Volume 107 Issue 10

McGinley Chair Gives Inaugural Lecture

By HAILEY BAKER STAFF WRITER

Fordham University welcomed Father Thomas Massaro, S.J., to the Laurence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society position through an installation ceremony at Keating Hall on Wednesday, April 9. Massaro gave an inaugural lecture titled “American Exceptionalism: Catholic Perspectives on a Troublesome Notion.”

The lecture explored the concept of American exceptionalism, which the Encyclopedia Britannica defines as the “idea that the United States of America is a unique and even morally superior country for historical, ideological, or religious reasons.”

In a time when many Americans continuously debate American values and identity, American exceptionalism is on many scholars’ minds. Massaro, a Jesuit priest and scholar of Catholic social teaching, offered a religiously grounded approach to the topic. Jesuits — members of the Society of Jesus — SEE MCGINLEY, PAGE 5

The Fordham Ram

Fordham Professor Has NEH Funding Revoked by Federal Government

By SIENNA REINDERS ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Asif Siddiqi, a Fordham University professor, had his research funding revoked by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

This action comes amid the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) attempt to cancel hundreds of research grants across several federal agencies, including

the NEH, National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Health (NIH) and more.

Since April 8, DOGE has canceled over 1,400 NEH grants totaling over $427 million, according to a database by The Association for Computers and the Humanities. Now, Siddiqi, professor of history at Fordham, has been affected by these cancellations.

Fordham Community Reacts to the Death of Pope Francis

By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR

Francis changed the idea of what a pope could be after the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.

though, as a spokesman for those who were forgotten and almost invisible.”

Siddiqi was awarded a $60,000 grant by the NEH in mid-December to fund a project on the negative impacts of space exploration on the environment and local communities. He said the funding would allow him to take a sabbatical from Fordham next year, during which he would travel to Asia and Africa to conduct further

Fordham Hosts Second Humanities Fest

By STUART CREMER ASST. OPINION EDITOR

The Fordham Humanities Consortium put on their second Humanities Fest, a series of events designed to give humanities students an opportunity to present their work to their fellow students on April 10.

Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis, an associate professor of music and faculty director of humanities initiatives, said the goal was to “spotlight the humanities at Fordham through our student humanities scholars and mix in visual and performing arts.”

By

Actress and producer Regina Hall, FCRH ’92, is set to deliver the commencement address to the Fordham University Class of 2025 on May 17 and will receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts at the ceremony.

Hall attended Fordham University from 1988 to 1992, and according to University Spokesperson Bob Howe, Hall “wasn’t a drama student in college.”

Instead, she spent her time at Fordham studying English, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts during her own commencement ceremony on Edwards Parade on a rainy Saturday. John Brademas, Ph.D., former congressman and president emeritus of New York University, delivered the commencement address during the ceremony Hall attended on May 16, 1992, just one day under 33 years before Hall would appear on the same lawn to deliver her own.

Coincidentally, Hall went on to study journalism at New York University and was completing her first semester when her father died. She credits this tragedy for sparking her interest in pursuing acting.

“I realized how brief it can be and how suddenly it can change,” Hall shared in an interview with People. “The thing about feeling broken is that it forces you to be open — you feel like you don’t have much so you don’t overthink everything.”

Despite knowing her path had changed, Hall finished

in this issue

Opinion

Page 11

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, died at age 88 on April 21. Francis served as Pope for 12 years and was the first Latin American Roman Catholic pontiff. Known for his progressive policies and frugal living, SEE HOSTS, PAGE 4

“Any Pope is a world figure as well as a religious leader,” said Philip Judge S.J., executive director of Campus Ministry. “Francis singularly captured the imagination,

Francis was the first pope to take the papal name of St. Francis of Assisi, a pious friar who founded the Franciscan order. This dedication to piety meant he rejected most of the traditional

SEE POPE, PAGE 4

Lincoln-DeCusatis said the Fordham Humanities Consortium hopes to host three Humanities Fests per semester going forward. Each event will feature three student speakers: one humanities

Community Gardens are the Backbone of Our Boroughs Sports Fordham Men ’s Basketball Penalized in Major Infractions Case Culture

An Enchanting Night at the Ballet: Fordham Jetes Edition

MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Asif Siddiqi recieved funding through the National Endowment for the Humanities before DOGE cuts.

President Tetlow and members of the board of trustees visited Rome last summer.

FORDHAM NOW FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

EMMA LEONARDI EXEC COPY EDITOR

PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS

Off-Campus April 17

1:30 p.m.

On Thursday, a student reported the theft of their cell phone. The supervisor responded. The investigation revealed that as the students boarded the Bx12 bus at Fordham Road and Third Avenue, in front of the Metro-North station, they felt a male bump into them. The male got off the line and did not get on the bus. The student later noticed that their cell phone was gone. The supervisor transported the student to the 48th Precinct.

Off-Campus April 17

6:45 p.m.

On Thursday, there was a smoke alarm at Terra Nova House. The supervisor responded. The investigation revealed that a student cooking food triggered the alarm. The supervisor ventilated the area and reset the alarm panel.

Alumni Court South April 20

10:10 p.m.

On Sunday, there was a prealarm smoke detector condition in Alumni Court South. The supervisor responded. The investigation revealed the ceiling-mounted smoke detector had been removed, causing the alarm. The supervisor prepared a work order to reinstall the smoke detector.

Fordham Law School Hosts ‘A Conversation on Race and Slavery at Fordham’

Multiple speakers, including keynote speaker Jelani Cobb, addressed Fordham’s connection to slavery at a Law School event on April 14.

By ADITHI VIMALANATHAN MANAGING EDITOR

Fordham Law School hosted “A Conversation on Race and Slavery at Fordham” on April 14. The day-long event took place in Constantino Hall and featured speakers both from and outside of Fordham.

Aysha Ames, director of legal writing at Fordham Law School, and Dr. Jeannine Hill Fletcher, professor of theology, have each been researching university ties to enslavement for over a decade. They have requested a task force from the university to study ties to enslavement at Fordham.

Jelani Cobb, Ph.D., Columbia Journalism School dean and a staff writer for The New Yorker, was the event’s keynote speaker. In his talk, Cobb highlighted the ways that collegiate institutions and states across the country have been premised and founded upon histories of slavery. He stressed the importance of the work that Ames and Hill Fletcher had begun and emphasized that it is important to protect the faculty and administrators carrying out the work.

“Redemption begins with the unflinching willingness to look history in its face and assert the truth even when it makes us look bad, even when it opens us up to criticism, even when it highlights the ways that we have fallen short

of our ideals,” Cobb said.

Ames and Hill Fletcher delivered their joint panel next, titled “Fordham’s Ties to Enslavement.” The pair have been researching Fordham’s ties separately for over a decade, but began researching together over a year ago.

The pair noted that Fordham’s official position is that no ties to enslavement exist on Fordham’s campus. They cited a 2017 statement in which Bob Howe, Fordham’s associate vice president for media and public relations, said that after a few months, a research team determined that no direct connection to slavery was present.

Hill Fletcher and Ames began their talk with the three dates and institutions etched in Keating Hall: St. Mary’s Maryland, 1634; Fordham, 1841 and St. Mary’s Kentucky, 1831.

According to Ames’ and Hill Fletcher’s presentation materials, “Early Jesuit faculty and administrators at St. John’s Fordham moved through the network of Jesuit institutions throughout the north, south, and west … At times, individual Jesuits served at these institutions and subsequently returned to St. John’s Fordham.”

They also noted that Archbishop John Hughes, founder of St. John’s Fordham, was an open anti-abolitionist and worked as an overseer of

enslaved people before entering the seminary. According to talk materials, “as Archbishop, Hughes publicly preached that slavery was consistent with Catholic teaching, reasoning that the power of slavers over enslaved people was rooted in the power of God. Hughes maintained and disseminated antiabolitionist views, which further informed broader Catholic sentiment.”

The third panel of the day was titled “The Jesuit Network and Slavery” and featured Monique Trusclair Maddox, CEO of the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation and a descendant of Jackson Hawkins, and Father Timothy Kesicki, S.J., the chair of the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Trust. Ames moderated the panel. Maddox’s family was enslaved by the Jesuits, and Kesicki learned about the Jesuit connections to enslavement via a 2016 New York Times article that detailed the Georgetown slave sale.

When asked by Rachel Swarns why it was important to them to make sure this story is told now, Maddox responded that descendants weren’t going anywhere. She also said that companionship in this journey keeps her going.

“Descendants have been seen. You’ve been seen, Aysha, I’ve been seen. And there are other descendants in the audi-

This Week at Fordham

Wednesday April 23

CAB Field Day

Edward’s Parade 2 p.m.

Kick off Spring Weekend on Wednesday with inflatables, a dunk tank, face painting, golf cart karaoke and more!

Thursday April 24

Sal Vulcano

Fordham Prep 7 p.m.

Head to Fordham Prep Leonard Theatre to hear Impractical Jokers’ Sal Vulcano answer some people’s most burning questions!

Friday April 25

CAB Carnival Lot A 6 p.m.

Bring your friends and join CAB in Lot A on Friday for a carnival event full of activities, food and fun!

Saturday April 26

CAB Concert

Martyr’s Lawn 12 p.m.

ROLE MODEL, Cash Cobain and LAUNDRY DAY! Attend the Spring Weekend concert to hear some of your favorite music artists!

ence that have been seen. We will not let this history go away again. There is nothing that is going to stop us from telling our story,” Maddox said.

“In this climate today, the work that we do as a part of the Descendant’s Truth and Reconciliation Foundation is bigger than what anyone could ever do because we are not only helping descendants through our work, but we’re also helping, on what started out on a national scale, with helping root out systemic racism in this country through our truth, racial healing and reconciliation programs, but we’ve also begun to do that on a global scale as well,” Maddox continued.

Steve Louis, a law student at Columbia University, said that he heard about the event when he saw a poster at Fordham Law School. He attended the third panel and said that he thinks restorative justice is a good starting point for these conversations. A final panel titled “What to Do with This History” and closing remarks followed.

“If it wasn’t at all a conversation, I would be disheartened, right? But the fact that it’s starting somewhere, I feel like over time there’s going to be a trickle-down effect,” Louis said. “Fordham doesn’t even acknowledge it [the university’s ties to slavery] yet. Hopefully, this can be, I would say, a fire under Fordham to start the conversation and address it.”

Sunday April 27 Comedy Show

Fordham Prep 6:45 p.m.

End Spring Weekend with some laughs by watching a comedy show featuring the group Please Don’t Destroy!

ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham Professors Join Protest Against Threats to Higher Education

Members of the Fordham University chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) joined a protest against the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education in America.

They joined with chapters from other universities and education groups last Thursday. It was a national day of action for higher education with protests across the U.S. condemning the Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on higher education, students and educators.

They marched from Washington Square Park and rallied in Foley Square in Lower Manhattan for the “Rally for the Right to Learn.”

“Every single one of us has something to fight for right now and our colleges and universities have been singled out for destruction and control by the Trump Administration,” said Zachary Samalin, a professor at New York University (NYU) and the first speaker during the rally at Foley Square. “We are coming together as students, workers, educators and New Yorkers to assert our fundamental rights to learn, to teach, to research, to associate and to protest.”

