what commentators from the Left and the Right have to say about Republican budget cuts

Recent revolutions in the Middle East have brought U.S.-Arab relations under closer scrutiny.

The wider public is now better exposed to the kleptocracy of Mubarak and the inhumanity of Qaddafi. In the cases of Egypt and Libya, we could veil our dubious partnerships with the hopes of regional peace. I even understand the (now breaking) strategic relationship with Yemeni president Saleh, as terrorism lurks in the shadows of an already fragmented country. Unfortunately, our strong ties with Saudi Arabia, a theocracy diametrically opposed to Western democratic ideals, can only be explained by our thirst for oil.

Saudi Arabia is the largest oil exporter in the world. It is the anchor of OPEC and has caused tremendous unrest in global markets in the past. That being said, the Saudis have committed to plugging much of the gap left by Libyan oil and market fear to rein in soaring prices. By increasing its production, we have been rescued by our good friends who do not let women vote.

Our destructive reliance on imported oil goes far beyond the friendly relationships we’ve had with dictators that recent events have brought to the fore. Oil and other natural resources fuel conflict around the world and create economic stagnation. Beneath the abhorrent human rights violations of Saudi Arabia and bellicosity of Iraq lie nations like Nigeria and Angola, who are overrun with corruption and flush in oil. These nations, ensnared by the “resource curse,” have become rentier states.

Rentier states rely primarily on revenues from exporting resources that they have in abundance.

It provides quick and easily laundered cash for kleptocrats that bleed their countries dry. On top of that, it disincentivizes competition and innovation in other sectors (why go to school and work a long time for a respectable trade when I can get rich off of oil?).

The unwavering demand for oil not only reassures the House of Saud but ignites the inevitable violence that will accompany Nigeria’s April elections, turmoil that is heavily influenced by a lack of jobs and paltry infrastructure.

In 2007, when oil prices were spiking, my friend shared an inconvenient truth with me: Raising the price of gas even more is the only way to get people to reduce their carbon footprint. I admired his good intentions but always fell short of personally endorsing them when I was driving my ’94 Explorer to work as a busboy.

For those not sold on the effects of global warming, I at least hope oil’s destruction of future profits rings true. As our government worries about falling behind in innovation to China, private investment in cleaner energy would not only better prepare us for tomorrow, but also force rentier states to diversify and grow.

Now that would be a revolution we wouldn’t have to debate about supporting.

OPINIONS

PAGE 12 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

Three-Year Degrees a Boon for Debt-Laden Students

HERMAN BUSTAMANTE /MCT

Students who can fit their courses into three years can graduate with less debt.

By SHEILA SENNETT STAFF WRITER

As tuition fees continue to rise in the face of uncertain economic conditions, a growing movement has arisen toward three-year undergraduate degree programs. The trend is seen particularly at liberal arts colleges, where a degree is an enormous economic investment that is no longer certain to provide financial reward following graduation. The main benefits of a threeyear degree are a reduced financial burden and an ability to enter the workforce sooner.

Three-year degrees are standard at European universities, for instance, but the curriculum is markedly different than that of the typical liberal arts college in the U.S.

Students enter universities having already selected a major and taken courses in that major beginning in the first year. In contrast, Fordham emphasizes the “liberal arts education” and the education of “the whole person.” This mission translates into a 15-course core, with an additional language component.

There is value to the core curriculum. Students may or may not like the fact that they are required to take philosophy, theology and literature classes, but having some exposure to and basic knowledge of these subjects makes students better people and better citizens.

Given the standards and curricula at most high schools, college is most likely the only place where most students will study these

Are your friends tired of hearing you complain?

Write for The Ram opinions section.

E-mail us at: fordhamramopinions@gmail.com

subjects. Some students might prefer simply to take classes in their major, receive their degree and get out into the real world, or into graduate school to continue their studies. There are schools where a student can do that, but Fordham is not one of them, as any prospective student ought to be able to tell by the brochures.

It is possible to combine Fordham and an accelerated degree, particularly if a student enters college with a declared major and Advanced Placement credits, however. In some cases, a Fordham degree completed in three years would provide a superior experience to one completed in four, as financial constraints might require students to take time off from the degree or prevent them from enrolling in Fordham altogether, while a three-year degree could be completed with intense study and immersion in the subject. A threeyear degree would also be possible at Fordham only if the student concerned enters college knowing what he or she wants to study, in contrast to the masses of students who enter undecided, only to change majors four times over the course of their junior year.

One concern with a three-year degree is that the increased work due to the course load would

mean that a student in the program would be unable to partake in the vibrant college social life, which is part of the “college experience,” and leads to personal growth and the refinement of social skills needed later in life for professional interactions. Strong time-management skills would obviously be required, but given the amount of free time that the average college student has (measured by average hours per day devoted to Facebook), I would hazard a guess that it is possible to keep up with a heavy course load while maintaining a social life.

Fordham should institute a program specifically geared towards a three-year undergraduate degree program. This program should involve a group of students who are highly motivated, academically talented and are entering college with a clear picture of their course of study and their future. The accelerated program should be offered only to qualified, motivated students. Acceptance into the program should be contingent upon performance during the freshman year. Otherwise, such a program would simply be a path to a degree with an inferior academic experience.

Such a program would be facilitated by the increasing prevalence

of Advanced Placement courses and the credit that is transferred with high placement scores, and it is probable that AP credits would be necessary for a student to graduate in three years. Obviously, such a program would require a much heavier workload, and though an advanced undergraduate degree program offered by Fordham should work to support students enrolled in such a program, it would not be appropriate for all students, or even a majority of students.

Fordham should work to facilitate a three-year degree, as there are great benefits to an accelerated degree program. It would make a liberal arts education accessible to students who might not otherwise be financially inclined or able and would also allow accelerated graduation for students who intend to pursue graduate school and other interests. It would allow them to take part in their chosen profession and make an impact in the world sooner (as it is Fordham’s mission to produce young men and women who will make a positive change in the world) but with the benefit of Fordham’s values and liberal arts education.

Sheila Sennett, FCRH ’12, is a history major from West Hartford, Conn.

If you have an opinion about something you saw in this week’s issue of The Ram, send us a Letter to the Editor at: fordhamramletters@gmail.com

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APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 13

A Career in Education is

Within Reach In order to make it easier for graduates to transition into teaching and counseling careers — fields in which future jobs appear more promising than other sectors — we offer programs to prepare educators in areas of highest need.

As a college graduate, you may qualify for a full-salaried teaching position after one year of part-time study through our ACCELERATED Career Change program.

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For more information, please call 1 (877) STJ-7589, ext. 5122, or visit us at: www.stjohns.edu/edgrad M1-6835/LR

PAGE 14 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

ADVERTISING

APRIL 6, 2011

PAGE 15

Audiences Find FET’s Production of Rabbit Hole Moving

By CELESTE KMIOTEK COPY CHIEF

Fordham Experimental Theatre’s latest production was David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole, directed

by Stephanie Pennacchia, FCRH ’12, and performed in the Blackbox Theater March 30 through April 2.

The hype set the standards high, as comments from Rolling Stone movie reviewer Peter Travers raved about the show, telling the cast that their rendition was even better than the movie, which stars Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rogue) and that he believed Lindsay-Abaire would be happy with their performance.

Travers was most definitely correct in his judgment, as the cast put on a spectacular, albeit heart-wrenching, performance.

The play, which features only five characters, revolves around a couple, Becca (Kristin Guerin, FCRH ’12) and Howie ( Justin Clark, GSB ’14), who lost their son, Danny, eight months earlier. With Becca’s sister, the irresponsible and crass, but hilarious, Izzy (Caroline Cotter, FCRH ’11), newly pregnant by her maybe-boyfriend, Becca and Howie face a whole new challenge to moving past their tragedy, especially as they are not only in vastly different stages of their grief, but also mourn in completely different ways.

Becca’s not-quite alcoholic mother, Nat (Arielle Ranalli, FCRH ’11) does her best to aid the couple, especially her daughter, drawing on her own experience of losing her 30-year-old son to his heroin addiction. Becca resents the comparisons, however, which leads to con-

tinually heightened tensions.

Adding to the couple’s confusion, the teenager who hit their son with his car, Jason (Andrew Arne, FCRH ’13), requests to meet with the couple, something to which Becca is open but which Howie simply cannot deal with.

FET put on an extremely moving performance, with all actors managing to be dramatic without falling into the trap of being over-the-top.

Thankfully, each actor was able to balance the humor with the drama.

Cotter was able to keep Izzy as the comic relief, though thankfully kept her from being completely insensitive. Likewise, Ranalli deftly shifted from drunken and careless to grieving and worried.

While incredibly dark and tension-ridden, especially in scenes involving screaming and crying, Guerin and Clark believably created a couple having problems, with both parties equally flawed and equally sympathetic.

Guerin, notably, was almost painful to watch in certain scenes, making her grief palpable, especially as she sat in Danny’s room and sobbed to herself. In fact, Guerin noted that her main goal of the performance was to make the audience feel the pain Becca experiences, and admitted to taking pride in making the audience members cry.

“My goal was to make people feel for the characters and then transfer that emotion to their own unhealed scars — sort of like a cathartic sorrow and if that means crying, then by all means, let the tears roll,” she said.

For the record, she succeeded, as many tissues made appearances

COURTESY OF STEPHANIE PENNACCHIA

Students performed Rabbit Hole, a play by David Lindsay-Abaire (which was turned into a movie) on March 30 to April 2.

among audience members.

Clark, though his character tended to be mourn less visibly, did a convincing job letting Howie’s grief show through his range of flippant, angry and comforting attitudes.

Arne, while his role was more limited, was wonderfully awkward, displaying his earnestness well and always coming across as genuine.

Though tiny, the Blackbox was an apt location for the performance; the intimate atmosphere heightened the tension, and brought the drama, literally and metaphorically, closer to the audience. Finally, Pennacchia’s direction was perfect,

at least from the audience’s point of view. Throughout, the actors seemed to move naturally, rarely seeming awkward or uncomfortable. The set, too, worked well, allowing for easy movement and the natural progression of the cast from the kitchen to the living room, and from the living room to the bedroom or out the door.

While there were glitches, as there are in any production, they were forgettable in comparison to the force of the play. In fact, the main problems were more in the vein of audience members giggling over a cell phone ringing in

the middle of an intense scene than anything that was the fault of the actors.

A student production has every excuse to fall flat, to take on a project far beyond its means and to translate “undergraduate” into “incapable.” FET managed to avoid these pitfalls, and put on a show that gripped audience members until the end.

Having never seen the movie and having never met LindsayAbaire, I cannot vouch for Travers’ comments, but I can say that I was incredibly impressed with this performance.

Fashion for Philanthropy Fundraises for a Cause

By SARAH RAMIREZ & KATIE CONWAY ASSISTANT CULTURE EDITOR & CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fashion for Philanthropy hosted its sixth annual fashion show in the Rose Hill Gym on Friday, April 1 featuring Fordham models, student designers, music and refreshments.

The proceeds of the show, entitled “New York is My Runway, Fordham is My School,” benefitted the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York. FFP combines the love of fashion with philanthropy, and creates a way for students and the Fordham community to give back to a great foundation that enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wishgranting work.

“The first Fashion for Philanthropy president was a Wish recipient who had a passion for fashion,” Silvia Marte, FCRH ’12 and co-vice president of FFP, said. “He wanted to create a fashion show to benefit the organization.”