Speakers addressed the crowd at Foley Square and led protesters in collective chants. There were 11 speakers, including Rotua Lumbantobing, the vice president of the National AAUP and Baher Azmy, the legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights and attorney for Mahmoud Khalil. A legal permanent resident, Khalil, was deported to El Salvador as the Trump administration cracked down on campus opposition to the war in Gaza.

“Make no mistake about this moment, what the government is doing has absolutely nothing to do with security; it is entirely about repression,” said Azmy. “The U.S. government is using every tool in its massive arsenal to arrest, to detain, to deport and, in the case of universities, to defund these institutions simply because they disagree with U.S. foreign policy.”

The other speakers shared the same sentiment: students, faculty and educators must rally together to demand that the federal government stop its attacks on higher education and students.

“It’s our time. We didn’t ask for it. We didn’t deserve it, but we need to meet the moment. Our message has to be very clear and expressed in one voice,” said James Davies, the Professional Staff Congress (PSC) president for the City University of New York schools. PSC represents over 30,000 faculty and professional staff across the city.

Dr. Thomas Beaudoin, who teaches at Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education, is the president of Fordham’s AAUP chapter. He and other Fordham faculty members gathered for the protest.

“I see protests as collective spiritual exercises,” said Beaudoin. “We come to transform ourselves into deeper love and commitment and courage about the struggle that needs to happen.”

The National AAUP was established in 1915 at a pivotal moment in U.S. history and higher education. After World War I, universities saw decreased class sizes, the rise of bureaucratic administrators and increased attacks on academic freedom. Professors and faculty created the AAUP

to protect their interests and focus on what they felt higher education should be in the United States.

Now, higher education finds itself at another pivotal moment. Educational institutions have to navigate federal funding freezes, international student and faculty visas being revoked and the general “climate of fear,” as referenced in AAUP v. Rubio, that the federal government’s actions have created.

Fordham recently signed on to the amicus brief AAUP v. Rubio, joining 86 other universities and institutions. The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, a group of 570 presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities, submitted this brief to advise the District Court of Massachusetts about the effect of the White House targeting non-citizen students and faculty based on their dissident political views.

“The Alliance is dedicated to increasing public understanding of the impact of immigration policies on higher education, supporting policies that encourage international students and scholars to enrich American institutions of higher learning, and ensuring a talent pool that contributes to our communities and nation,” the brief said.

At this moment, the AAUP looks to increase its national

presence and create a coalition of educational institutions, students, university workers and faculty to stand up against the federal government.

The AAUP is built on three main principles: academic freedom, shared governance and academic labor. These tenets can be found in Fordham’s university statutes, which directly shape the way the university is run and organized.

The list of universities having their federal funding targeted by the Trump administration is growing. These higher education institutions, such as Harvard University and Columbia University, have been presented with certain demands from the White House that they must meet to maintain their federal funding.

“Trump’s attacks on education and educators are not stopping with Columbia,” said Michael Thaddeus, the vice president of Columbia University’s AAUP chapter. “We are all in the firing line together. It’s time for us, faculty and students, to stand up, organize and take action for ourselves.”

Harvard University was the first to take a stand against the Trump administration, refusing to comply with these demands. During the rally at Foley Square, speakers praised Harvard’s actions and

Minor in Public Health Program Set

By JACK MCDONALD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Fordham University announced a new minor in Public Health program at the Student Life Council’s recent meeting on March 26. The new program is part of Fordham’s goal to realign towards STEM programming in response to a national rise in students applying for STEM programs.

Fordham recently received a donation of $100 million for the construction of a new STEM building, courtesy of Maurice Cunniffe, FCRH ’54, and his wife, Carolyn Dursi

Cunniffe, Ph.D., GSAS ’71, which has helped to stimulate this realignment. Other aspects of the rearrangement program include the master’s program in Physician Assistant studies, which is set to begin in the spring of 2027.

Robert Beer, Ph.D., associate dean for STEM and prehealth education, worked on a development team with other faculty and staff at Fordham College, including Sophie Mitra, Ph.D., professor of economics, and Brendan Cahill, who holds a Master in Business Administration and is the executive director of

the Institute for International Human Affairs. Beer is also an associate professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry.

“While the minor hasn’t been officially published yet, we’re very excited about its launch,” said Beer. “Based on the preliminary student survey we conducted before proposing the program, we anticipate a strong response from students.”

Beer noted that the trends towards STEM careers often fall into categories with administrative work, such as those related to public health.

called on other universities to follow suit.

As a Harvard alum, Beaudoin shared similar praise for the Ivy: “I’m very proud of Harvard for taking the stand that they have taken … it really needed to come from an elite university first to kind of open the door for everybody else to follow and to be a kind of cultural permission giving for all sorts of other universities to come on board.”

While Harvard continues to not comply with Trump’s demands, they have also escalated to suing the Trump administration on Monday over threats to their federal funding.

Fordham continues to evaluate its relationship with the Trump administration. The university is currently looking to hire a director of federal relations who will work from Washington, D.C. Fordham’s faculty members themselves are also organizing. The Faculty Senate recently passed a unanimous resolution calling on the university to endorse and prioritize academic freedom, which is one of the key AAUP principles. Beaudoin expands on how the AAUP acts as an advocacy group.

“I think that this rally and … everything that is going into the pushback right now against fascism from the highest levels of the United States is the result of generations of organizing from AAUP advocates and faculty,” said Beaudoin.

He also spoke about what he has seen from Fordham faculty.

“On the one hand, there’s a tremendous amount of anxiety, and concern and uncertainty, fear, and in some cases, that leads to self-censorship and withdrawal from the engagement,” said Beaudoin. “I also see even in the same persons and even in myself, attempts at courage, attempts at trying to tell the truth.”

Beaudoin recommends that students and teachers get involved at this time.

“Get educated, get activated,” he said. “And come together with your colleagues to stand up for what’s right.”

to Begin this Fall

“There’s clearly a growing interest in public health nationwide, and we’re thrilled to see this offering start soon at Fordham,” he said.

Cahill also provided a statement on the advancement of the new program. “New programs have a long gestation period, and Dr. Mitra and I have been blessed by the enthusiasm and insights in the planning stage from faculty throughout the Arts and Sciences,” he said.

Cahill worked on a governance committee to assist in developing the program, including Jason Morris, Ph.D.,

professor of biology, Rachel Annunziato, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Ipsita Banerjee, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry, as well as Mitra and Beer.

“We see this interdisciplinary Minor as complementary to other STEM and non STEM majors and minors — especially to Humanitarian Studies — and exciting to students,” Cahill said.

He noted that once the program is released in September, students who take up the minor will be able to comment on their experiences.

Dr. Thomas Beaudoin is the secretary of the Fordham Faculty Senate and the president of the Fordham chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

ANDREW MASSIE / THE FORDHAM RAM

By ANDREW MASSIE & CAITLIN THOMAS

niceties of his office.

“I am not Catholic, but I have been with Catholic education for nearly a decade. I will always be grateful for being so under his papacy,” said Andrew McDonald, FCRH ’26. “And I have the most respect for a man, the first Jesuit pope, for the work he did reforming the Church and everything it touches into a more welcoming, more peaceful, and more egalitarian future, with the purpose of lifting up the most marginalized. He was truly a titan of this era and of my life.”

Francis was hailed for his acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in the Catholic Church. When asked about it in 2013, Francis said, “Who am I to judge?”

“As a queer Catholic, Pope Francis’ papacy has meant a lot to me, and he’s made me feel so much more valid in my faith,” said Theda Wilkins, FCRH ’27. “His love, compassion, and openness to those who have been historically

Fordham Mourns First Jesuit Pope

shut out from catholicism is unprecedented from a Pope.”

Fordham University is home to the Fordham Francis Poverty Index, a project created by Fordham’s Graduate Program in International Political Economy and Development (IPED) to help measure the welfare of impoverished people worldwide. The University began the project after Francis’s 2015 address to the United Nations General Assembly, where he suggested a tracker so people could better understand where help was needed.

“So many people today have such a low opinion of the poor. But to Francis, a person, and especially a poor, broken, and marginalized person, is so very special,” said Professor Henry Schwalbenberg, director of IPED. “They are transcendent, created in the image of God and especially beloved by God. Because of their transcendence, the dignity

of everyone and especially of those who are weak, broken, and marginalized must be respected. Their human dignity requires that they be empowered and have the freedom to guide their own growth and development and, if need be, break free of any bonds of oppression they might face.

For this reason, the Fordham Francis Index, following the ideas of the Pope, mixes together statistical measures of both basic human needs as well as critical human rights. Through this somewhat unique combination of statistical indicators, we are able to measure the well-being of the global poor in a more profound way.”

While there has been little improvement seen in the well-being of impoverished people, Schwalbenberg said Francis writes to the students involved in the program almost every year.

“Francis has written to us saying how ‘deeply appreciative’ he is of our efforts and offering us his ‘prayerful

good wishes’ for our work,” said Schwalbenberg.

Some students are concerned about Francis’ successor, who will be chosen through a conclave, which will begin in early May.

“I just entered the Catholic Church because of its emphasis on social justice, advocacy for marginalized communities, care for the environment, the elimination of the death penalty, and so many other values that Pope Francis emphasized throughout his papacy,” said Hailey Baker, FCRH ’26. “Though he lived an amazing and long life, it’s heartbreaking not to have him here anymore, leading the Church. My friends and I are terrified about the uncertainty of what comes next, especially with the very real possibility that we may get a new pope who is more conservative and works to undo the progress Pope Francis made.”

The new Pope can technically be any baptized man, but traditionally, they are Cardinals.

AAUP Protest Photo Gallery

scholar, one visual arts student and one performing arts student.

In his opening remarks, Lincoln-DeCusatis emphasized the importance of the humanities and arts in the Fordham University community. Afterwards, he said that he enjoyed the opportunity to host the event in Rodrigue’s Coffee House, as the venue encouraged a fun, informal discussion, unlike a typical research presentation or academic conference.

First up to present her work was Mia Guzzo, FCRH ’25, an English major with minors in marketing and women, gender, and sexuality studies. She presented on her honors thesis within the English department, titled “Vampirism’s Revamp: The Reawakening of Vampire Media Through Memory and Race in ‘Interview With The Vampire’ (2022).” Guzzo’s

“I don’t know where the church will go next without him, honestly, but he’s given me a lot of hope for what the church can and should be,” said Wilkins.

“I think Pope Francis helped me empathize more with people whom with I have foundational disagreements. Coming from outside the Catholic Church, I did not expect to be as moved by his passing as I am,” said Nate Kysilko, FCRH ’28.

Pope Francis was honored in a mass today at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan and in one at the Fordham Church.

“It may be that his lasting legacy will be that spirit of Synodality which calls us to find God in all things as a community,” said Judge. “Personally, a Jesuit brother as Pope has been an extraordinary inspiration. May his example inspire us at Fordham to continue to care for one another and our common home.”

Students Share Research in Rod’s

research involved tracing the use of vampirism as a literary device from its origins in 19th-century gothic fiction to the 2022 television show “Interview With The Vampire.” Guzzo explained how her research problematized the relationship between vampirism and race and the competing forces of memory and history within vampire fiction. Guzzo’s presentation demonstrated how vampirism was once a tool for social critique and a mode for expressing the experiences of marginalized people. However, new developments in the genre caused it to lose its socially critical edge. Guzzo criticized the new “vampire boyfriend” subgenre from the 2000s and 2010s, epitomized in media like “Twilight,” for its whitewashed and straight-washed version of vampirism. In the conclusion of her presentation, Guzzo showed how “Interview With The Vampire

(2022)” challenges a Eurocentric view of vampirism by centering the experiences of a Black gay man, letting the narrative be dictated by his choices, and refusing to sanitize his character for reasons of likability.

Following Guzzo, Lucy Duckett, FCRH ’25, a visual arts major, presented a photography project titled “En Gallop: A Midwestern Photographic Journey.”

For her project, Duckett travelled to several locations in the rural Midwest. In Hesperia, Michigan, she learned to camp in the rural countryside and got to know the local residents. When she got to Hesperia, she didn’t take pictures for the first three to four days.

“You have to get to know the people you’re going to photograph before you just click away,” she said. The Fordham College Rose Hill research grant she received

allowed her to buy film and covered her travel expenses.

Duckett also visited Viroqua, Wisconsin. There, they met Rufus, who became a close friend. In Viroqua, Duckett stayed with a local lesbian couple and made strong enough connections that she went back over spring break.

Throughout her presentation, Duckett emphasized how her project allowed her to authentically depict the stories of rural Midwesterners, especially queer and transgender rural Midwesterners. Out of the thousands of photographs she took, her faculty mentor, Professor Stephan ApicellaHitchcock, helped her narrow down the best ones for her exhibition.

Last, music major Emily Jaswel, FCRH ’25, presented “Hearing Colors: Synesthesia and Musical Improvisation.”

To start her presentation, Jaswel defined synesthesia and what it adds to her

experience of music. Jaswel described how she has soundcolor synesthesia, where hearing sounds causes her to see colors. After walking the audience through several examples of associated sounds and colors, she displayed a series of images and improvised violin pieces based on them, demonstrating how her synesthesia informs her music.

“[My synesthesia is] not something I can control, but something I’ve learned to live with and embrace,” said Jaswel.

She pointed out how the experience of synesthesia is an example of the philosophical concept of qualia, which states that everyone has a different subjective experience of the world that no other can fully understand.

“We all have different ways of experiencing the world, and that is something that should be celebrated,” she said.

ANDREW MASSIE/THE FORDHAM RAM

FROM HOSTS, PAGE 1

CAITLIN THOMAS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Actress Regina Hall to Speak at Commencement

FROM HALL, PAGE 1

school and earned her master’s degree in 1997, “just as her dad wanted for her.”

Immediately after graduating in 1997, Hall appeared in one episode of “New York Undercover” as a bit part actor, and continued to play smaller roles through the year 2000. She caught her big break as the decade turned, landing a role as a principal actor in “Scary Movie,” a comedy spoof of major horror movies, specifically “Scream.”

She reprised her role as Brenda for three of the four

take four vows: poverty, chastity, obedience and another vow of obedience dedicated explicitly to worldwide mission as dictated by the Pope.

“As a person for whom religious faith and patriotism are both very important (even self-defining), I am eager to ‘get it right’ when considering how faith and patriotism intersect. I have long been aware that an exaggerated version of patriotism easily becomes chauvinistic and puts down people of other nationalities,” Massaro said. “How to avoid falling into that error while maintaining an appropriate view of the possibilities for the USA to serve all members of the family of nations — that is the central challenge.”

Jack Martens, FCRH ’27, who attended the event, said the lecture helped him connect Catholic social thought with Fordham’s broader role in society as a leading Jesuit university.

“As a Catholic and philosophy major, the topic of a Catholic perspective on American exceptionalism interested me. I was hoping to gain some insight into Fordham’s role in its local,

“Scary Movie” sequels. In 2017, Hall provided comedy as Ryan Pierce in “Girls Trip.”

A year later, Hall played a heavily influential role in the movie adaptation of “The Hate U Give,” appearing as Lisa Carter, the main character’s mother.

Hall has also been a producer on several of her acting projects, such as a series of episodes of “Black Monday,” in addition to films such as “Master” (2022) and “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul” (2022).

Howe cited her inspiring

work and multiple accolades, commending her performances as part of the reason why the university chose Hall to give this year’s commencement address.

“She’s got range in acting … look at her wildly different roles in ‘Think Like a Man’ and ‘The Hate U Give.’ She’s received ten awards, many from film critics (she was the first Black woman to win the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress), and been nominated for more than 30 others. She’s the kind of smart, talented, and broadly

educated graduate we want to celebrate,” Howe said.

Howe confirmed that it is common for the university to award honorary doctorates.

“It’s typical for Fordham, and for most universities. Fordham typically confers honorary degrees upon the Commencement speaker each year, along with several other individuals, all for conspicuous achievement in their field and/or service to the University,” Howe said.

Hall is set to receive a Doctor of Humane Letters from the university, which is “generally

Thomas Massaro Gives Lecture

national, and international communities as a Catholic and American institution going forward, and Fr. Massaro certainly delivered,” Martens said. “Fr. Massaro spoke well and clearly held a lot of respect for his audience and position.”

Even in the harsh realities of polarization, Martens especially connected with Massaro’s points on the perseverance of American ideals regarding upward mobility, equal opportunity and individual rights.

“It pointed out simultaneously an enduring American spirit and a fault of systemic reality,” said Martens. This dichotomy came up time and again throughout Fr. Massaro’s lecture as he discussed John Winthrop’s 1630 sermon, as well as the opposing realist and ideality perspectives of the 20th century.”

The sermon in reference is entitled A Model of Christian Charity, delivered by John Winthrop, an English Puritan lawyer and former Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, as a message to fellow colonists during their voyage from England to the New World. In this sermon, Winthrop described an idealistic

new society, declaring that they would be a “city upon a hill,” taking inspiration from the Bible verse Matthew 5:14, which proclaims, “a city on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Massaro strongly critiqued this notion, emphasizing the dangers of interpreting the “city upon a hill” as a sign of moral superiority rather than a call to service and justice.

Instead of focusing on solutions, Massaro claimed his lecture “did not provide very many answers for how to put together all the pieces of this puzzle of how to proceed into the future, with just the right balance in our national policies and expectations.”

Another student in attendance, Zander Flint, FCRH ’26, said, “Coming from a more conservative perspective, I felt that Fr. Massaro’s lecture didn’t address any possible conservative approaches or responses to his arguments. His dichotomy of idealists versus realists felt the same as leftist versus moderate. I found myself wondering what he believes the purpose of a nation is, how [a] nation should be defined, and whether or not

nations should even exist or not.”

Massaro said the lack of answers is actually by design.

“Just as college professors should never aspire to brainwash students in any way, a responsible lecturer will lay out arguments and ideas and allow each audience member to consider their own personal synthesis and resolution of the many issues presented,” said Massaro. “If that sounds too modest a goal, so be it,” he added. “I simply desired to invite each listener into an ongoing dialogue with values and virtues that could shape

awarded for significant contributions to society,” according to the National Institute of Health.

President Tania Tetlow also commented on Hall’s appointment as commencement speaker.

“Regina is an inspiring role model who will show our graduates what it looks like to live out our Jesuit values,” Tetlow said. “Her remarkable talent, strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to justice make her the ideal speaker for our commencement ceremony. We’re thrilled to honor her.”

a better future for our nation and our world, especially considering the important role of the USA in the world community.”

In his role as McGinley chair, Massaro is expected to host many more lectures over his tenure.

“It would be unrealistic to expect any one person to reshape the entire landscape of discourse at Fordham, or on any campus or community,” said Massaro. “[I] hope to contribute to the broadening of dialogue around public issues that touch all of us in our city and nation.”

National Endowment for the Humanities Funding Revoked from Fordham Professor

research and write a book about his findings.

“I was very pleased to hear that I got an award to support my research,” Siddiqi said. “The project was looking at a global view of the varieties and forms of damage and dispossession caused by many infrastructure on the ground to support space, such as tracking stations and launch sites.”

Siddiqi received an email from the NEH on April 3 informing him that his research funding had been canceled. The letter said that Siddiqi’s research did not align with Trump’s agenda for the federal government.

“Your grant no longer effectuates the agency’s needs and priorities and conditions of the Grant Agreement and is subject to termination,” the letter said. “Your grant’s

immediate termination is necessary to safeguard the interests of the federal government, including its fiscal priorities.”

Siddiqi said he had heard about professors at other institutions having their funding revoked, however, the cancellation of his grant still came as a surprise.

“There was no hint. I mean, many of us guessed that something might happen, but every time I contacted the NEH, they said ‘no, everything is fine,’” Siddiqi said.

Following the cancellation of his NEH grant, Siddiqi is unsure about the future of his research. While Fordham is also funding Siddiqi’s research through a faculty fellowship, the loss of the NEH grant will significantly impact the future of his project. He said the

remaining research and the book’s writing will likely be delayed, but hopefully not canceled.

“It’s a mixture of feelings. One, of course, a great deal of disappointment because I worked really hard to do this,” Siddiqi said. “I’m still working to figure out what I can do. I think at the very least [the research] will be delayed, but I hope not canceled. But I don’t know.”

Siddiqi said Fordham has been very supportive following the cancelation of his funding. According to Fordham’s page “Updates on Evolving Political Landscape,” $600,000 worth of research grants to Fordham have already been canceled. The page advises researchers to continue with their currently funded research and states that the university will provide help and guidance should that

funding be revoked.

“Fordham advises researchers to proceed with their federally funded research projects according to the terms of their existing contracts and grant agreements,” the website says. “It is important to note that changes in federal policy require careful interpretation, and the University will provide guidance as it becomes available. In the event that a federal agency issues a stopwork order, certification request, or provides specific direction to discontinue DEI-related activities within a funded project, connect immediately with Bill Colona, Special Assistant to the Provost, for guidance.”

Siddiqi said the cancelation of his funding represents a larger story about the Trump administration’s attack on the humanities and

higher education. He said that while there are other private funding sources for academic research, public funding is very beneficial because it shows federal support for the humanities field.

According to Siddiqi, research is very important and is impossible to do without funding.

“It will have a lot of, you know, deleterious, negative effects for a while, I think. So it’s gonna be hard to recover from this,” Siddiqi said. “Research is the foundation of our work. Whatever field you’re in you have to do the research first before you write about it, so if you take away funding to do the research you can’t actually produce any actual scholarship, so that’s why it’s a really critical sort of piece of the puzzle in the sense that without research we can’t do what we are here to do as academics.”

FROM NEH, PAGE 1

THOMAS MASSARO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM This is Massaro’s first lecture in his role as chair.

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An Unparalleled Humanitarian Crisis: The USAID Saga

Just over three months ago, President Donald Trump introduced the nation to Executive Order 14169: “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid.” On the surface, it looked and read like any other government document. It was, after all, full of boring procedural jargon, moderately confusing syntax and references to hyper-specific governmental programs that can seem distant to the public. However, beyond this facade of banality, Executive Order 14169 is so fundamentally different from anything that has ever been enacted in American history — a document that may just be remembered as one of the most consequential and bleak pieces of legislation.