Marte is just one of many FFP members with personal connections to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Students could purchase three different types of tickets for the show, which was billed as “an evening of fun, food and fashion” for a good

PHOTO BY NORA MALLOZZI/ THE RAM

The Fashion for Philanthropy fashion show occurred on April 1 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.

cause. General admission and floor seats sold for $5 and $7, respectively.

VIP tickets were also sold, running $12 each and including gift bags.

This year’s gift bags contained everything from Pop Chips to Red Bulls to Milani eyeshadow and nail polish.

The runway show was preceded by a pre-party with live music by the Fordham Jazz Collective. Attendes also had a chance to mingle, enjoy food and drinks and enter raffles.

Prizes included tickets to a taping of “The Martha Stewart Show”, private

shopping parties and Jeffrey Campbell shoes. The show kicked off at 7 p.m. to a hip, yet nostalgic, mixed track of “New York, New York” and “Empire State of Mind.” DJ Tony S and student dance group Def Jam for Cutie performed during the show and at intermission. Student designers Stephen Biga (Parsons), Maggie McGowan (FIT) and Tessa Perlow (FIT) showcased their work.

Planning began in September and the FFP members worked tirelessly to create a show that was successful in promoting student designers, entertaining its audience and, most importantly, supporting a great cause.

“At the beginning of the year, we brainstormed and someone mentioned the concept of New York and making it Fordham-related,” Marte said. “We all got inspired by the idea, and everything we see in the city and the Bronx. Starting in January, we sent out letters asking for donations and raffle prizes and held auditions for [student] models.”

“On the runway we really encourage our models to have fun and be themselves since it adds a fun dimension to the show every year,” Holly Lemanowicz, FCRH ’12, co-vice President of FFP, said.

The runway show was well received by the crowd, numbering over 500, especially since they knew they

were joining FFP in an effort to raise $10,000 for Make-A-Wish.

“I think it’s great to mix the club’s enthusiasm for fashion with a passion for service,” Mike Martinez, FCRH ’13, said. “I had a great time and supported a very worthy cause at the same time.”

“I really enjoyed the show because it was well put together and I loved that all proceeds benefit Make-AWish because it is such an amazing organization,” Olivia Licata, FCRH ’13, said. “It was a fun Friday night event and all the outfits were really interesting.”

Members of FFP felt that this year’s fashion show was one of the best yet.

“It was definitely successful this year,” Marte said. “As a club we were definitely more organized this year and everyone participated. Everything went according to plan and everyone really stepped up.”

“It’s the best feeling in the world to see an event that you’ve helped to organize be successful,” Lemanowicz, said.

“FFP has been a huge part of my life while being at Fordham, and in a lot of ways has shaped who I am today,” Molly McLoone, FCRH ’11, FFP resident, said. “I am so proud of all of our club members and of how far the club has come in general.”

CULTURE

PAGE 16 • THE RAM APRIL 6,2011

Cooking With Clara

Dining Out: Umai Japanese Restaurant

Clara Ennist Mint Meringue Cookies With Easter around the corner, it is impossible to ignore the chocolate bunnies, colorful peeps and cream eggs.

Even if you don’t celebrate the holiday, Easter candy and desserts are delicious reminders of springtime. One dessert that is perfect for springtime or Easter celebrations is meringue cookies.

The ingredients are easy to acquire and, as promised, the cream of tartar from last week’s edible play dough will be used.

Yield: 2 dozen Ingredients: -3 egg whites; room temperature -1 tsp vanilla extract -1/4 tsp cream of tartar -1/4 tsp mint extract -1 pinch salt -1 C confectioner’s sugar Directions: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. In a small bowl, beat the egg whites on high until they are foamy; keep beating and add the salt, vanilla, cream of tartar and mint extract.

When soft peaks begin to form, gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until it is well blended. Drop the mixture by tablespoon about 1 1/2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 30 minutes and immediately place on a wire rack to cool.

While meringues are not the most complicated dessert to make, there are a few tricks that help make the entire ordeal much easier.

First, never try to make meringues on a humid or rainy day; meringues are very airy, so if you try to make them on a humid day, they will be too heavy and will not rise in the oven.

Second, always use eggs that are room temperature. It is easiest to separate the whites from the yolk when the eggs are cold. Thus, separate the eggs and then place the yolks back into the refrigerator for later use. Finally, use metal bowls and beaters that are at room temperature because if you use any plastic equipment, or if your equipment is too cold, the eggs will not whip.

I decided to make mint meringues because I had a large amount of green food coloring left over and I wanted to make some nice pastel cookies; however, you can substitute the mint for any flavoring that you like or you can make meringue cookies without a flavor and serve them with fresh fruit or sorbet.

Also, because these meringues are homemade, they won’t take on the freeze-dried ice cream texture that store bought meringues have; rather, they will have a crisp outer shell with a soft center. You can even add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to your mix if you are craving a chocolate fix.

In addition, the cookies are low in calorie and fat content. The cookies are mostly air and, because the main ingredient is egg whites, are anywhere between 40 and 80 calories per cookie.

This way, you can indulge your sweet tooth in the spring without sacrificing your summer body.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LACOURSIERE/THE RAM

PHOTO BY JUSTIN LACOURSIERE/THE RAM

Umai is a Japanese restaurant, located close to campus on Arthur Avenue.

By JUSTIN LaCOURSIERE STAFF WRITER

A common trend that seems to be hitting campuses across the country is the growing popularity of sushi among college students.

Fordham students often enjoy traveling down Arthur Avenue for various types of delicious Italian

cuisine, but next time you head into Little Italy consider stopping at Umai. Umai is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar that is within walking distance from Fordham’s Rose Hill campus.

This cozy establishment is open seven days a week. It has a long, narrow dining area that offers limited space for a single row of seat-

the roll was topped with colorful ing. Umai’s environment can serve masago, more commonly known as many purposes, as it is appropriate caviar. Supposedly a spicy roll, this for a date or a casual dinner. roll was not that spicy. The fish inUmai’s menu is fairly extensive, side came mashed together instead offering lunch and dinner boxes, of being served in chunks, and the sushi and sashimi, hibachi, tempured, black and orange masago was ra, a variety of noodles and a sepalayered on top instead of the typirate teriyaki section. The restaucal sprinkle that many sushi bars rant’s Web site is easy to navigate practice. Even though this roll and offers a 15 percent discount could have used more spice, a little for online orders. A 10-percent-off wasabi fixed that problem. Those coupon is available for a dinner, who order it may want to ask for which can be redeemed Monday sesame on top to give it some addthrough Thursday. ed texture.

The noodles in the soup can be The server highly recommended customized to your liking and can the best dish of the evening. The be ordered with different meat and tiger roll ($11) is a spicy tuna roll pasta variations. The vegetable soba with a crunch, and it comes with noodles ($7) are a vegetarian opthin layers of eel tion that provide resOverall and avocado on top. taurant goers with a Location This roll has impecwell-sized portion of Food Quality cable flavor and spaghetti-like nooAtmosphere every aspect of it dles paired with carHospitality blends well togethrots, snow peas, two Price $ $ er. The presentation types of mushrooms (Out of 4 ’s) for this dish out did and zucchini. This my expectations, dish is extremely and the roll almost seemed to melt bland, however, and needs a large in my mouth. amount of soy sauce to bring it up Everyone who dines at Umai to par. The vegetables were cooked gets a fried Oreo for dessert. These well; however, the noodles could greasy bites are tasty, but have the have been a little more al dente. potential to be a bit of an overkill.

A deep-fried shrimp roll ($6), This restaurant brings a fresh asbetter known as shrimp tempura, pect to Arthur Avenue, providing is a recipe that comes from Maki, Fordham students with a quality Japan. As the largest roll on the sushi option just a few blocks outmenu, it sat upon a thick soy sauce side the gates of campus. Umai is paste and offered a satisfying quickly becoming a Fordham hotcrunch; however, it was similar to spot and has been receiving a lot of the shrimp tempuras of every other attention over this past semester. sushi bar. It would have been apFor those who have not developed preciated if the tails of the shrimp the sushi craze that so many college used in this roll were removed. students across the country have, A spicy girl roll ($10) also came now may be the time to give sushi on the plate. Made of spicy salmon, a try. spicy tuna and spicy yellow tail,

Editor’s Pick: Nanoosh Mediterranean Restaurant

By SANDY MCKENZIE CULTURE EDITOR

After spending almost three years at Fordham, I have been to countless traditional Italian, American, Chinese and Japanese restaurants.

Luckily, New York City is full of restaurant options. One out-of-theordinary restaurant is Nanoosh.

Nanoosh is a Mediterranean hummus bar. It is conveniently located on 2012 Broadway, between 68th and 69th streets, so you can take a Ram Van and walk from Lincoln Center if it is a nice day. In addition, it is within walking distance of the AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 theater, which is located at 1998 Broadway.

Nanoosh prides itself on providing customers with organic, all-natural and fresh ingredients. The restaurant offers soups, salads, wraps and hummus plates.

There are seven different whole wheat wraps, including the hummus wrap, hummus mushroom wrap, hummus egg wrap, hummus chicken wrap and Mediterranean tuna wrap.

The hummus plates at Nanoosh are made with organic chickpeas and served with two warm whole wheat or white pitas. The plates can be topped with red and green peppers, mushrooms and onions, spicy sun-dried tomato pesto, ground beef and tahini and chicken. The hummus is served warm and is al-

ways creamy.

In addition, Nanoosh offers two desserts: organic rice pudding and Mediterranean honey and walnut yogurt.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is casual, so you do not have to dress up. Although the restaurant is small, the tables are long so you can go with a large group. In addition, the dishes take very little time to make so you do not have to worry about waiting for a long time for your order to be served.

The prices at Nanoosh are reasonable. The hummus plates are between $6 and $11. In addition, the wraps are priced between $7 and $8, while the soups are $5.50.

With so many unhealthy food options available today, especially for those on a college budget, Nanoosh offers a healthy alternative.

Not only is the food delicious, it is also inexpensive and good for you.

COURTESY OF MCT

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 17

what’s

LCD Soundsystem Bids Farewell at MSG

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

By RORY MASTERSON STAFF WRITER

LCD Soundsystem, the dancepunk group whom many deem “the most influential indie band of the 21st century,” bid a fond farewell to their fans with perhaps the group’s most well-developed album, 2010’s This Is Happening. The band also concluded a world tour that culminated in five shows in their hometown, New York City, from March 28-April 2.

On March 30, LCD Soundsystem appeared at Terminal 5 for their third of four tune-up concerts.

From the first bass notes of “Dance Yrself Clean,” LCD kept the crowd’s energy at an apex, a very difficult task over a three-hour period.

The band’s first set was comprised mostly of the biggest hits they have produced, from the acid-synth pangs of “I Can Change” to the David Byrne-influenced “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House.” The band concluded with “All My Friends,” which was deemed to be the best single of 2007 by Pitchfork Media.

Even through the second set, a complete presentation of Nike’s commissioned running companion

45:33, the energy in the crowd was extraordinary. Front man James Murphy introduced an all-male choir to join them on “Sound of Silver,” and the audience nearly burst into a giant, joyous fight during “Us v. Them” and the punk facsimile “Movement.” Special guests included former LCD members Phil Mossman and J.D. Mark, who each joined the band for a few songs.