Why? Just over a dozen lines into the executive order came the following mandate: “[there will be a] 90-day pause in United States foreign development assistance for assessment of programmatic efficiencies and consistency with United States foreign policy.” What these few lines meant was that the Trump administration had paused the funding and crippled the operating abilities of The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a government agency founded in the 1960s with the express goal “to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.” However, what these lines meant in terms of practical reality was that the Trump administration had abandoned millions of the world’s most marginalized individuals.

To elaborate on this, experts from the Center for Global Development, in collaboration with the New York Times, recently outlined all the ways in which the Trump administration’s gutting of USAID could potentially result in a baffling amount of unnecessary deaths — 3.3 million to be exact. For one, USAID provides millions with lifesaving medical assistance, whether this be in the form of HIV/AIDS medication and treatment, or clinics that seek to proactively stop the development and spread of diseases like polio, malaria and tuberculosis. USAID is also the primary force on the frontlines of the fight against famine, providing food and clear water to those in areas where such things would be a scarcity otherwise (e.g., in South Sudan, 70% of the food assistance that the nation relies upon to keep its population fed comes from USAID

initiatives). While this list of the life-saving programs that USAID provides could continue to go on forever, the underlying point has been made: Trump’s cuts to USAID would destabilize and destroy those supply channels that the globe’s most vulnerable rely on to live.

To be sure, the Trump administration has attempted to justify its actions. For one, they have leveled that USAID’s budget, which totaled $71.9 billion in 2023, is a prime example of America “blindly [doling] out money [that has] no return for the American people.” Moving beyond the fact that this sentiment actively disregards the value that foreigners’ lives hold, it is worth noting that Americans reap various reciprocal benefits when U.S. foreign aid works to make the globe healthier. Namely, America’s investments in the public, sociopolitical and economic

health of other nations keep its own citizens safe and prosperous, especially since contagious diseases do not respect national borders (see COVID-19). Additionally, countries that are not suffering from humanitarian crises pose less of a threat when it comes to terrorism, have more purchasing power when it comes to buying American goods and are simply better, more contributive members of the global community. The Trump administration has perpetuated the claim that its drastic gutting of USAID is necessary in order to halt the agency from “[funding] crazy radical programs and far Left activists.” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has perhaps been the most vocal in championing this narrative, actually spending one of her meetings with reporters reading out the USAID programs that

she deemed to be “insane.” However, putting the dubious factuality of these claims aside, given the Trump administration’s current lackluster record when it comes to cutting government programs or determining which parts of initiatives are necessary and which parts are not, their ability to effectively and efficiently slash USAID’s budget is worth questioning. Can they really be trusted to understand what damage they are actually doing as they look to change the landscape of our government by slaying the woke boogeyman?

Considering all of this together, it then seems that America has arrived at an extremely bleak juncture in its history; one in which its presidential administration is playing with the lives of some of this world’s most vulnerable individuals.

A view of the USAID building in Washington. D.C., on Feb. 1, 2025.

A view of the former USAID building in Washington. D.C., on March 21, 2025.

COURTESY OF REUTERS

NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM

OPINION

What, Like It’s Hard?: Law School Admissions and the New Wave of Competition

By SARAH BOUMLOUKA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

They say not to follow the crowd. I say, sure — but what if the crowd is headed to law school, and you were already halfway there?

That is the harsh reality for me and every other prelaw student right now. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that law school applications have surged by more than 20% from last year. Georgetown University Law Center, for example, received 14,000 applications for just 650 seats. The University of Michigan Law School reported the highest number of applicants in its 166-year history. Getting into law school is getting more competitive than ever, and many are struggling to understand why.

Analysts suggest a range of factors. Some attribute it to changes to the LSAT, due to the removal of logic games, which some believe made the test easier. Others claim mass layoffs at federal government agencies, because the field of law often offers a similar

career path or pipeline into government work without needing to work in an agency directly. The soft economy and new desire for systematic change under President Donald Trump’s administration, which some are calling a “Trump bump,” are also likely playing a role. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that competition is steep. So, should you still apply? If law school is what you really want, then of course. Without hesitation.

It’s easy to panic when you see the numbers. But the reality is that more people are applying to everything these days: college, grad school and jobs. While it is increasingly stressful, it’s important to remember that law schools will still admit strong, thoughtful applicants. It might be harder to stand out, but if you’re genuinely interested in the work, the rising stats shouldn’t scare you off. Do I wish fewer people were applying? Selfishly, yes. I’d love to have a guaranteed acceptance into my dream school without worrying about how many other

qualified applicants hit “submit.” However, I acknowledge that’s not how it works (and it shouldn’t be). Everyone deserves a shot at law school, regardless of how it affects my odds. I’m actually glad others are finding purpose in something I also care about. We need more people in law who are passionate, not just strategic.

That being said, law school shouldn’t be a fallback plan or a shortcut to stability. It’s expensive, mentally exhausting and extremely time-consuming. Don’t apply because it sounds impressive or because someone told you it guarantees a six-figure job. Apply because you love the work.

What kind of work, exactly? Reading dense material. Writing constantly. Building arguments that actually hold up. Thinking critically, speaking clearly and advocating for a position. These are the versatile skills law school teaches and are the reason law degrees are so versatile. But they’re also skills you can build elsewhere, through different degrees or profession-

al experience that may better align with your passions. If you feel law school is for you, I suggest taking a gap year. Spend time immersed in the field, working, interning and learning to make sure this path makes sense before committing to the full investment. Paralegal work, legal assistant positions, even just shadowing attorneys, are all ways to get valuable experience. Law school and legal experience should not be something that you choose blindly. So yes, law school in 2025 is competitive. But so is life.

From the Desk | Haniyyah Usmani

I’ve now typed out the first few lines about five times, just to highlight it all and hit the backspace button. And I might do it again, unless this manages to find some sort of a flow I can get behind. I wasn’t fully sure what to write about for this From the Desk (FTD), and I’m almost still not. All semester, I looked forward to this issue, but now it’s like every potential topic I could write about has disappeared. I went through so many different possibilities, and nothing is sticking anymore.

My friends know me for usually being outspoken on things that stand out to me, even if mundane, but having an open canvas now to fill on my own without a direction has left me a little lost. Senior members of staff typically utilize their FTD writing opportunity for a heartfelt goodbye piece that never misses its mark, but for me, that’ll be for the next volume of The Fordham Ram. So what do I write for this one?

What is there that won’t come up in a later opinion budget, or that isn’t already written? “Something I’m passionate about,” so maybe writing a FTD is having a conversation with myself about my biggest fear out loud on a Google Doc through the sound of my fingertips hitting keys.

It’s failure. I’ve put it out there, now. I have a crippling fear of failure. Which, of course, makes no sense. I know it doesn’t, but that doesn’t change anything. “Don’t let perfect get in the way of good” is a phrase used often, and I hate it. I hate it not because it’s a flawed piece of advice, but because it’s such an easy thing to say. Anything is, really, but it simplifies an overbearingly huge part of my life into a little motivational quote that brushes over the complexity of what it means to always meet the standard of perfection.

I don’t want good, I never have; I equate good and perfect in my eyes. I want

Don’t let a spike in numbers be the thing that stops you; just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Not because you’re chasing status. Not because you’re scared of the job market. Do it because you want to. Because it challenges you. Because it makes sense for you.

The application is hard. Law school will be harder. But if you’re doing it for the right reasons, I think it’s more than worth it.

From the Drafts

to meet myself at a certain point, potentially marked as unattainable; I want to see myself there, and until I do, I simply will avoid the task at hand if I have to, until I can’t anymore.

I know how wrong that sounds, but it’s not about how right or wrong I am for thinking in this way. It’s the fact that it’s bigger than a habit or mindset — it’s the dictator of my life beyond my immediate awareness. I am aware, however, of the issues it creates and how much of a barrier this fear is for me. I’m afraid of asking for help. I give up on hobbies I’m not immediately able to “be good at.” I dread peer reviews in class. I’m not able to write as much as I’d like to. The standard of perfection isn’t to be perfect, it’s to be impossible, and funnily enough, it doesn’t work with my goals; it works against them. Perfection has its own means, and prioritizing the unattainable means compromising my own goals.

Truth be told, what this impacts more than anything is my writing. I grew up loving reading and writing for fun. It was my hobby; whether to create stories or pour my heart out, a pen and paper (or my notes app) was the outlet I turned to. However, I never touched poetry. I was afraid of it, having been introduced to it in elementary and middle school and seeing so many

incredible works from the past. Maya Angelou, Sylvia Plath. It all seemed perfect, every word and every line break purposeful. A single alteration, whether it be switching a word for a synonym or choosing to create a line break elsewhere, would disrupt the flow created by their mind and hands. So I was intimidated in the face of perfection. My fundamental belief was that poetry was too hard, and therefore, I could never write it. I’d be shaming all the poems that came before if I even thought to write anything in their form.

I only started writing poetry two years ago, and that’s also when I stopped, later that year. I couldn’t place where exactly this pause came in, but I wish I could speak of it in the past tense. I wish I could talk about how I conquered my greatest fear and put it behind me, allowing myself to move forward and grow, both as a person and as a writer. I wish I could say I’ve started writing more consistently, exploring new styles and genres and forms.

It feels wrong to call myself a writer when I haven’t given it time in so long. The longer I wait, the scarier it is to go back.

I have my old writing as a standard, which is arguably worse than before, when it was other people and their writing. This time

it’s mine. Why can’t I write like I did before? Why can’t I do better? It’s something I prefer not to give much thought to anymore. Maybe if I don’t think about it, it’s still a pending thought, and I won’t consider it a failure. Right? Right. My Composition II professor first said it to me. “Don’t let perfect get in the way of good,” when my midterm paper had been a month late at that point, and it had been harder to write every day that passed. It’s funny how I’d rather fail in the “real world” than force myself to bullshit an essay for the sake of getting it in. My professor (an angel, honestly) understood and gave me an example of a colleague of his who improved his writing simply through consistency, not starting out with so much remarkable talent. Meanwhile, writing only in bursts of inspiration that aren’t consistent prevents you from growing; you’re stuck at the same point with your abilities for as long as you’ll let yourself.

It’s an ongoing journey of dismantling this part of my mind. The only thing we all need to remember is that the illusion of perfection is not meant to be your friend; it is just that: an illusion. And progression without failure is useless, because you can’t truly win unless you know what it’s like to lose. After all, you only learn how to get up once you’ve fallen down.

Hannah Johnson, GSB ’26, is a finance major from Medfield, Mass.

Law school admissions are increasingly competitive.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Sarah Boumlouka, FCRH ’25, is an English major from Montvale, New Jersey.

By ABIGAIL ADAMS ASST OPINION EDITOR

Do I go home, or do I stay at Fordham for Easter Break?

This is my eternal, internal conundrum.

Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But I do seriously think about it. Every year, I weigh the pros and cons of returning to Northern Virginia and celebrating with my family or staying in New York and commemorating with friends.

The obvious answer to this conundrum is that it does not matter. Easter Break is an excellent source of rejuvenation and rest, no matter what you do during the time off. Running on the Mount Vernon Trail in D.C. or running to catch the subway are both excellent sources of exercise. Eating my Wegmans lox and cream cheese bagel is nearly as delicious as my Simon’s bacon, egg and cheese. I’ll still be reading the same books, surrounded by people I love and relishing in the stillness and the glory of these precious days.

However, as a perfectionist, I am constantly seeking the best answer. In order to justify my own constant selfreflection, I can ask, what is

By LORESA ZEQIRAJ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Senator Strom Thurmond set the record for the longest filibuster in United States Senate history on August 28, 1957, when he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes straight. The purpose of his marathon speech was to oppose the Civil Rights Act of 1957, a bill aimed at increasing African Americans’ access to voting rights. He was a Southern Democrat from South Carolina and a passionate segregationist who used the filibuster, a tactic that allows a senator to delay or block legislative action by extending the debate, as a last-ditch effort to prevent the bill’s passage. Thurmond’s filibuster included reading from historical documents, the Declaration of Independence, state election laws and even recipes, simply to keep speaking and delay the vote. He prepared weeks in advance, reportedly taking steam baths to dehydrate himself so he could avoid bathroom breaks. Despite his efforts, the bill eventually did pass, just in a much weaker form than originally intended.

The significance of the filibuster in congressional history lies in its power to give the minority party or a single senator significant influence over legislation. This act of devotion grabs the country’s attention and turns the focus to a problem that might not have been so concerning to the rest of Congress, but inspires a

OPINION

A Home in the Resurrection

the telos of my Easter Break? To explore how my experience of Easter Break could uplift or hinder this pursuit of my formal and final causes, I must dive deeply into what this break means. This meaning is not just for me, but as the greatest feast of Christianity, I naturally had to ask others: What does Easter mean for you? This ought to provide some sort of guideline for how to answer my own question of where to go for Easter Break. Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In my reflections on Easter, I must ask: What is in need of resurrection in my life? Is it my international economic policy grade that is currently suffering, as I don’t quite understand tariffs as well as I ought? Could it be my credit card score, which took a hit after a few too many drinks over spring break? Jokes aside, what within myself and in relationships with others is in need of this resurrecting light? I think this framework of resurrecting relationships is pertinent when considering what to do over Easter Break. I tussle between the joys of the Fordham community here, or going home to my Mom, Dad, Nonna and sister, Amelia, to

celebrate Easter. As college students, we are entering this space of life in which our notions of home are continuously transforming. And Easter Break makes that abundantly clear.

Lauryn Sweeney, FCRH ’25, has spent several Easter Breaks at Fordham. As a California native, it’s more practical for her to stay in New York for Easter. But she also chooses to remain at Fordham for the community here. Easter meals with friends have helped her find a “home away from home.”

For Sweeney, the Triduum celebrations are also “particularly beautiful at Fordham.” She described the feeling of seeing “people from so many different parts of the university at these masses.” To celebrate the Resurrection with everyone from her “professor from sophomore year,” to “a speaker from a conference she attended at Fordham” is incredibly “grounding.” Sweeney said, “even though it’s hard not to be with my whole family, creating new family here is really good.”

Fordham is more than just a place where classes are held. It is a place where strong relationships are formed and values are fostered. Staying at Fordham over Easter Break allows this side of Fordham

to become abundantly clear. There is much value in taking this time for leisure while still being in the same routine and context. For me, being at Fordham during this stillness always makes me appreciate it even more. It allows me to recognize what this education is really all about.

Going home for Easter Break also provides opportunities for deep reflection and reconnection. Zoe Najmy, FCRH ’26, loves going home “for the quality time she gets to spend with her family.” Easter is full of many traditions for the Najmys, including “morning Easter brunch with [her] mom’s Cuban family and then evening Easter dinner with [her] dad’s Syrian family.” As she cannot go home to

An America Worth Fighting For

smaller group or person. While originally designed as a way to ensure extended debate and protect minority opinions in the Senate, the filibuster has historically been used to block civil rights and social reform legislation. Thurmond’s record-setting speech is one of the most notorious examples of this tactic being used to resist progress, and it remains a powerful symbol in debates over whether the filibuster should be reformed or abolished entirely.

On March 31, 2025, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered a historic 25-hour and 5-minute speech on the Senate floor, surpassing the previous record held by Thurmond. This unprecedented act was a protest against President Donald Trump’s policies and the operations of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Booker criticized for undermining democratic institutions and public welfare. Booker’s marathon speech was inspired by civil rights leader John Lewis, emphasizing the moral imperative to resist actions that threaten the nation’s democratic foundations. During his address, he highlighted concerns regarding executive overreach, mass government layoffs and the erosion of civil liberties. His endurance was encouraged by support from fellow Democrats, who took turns asking questions to allow him brief moments of respite and extending his time on the floor.

The filibuster has historically been a tool for both obstruction and protest. While it can be effective in drawing attention to issues and rallying public support, its impact on legislative outcomes is usually limited. Booker’s recordbreaking speech served as a powerful symbol of resistance, capturing national attention and reigniting discussions on the state of American democracy. This event presents itself in the current political climate, characterized by heightened polarization and a growing sense of urgency among progressives to confront perceived threats to democratic norms. Booker’s action not only challenged a longstanding record but also highlighted the evolving strategies employed by lawmakers to advocate for their constituents and uphold constitutional principles. The record being broken by an African American man (also New Jersey’s first African American Senator) is an especially proud moment for this country, considering the previous record filibuster was in favor of segregation. This accomplishment is a testimony to the desire for an America where equality and human rights are respected. The resistance Booker and Democrats displayed that day is a light of hope to Americans who are fearful in light of recent events such as school defunding, deportations, firing of government employees and ending of diversity, equity and

Florida often, these moments are always particularly special. Zoe described, with a smile, how “going home for Easter always reminds [her] of how blessed she is.” And so, this question of where to go for Easter Break is itself resurrecting. It encourages intentionality as we discern our lives. We can recognize the joy and hope in our experiences wherever we go. So, while in the grand scheme of things, our physical location during Easter Break may seem trivial, these experiences form us into who we are and who we are becoming.

inclusion (DEI) programs.

As a Democratic college student, Booker’s 25-hour speech meant more to me than just a record-breaking moment. It felt like someone finally stood up and said, “Enough is enough,” and didn’t sit down until people heard him. Finding out he spoke for over a day straight was not only impressive, it was deeply moving. He didn’t do it for fame or attention; he did it because he believed that what’s happening in our country right now threatens the values we care about: justice, equality and democracy. For students like me, this was a wake-up call and a call to action. Too often, we’re told we don’t know enough about politics, or that our voices don’t matter, but Booker’s speech showed that passion, persistence and standing on principle can still mean something in Washington D.C. He gave everything, his time, his energy, even his body, to make a statement about the direction this country is heading in under policies that feel more like authoritarian control than efficient governance. This speech inspires us

to get involved, organize on campus, vote in every election, speak out and support leaders who truly represent our values. It reminds us that change doesn’t come from comfort, but from courage. A quote I think of almost every week is “well-behaved women seldom make history” by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in 1976. This quote reminds me every day, just as Booker did, that through discomfort, change is born. Today in 2025, with democracy feeling fragile and so much division across the nation, Booker’s stand reminds our generation that we have to be part of the fight, because if we’re not, the future we inherit won’t be one we recognize or want to live in. Our future is in our hands, and the torch is being passed to us. Booker reminded Americans that our government is here to serve us, not the other way around. We can not let lawlessness continue to corrupt our nation’s values.

Loresa Zeqiraj, FCRH ’28, is an international studies major from Yorktown, New York.

Senator Cory Booker held the floor for over 24 hours.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

The cherry blossom tree blooms outside of Queen’s Court.

ABIGAIL ADAMS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Abigail Adams, FCRH ’26, is a philosophy major from Alexandria, Virginia.

OPINION

You Are What You Read: The Dying Art of Reading

By INDIRA KAR STAFF WRITER

On a random day in March 2009, I remember sitting in Miss Gallagher’s kindergarten class, being absolutely devastated that I would be missing the ending of “Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket” because my parents were picking me up early from school. For as long as I can remember, reading has been an essential part of my learning, growth and entertainment. Reflecting on the years before high school and college, staying up way past my bedtime on a school night under the covers with a flashlight, finishing the latest book I had checked out from the library and logging it on Goodreads was a rush. More recently, I have found myself having to be deliberate about when to crack open a non-school-related book. With the demands of life, school and work responsibilities, and the distraction of a cell phone, reading for fun, like for many other young people, has taken an unfortunate backseat for now.

In the age of convergence, the world is at our fingertips and books are competing for attention. In 2021, Pew Research Center reported 23% of American adults had not read a book in the past year. In a 2023 Economist/YouGov poll, The Washington Post reported that

46% of Americans had not finished a book that year.

A decline in reading has hit the youth. Reading for entertainment has become less common among children, as short-form content platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become more popular among children and teens. And while our younger sisters love to read, I am sure Indranil Kar, FCRH ’26, and my younger sisters could show us more dances they have learned from YouTube than books they have chosen to read for fun in the past month.

The screentime monster has cemented itself in life as we know it, but this preference to put the book down in favor of a screen is not isolated to children and tweens. For 18 to 24-year-olds, 48.2% identified themselves as nonreaders. Tyler Norrie, FCRH ’25, attributes this to the addictive and stimulating features of “smartphones and other forms of modern entertainment degrad[ing] our attention span, which makes reading more difficult for young people. Additionally, there is a powerful network effect and mimetic draw to smartphone usage since everyone uses smartphones and few people [are observed] reading.” At this point, are we all destined to become “screenagers?”

Taking time out of an already busy day to read seems like an exhausting feat, but it can also feel like there is a sense of obligation or pressure to entertain what was once a fun hobby. Reading, for some, has turned performative. For example, while I was on the subway this weekend, someone was holding onto the subway pole, “reading” the same page of Virginia Woolf’s “To The Lighthouse” for 20 minutes. Were they just taking in and reflecting on Woolf’s prose, or was the intent to be observed by subway spectators, to be perceived as a reader?

College students in more recent years are reportedly reading less, unable to keep up with assigned articles and books for classes. This decline in reading has led to issues in class, with professors, like Jack Chen from the University of Virginia, reporting students “shutting down when confronted with ideas they don’t understand; they’re less able to persist through a challenging text than they used to be.” This experience can make it frustrating to be in a classroom with those who refuse to engage with the coursework.

Hannah Boring, FCRH ’25, an avid reader, posited that “the most depressing impacts of the decline in reading in our generation are the lack of imagination and the inability to understand

Children

context clues and concepts that could be understood through basic reading comprehension.” Interacting with peers in and out of the classroom, Boring notices this decline in reading in people “not being able to read tone in texts, needing everything written out in specific, step-by-step detail in order to comprehend something, and even in students’ dependency on [artificial intelligence] to complete schoolwork — perhaps based in a lack of [foundational] reading.”

Our relationship with books has changed, but reading still has an identifiable, distinct value. Reading is linked to improvements in health, the development and strengthening of critical thinking skills, empathy, vocabulary, creativity, social skills and more.