The band’s set closed with “Home,” during which the audience in Terminal 5 sang the angelic chorus. A raucous encore included the band’s very first single, “Losing My Edge,” as well as a cover of Harry Nilsson’s “Jump Into the Fire.” The encore ended with “New York, I Love You, But You’re Bringing Me Down.”

Three nights later, at Madison Square Garden, LCD Soundsystem played their final show to a crowd of over 15,000, most of whom dressed in the requested attire of black-andwhite, as if to suggest a prom or funeral, both of which shared elements with this last concert. The set list was largely the same as the Terminal 5 shows, but the feeling was slightly different. Being near the end is not the same as being at the end, and when Murphy sang,

“This could be the last time,” during “All My Friends,” everyone in attendance knew it was.

Arcade Fire sang choral harmonies during “North American Scum,” which was perhaps the biggest surprise of the career-spanning farewell show. The show began just after 9 p.m. and stretched past the three-and-a-half hour mark in length. Again, the band careened through 45:33; and again, they elicited wild dancing and the wearing of sunglasses indoors. Several times during the show, Murphy acknowledged the hard work of everyone who put anything into the concert, from the choir to his bandmates to the audience.

“There are a lot of people here who dedicated themselves to put this weird thing on, in a boxing arena,” Murphy said.

When Murphy announced that the band had only three songs left in its live career, the ensuing frustration of the crowd prompted Murphy to comfort the crowd.

Upon the conclusion of “New York, I Love You,” which again closed the show, balloons fell from the rafters, and LCD Soundsystem received an extended standing ovation from the audience, who had grown to love the quintessential hipster group over the last decade.

LCD Soundsystem’s three albums and last run of concerts will stand as a testament to the adoration many. It was James Murphy, along with Nancy Whang, Tyler Pope, Pat Mohoney, David Scott Stone, Matt Thornley, Gavin Russom and Al Doyle, who ironically gained edge when many others lost it. To Mr. Murphy and the rest, we apologize for bringing you down, but we thank you for bringing us up.

WHO’S THAT KID? Brittany Russell A MEMBER OF FCRH ‘11, MAJORING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE FROM LONG ISLAND, N.Y. der: SVU” episode; I’m a big Shane Spencer fan; and I’m in love with Michael Kay. See, I managed to tell you all of the important things about myself in three sentences!

COURTESY OFBRITTANY RUSSELL

Brittany Russell is a member of the Fordham Club and the 3-3 law program.

What campus organizations are you involved in?

I’m in the 3-3 law program, which makes me a first-year law student by day and a college senior by night.

As an undergrad, I played varsity tennis, was vice president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), headed up the athletic yearly service project and was an Orientation leader and captain.

I am currently a member of Fordham Club, and I plan on winning the intramural softball corec B-league championship this spring (although if you’ve seen my

team you might be laughing at me right now). I also teach LSAT prep classes at Fordham. What could be more fun than the LSAT in Keating on Tuesday nights?

Can you describe yourself in a couple of sentences?

Probably not. I’ve been told I have “the gift of gab,” although my roommates might not consider my constant talking and laughing at my own jokes to be a “gift.” I love dancing, even by myself; I know every word to every Backstreet Boys song; I’ve seen every “Law and Or-

Can you describe something about yourself that not many people know?

I’m a germaphobe, a neat freak and I’m pretty sure I have OCD. Oh wait, most people already know that because I force everyone to take their shoes off when they walk into my apartment.

What is your favorite aspect about Fordham? Why? Eddies! In the past three and a half years I’ve played wiffle ball, done homework, refereed dizzy bat (leniently and fairly, despite what others may say), celebrated homecoming under the tent, attempted to fly a kite, prayed for wind and napped on Eddie’s. And in less than two months, I’ll get my diploma there.

What is your favorite class at Fordham and favorite professor?

Why?

Know “what’s going on” on campus or in NYC?

Going

07

?

On

Send tips, event listings, or comments to theram@fordham.edu.

THURSDAY “A Reflection of Human Dignity from the Moment of Conception to the Moment of Natural Death.”

Tognino Hall Duane Library at 7 p.m.

Listen to Peter West, assistant director of Priests for Life, speak at this Respect For Life Week event.

08

FRIDAY Mimes and Mummers Present The Real Thing Collins Auditorium 8 p.m.

Watch the Mimes and Mummers perform one of Tom Stoppard’s most popular plays.

09

SATURDAY CSA Relay for Life The Blob Game 10 a.m.

Help support CSA as they fundraise for Relay for Life.

10

SUNDAY Uncle Sam’s Fashion on Fifth Avenue Enjoy tours of couture shops like Christian Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo.

11

MONDAY Francisco Goldman Book Signing Barnes & Noble on 82nd and Broadway 7 p.m.

The author of Say My Name will discuss his novel and autograph copies.

12

TUESDAY Tae Kwon Do Exhibition Lincoln Center Student Lounge 8:30 p.m.

Watch Fordham’s martial artists show off their skills.

13

WEDNESDAY New York Night Train Wednesdays Motor City Bar 10 p.m.

Jonathan Toubin, creator of the New York Night Train music blog, will be spinning a selection of punk eclectica.

— COMPILED BY SCHARON HARDING AND SANDY MCKENZIE

The American Presidency with Professor Cohen. I took it because I love presidents, but Professor Cohen was hysterical and so helpful. I can’t thank him enough for helping me both in class and with finishing my major and getting accepted to law school.

What is your favorite memory while attending Fordham?

There’s not one moment that I’m most fond of, but when I think about the times I’ve had the most fun at Fordham, it almost always involves dancing with Pat McDonough, GSB ’11 (including the many times he has unsuccessfully tried to dip me).

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC? I go into the city every day to go to class. I’m a frequent flyer on the Ram Van, so, in my mind, I always deserve the front seat.

My favorite thing to do is walk up fifth Avenue, which I do quite often while trying to avoid my least favorite thing to do in the city, go to the Law Library.

What are your plans (career or otherwise) for after college?

I’ll be at Fordham Law for the next two years, although hopefully I won’t still be riding the Ram Van. If I manage to survive those two years, I think I’ll be able to rule the world, or maybe just be the happiest trial lawyer on earth.

What do you want to do or accomplish before you leave Fordham?

The only thing left on my Fordham bucket list is to spend an entire day in the Caf with my partner in crime, Kara Dimitruk, FCRH ’11.

We did it once freshman year, and it was one of my favorite days.

It’s slightly less spontaneous now (or lazy, depending on how you look at it), since we have to plan it around my law classes and her graduate economic classes. But rest assured Francis, we’ll be there soon!

Anything else you want people to know about you?

Just that I’m the happiest/proudest Fordham student there is. I can prove it, too. I bet I have more Fordham clothing than you!

CULTURE

PAGE 18 • THE RAM APRIL 6,2011

Expatriate Talks Music and Life with The Ram

COURTESY OF JASON CONSOLI

COURTESY OF MEHMET TURGUT

Expatriate, an indie rock band, will be touring in the U.S.this summer. The band was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone as one of the top-10 “Bands to Watch” for 2007 and was in the Battle for the Sun tour.

By SANDY MCKENZIE CULTURE EDITOR

Expatriate, an indie rock band from Australia, is planning to tour in the U.S. this summer.

Expatriate is comprised of front-man Ben King, keyboardist Damian Press, drummer Chris Kollias and bassist David Molland. Their album, In The Midst of This, was released in the U.S. in November. The band also has two EPs. Since its formation in 2005, Expatriate has experienced great success. For example, in 2007, Expatriate was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, as one of that year’s top-10 “Bands to Watch.” In addition, in 2009, Expatriate played in the Battle for the Sun tour, as the support band to Placebo.

Today, the band resides in Berlin. King took the time to talk with The Ram’s Sandy McKenzie about his music and life on tour.

The Ram: When and where did you meet your band mem-

bers?

King: I met them in Sydney around five years ago. Damian, our keyboardist, and Chris, our drummer, were in another band that I was really interested in. I used to go and hang out with them, as we were all in the same scene and had the same friends.

On the other hand, Dave, our current bass player, was not our original bass player. We put an ad in a newspaper and a friend of a friend ended up telling him about our band. He joined in 2007.

TR: You traveled a lot when you were growing up. Did this prepare you for what life would be like on tour?

King: I lived in Indonesia, in the capital, Jakarta. My dad was working there. Growing up, I traveled back and forth between Indonesia, Australia and Singapore. So, it was a pretty crazy upbringing. I also went to the international school in Jakarta. It is an American-run school with an American curriculum. In fact, a lot of Texans went there so I had

a lot of Texan friends.

Because we are touring, we have to get up and leave everything we know in Berlin, which is where we currently live. It is sort of bizarre hanging out with three other guys month after month living in a tour bus. In addition, when we originally moved to Berlin, we had to leave our lives behind and move to a city where we did not know anyone. I felt more prepared for it because I had moved six or seven times when I was pretty young. Still, it is never an easy thing to do.

TR: In what country have you enjoyed performing the most?

King: Well, I have been lucky enough to tour most of Europe.

However, many of the more unusual places are not on the major touring grid. For example, we performed in Turkey at an outdoor arena on the Bosphorus River. It was amazing. As the sun was going down you could see the whole harbor lit up. There were all of these mosques on one side and then all of these huge

mansions on the other side.

Also, touring Eastern Europe is pretty amazing because people really get out there and support the band. For me, Latvia was an especially memorable experience.

TR: Who would you say has inspired your band?

King: All of us band members have quite varied tastes. Damien likes making completely crazy sounds. On the other hand, Chris is into really old school Greek music with crazy rhythms.

However, a lot of English bands from the late 70s and 80s really inspired us, for example, The Cure. But more recently, we have been inspired by the great electronic scene in Australia. A lot of the bands that we started touring with have inspired us, as well.

TR: How has your music evolved since you first formed Expatriate in 2005?

King: We started off as a solo project of mine. I had some songs and Damien had a studio

that he had engineered. In his studio, we put together three or four songs. I started making CDs and handing them out to bands in Sydney. While we started out as a studio project, we soon evolved into a band in the strict sense of the word. We became a fourpiece band that plays live. We also started using the computer to cut up and make our songs.

In addition, we became more comfortable in what we do in the studio. We love tinkering with sounds. In this next record that we just finished, there is a lot more going on and it is a lot more colorful, as we used more electronic sounds.

TR: What does the band have in store for the future?

King: We just finished a new record that will come out in America later this year. We will be touring in Australia in the next few months, so we are getting ready to play our live shows. We will be touring in the U.S., as well.

We also have a few more projects that we are working on.

COURTESY OF ANDY WILLSHER

CULTURE

FEBRUARY 23, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 19

Fordham Launches Marketing Practitioners’ Sessions

By LAUREN ZUPKUS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

COURTESY OF WILLIAM MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Marketing Practitioners Sessions, a program offered by the Gabelli School of Business, provides workshops for students interested in marketing and advertising.

until the cameras went live and I had to promote the company’s product,� she said. “The energy was so high.�

Students’ involvement in Fashion Week 2011 epitomizes GSB’s mission to capitalize on the New York experience.

In addition, G2 interns are inspired by company leaders to implement social responsibility, as the company is a completely organic, green-product line.

Live close, secure, & independently to Fordham.

E

ies; the Marketing Practitioner’s Sessions allow for hands-on experience in the business world. Students interested in the Marketing Leadership Program should contact Gina Hill at hilllobasso@ fordham.edu.

Even though an internship can be demanding, it is also a rewarding experience. “Do what you like, like what you do, and life is good,� Oetzel said.

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“I don’t see my contribution as work; I see it as something that I love and want to continue pursuing after college,� Oetzel said. “It makes a difference when you believe in the company your working for.�

According to Hill, the program “reinforces the Fordham mission to cultivate ethically responsible business leaders.�

Not all internships involve fetching coffee and making cop-

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minutes I need to get an answer back to them,� she said. “It forces me to make quick marketing and promotional decisions, as well as to think logically and critically about the financial implication of my decisions.�

According to Goldstein, the environment at Fashion Week is fast-paced. “I was pulled into a media booth and handed a microphone with only 30 seconds to prepare

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Strutting down the red carpet alongside supermodels at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is not a typical day on the job for Fordham interns. Maxxie Goldstein, GSB ’13 and Kate Oetzel, GSB ’12, did just that as part of the Marketing Practitioners’ Sessions offered by the Gabelli School of Business.

Gina Hill, adjunct professor of marketing, explained how that sessions “engage business students in essential learning activities designed to explore and experiment with various career paths in the marketing industry.�

As the director of the Markeing Leadership Program and the marketing advisor for GSB, Hill explained how beneficial the practitioners’ sessions are to students interested in marketing, public relations, advertising, fashion, sports and media entertainment.

The sessions are conducted as workshops in which students are exposed to real business scenarios and real-world problems to cultivate specified skill set development.

Goldstein, an intern for the allnatural beauty product line G2 Organics, says her internship experience has helped prepare her for her future career path. “Often times I am hanging out with friends and Cherie or Marie [founders of G2 Organics] email me and within five

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APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 21

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PAGE 23

APRIL 6 , 2011

Softball Goes 2-2 During the Week, Sits at Fourth Place in Atlantic 10 The Lady Rams Split a Pair of Double-headers Against Temple and Saint Joseph’s, Bring Record to 22-15

By CHESTER BAKER ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Fordham continued its Atlantic-10 play with mixed results, as the Lady Rams went 2-2 throughout the week. The team opened the week in sole possession of first place in the conference, something it relinquished following a doubleheader against Temple on April 2.

Fordham entered the series against the Lady Owls coming off four straight wins, including wins over conference foe St. Bonaventure, as well as Lehigh.

In the first game of the day, Temple upended Fordham, 7-4, in heartbreaking fashion.

Things started off relatively well for Fordham, as senior pitcher Chelsea Plimpton worked her way out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the first.

Senior third baseman Jocelyn Dearborn then continued her hot streak with a homer to give Fordham a 1-0 lead after the first inning, her eighth home-run of the season.

Dearborn also hit an RBI double in the third, an inning in which Fordham extended its lead to 4-0.

The Lady Rams also benefited from an error by Temple, which led to two unearned runs.

Plimpton surrendered two runs and came out of the game after five innings and two strikeouts.

Junior Jen Mineau came into the game with a 4-2 lead, which usually means you can put it in the books as a win. That was not the case against Temple, however, as she gave up six hits and five runs in just two innings of work.

Mineau surrendered a two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to Temple freshman Sarah Prezioso, her second homer of the game, as Temple grabbed its first lead. Temple tacked on two more insurance runs for the 7-4 win.

In the second game of the day, Fordham overcame a poor start from Mineau, as far as her standards are concerned, and won 6-4.

“Most of the times we can count on Jen winning the game for us,” Head Coach Bridgette Orchard said. “It’s up to us to pick her up

PHOTO BY AARON MAYS/THE RAM

Senior third baseman Jocelyn Dearborn, who usually bats first in the line-up for the Lady Rams, has been on a tear to start the season. Dearborn currently has ten homeruns on the season, which leads the team.

when she doesn’t have her stuff, and still be able to get the win.”

Dearborn once again led off the game with a round-tripper, and Fordham grabbed the early lead.

Freshman catcher Gabby Luety doubled home a run, and senior infielder Beckah Wiggins promptly brought Luety home with a RBI double of her own, giving Fordham a three-run lead after the first inning.

Temple was able to rattle Mineau once again as the Lady Owls touched her up for four runs in the second inning. Following a double that cut the lead to two, junior outfielder Christina Sykora blasted a three-run homer over the leftfield wall to give the Lady Owls a 4-3 lead.

Fordham was able to get everything back in the fourth, as the team pushed across three runs.

Sophomore leftfielder Jessica Crowley got things started with a double. Crowley did not have to wait on base very long, as sophomore rightfielder Chelsea Palumbo crushed a homer to give the Lady Rams a 5-4 lead, which they would not give up.

Luety got her second RBI of the game later in the inning to give

Fordham a 6-4 lead.

Mineau went four innings and struck out six en route to her 10th win of the season. Plimpton relieved her in the fifth and was able to stymie the Temple offense, striking out four and giving up just two hits.

The Lady Rams did not have much time to rest, as they got right back into action against Saint Joseph’s on Sunday.

There was not much scoring between the two games, as there were just two combined runs in the two games. The Lady Hawks got the 1-0 decision in the first game, and Fordham exacted some measure of revenge in the rubber match by getting its own 1-0 win.

The first game pitted two of the top pitchers in the conference against one another, as St. Joseph’s junior pitcher Erin Gallagher squared off against Mineau. Gallagher pitched her second career no-hitter against George Washington just one day before.

The game turned out to be a pitchers’ duel, as neither team was able to manage a baserunner until the third inning.

Junior leftfielder Lindsay Kay Bright slapped a single for the

Lady Rams’ first hit of the game, which turned out to be the only hit on the day for Fordham.

Bright moved to third following an error by the Lady Hawks, but was left stranded when junior rightfielder Nicole Callahan grounded out to squander Fordham’s only offensive threat of the game.

St. Joseph’s got a runner in scoring position in the fourth inning, but Mineau struck out the side to end the threat.

The Lady Hawks got the only run of the day in the sixth inning to finally break the scoreless tie.

Sophomore outfielder Dana Parks reached on a fielder’s choice, and then stole second to get things in motion for St. Joseph’s. With two outs, junior shortstop Bernadette Moran hit a routine pop-up that should have ended the inning and the threat.

Senior shortstop Samantha Pellechio lost the ball in the sun, however, and was not able to make the play. The ball landed just inside the infield grass, and Moran got credited with an infield single. Parks was running on contact, and scored easily for the only run of the game.

Both pitchers went for the complete game, and the two gave up

just six hits combined.

Gallagher struck out nine Lady Rams and, not to be outdone, Mineau sent 11 Lady Hawks down on strikes.

The second game saw more of the same, as another pitching duel unfolded between St. Joseph’s sophomore Taryn Ashway and Fordham’s Plimpton.

Parks got on base in the fourth, starting the first threat of the day.

St. Joseph’s would eventually move two runners in scoring position, following a steal.

Plimpton got a strikeout to end the inning and the threat, however.

St. Joseph’s squandered another great scoring chance in the fifth.

Senior catcher Taylor Korpita got on base with a single, and was looking to score following a single by junior thirdbasemen Alaina Loguidice. Bright raced to the ball and hit senior catcher Meghan Shager with the cut-off throw. Korpita got caught in between third and home, and Shager whipped it over to Dearborn at third, who tagged out the potential leading run.

Fordham got the only run of the game in the sixth, starting off with a walk by Dearborn, who then stole second.

Dearborn advanced to third following a fielder’s choice by Bright.

Pellechio made up for her gaffe in the first game that led to the only run in game one, by plating the only run in the second game, as she brought home Dearborn with a ground out.

Plimpton, who struck out seven in the game, promptly sent down the Lady Hawks in the seventh, and Fordham got the 1-0 win.

Following the series, Fordham’s record stands at 22-15 overall, with a 5-3 mark in the A-10. Fordham is currently fourth in the conference.

“One of our goals for this season is to win the conference, and the only way for us to do that is to beat our conference opponents, and win the games we’re supposed to,” Orchard said.

Fordham will get back on the field on Wednesday, April 6, when Hofstra travels to the Bronx for a night game, which will begin at 6 p.m.

Fordham Lands Highly-Touted New York City Recruit

By MARK BECKER STAFF WRITER

Head Coach Tom Pecora is wasting no time this offseason in his efforts to bring Fordham men’s basketball back to respectability.

While most coaches across the country are busy flying in to watch NCAA Tournament games and enjoying mostly well-deserved vacations, Pecora is hot on the recruiting trail, recently securing a verbal commitment from Midwood High School guard Bryan Smith.

A 6’2”, 195-pound combo guard in the mold of traditional Pecora backcourt phenoms, Smith led his high school to its first-ever boys basketball title, the PSAL

“A” Championship, before bowing out in the state Federation tournament. He is considered by some to be one of the best guards in New York City, and his numbers would appear to back up those claims: He averaged 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as a senior.

He should have no trouble finding playing time in his first year as a Ram, with Brenton Butler taking 30-plus minutes per game with him as he graduates this year.

Fordham beat out the likes of Clemson, Boston College, Hofstra, College of Charleston and as many as five others to secure the guard’s services, by virtue of being the first school to offer him a scholarship.

The fact that Smith’s father attend-

ed Fordham probably did not hurt the Rams’ chances either.

Smith could not be reached for direct comment, but has told multiple news outlets that Fordham being the first to offer him a scholarship “means a lot, because it shows I was always a priority.”

Smith’s exposure went through the roof after a 68-point breakout in December, but Fordham had already been on his trail for some time.

Rumors claim that Hofstra, from which Pecora left for Fordham last year, was a very strong contender for Smith’s commitment in the final stages, but Fordham’s mix of academics and other draws apparently were enough to sway his deci-

sion to Rose Hill.

Smith is confident in the direction in which Fordham seems to be heading after Pecora’s first season.

“I know they’re a program on the rise and I feel that with me and the other players that are there, we can get some wins,” he said. “I’m not expecting a dramatic turnaround.

It’s a process, step by step.”

Fordham has already landed commitments from four others for the 2011-2012 season, including 6’10” center Ryan Canty, 6’4” shooting guard Jeffrey Short and 6’8” power forward Luka Zivkovic.

Short and Zivkovic are billed as swingmen with deep range, which should be a welcome extension for the Rams’ offense, as the team

struggled with shooting percentage behind the arc last season. Canty may be too thin for the college game, but he has the frame to add the requisite muscle and could be a force in the Atlantic 10 if he does.

With junior Kervin Bristol and sophomore Chris Gaston returning in the front court, and junior Alberto Estwick joining freshmen Lamount Samuell Jr. and Branden Frazier in the back court, the Rams will have a mix of talent and chemistry that has not been present for three years.

The Rams finished the 2010-11 season with a 7-21 record, highlighted by an early season victory over St. John’s and beating Massachusetts in the season finale.

SPORTS

PAGE 24 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

Women’s Tennis Falls to Temple and Marist, Defeat St. Joeseph’s

Lady Rams Fifth in San Diego Crew Heat

By JOE RAPOLLA STAFF WRITER

Fordham’s women’s rowing squad made a name for the university on the West Coast this past weekend. At the San Diego Crew Classic, which was held on April 2 and 3 in Southern Calif., Fordham showed up against an impressive and talented field of competitors.

The varsity 8 boat finished fifth in its first heat, yet its margin of loss was as close as it gets.