As someone who recently made an effort to return to their love of reading after a year’s hiatus, Norrie noted that “short-form entertainment really degraded my attention span. At first, I had to take ‘phone breaks’ while reading

and found it difficult to read for more than a few minutes at a time. I still somewhat struggle with this, but a few months of reading while making a concerted effort to reduce my consumption of short-form content has significantly lessened its effects. I am very glad I began reading again. It adds a lot of color to my life and introduces me to new ideas that I would not discover on my own. I always encourage my friends to read when I have the chance.” Please read. Reading is essential to socialization. We can learn and connect with others through books. Reading can be encouraged through recommendations, following your friends on Goodreads or an alternative, getting a library card and supporting your local libraries or taking a few minutes out of your day to read at least one chapter of a new book.

You Reap What You Sow: The Power of Community Gardens

By LEAH GARRITT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York City may be a concrete jungle, but green spaces in the city are more common than one might expect — and no, I’m not just talking about Central Park. Our community gardens, which are smaller than the Strawberry Fields within Central Park but far greater in number, are one of the greatest resources the city has to offer. These gardens are hugely important to the urban ecosystem and should receive far more recognition, support and funding. Fordham University should strive for a closer relationship with the local sites, starting with a greater overall commitment to community engagement.

According to GreenThumb, an organization that supports community gardening nationwide, there are more than 550 community gardens spread throughout NYC’s five boroughs. Many of these gardens are small and overlooked, but that does not make their impact insignificant. These communal plots of land represent a return to the natural world, offering city dwellers a respite from the bustle of urban life. In many cases, they also yield homegrown produce for members of the surrounding community.

NYC’s community gardens were originally developed in order to combat poverty and food insecurity in the city.

This development began as an experiment in the 1890s, transforming several thousand of the city’s vacant lots into sites for “quarter-acre farming” that allowed residents to grow their own produce. Community farmers successfully profited from this new system, and as a result, the gardens continued to expand.

Although some of the city’s gardens are now used as spaces for recreation rather than agriculture, community farming is still a popular practice. Sites such as the Drew Gardens in the West Farms area and the Pleasantville Community Garden in East Harlem function primarily as little urban farms, providing fresh produce for many NYC residents. Residents of the city can buy a plot of land within the garden for a nominal sum, usually around $10, and then grow any plants they desire; this system creates both agency and affordability, two things that are often lacking in an urban lifestyle.

I have had the pleasure of taking a class trip to visit the Pleasantville Community Garden, a small but highly productive agricultural site located on 342 Pleasant Avenue in East Harlem. This garden is home to a greenhouse, a composting system, several community plots and a thriving chicken coop. As visitors to the garden, my classmates and I were given a quick tour

before beginning tasks like weeding and mushroom bagging, which gave us a handson introduction to the world of community gardening. I learned a lot from one short afternoon of volunteering, including the importance of wood chips in composting and the prevalence of cockroaches in New York compost heaps. I was also allowed to pick up a few chickens, which was perhaps the best part of the entire experience. Overall, it was an enjoyable trip and a wonderful diversion from a typical day in the city.

This visit to the Pleasantville Garden was the first time I had engaged with the city’s community gardens, and it made me wonder why Fordham doesn’t do more to promote them. I was vaguely aware of some gardens being scattered around the city, but I most likely would never have visited one if it hadn’t been a class requirement. As it was, I took seven semesters of courses before I crossed paths with one that provided community garden engagement; the wait was worth it, surely, but I can’t help thinking that it would’ve been far better to encounter such a course as a freshman rather than a senior.

Certain Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) courses do incorporate the city’s gardens; among these are classes like You Are What You Eat: The Anthropology

of Food (ANTH 2700) and Ecology and Economics of Food Systems (BISC 4035), the latter of which allows students to volunteer at local community gardens and farmers markets. There are also some opportunities provided at the local Drew Gardens, where select Fordham students can volunteer during the Urban Plunge program.

Still, I feel that there is room for improvement in the relationship between our university and New York City’s gardens. Surely, Fordham’s core curriculum, which has been criticized in the past for its inflexible nature and extensive requirements, could benefit from adding a course or two that centers community engagement rather than institutional learning. CCEL is an important campus resource, but none of its offered courses are mandatory for Fordham’s core — an odd choice, certainly, given that the university is a privatized outlier in the heart of the Bronx community.

“I never was required to take one,” said Ava Riverso, FCRH ’26, in reference to

CCEL courses. Riverso, who studies communications and Italian, also expressed a desire for “a required class that has the CCEL attribute, so students who value community engagement can get involved while they are at Fordham.” When asked about New York’s community gardens, Riverso stated that she only learned about their existence a few months ago but would love an opportunity to engage with them.

There you have it — in a (compostable, communitygrown) nutshell, Fordham needs to do better. Community engagement should be a required part of the core curriculum, and volunteering at community gardens should be promoted as more than just a CCEL mission or an Urban Plunge component. There’s a lot to be learned from the land around us; Fordham just has to let those roots grow.

Indira Kar, FCRH ’25, is an international studies major from St. Louis, Missouri.

Leah Garritt, FCRH ’25, is an English and Spanish studies double major from Falmouth, Massachusetts.

Urban gardens allow communities to engage in agriculture

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

are reading far less and using digital devices far more.

They Yearn For the Mines: “A Minecraft Movie” Goes Viral

By RACHEL SERVIDIO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

If the phrases “chicken jockey,” “flint and steel” or “water bucket … RELEASE” seem foreign to you, then you have clearly been living under a rock for the past few days or even weeks.

“A Minecraft Movie,” the originator of these phrases, has caused a nationwide frenzy, with moviegoers dressing up as entities from the game, screaming in theaters, creating memes and edits and overall amassing more hype and marketing than any other movie so far this year. The hype around “A Minecraft Movie” is unparalleled and has set a precedent for future films.

At its core, “A Minecraft Movie” doesn’t achieve anything revolutionary. It is just another film in the category of

movies based on popular video games. Take, for example, animated films like “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (2023), “The Angry Birds Movie” (2016) or live-action movies like “Five Nights at Freddy’s” (2023), “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001) and “Uncharted” (2022), to name a few.

However, what makes “A Minecraft Movie” a standout is the popularity of the film’s release and subsequently the reviews the film has been receiving amongst a wide demographic, despite its target audience being from seven to 12-year-olds. Its successful use of marketing is evident in the film’s box office profit, with the film grossing about $157 million domestically, a significant increase from its estimated box office total of $60 million. A success of this kind does

not come without some strategy and clever marketing. If you can think back to a time before “chicken jockey” invaded your vocabulary, you may be able to remember the mixed emotions regarding the announcement of the film’s production, with many being concerned about the movie being able to capture the integrity of the game. However, that doesn’t seem to be a major topic of discussion now. Much of the hype surrounding “A Minecraft Movie” came from the internet latching onto scenes and creating memes around them — enter the “flint and steel” and “crushing loaf” lingo. One TikTok creator, @drewplu, sang the phrases “chicken jockey,” “flint and steel” and “I am Steve” over the melody of “Pure Imagination” by Gene Wilder from the movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” which resulted in the TikTok sound being used over 15,500 times.

With these memes blowing up on TikTok, Instagram and X, it was fated that the memeage of the film would carry over into the viewing of the movie in the actual cinema. When the movie was finally released on April 4, there was an outpouring of videos of fans and moviegoers showing the reactions within theaters erupting in hysterics at the sight of now-iconic lines. One TikTok showed a movie theater going insane after the character Steve, played

by Jack Black, says one of the iconic lines; popcorn is thrown everywhere, crowds of people begin screaming and someone can even be seen holding a real chicken into the air.

Although a similar phenomenon occurred with the release of the movie “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” with moviegoers dressing in full formal attire as ‘gentle-minions,’ “A Minecraft Movie” has been able to take it up a notch.

And yet, despite the popularity of “A Minecraft Movie,” I would be remiss to neglect some of the shortcomings of the film. As some viewers were quick to point out, the movie fails the Bechdel Test, and badly. If you’re not aware, the Bechdel Test is a standard way to determine if a movie includes women in the film in the most basic of ways. The three rules are as follows: there are at least two women in the film, they have at least one conversation together and that conversation is about anything other than a man. “A Minecraft Movie” does have two female characters; however, halfway through, they basically disappear entirely. Others have taken to critiquing the movie as a whole, saying it was horrible or failed to do the video game and its original fans justice.

While those points may be true, I think it’s also important to look at the bigger picture of what the film achieved.

The casting, which at first seemed odd, ultimately made the film what it is. Without Black leading the charge on the internet memes from the film, there’s a good chance the movie would not have achieved the numbers it did at the box office. Yes, the memes have led to disruptive behavior in the cinema, but they have also brought people together. While unwelcome by some, this chaotic behavior has made going to the movies fun again; streaming has completely changed the game on film premieres and physically going to see a new movie when it is released, but this new fad of audience and fan hype has made watching movies an experience again. The movie also ended a rough streak in the film industry with 2025 films like “Snow White” and “Captain America: Brave New World” flopping at the cinema.

Above all, “A Minecraft Movie” has made a lot of us feel like kids again, hanging out with friends, talking about old Minecraft days and possibly jumping back on the game out of a sense of nostalgia, and that joy is truly unbeatable.

Rachel Servidio, FCRH ’26, is a Poughkeepsie NY, communications and culture major from Poughkeepsie,NewYork.

Who Are These Movies Really For? The Messy Controversy of Disney’s “Snow White”

By PATIENCE EDOSA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Disney live-action “Snow White” movie was released on March 21, 2025. It is a reimagined musical of the 1937 animated classic, costing more than $250 million to produce. In its opening weekend, the movie grossed only $87.3 million globally, falling short of expectations that it would break $100 million in its first weekend. As of April 22, the movie has grossed over $190 million, still falling short of breaking even. With critics on Rotten Tomatoes giving the movie a score of 40%, it’s clear that “Snow White” is not meeting expectations. While many factors contribute to a film’s performance, it’s hard to ignore the political firestorm surrounding this movie since day one. “Snow White” has been mired in controversy, from casting decisions to comments made by the film’s stars. Some critics faulted the casting of Rachel Zegler, a Latina actress, as Snow White, an explicitly white character in the original story. Others took issue with Zegler’s public criticism of the original film, and further tensions arose when the film’s lead actors voiced differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The movie seemed to fade into the background as

political conversations dominated headlines.

This isn’t an isolated case. Modern films are increasingly being shaped, or derailed, by the political beliefs of their creators or the statements made by their stars. And reactions from audiences are clear: they’re tired. People don’t go to the movies to get lectured or dragged into debates. They go for escapism, storytelling and emotion, not for polarization. Political controversy hurts a film’s commercial success because it pulls focus away from the art and toward the argument. In an age where social media magnifies every soundbite, a single comment can spiral into a public relations disaster. While it’s true that art often reflects the views of its creators, there’s a fine line between telling a story that resonates with current times and delivering a product that feels more like a political pamphlet than a film.