The Fordham squad crossed the finish line with a time of 7:02.24, putting it just over two seconds behind the first-place finisher Sacramento State, which finished with a time of 6:59.1.

To make a dead heat even tighter, Fordham finished just .08 seconds behind the fourth-

place finisher, St. Mary’s. Despite missing the petites by such a devastatingly-tight margin, Fordham answered and easily won its thirds race with a time of 6:53.60, more than four seconds above British Columbia, the second place school in that race.

“The girls showed great dedication after the tight loss in the qualifying heat and answered with a definitive win,” Head Coach Ted Bonanno said.

“I thought we performed extremely well at the San Diego Crew Classic,” Abigail Paparo, the boat’s coxswain, said. “Although we finished fifth [in our qualifying heat,] we were only two seconds off of first place and it was very exciting.”

“It was a great experience to race against West Coast schools,” Paparo added.

Bonanno agreed with Paparo’s statement and was very happy with the support Fordham received on the West Coast.

“A ton of family members and alum came out to support the team,” Bonanno said. “They took the team out to dinner and made them feel very welcome, and that certainly made our experience on the West Coast that much more pleasant.”

“As our team is growing and members are coming from different areas of the country, it is beneficial that Fordham is showing up outside of the Northeast,” Bonanno said. “We showed the West Coast what a competitive squad we have.”

The women’s crew team is next scheduled to row at the the Knecht Cup April 9 and 10 in Collingswood, N.J.

Men’s Tennis Earns Win After Falling Twice PHOTO BY SIMON SULIT/THE RAM

Sophomore Mia Fiocca lost in singles but won in doubles against Temple. of the day in third and fourth

By NANCY BUCKLEY STAFF WRITER singles, respectively.

Marist held on for a 5-2 victory The women’s tennis team had over the Lady Rams. a difficult week with two out of The final match of the week its three matches against Atlantic was another A-10 match against -10 competitors. On Wednesday, Saint Joseph’s.

March 30, the Lady Rams faced With Dabu back, the Lady the Temple Lady Owls, a strong Rams were ready to play. Fiocca A-10 team with a season record and Dabu were back in first douof 11-6. bles and Tremaine and Fritzinger The Lady Rams grabbed only in second doubles. Both pairs one win in the match, which was defeated their respective opnot enough for a point. Sophoponents 8-3, receiving a collecmore Mia Fiocca and freshman tive doubles point for the Lady Angelika Dabu defeated seniors Rams.

Christine Clermount and TherDabu played second singles sea Stangl in first doubles, 8-6; and defeated her opponent, freshhowever, in second and third man Devi Jadeja, in a tiebreaker doubles, the Lady Rams were and overtime round. The first set defeated, and the Lady Owls rewas won by Jadeja 4-6, but Dabu ceived the doubles point. quickly bounced back, defeating Temple received six more Jadeja 6-1 in the second round points as they defeated Fordham and 7-6 in the tiebreaker. in all the singles matches on the Fritzinger also scored a singles day. point in fourth doubles against The top performances for junior Tara Walsh, winning 6-1 in Fordham came from Fiocca at the first set and 6-3 in the second. first singles and junior Sarah TreBoyle defeated her opponent 6-3 maine at No. 3 singles. Fiocca fell and 7-6 in fourth singles. to Stangel by scores of 6-2 and Sophomore Jennifer Mullen 7-5, while Tremaine lost to freshreceived the final point for Fordman Alicia Doms, 6-2 and 6-4. ham in her sixth singles match, as Temple went on to win 7-0 she defeated sophomore Jenna against Fordham.

Procyk 6-2, 6-2.

A few days later, on Saturday, The Lady Rams finished the April 2, the Lady Rams received conference match victoriously, a break from conference play as with a score of 5-2, bringing the they hosted Marist at Rose Hill’s team’s record 3-12. As the team Hawthorn/Rooney courts. advances closer to the A-10 This match came to fulfill the Championships, both Dabu and team’s biggest fear of the season Fiocca agree on one thing: the – not having enough players. The need for better consistancy in Lady Rams have the minimum doubles play. number of players – six – so with “The team could improve on one woman out, the team autodoubles,” Fiocca said, “but overmatically has to take two default all I think we are doing a great losses, one in singles, and the job.” other in doubles, making it much “The one thing I think our harder to win the one doubles team really needs to work on point available. is winning the doubles point,” With Dabu out for the match, Dabu said. the other Lady Rams were forced The team has one final regular to step up their games. season match left to improve its Fordham lost both doubles doubles game before the chammatches. Fiocca and Tremaine pionship. The final match is a played first doubles and freshhome match on Tuesday, April man Hanna Fritzinger and junior 5, at 3 p.m. against Long Island Bethany Boyle played second University. doubles and lost in a tie breaker After this match, the team will round, 7-2. enter the Atlantic 10 ChampionFritzinger and Boyle earned ships, which is next weekend, the Lady Rams’ only two points April 8-10, in Charlottesville, Va.

By DAN GARTLAND STAFF WRITER

It was another up and down week for the Fordham men’s tennis team. Following their winless weekend trip to Philadelphia, the Rams traveled to Rider on Tuesday looking to bounce back, and earned a 5-2 victory. The following day, however, they were swept 7-0 at Marist. They closed out the week with a 4-3 loss to St. Francis (NY) at home on Saturday.

Fordham opened the match against Rider by sweeping the doubles matches and earning the doubles point. They went on to win four of the six singles matches for the 5-2 victory.

Though the Rams won all three of the doubles matches, Head Coach Cory Hubbard thought they could have performed better, though he was pleased with his team’s play in the singles matches.

“I was very pleased the way the guys responded after the doubles, we talked about playing with confidence and belief instead of playing scared to lose like we did in the doubles,” he said.

“We are in a tough stretch right now with a lot of matches last weekend and playing back to back days. It will be tough as we

have several guys out with injuries, so we will need everyone to step up and contribute,” Hubbard added.

The injuries Hubbard is referring to are to sophomore No. 1 singles player Alex DeRienzo and senior co-captain Austin Shoup.

These injuries have created opportunities for other players.

Freshmen Luke Maloney and Alex Levine have each seen time at sixth singles. Junior Andriy Kulak has also seen increased playing time.

Kulak shined on Saturday against St. Francis, as the Rams looked to rebound from their 7-0 defeat at the hands of the Marist Red Foxes earlier in the week. Kulak won both of the matches he played in, at second doubles paired with fellow junior Eli Plangger, as well as at second singles.

Seniors Nick Kelly and Ken Fukumoto fell at first doubles, 8-3, though the team of sophomore Dan Kane-West and senior cocaptain Kevin Maloney did win their third doubles match by an 8-5 count. The focus then turned to Kulak and Plangger. If they could win their match, Fordham would clinch the doubles point.

The match was tight all the way. Neither team seemed to be

able to gain an edge until St. Francis took a 7-4 lead, needing only one more game to win. Plangger and Kulak responded, forcing a tiebreaker. In the tiebreaker, St. Francis jumped out to an early 5-1 lead but it wasn’t long before Fordham answered and evened it back up, 5-5. Plangger and Kulak went on to win the tiebreaker and take the match 9-8 (9), clinching the doubles point for Fordham.

Plangger and Kulak carried the momentum of their doubles victory into singles play. Kulak earned a win at second singles and Plangger won his match at fourth singles. Unfortunately for Fordham, they would be the only two singles victories of the day. At first singles, Maloney was quickly defeated 6-0, 6-2.

His opponent looked more like a running back than a tennis player and was simply too athletic for Maloney. Maloney seemingly couldn’t get anything past him.

At one point he could be heard muttering, “This kid just hits everything.”

Fukumoto, Kane-West and Levine all lost their singles matches and the Rams fell by a 4-3 count, dropping to 4-9 on the season. They will have four more matches before the A-10 Championships.

PHOTO BY AARON MAYS/THE RAM

Senior Ken Fukumoto (above) and his partner, senior Nick Kelly, lost in first doubles against St. Francis (NY) on April 1.

SPORTS

MLB Season Preview

By ERIK PEDERSEN COPY EDITOR

AL EAST Boston Red Sox New York Yankees Baltimore Orioles Toronto Blue Jays Tampa Bay Rays This should be the best division in baseball from top to bottom, and I think this will cost whomever finishes in second a chance at the Wild Card. Boston’s lineup will be a nightmare for any team it faces this year, and the 1-2 combination of Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz will make the Sox very difficult to beat in the postseason.

The Yankees should have no problem scoring runs again this year, but their rotation is a mess after CC Sabathia. While there is a good chance they will make a push for a top-of-the rotation starter before the trade deadline, I can’t see this team making the playoffs with the pitching that it currently has.

AL CENTRAL Chicago White Sox Minnesota Twins (wild card) Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Cleveland Indians Any one of the top three teams in the Central could easily win the division, and having the opportunity to play the Royals and Indians 18 times each should help whomever finishes second to take the Wild Card.

Chicago should have the edge over the others due to its superior pitching depth, in both the rotation and the bullpen.

The Twins seem to find a way to contend for the playoffs every year, but their Wild Card prediction is made with the assumption that Justin Morneau will revert back to being the player he was before he was sidelined by a concussion for the second half of last season.

Without his production, it will be very difficult for the Twins to stay ahead of Detroit.

AL WEST Texas Rangers Oakland Athletics LA Angels Seattle Mariners While Texas will have to deal with losing both its No. 1 pitcher (Cliff Lee) and cleanup hitter (Vladimir Guerrero), the Rangers still have a very intimidating lineup led by All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton. Their young pitchers should be good enough to keep the team in front in the West.

Having said that, it would not surprise me at all if the A’s were able to steal the division, as they could arguably have the best rotation in the AL. If Oakland gets enough production from its new acquisitions on offense, it has a great chance to make the playoffs.

Seattle had one of the worst offenses in the history of baseball last year, and its top offseason acquisition was Jack Cust. Enough said.

NL EAST Philadelphia Phillies Atlanta Braves (wild card) New York Mets Florida Marlins Washington Nationals

While Philadelphia’s offense is nothing compared to what it was a few seasons ago, especially with the questions surrounding Chase Utley’s knee, it is still certainly good enough to support what is the best rotation in baseball. Cole Hamels would be the ace on almost any other team and he is the Phillies’ fourth starter.

The Braves will give them a strong challenge, however, as they should have a powerful offense to go with an above-average pitching staff.

One of the Mets, Marlins or Nationals will likely manage to finish .500, but there is a significant gap between the top two teams and the rest of the division. The Mets have the highest upside if everything breaks right, but if there is one team in baseball that should expect the worst after what it has dealt with the last few seasons, that team is the Mets.

NL CENTRAL Cincinnati Reds Milwaukee Brewers St. Louis Cardinals Chicago Cubs Houston Astros Pittsburgh Pirates This division can be split up into groups of two, with Cincinnati and Milwaukee likely battling for first place (providing that Zack Greinke does not miss too much time with his rib injury), St. Louis and Chicago fighting for third and Houston and Pittsburgh struggling to avoid being the worst team in the league.

Cincinnati returns almost the same team from last year, which should mean another strong year from its offense and continued development from its young starting pitchers.

NL WEST San Francisco Giants LA Dodgers Colorado Rockies San Diego Padres Arizona Diamondbacks San Francisco is a team made for the playoffs, and if the Giants are able to get enough from their offense during the season, they will once again be a team that nobody wants to face in October.

Either the Dodgers or Rockies could challenge San Francisco for the division lead, but LA’s lineup and Colorado’s pitching will likely hold them back.

San Diego had everything break right for it last season, and they now have to deal with losing their best player in Adrian Gonzalez, while Arizona could easily challenge Pittsburgh and Houston for last in the NL. World Series: Boston over Atlanta It seems as if every sportswriter in the country is picking the Red Sox and Phillies to face each other in the World Series. While it isn’t hard to argue that these are the two best teams on paper in their respective leagues, the MLB playoffs are notoriously unpredictable, and it is hard to see both teams making it to the end. The Braves have the all-around talent to get around the Phillies, but I expect Boston to win its third World Series in eight years.

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 25

Men’s Baseball

Outdoor Track & Field

Women’s Softball

Albany 6 Fordham 4

Colonial Relays

St. Josephs 0 Fordham 1

Women’s High Jump 1. Key, Duquesne, 1.70m 20. Newman, Fordham, 1.55m

St. Joes Parks Cardone Moran Aguilar Kramer Christman Korpita Bieniek Loguidice Ashway Gallagher

AB 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 1 2 0 0

R 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals

22

0

5

0

Fordham Dearborn Kay Bright Pellechio Wiggins LaBovick Luety Crowley Palumbo Shager Plimpton

AB 2 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 0

R 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

RBI 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals

21

1

3

1

Albany Gaige Welsh Bullard DiResta Tirri Muller Crean Kspinal Ilacqua Martorell Graham Dybus

AB 4 4 5 2 4 0 3 2 4 4 0 0

Totals

32

Fordham Martinez Kownacki Lee Walker David Swatek Maghini Mauri McSherry Phelan Russo Pike Anastasi Charest

AB 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 2 1 3 1 0 0 0

R 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0

H 3 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 2 0 0

RBI 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0

6

10

6

R 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H 1 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0

RBI 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4

8

3

Men’s High Jump 1. Butler, Monmouth, 1.99m 19. Gleason, Fordham, 1.90m Women’s Long Jump 1. McDonald, James Madison, 5.81m 31. Warren, Fordham, 4.98m Men Hammer Throw 1. Keogh, Temple, 61.92m 10. Brown, Fordham, 46.23m Men Javelin Throw 1. Heroux, William & Mary, 67.55 15. Gleason, Fordham, 44.99m Women 100 Meter Dash 1. Mills, Pitt, 11.74 29. Groeninger, Fordham, 12.40 Men 100 Meter Dash 1. Lawson, Temple, 10.21 32. Houston, Fordham, 10.95 Women’s 100 Meter Hurdles 1. Ward, Villanova, 13.12 34. Newman, Fordham, 15.75

Innings St. Joes Fordham

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 x

St. Joes Ashway Gallagher

IP H R ER BB SO 4.0 3 0 0 0 4 2.0 0 1 1 1 2

Fordham Plimpton

IP H R ER BB SO 7.0 5 0 0 1 7

Totals

34

Innings Albany Fordham

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Women’s 200 Meter Dash 1. Ward, Villanova, 24.30 42. Groeninger, Fordham, 26.42

Albany Graham Dybus

IP H R ER BB SO 6.0 6 4 4 1 6 3.0 2 0 0 0 0

Men 200 Meter Dash 1. Freeland, Temple, 21.49 25. Lyons, Fordham, 23.07

Fordham Pike Anastrasi Charest

IP 6.0 2.0 1.0

Women 400 Meter Dash 1. Rotilio, West Virginia, 53.96 27. Warren, Fordham, 59.74

H 7 3 0

R ER BB SO 5 5 2 4 1 1 1 2 0 0 1 1

HR - Gaige (2). SB - David (2), Maghini (4).

UMass 5 Fordham 6 UMass Graef McLam Fredette Gedman Copa Conley Multner Sanford Serino Misho Sorenson Totals

AB 4 3 3 2 2 2 4 4 4 0 0 28

Fordham Martinez David Lee Walker Kownacki Russo McSherry Maghini Swatek Pendergast Reich

AB 4 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 0 0

R 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

H 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0

RBI 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

5

6

4

R 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0

H 1 3 2 3 1 1 1 0 1 0 0

RBI 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6

13

5

Totals

39

Inning UMass Fordham

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2

UMass Misho Sorensen

IP H R ER BB SO 6.2 9 4 4 1 2 2.0 4 2 2 0 2

Fordham IP H R ER BB SO Pendergast 7.0 5 4 3 4 4 Reich 2.0 1 1 0 1 1 E - Lee (2), Maghini (11), Pendergast (2). SB - Lee (5), Kownacki (15).

Men 400 Meter Dash 1. Hanna, Detroit, 48.48 24. Lyons, Fordham, 50.69 Women’s 400 Meter Dash 1. Mahon, Villanova, 1:00.99 33. Sheppard, Fordham, 1:10.55 Men 400 Meter Hurdles 1. Durham, Under Armour, 52.12 12. Atkinson, Fordham, 56.21 Women 800 Meter Run 1. Tomlin, Georgetown, 2:07.58 7. Gallagher, Fordham, 2:10.72 Men 800 Meter Run 1. Andrews, Unattached, 1:49.58 22. Cosgrove, 1:54.11 Women 1500 Meter Run 1. Garcia, Virginia, 4:22.64 34. Arsenault, Fordham, 4:43.86 Men 1500 Meter Run 1. Hammond, Virginia Tech, 3:46.97 49. Polo, Fordham, 4:02.41 Women 5000 Meter Run 1. Jones, Georgetown, 16:17.91 40. O’Connor, 18:36.28 Men 3000 Meter Steeplechase 1. Mahoney, Temple, 9:00.68 9. Riley, Fordham, 9:31.40

SH - Cardone (1), Bieniek (2). SB - Aguilar (1), Dearborn (6).

Temple 4 Fordham 6 Temple Marris Schoell Prezioso Pasquale Robinson Knable Nelons Marley Sykora White Totals

AB 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 0 26

R 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 4

H 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 6

Fordham AB Dearborn 4 Callahan 2 Longo 0 Pellechio 3 Luety 3 LaBovick 3 Wiggins 3 Crowley 3 Palumbo 3 Kay Bright 3 Mineau 0 Plimpton 0 Totals 27

R 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 6

H 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 9

RBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 4 RBI 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 6

Inning Temple Fordham

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 x

Temple White

IP H R ER BB SO 6.0 9 6 6 3 5

Fordham Mineau Plimpton

IP H R ER BB SO 4.0 4 4 4 1 6 3.0 2 0 0 0 4

HR - Sykora (2), Dearborn (8), Palumbo (2).

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SPORTS

PAGE 26 • THE RAM • APRIL 6, 2011

NICK CARROLL On Opening Day, it has become cliché to say that every team is in first place and has hope. Let’s be real, though, that’s bull. Major League was only a movie; the Indians aren’t going to win anything.

After all, the World Series has already been decided.

The Phillies won the National League in December when they signed Cliff Lee. Four aces? No team can match that pitching depth. The Phils have been there before and look to be better than in any of the years where they made a run. This is an easy pick for the World Series.

The Red Sox are an even easier pick. The Sox brought in Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford to play with a healthy Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis this year. From top to bottom, there is no other lineup that can keep up with the Sox. Or at least that’s what the national media believes. The Phillies have received some attention for their tumultuous spring, highlighted by injuries and lineup questions. But it’s still too easy a pick. We haven’t seen a rotation this deep since the mid-90’s Braves had Steve Avery contributing solid innings. The national consensus seems to be that a rotation this deep cannot be beaten. That said, the Braves only won one World Series and the Phillies didn’t win a World Series with three of these four starters and Joe Blanton last year.

The Red Sox, on the other hand, have been portrayed as invincible.

Does anyone have a team other than Boston winning the World Series?

That’s why I’m here. There needs to be a voice of reason. World Series aren’t won before the season. No matter how exciting a team might look on paper going into a season, a lot can happen. The Phillies have a lot of potential. If Ben Francisco proves to be a legitimate replacement for Jayson Werth, and Shane Victorino and Jimmy Rollins can prove that they’re not done, the Phillies lineup isn’t bad. If Chase Utley can get healthy and be Chase Utley, the Phillies could once again be toward the top of the National League in runs scored.

Those are a lot of ifs, though.

There are other teams in the National League that could pose a serious threat, especially if the Phillies don’t get the breaks with their lineup. The Braves have one of baseball’s best bullpens, an emerging superstar in Jason Heyward and a much deeper lineup with a healthy Chipper Jones and Dan Uggla. If Jair Jurrjens can get healthy and produce, Tommy Hanson continues to develop and Tim Hudson repeats his 2010 campaign, the Braves can be right there.

The Brewers could make a jump,

as well. Any rotation fronted by Zack Greinke and Yovani Gallardo has to be taken seriously.

With Shaun Marcum fitting in as the third starter, the Brewers rotation looks to be playoff-ready. The Brewers now have the pitching to give the team balance with its already potent lineup, and they will be a threat.

Oh, and there are the defending World Series Champions. The Giants haven’t changed much in the last six months. They are still the same team that won the World Series. Their existence alone should show that anything can happen.

The Phillies had three of their four aces in that series and still fell two wins short of the World Series.

Anything can happen; the games are played for a reason and the Phillies aren’t unbeatable.

Neither are the Red Sox. Their rotation is not good. Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz are two of the better starters in the American League.

After that, though, the Sox have a lot of question marks. Josh Beckett and John Lackey were terrible last season, and they are reaching an age where they might just be done.

Oh, and Daisuke Matsuzaka is godawful.

The Red Sox bullpen has received a lot of publicity as what could be a dominant bullpen.

Why? Jonathan Papelbon took major steps backward last season and lost a lot of his luster. Bobby Jenks has not been the dominant Bobby Jenks since 2008. In all likelihood, both pitchers’ best days are behind them. Daniel Bard is legitimate, but that’s only one guy. A lot could go wrong in the back end of the bullpen.

It was only the first weekend of the season, but the Red Sox series against Texas could be a recurring theme throughout the season. Boston could be involved in a lot of high-scoring games.

I’m not saying the Red Sox and Phillies cannot make a World Series run; they are currently the two best teams in baseball. Both teams do have obvious flaws, though, and a lot can change between now and October.

The Phillies are a perfect example of this. When they traded for Joe Blanton in 2008, Cliff Lee in 2009 and Roy Oswalt in 2010, they improved their playoff prospects dramatically. The Brewers did the same when they dealt for CC Sabathia in 2008. Who’s to say the Yankees or Rangers will not find another starter to team up with Sabathia, making them the favorite in the AL? More than any other year the trade deadline could prove to be a major factor in who steps up as the World Series favorite.

The Sox could solidify their pitching, or the Phillies could have another active deadline and find a bat, but a front-line starter traded to the Yankees, Rangers or Braves could boost any of those teams to the top of the pack.

What if Albert Pujols is made available because of his looming free agency? He could make the Giants an awfully tough team to beat.

The difference between the Red Sox, Phillies and the rest of baseball is not as big as many are making it seem. The field is open and there are a litany of teams that could make a World Series run in 2011.

Senior Profile: Alyssa Sunofsky

By ALEXANDER VILARDO SPORTS EDITOR

Senior rower Alyssa Sunofsky is no stranger to the water: she has been rowing since she was in eighth grade, and in high school, she earned a varsity letter in each of her four years on the crew team.