Some argue that all art is political. In a way, that’s true, as no story exists in a vacuum, but there’s a difference between subtly embedding themes into a narrative and overtly using a film as a platform for personal ideology. The former invites thought. The latter demands agreement. Many will simply walk away when audiences

sense they’re being preached to. In the case of “Snow White,” it wasn’t just the political messages within the film but the perception that Disney was reworking a beloved classic to fit a modern agenda. Changing plot points, casting choices or dialogue to better suit contemporary values isn’t bad, but when it’s done in a way that feels forced or pandering, it alienates fans of the original and new viewers.

Studios need to ask themselves: who is the movie really for? Are they trying to spark conversation, or just sell tickets? Because if it’s the latter, alienating half your audience isn’t a good strategy. It’s also important to recognize that many of these controversies don’t start with the film’s content, but with the public personas of the actors involved. Social media has blurred the line between performer and performance, and when actors make political statements, it inevitably impacts the way people view their work. While everyone has a right to free speech, the reality is that highprofile opinions can create backlash, and backlash affects box office numbers.

That said, it’s understandable that artists bring their worldview into their work.

It’s impossible to separate

the creator from the creation fully. And often, the most powerful films are the ones that reflect the complexities of real life. But there’s a difference between offering a perspective and pushing a message. Movies can be thought-provoking without being divisive.

Audiences are not asking for silence on social issues, but for balance. They want well-told stories that entertain and move them, not narratives that feel like they were crafted to tick boxes or make statements. When filmmakers focus on the story first, rather than the politics, the message (if there is one) tends to resonate more naturally.

In today’s climate, true neutrality might be impossible.

Every decision can be seen as political by someone. However, studios and artists should remember that storytelling is a bridge, not a battleground. If movies are meant to bring people together in a shared experience, they should tread carefully when introducing divisive topics, especially if the goal is commercial success.

The numbers speak for themselves. When politics overshadows plot, it doesn’t just start arguments — it empties theaters.

Patience Edosa, FCRH ’26, is an English major from New York, New York.

The live-action adaptation of Snow White has genereated more controversey than tickets sales

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

“A Minecraft Movie” has grossed $190 million globally in box office sales.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Tying the Not: FUSE and BSA’s Mock Shaadi Event

By AARYAN SAMA STAFF WRITER

One of the most fantastic aspects of South Asian culture is the weddings, filled with vibrant lights, unique traditions and delicious food. Once every year, the Fordham University South-Asian Entity (FUSE) and the Bengali Students Association (BSA) collaborate to host a Mock Shaadi (Hindi for marriage), where two students are nominated and selected to be the bride and groom of a gorgeously grand function.

This year, Irtaza Khan, GSB ’28, stood as the groom and Ritisha Chintakunta, GSB ’28, the bride. Though not dating in real life, the two are friends, and this event arguably brought them even closer. When asked what their favorite part about their mock partner was, Chintakunta acknowledged her Pakistani background (she is South Indian), whereas Khan celebrated his love for biryani.

Despite its “mock” nature, this event took a lot of planning and was very difficult to organize.

“It was a good experience to be the groom, but also a lot of work,” said Khan. “There was a lot of tension in the air, given how many people attended and how important it was that everything went perfectly.”

That being said, the large audience in the McShane Great Hall was left nothing but impressed. As guests checked in, stalls for boba and dessert were set up as everyone

began to sit.

The function began around 6:30 p.m., when the FUSE and BSA boards danced in with a grand entrance and introduced themselves, kicking off the event. It was then time for the groom and bride to make their entry alongside the groomsmen (including myself) and bridesmaids.

The bride and groom took a seat on the stage as the wedding party threw uncooked rice at them. This Hindu tradition, known as “akshita,” aims to bless the newlywed couple as they embark on their new life together. This was followed by another South Asian wedding tradition known as “Joota Chupai,” which roughly translates to “hidden shoe.”

As the name somewhat implies, the bridesmaids steal the groom’s shoes, and the groomsmen must negotiate to get them back.

This was followed by dinner, which was truly exquisite and composed of many South Asian culinary dishes. As guests began to wrap up their dishes, the best man, Raamiz Rizvi, FCRH ’27, and the maid of honor, Anoushka Awasthi, GSB ’28, gave speeches commemorating the event. They were heartfelt and humorous as they celebrated their best friends and their stories together on the stage.

This was followed by a series of traditional Bollywood dance performances curated by the dance team Fordham Falak, the multicultural Lincoln Center based dance group, Fordham Empire and

our very own bridesmaids and groomsmen, along with the FUSE and BSA executive boards. Falak, coming off a very successful showcase two days prior to the event, brought the same electrifying energy, performing medleys that fused with contemporary Western music. A highlight was Nelly Furtado’s bouncy “Promiscuous” combined with Shreya Ghoshal’s exotic vocals on “Barso Re” from the film “Guru.” The vibe was certainly matched by Fordham Empire, who never fails to impress a large crowd.

As the two stellar dance teams hyped the crowd up, it was then on the groomsmen and bridesmaids to keep the energy high. They may not have had Falak or Empire’s experience, but they made up

that deficit through a very visible display of hard work in what ultimately was a series of very successful dance performances. There were some errors with the mix originally, but these seemed to be cleared up around the time the executive boards started dancing, which was to a sensational medley of “Maahi Ve” and “Mauja Hi Mauja.”

Finally, the groom and bride ended the night’s series of festivities with an intimate yet vibrant performance to the classic song “Ghagra” from the iconic movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.” This included numerous memorable moments, such as the groomsmen catching the groom as he fell towards the bride and the hook step pioneered by none other than the Kathak

visionary Madhuri Dixit. After this performance, the DJ opened up the dance floor to the public, and everyone piled on to celebrate the (fake) matrimony of a (fake) lovely couple. The DJ certainly played his part in the event’s success, mixing Punjabi, South and Bollywood songs altogether for an hour, before ending the function, in true FUSE style, with the Imran Khan classic “Bewafa.” At the end of the day, the Mock Shaadi was a beautiful homage to South Asian culture and a wonderful night for everyone involved. FUSE, BSA and the wedding party worked incredibly hard to put together a timeless night celebrating what makes South Asian culture as unique and special as it is.

An Enchanting Night at the Ballet: Fordham Jetés Edition

By AMEYA JAIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Fordham Jetés performed “The Sleeping Beauty” on April 12 and April 13, and the show was nothing short of enchanting. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience was transported into a fairytale world brimming with whimsy. Every element — from intricately crafted costumes to a colorful set design — worked together to keep the audience immersed in this magical realm.

Princess Aurora, the heart of the production, was played by Peninah Rosenthal, FCRH ’28. Rosenthal danced with a level of refinement and grace that felt otherworldly at the time; her technique was pristine, every movement was tuned to perfection. Her counterpart, Prince Desire, played by Tim O’Brian, FCRH ’28, brought strength and energy to the stage, impressing with powerful leaps and clean lines. His lifts were commanding and showcased a natural athleticism alongside emotional depth.

When speaking to O’Brian, I had the opportunity to hear more about the work that went

into the show. In his words, “My experience preparing for ‘Sleeping Beauty’ was exciting, especially when we moved into the theater. I devoted a lot of time to the show and it was hard to balance rehearsals with my courses. But, I love the anticipation of the show and preparing for it, so I was happy to put in the extra time.”

So many other characters stood out, and some of my favorites include the Lilac Fairy and Carabosse. The Lilac Fairy added a touch of effervescence to each scene. She was joyful, radiant and a calming presence amidst the drama. Carabosse, the antagonist, wicked fairy opposite the Lilac Fairy, was a show-stealer in her own right. Annabel Graham, GSB ’26, crushed the role. Slinky, expressive and almost sacrilegious, her facial expressions conveyed a story all on their own. She didn’t just dance the villain — she embodied it.

One of the brightest moments came from the ensemble in the Garland Waltz, where the corps de ballet moved as one, creating elegant patterns and making great use of their garland props. Another crowd favorite was

the pas de deux with the White Cat and Puss-in-Boots. Full of humor and character, it was a well-executed interlude that showed off the dancers’ theatrical range as much as their skillful technique. A standout moment was Aurora’s fated prick of the spindle — a slow, believable descent into sleep that Rosenthal stumbled into.

The one component that could have enhanced the experience even more is a live orchestra. The dancers were

stunning and captivating, but the level of emotion that live music can evoke in an audience is much deeper than that of a soundtrack. Tchaikovsky’s score is emotional, sweeping and alive; having it performed live would have lifted the show into a new dimension. Still, the dancers moved with impeccable musicality, never missing a beat.

The set design was majestic and cohesive, remaining faithful to the fairytale aesthetic.

Costumes were equally exquisite — Aurora’s was regal and radiant, while Carabosse added to her dark and dramatic flair. The crowd was full of loved ones who cheered loudly, especially during demanding sequences of turns and jumps. The Fordham Jetés knew exactly how to balance honoring the traditional grandeur of the ballet while uplifting the young talent in their company, and I am grateful to have witnessed it firsthand.

Peninah Rosenthal and Tim O’Brian starred in the Fordham Jeté’s rendition of “The Sleeping Beauty.”

AARYAN SAMA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Irtaza Khan and Ritisha Chintakunta stood as the groom and bride of this year’s annual Mock Shaadi.

AMEYA JAIN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

CULTURE

‘The Celebration’ Art Exhibit: NYC Gold Key Recipients

By JULIA TYNAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Are you interested in seeing a fantastic exhibit that features artwork created by current high school students? Since March 28, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) has been hosting “The Celebration” art exhibit. The installation showcases over 500 art and literary pieces created by New York City students from grades seven to 12.

Running until May 18 of this year, the annual exhibit honors the artwork of New York City students from over 250 schools in the five boroughs. All the students’ works displayed at the exhibit have received the highest recognition, and they are known as Gold Key Recipients. The 2025 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards program, which made this exhibit possible, was founded in 1923 and has recognized talented teens nationwide.

This year, more than 2,500 students in New York entered nearly 14,800 works to the New York City Region to be considered for regional and national recognition of awards, scholarships, publications and exhibitions. A panel of art and poetry professionals selected recipients that embody the Awards’ core values of skill, originality and personal voice.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize students’ works across various media. The artistic mediums include photography, painting, sculpture and mixed media. Various literary media are also recognized, like poetry, fiction and novel writing. Students can submit their work to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards website in order to share their work with the world. The Alliance for Young Artists and Writers is

a nonprofit organization that presents the awards and aims to identify talented artistic and literary works of students.

The exhibit is located at the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education on the Met’s ground floor. The exhibit is free for New York City residents and students since the museum has a “pay-asyou-wish” policy.

My favorite piece of art at the museum was “Screenlight Solitude” by Lucy Chen, a junior at Stuyvesant High School. This piece features the effects that social media apps like TikTok and Instagram have on the main subject in the drawing. Another captivating piece at the exhibit was “Anxiety” by Mel’lahnee Blackwell, a junior at St. Francis Preparatory School. This painting embodies a realistic abstraction style, combining realistic depictions with abstract elements.

In addition to the physical art displayed, the exhibit had a video installation of digital artwork and pieces that could not be present at the time. This offers an alternative viewing experience, where you can view the artworks at a larger scale. Another medium of art displayed at the exhibit was photography and digital art. One notable digital art piece was “Bleeding Seeds” made by Madeline BerberianHutchinson, who is a senior at Stuyvesant High School. Berberian-Hutchinson is also a poet and has recently received awards for her poetry from the City College of New York.