In 2007, Sunofsky was the stroke of the Long Beach Junior Crew varsity 8 boat that won gold at the US Rowing Youth Nationals. A native of Lakewood, Cal., Sunofsky is a co-captain of Fordham’s women’s rowing team.

The Ram: Why did you choose Fordham?

Alyssa Sunofsky: In my senior year of high school, I was approached at my rowing club in Long Beach, Calif. by Dr. Felix, a good friend and former rower. He asked me if I’d heard of Fordham, which I had, from [another] family friend. He told me that the head rowing coach of Fordham would be calling me. I stayed in touch while I went to a junior college at Orange Coast. I then visited [Fordham] and loved the welcoming people and the small classrooms. I think it was a good decision.

TR: Are you happy with your decision?

AS: I am happy with my decision. I’m happy with it because I’ve learned a lot. I feel like I’ve become a better critical thinker, writer, reader and rower. The professors are interested in you succeeding, and so is my coach. I’ve met a great community and will think fondly upon my years at Fordham.

TR: What are your plans for next year?

AS: I plan to go back home to the West Coast, move out [of home] and get a job.

PHOTO BY SIMON SULIT/THE RAM

Alyssa Sunofsky is a co-captain for the women’s rowing team. Her boat, the varsity 8, recently finished fifth in its heat at the San Diego Crew Classic.

TR: What are you going to miss the most about going to Fordham?

AS: The people and the seasons.

The people because I’ve made some really good friends, and the seasons because they’re beautiful.

TR: What are the team’s goals for this season?

AS: Our goal is to do our best and go for the win. We also know that this won’t be easy, and many of the girls are working extremely hard.

TR: The team was successful in many fall regattas. Do you think the team has improved since then?

AS: I think so — I think we are

looking better and that we are staying very aggressive in these races. It might have to take some more hard work, and I think we are doing that in order to make some of these upcoming races winning ones.

TR: What school is going to be the team’s main competition this spring?

AS: Probably the University of Rhode Island, St. Joe’s and Temple.

I think we can [beat each of them], as long as we stay confident and dig deep within to get those medals.

TR: What is your favorite part about being on the team?

AS: I love rowing, [and] there is nothing quite like it I’ve ever tried.

I love the team aspect and the hard work involved in it.

Golf Finishes Sixth and Seventh to Begin Season

By JARED ALEXANDER STAFF WRITER

The weather has finally started to warm up, and so have things on the golf course.

The Fordham golf team started its spring season with a spring break trip to Florida. The team spent seven days in the Florida sun playing some of the best courses around, fine-tuning its games for the coming season.

“We had a good trip and now there are no excuses, no excuses,” junior Devon O’Rourke said.

The Rams started off the spring golf season this past Saturday at the Yale Invitational. They finished in sixth place out of the 10 competing teams.

“We played alright, just alright,” O’Rourke said. “The tee-to-green game was good, but our putting was the biggest problem”.

It is still early in the spring, and because of the cold weather, the greens are rough and play slow at this time of the year in Connecticut.

While the team could not stand out from the pack, one golfer did his best to come out ahead of the pack and bolster the team’s chances

in the tournament.

Sophomore Brody Nieporte posted a 151 over 36 holes.

He shot 77 and 74 respectively over two rounds, earning him the 13th-lowest individual score out of all the golfers at the tournament on Saturday.

“I putted well, probably my best all year,” Nieporte said. “I just got into a groove and played really well.”

The following Monday, April 4, the team went to Philadelphia, to compete in the Penn Quaker Classic, hosted by the University of Pennsylvania. The Rams again finished in the middle of the pack, finishing seventh out of 14 teams, but this outing did offer great hope for the upcoming tournaments.

The Rams were going up against some of the top teams in the nation in the Classic. Fordham was playing the likes of the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League power.

Along with Penn, the Rams were going up against the University of Maryland.

The Rams did not back down, however, and put on a much better show than their previous performance.

“We definitely played better on

Monday, we hit the ball really well,” O’Rourke said. “The course was in better shape and the greens played lightning fast. We had just gotten used to the greens at Yale and everything flipped.”

The charge at Penn was more of a team effort, with five members of the golf team finishing in the top 20 in the individual standings.

The leader this time around was sophomore Connor Monahan, who finished the day with an aggregate score of 152 for the two rounds.

Monahan was followed in the rankings by fellow sophomore Jason Del Rosso, freshman Ryan Donahue, Nieporte and O’Rourke.

“Today proved that we can be a good team,” Nieporte said. “We have five guys that on any day can post the low score. It’s just a matter of putting it all together one day and winning one of these things”.

The golf team will head back to the course for the New England Division I Championship on April 9 and 10 at the Newport National Golf Club in Middletown, R.I. The two-day tournament will tee-off at 10:30 am on both days. Last year, the tournament was won by the Connecticut Huskies.

APRIL 6, 2011 • THE RAM • PAGE 27

SPORTS

Track and Field Struggles, Finishes Behind A-10 Rivals

By CHESTER BAKER ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

PHOTO BY AARON MAYS/THE RAM

Sophomore Sean Atkinson finished 12th in the 400-meter hurdle event.

By CELESTE KMIOTEK COPY CHIEF

The men’s and women’s track and field teams headed to Zable Stadium at William and Mary for the 46th Annual Colonial Relay on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. Bucknell won the men’s competition with 129.90 points, with Fordham coming in 30th of 36 teams with five points, well below Atlantic 10 rivals Temple, Duquesne and St. Joseph’s, which came in second (74.20), 11th (33) and 16th (28), respectively. Villanova won the women’s competition with 116.20 points; Fordham came in 36th out of 40 teams with two points. Again, the team placed well below its A-10 rivals with Duquesne in second (62), Richmond in 10th (38), Temple in 11th (37) and St. Joe’s in 16th (23).

The teams were not completely happy with the results, but still saw some high points.

“Colonial Relays was a solid meet for everyone, but I wouldn’t say that we performed, overall, at the top of our game when speaking in terms of times and marks,” senior Pat Brown said. “But you can’t scoff at the 4x800 running, an IC4A qualifying time, nor anyone else who competed well against some of the better teams that we will see this year.”

During Friday’s competition, junior Brian Riley led the men with a ninth-place finish in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, clocking in at 9:31.40. Also placing in the top 25, senior Christopher Lyons took 25th in the 200-meter dash (23.07) and 24th in the 400meter dash (50.69), sophomore John Cosgrove took 22nd in the 800-meter run (1:54.11) and sophomore Sean Atkinson took 12th in the 400-meter hurdles (56.21).

In the field events, senior Pat Brown took 10th in the hammer throw with 151’ 8”, while senior Augustus Gleason took 15th in the javelin throw with 147’ 7”.

On the women’s side, senior Kerri Gallagher was the easy standout with the only top-25 performance, finishing seventh in the 800-meter run with 2:10.72.

During Saturday’s events,

which highlighted the relays, the men’s 4x800-meter A-team of Cosgrove, freshman Ryan Polo, senior Brian Schmidt and freshman Brian Walter took fourth with their best time of the season, 7:39.70, qualifying them for both the IC4A Championships and the Penn Relays. The 4x800-meter relay B-team of sophomore Michael Rossi, senior Tim Hutchinson, junior Carter Ward and redshirted senior Paul Szczepaniak finished 15th, coming in at 8:02.94, while freshman Michael Belgiovine, Atkinson, sophomore Jarrett Anistranski and junior Sam Stuart placed 10th in the distance medley relay, finishing in 10:27.25, their best time of the season.

On the women’s side, the 4x100-meter relay team of senior Sherilyn Groeninger, freshman Averie Sheppard, Fagade and Warren took 12th with 49.74.

The 4x200-meter relay team of junior Kelly Connolly, Sheppard, junior Elisabeth Warren and freshman Titi Fagade placed 10th with 1:46.46, a season-best time, while the 4x800-meter relay team of freshman Diane Bain, freshman Anisa Arsenault, Gallagher and Connolly placed 11th with their 9:16.59 finish.

Also on Saturday, sophomore Courtnay Newman tied for 20th in the high jump with 5’1”.

The teams are still looking to future meets to improve their seasons.

“It is still early on in the season, and it does not mean that we are not on track to peak when the championship meets roll around,” Brown said. “We have Mets in less than two weeks, and, of course, A-10s is the meet that we are all looking to build up to. Colonial Relays is a good weekend to see some high-caliber competition early on in the season, and any time you can get the team in the mode to compete against better schools, it is going to better prepare you for the tough meets ahead.”

The teams will next compete at the FDU Invitational at Farleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, N.J., and at the Rutgers Invitational in Piscataway, N.J., both on Saturday, April 9.

We have always been told that sports are just games. We have always been told that we should never get too worked up over a game, because after all, it is just a game.

Well, what some people don’t realize is that for a lot of people, sports are more than just games.

Your favorite team can make you feel invincible, and it can make you feel vulnerable. For some people, sports are more than just mere childish games.

Have we ever been told how to deal with sports, however, if they become more than just a game and consume our lives?

I ask this question mainly due to the actions of two Los Angeles Dodgers fans on Opening Day. The Dodgers opened the season against their hated rival, the San Francisco Giants, and came out on top in a come-from-behind victory.

After the game, you’d think that maybe the two buddies would go hit a bar for some celebratory shots and then just head home.

Instead, they decided to celebrate the first win of the season by pummeling a Giants fan in the parking lot, beating him to within inches of his life.

The Giants fan is currently in stable, yet critical condition.

You may remember last season when a Phillies fan intentionally vomited on a little girl during a game. This week, in Egypt, fans stormed the field during a game and tried to attack several players, even throwing flares at them.

Players have been killed for making mistakes in big games, and players have been ostracized from the world. Just ask Bill Buckner.

When did it become okay for sports to become our lives?

Sports are one of my favorite things in the world. I played baseball in high school, I am a constant presence during every intramural season and here I am writing in the sports section of the newspaper.

Still, I have never let my fandom get in the way of who I am as a person. At some point, you just have to realize that there is nothing you can do to change the outcome of the game, and you’re just going to have to cope with the fact that your team lost.

Listen, I know that you can get worked up over a game. When the New York Giants blew that game last season against the Eagles when DeSean Jackson (my most hated player in the history of sports) ran a punt back for the game-winning touchdown, I was very angry.

Trust me, I can get very worked up about the Giants, and I have gotten into many arguments with friends and family. When the Giants won the Super Bowl against the Patriots, I drove home with the biggest smile in the world stretching across my face. So, I realize that for me, sports are more than just a game, but they are not my life. I choose to have my life defined by my character, memories and friends.

I get happy or sad over games, I yell at other players and cater my opinions towards whatever makes my team sound the best – I am a fan. I buy my teams’ apparel, I watch all of their games, I have a Giants poster hanging in my bedroom. These are just the things that go along with being a good fan. You would be a bad fan if you were simply able to shake off a tough loss without any kind of bad taste in your mouth.

Still, you can never let your fandom get in the way of reality. You cannot talk to people for a while, you can make angry Facebook statuses, you can yell at people, but you can never let your feelings for your team affect another person in such a way that the Dodgers fans affected the Giants fan.

My girlfriend is a little bit worse than I am when it comes to the Philadelphia Flyers. She goes home on weekdays for games, went into a deep depression for a few hours when they lost to the Capitals last week and constantly picks fights with fans of other teams.

She even got into a little bit of an exchange with a five-yearold fan at a Rangers game a few months ago.

Still, even she does not blur the line between sports and life.

Even she, one of the best fans I know, does not let her fandom define her.

Somewhere along the way, society told us that it was okay to be defined by our affinities for our teams. At some point in time, we were told that it was socially acceptable to let our lives be defined by a team or sport.

I am not trying to say that we need a sort of major reform in sports or that all fans are discriminatory for liking their teams too much. I am simply stating that when watching a game, we need to realize that it will be over in a few hours. For those few hours, the game is going to be an escape from reality, where you can be a completely different person, where you can yell at people, heckle other fans, get hammered and watch a ball game.

After this, however, you need to return to reality and realize that there are bigger things in the world, even if you can’t tell.

There are all kinds of famous fans in the world. There’s Fireman Ed with the Jets, the Pigskin Ladies with the Redskins and Wild Bill with the Utah State basketball teams. These are the fans some should aspire to be. I say “some” because few people can handle the time commitment and passion it takes to achieve this kind of persona.

They are a little bit insane, perhaps a little bit too obsessed with their teams, but just good, loyal fans, who have never let their love of their teams have some negative long-lasting affect on another fan’s life.

So, next time you’re watching a game, just remember that when the final out is recorded or the clock ticks zero, you’re going to have to continue living your life.

You can be annoyed, happy, angry, upset and let it be more than a game, just as I do.

Let’s just remember that it should not define our lives.

Upcoming Varsity Schedule Friday April 8

Saturday April 9

Sunday April 10

Baseball

BONNIES 4 p.m.

BONNIES 1 p.m.

BONNIES 12 p.m.

Softball

GWU 3 p.m.

GWU 12 p.m.

LA SALLE 12 p.m.

LA SALLE 2:30 p.m.

CAPS=HOME lowercase=away

Women’s Tennis

Men’s Tennis Track

Rowing

Golf

Thursday April 7

Monday April 11

Tuesday April 12

RUTGERS 3:30 p.m.

at Stony Brook 3 p.m.

Atlantic 10 Championships Charlottesville, Va at Lafayatte 11 a.m.

at Farleigh Dickinson 3 p.m.

at Sacred Heart 3 p.m.

FDU Invitational Teaneck, N.J. 10 a.m.

Krecht Cup Cooper River Collingswood, N.J. New England Division I Championship Middletown, R.I.

Wednesday April 13

at St. Johns TBA

APRIL 6, 2011

PAGE 28

Fordham Upends UMass, Swept By Albany in Doubleheader The Rams Defeat the Minutemen on Walkoff Single, Lose Two to Albany in an Error-Plagued Performance

By DANNY ATKINSON STAFF WRITER

“We didn’t play well at all in this series. The team completely lost focus and didn’t stick to our game.

We have to get back to playing a complete game if we want to be successful.”

These words were spoken by Fordham baseball Head Coach Nick Restaino on Sunday, after Fordham was swept in a home doubleheader

by Albany. While the Rams had begun their week of play with an impressive 3-0 win over Fairfield, and they recorded a 6-5 walk-off victory over UMass on Friday, the taste of losing two close games to the Great Danes in a poorly played doubleheader, especially when Albany has a 7-14 overall record on the season, was a bitter one. Going into the week, Fordham had won three of five and was playing some of its best baseball of the season.

Now the team is back to square one, trying to get back on track and playing well in all facets of the game.

In defeating Fairfield 3-0 on March 30 for their third straight win, the Rams certainly did not look like the team that would struggle on the weekend. The trio of sophomore Rich Anastasi, freshman Jonathan Reich and freshman Tim Swatek combined for a five-hit shutout, continuing the Rams’ run of outstanding pitching.

Anastasi and Reich combined to throw the first eight innings, retiring 11 straight at one point. Most impressively, Reich had a streak of 19 straight pitches that were called for a strike or put in play for an out.

Though Fordham’s offense was largely shut down by Albany, junior second baseman Brian Kownacki managed to deliver an RBI double and the team took advantage of miscues by the Stags to push across just enough runs for the Rams hurlers.

Despite falling behind twice against UMass on Friday, Fordham stayed resilient and earned a 6-5 home walk-off win on senior designated hitter Chris Walker’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth, moving the team to 3-1 in the At-

PHOTO BY SIMON SULLIT/THE RAM

Junior second baseman Nick Martinez went 1-for-4 with a double and two runs scored in the comeback win over UMass. Martinez struggled in the doubleheader at Houlihan Park against Albany, going just 1-for-9 in the series.

lantic 10.

There were a number of positive outcomes to rally around following this victory. After falling behind by three runs, sophomore center fielder Ryan Lee responded with a two-run triple and scored on a wild pitch in the seventh to tie the game at four.

After the Minutemen quickly regained the lead, the Rams scored twice in the ninth for the win. Lee continued his great game, knotting the game with an RBI double to left-center, and Walker wasted no time giving Fordham its fourthstraight win by ripping the next pitch to right for a single. At the plate, the offense was on top of its game, smacking eight extra-base hits. Walker was 3-5 with two RBI, while Lee was 2-5 with three runs scored and two RBI. Senior pitcher Brian Pendergast threw seven strong innings and allowed only three earned runs, and Reich earned the win with two innings of effective relief work at the end of the game.

Even in the team’s exciting victory, however, the cracks which led to the Rams’ struggles against

Albany were starting to show. The Rams’ defense would perform even poorer the next day; against UMass, Fordham committed four errors that directly led to two unearned runs. The Minutemen tied the game in the second with the benefit of a wild pitch and regained the lead in the eighth on an error, a single and a wild pitch.

While Fordham’s issues in the field did not cost the Rams on Friday, they were too much to overcome in the first game of Sunday’s doubleheader. The Rams’ six errors led to all of Albany’s runs in a 4-3 loss. In the third, senior catcher Ryan David’s pickoff throw went wide, allowing two runs to score.

In the fifth, it was two errors at second by the usually sure-handed senior Nick Martinez that led to an unearned run, and in the seventh a fielding error by senior Joe Russo led to yet another cheap run for the Great Danes.

Fordham’s previously silent offense mounted a valiant rally in the ninth with the help of a two-run triple by junior shortstop Ryan Maghini, but it was eventually snuffed. All in all, it was a comedy of errors for

the team out in the field, though no one, especially hard-luck loser senior pitcher Max Krakowiak, or Restaino, was laughing.

“We’ve been lousy in the field these last two games,” Restaino said. “The guys aren’t playing at all the way they need to. I hope the lesson’s been learned that we have to be focused on the field at all times to be successful.”

While one would think that a team of Fordham’s quality would be able to defeat Albany after returning to playing adequate defense in the second game of the day, that was not the case, as freshman pitcher Chris Pike chose this game to deliver the Rams’ first poor start in a long time. In his second career start, Pike struggled for the first time all season, giving up seven hits and five runs in six innings of work.

The Great Danes’ big hit against Pike was a two-run home run by sophomore left fielder Nolan Gaige, his second of the season, but the largest blemish on Pike’s outing was that he permitted Albany to rally from a 4-1 deficit in the top of the fourth, a task Fordham could not accomplish in the first game.

After putting pressure on sophomore starter Kasciem Graham early, the team was shut down by Graham and freshman reliever Matt Dybus in the last six innings, recording only two hits in that span. Only Walker, who was 2-4 with a double and a run scored, had a notable game.

Fordham had seemingly gotten its offense going against La Salle.

Unfortunately, that now appears to be just a mirage. The Rams scored only 16 runs in their four games on the week, putting even more pressure on the team’s pitching, which performed well. and its defense, which did not. Fordham only had a double-digit hit total versus UMass and the only time that any players had more than two hits on the week was also against the Minutemen (David and Walker each had three hits in the win).

Finally, the team did not hit a home run during these games and still has only 11 on the season.

Fordham is only slugging .376 and getting on base at a .332 clip on the year, both surprisingly low totals.

Restaino said that the team needs to show more patience and have better at-bats, but at some point maybe this offense is not that good.

Now that Fordham is truly heading into the meat of its A-10 schedule, the team does not have that much more time to figure this out.

The Rams’ record now stands at 16-11 and 2-1 in conference. While this is not a great record it is certainly a solid one, and one of the better marks for the baseball teams in the A-10. From here on out the team is playing at least one conference series a week, giving the Rams a chance to prove that they can be a complete team and that their style of baseball is a successful one.

The team has rarely played to the level it desired over the last couple of weeks, but if it does, Fordham’s goal of finishing at the top of the A-10 could still be attainable.

“No one feels good about how we played in this doubleheader,” Restaino said. “But everyone learned what we need to do differently, and hopefully we’ll see that from here on out.”

Fordham Hires Monmouth’s Gaitley to Lead Women’s Basketball

By ALEXANDER VILARDO SPORTS EDITOR

About a month after announcing that Cathy Andruzzi would not be returning for a sixth year as head coach of the women’s basketball team, Frank McLaughlin, the executive director of athletics, has named Stephanie Gaitley as the new head coach.

“After an extensive national search, we are excited to find someone like Stephanie Gaitley to lead our women’s basketball program,” McLaughlin told fordhamsports. com. “Not only has Stephanie had great success on the court, she has always emphasized academic success and the full development of the student-athlete.”

Gaitley is a graduate of Villanova

University, where she earned the honor of Academic All-American during her senior year on the women’s basketball team.

Gaitley has signed a multiyear contract with Fordham, and she joins the Lady Rams after leaving Monmouth University, where she spent the past three seasons as the head coach. During her three seasons at Monmouth, she led the team to three winning records.

This past season, she led the Lady Hawks to their first-ever Women’s NIT. Prior to leading Monmouth, Gaitley has made stops at Long Island University, St. Joseph’s University and Richmond University as a head coach. She has a career record of 464-270.

Even more impressive than

Gaitley’s three years at Monmouth are her 10 seasons at Saint Joseph’s from 1992-2001, during which she posted a record of 196-88 and led the Lady Hawks to five NCAA Tournament appearances and two Atlantic 10 Championships. She also posted a conference record of 109-39 during her time at St. Joseph’s, which currently ranks her as the third all-time winningest A-10 women’s coach.

Gaitley ran into hard times at St. Joseph’s, however, when she was fired after being accused of ignoring sexual harrassment complaints from a player against her husband.

Her strong A-10 resumé likely played a role in the University’s decision to hire her.

“She has been a winner and has always had a conference-champi-

onship caliber team,” McLaughlin said through fordhamsports. com. “Her outstanding coaching career makes a strong statement that Fordham is very serious about becoming one of the top women’s basketball programs in the very competitive Atlantic-10 Conference.”

The women’s basketball program can use all the help it can get, as the team finished 4-10 in the conference last season and entered the season with the lowest all-time women’s A-10 winning percentage (19.8 percent). The program also has never won an A-10 Conference Championship, despite being a member since the 1995-1996 season.

“She brings a lot to the table, and I am really looking forward

to working with her,” sophomore guard Arielle Collins said.

The Lady Rams are looking forward to working with their new coach and are optimistic that things will turn around.

“I haven’t met [Gaitley] yet, but I feel a lot of good energy from the comments I hear about her, so I am excited,” junior guard Becky Peters said. “I know she’s a winner from her records, so she will have high expectations from me and my teammates. Her numbers show that she comes to a program to win.”

“I am ecstatic to have her on board,” Collins said. “Although this [will be] a building year for us, my expectations are very high.

I believe with a lot of work and focus, we can really turn this program around.”