Although all the artwork at the exhibit embodied different styles, it remained unified in celebrating the talented works of the young and aspiring New York City students. Featuring young artists in museums is important for fostering artistic development amongst

the art community. By seeing the artwork of fellow peers in a prestigious museum, young artists can be motivated to follow their own passions in life. This exhibition of young artists’ work can inspire a new generation of artists, by emphasizing that the art community is open and accepting new perspectives. Museums, like the Met, have the power to contribute to a cycle of creativity, where

new artistic expressions can continue to be developed. By showcasing the works of young and talented students, museums can represent a broader range of voices, perspectives and themes in the art world.

If you want to see the work of the next generation of artists and writers firsthand, this exhibit is the place for you. This annual exhibition offers the opportunity to see young artists before they have been established. The artistic and literary works explore bold themes — such as mental health, social justice or climate change — that are authentic in a unique way, in comparison to usual exhibits. Whether you want to see an abstract painting, read a bold poem or view a realistic portrait, there is bound to be art that speaks to you!

Tomorrow Is Finally Here With The Weeknd’s ‘Cry For Me’

By AARYAN SAMA STAFF WRITER

“Every time I hit the road, it takes a little piece of me; kills me slowly,” exclaims Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, on “Cry For Me,” the third single of what might be his final studio album as The Weeknd, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” As the Canadian R&B artist-cum-pop star concludes his career, he ventures into a new sound that is the culmination of all his artistic eras. When “Hurry Up Tomorrow” was announced last year and followed up by singles “Timeless” and “Saõ Paulo,” many were confused about the sonic direction this album would be taking. It serves as a follow-up to his albums “After Hours” and “Dawn FM” in what seems to be a musical trilogy, ending his career exactly how it started. “Cry For Me” is our introduction to The

Weeknd’s character on “Hurry Up Tomorrow”: tired and desperate for the end.

The song begins with a bassheavy Brazilian funk-inspired instrumental courtesy of Metro Boomin and Mike Dean. He lays his first verse over roaring synths, which, lyrically, is nothing but the usual Weeknd verse. He then follows this up with the chorus, pleading, “I hope you cry for me like I cry for you.” While this may seem like he’s talking about a romantic interest, it becomes clear through the second verse that he is talking to us, the audience. This song can be interpreted as a reflection of all that he sacrificed for his music and how he hopes that he has left a mark on his listeners’ lives, as it sounds like he is justifying his decision to call it quits as The Weeknd. The sound then morphs into a trap beat before the second

chorus, sampling “I Wanna Be the One” by The S.O.S. Band. This chorus is followed by a bridge, which is, by far, the most beautiful part of the song. He once again addresses the audience, saying that they always give him sympathy, but realizes that they are now better on their own. This bridge is followed by a final chorus, where his vocals are pitched down in modern R&B fashion.

Even though this song has achieved the most success out of any “Hurry Up Tomorrow” song besides the previous singles, it has yet to take off as previous Weeknd songs such as “Timeless” and “Blinding Lights.” However, it certainly does not lack substance, as it is a stellar introduction to the landscape of the album. The song combines elements of experimentalism as well as mainstream appeal.

While The Weeknd seems

poised to drop his famous moniker, the era from “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is far from over, with a feature film of the same title set to premiere in May starring Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan and himself.

Since The Weeknd said, “I’ve been burning up my home,” in the song and the music trailer shows Jenna Ortega’s character burning up his home, it is clear that the film will correlate to the song, which may make an already sublime track even more enjoyable.

“Cry For Me” is a representation of how fame and sacrifice impact The Weeknd.

“The Celebration” will continue to showcase the art of award-winning students until May 18 at the Met.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

JULIA TYNAN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

April 23, 2025

CULTURE

A Spring in Your Step and in Your Wardrobe

By RORY DONAHUE STAFF WRITER

Spring 2025 is the season of embracing flowy crochet skirts, pastels, polka dots and much more. With warmer weather comes the perfect time to free yourself from coats and rediscover the unique finds in your closet. Lively celebrations and sunny skies radiate the energy to style these pieces, but no matter the setting, experimenting with fashion is part of the season’s enjoyment.

Delicate lace and knitted fabrics are lining the shelves this season in the form of long, flowy skirts, fitted tops and cardigans. Thankfully, it is nothing new for brands like Free People, making secondhand finds easier to come by and it is ideal for achieving this look.

These skirts can be styled with brown belts and boots, creating the perfect outfit for a daytime activity or festival. They are comfortable, trendy and easily styled over a bathing suit for sunny days before the full heat of summer sets in. Pair one with a lightcolored blazer and kitten heels for a more elevated look. Or

a bright cardigan for an easy spring look.

Beyond textured skirts, all sorts of fabrics in the long, flowy style are trending right now. Bright floral patterns or simple white maxi skirts are easy ways to make an outfit fun and breathable.

Building on the floral look, floral pendants and embroidery are popular additions to lightcolored dresses or textured tops, offering a playful nod to spring. Layered fabrics and ruffles are often designed with these accents for a flowy, whimsical touch.

Another trend alongside textured pieces is the knit set. Perfect for transitioning from winter to spring, these sets go from cozy pants and long sleeves to shorts and short-sleeved tops. Ideal for a spring beach trip or lounging at home, vibrant shades of orange and blue complement beige knit fabrics in various options available at retailers like Zara and H&M.

Polka dots also stand out as a playful way to experiment with patterns, and there is no shortage of polka-dotted maxi dresses and blouses across stores. The print adds a

traditional preppy style without feeling over the top.

Emerging again this year as a standout transitional color is butter yellow. Not only is it a beautiful shade, but it is also a great way to ease into wearing brighter tones due to its glowing nature. Silk or satin gowns in this hue are my favorite for formal spring events, like this dress from Quince.

In terms of accessories, lengthy statement necklaces, belts and raffia bags are three items that stand out across retailers. This lengthy necklace from scandivv is a wonderful example of a simple way to complement a low neckline or a plain t-shirt. Brown, green, suede or braided belts are another easy way to complete an all-denim outfit or a basic top and jeans. Lastly, raffia bags are a fun way to add warm energy to any outfit, and their natural fiber adds to the rise in sustainable fashion.

Pinterest and TikTok are great resources for discovering styles and trends, but often, the best finds are the ones that catch your eye in person.

Some ways for in-person inspiration across New York

are, beacon’s closet, Awoke Vintage, Other People’s Clothes and 10 ft Single by Stella Dallas are great options to find second-hand pieces.

Some of my other favorites are Nati Boutique, Isalis and Clever Alice, all located in Nolita.

With the rise of trending fashion present on social media comes an important shift toward individuality. The spring and summer fashion shows, designer brands like

Prada embraced this idea by presenting collections with unique looks rather than one overarching theme. Each model walked the runway in a different color palette and fabric, showcasing personal expression over uniformity. This translates to embracing your personality pieces, such as items in your closet you have been longing to wear, or leaning into styles that might be perceived as “off-trend.”

Who’s That Kid? | Jade Petalcorin, GSB ’25

Fordham Senior’s Secret Ingredient: Friendship

By CRISTINA STEFANIZZI PHOTO EDITOR

Whether you know her as the bright, friendly personality at the forefront of many Campus Activities Board (CAB) events, or the cheerful, personable tour guide showing families around campus, the name Jade Petalcorin, GSB ’25, is recognizable to hundreds of Fordham University students who have had the pleasure of knowing her friendship and kindness.

Petalcorin is very involved on campus through clubs such as CAB, Smart Women Securities and Rose Hill Society. Through this she shows high involvement and passion in her life, always putting her best foot forward and showing up, even on the rainiest of days, with a smile on her face.

Although she claims she’s “never moved in silence,” one of the many remarkable things Petalcorin has accomplished in her years at Fordham is something that, until recently, was unknown to many of her friends. “Special Lunch,” a term coined by Petalcorin for her gatherings, was formed during her sophomore year at Fordham from a spur-of-themoment opportunity.

“The premise of Special Lunch is simple; I invite about five individual friends to come over for lunch, and I’ll cook,” Petalcorin said. “The goal is that they don’t know each other, but I do it in hopes that they all become friends afterwards.”

Petalcorin said that the

first special lunch arose unexpectedly after inviting three friends to her Walsh Hall apartment for dinner in her sophomore year. “I invited three people who [I thought] didn’t know each other at all but that they would be great friends. If they’re friends with me, they’re definitely good people,” she said.

Petalcorin scrolled through the notes app in her phone, adorned with a sunshine yellow case — because what else would be on brand for the human persona of sunshine — and went through the lists of people she’s invited to her past 11 special lunches. She shared that forming a guest list for one of her special lunches is more complicated than it seems.

Petalcorin carefully considers the group dynamic to ensure personalities mesh well and that there will be an equal number of guests at the meal.

“I always think I’m a person who likes to connect people together, and my love language is acts of service and quality time,” Petalcorin said, adding that “being able to cook for people and have them in a room together makes me happy.”

The concept of special lunch is perfectly on brand for Petalcorin. She is a kind, friendly soul open to meeting new people. Most importantly, she ensures everyone feels involved and included in group settings, while still being able to formulate real connections with individuals. Even while studying abroad in London her junior year, Petalcorin still

found the opportunity to host a special lunch across the pond. “It was my first time doing it with non-Fordham students … two of the people I invited actually lived in the same flat and took the same commute, same bus, walk, elevator, and eventually realized they were both coming to my apartment when they went to the same door,” she said.

The stories don’t end there. She shared that during her sophomore year, she hosted a Friendsgiving in her Walsh apartment and invited her across-the-hall neighbors. In one case, her

“roommate hit it off with this one guy who lived across the hall, and then right after, she transferred schools … She came back to visit four months later and they started dating.”

But the benefits don’t stop with the guests being able to make new friends and share a home-cooked meal. “I also invite people I’m not that close to, so I can get to know them better. Life gets hard sometimes, so it’s nice to have something like this to look forward to,” she said.

At first, guests didn’t realize they were being invited to a

special lunch, now Petalcorin’s friends expect to see many place settings when they’re invited to her apartment. “Bringing everyone together is really special,” Petalcorin says.

Graduation is in just a few weeks, and Petalcorin is trying to host as many special lunches as possible. She hopes that special lunch will continue post-graduation. “It will be harder [to host] but it’s something that I think will be more appreciated postgrad. It’s hard for adults to make friends, when you do it’s pretty individual,” she said.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Petalcorin, located left of center in the black shirt, hosted a “Special Lunch” with friends during a warm day on campus.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Spring 2025 fashion embraces playful textures, soft colors and personal style.

CULTURE

Dinner was Served at the Dance Co-Op Showcase

By JULIA BURNHAM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As I walked across campus on a brisk Sunday evening, hearing the church bells ring as I made my way to Fordham Prep Leonard Theatre, I was excited by the idea of finally attending my first on campus dance show.

For some background, I’ve danced all my life, first in recreation center ballet lessons when I was three years old, then at a strict, rigorous Russian ballet academy in middle school and finally, my high school’s pre-professional modern dance company (shoutout New Trier Dance Division). However, after graduation, I retired for good.

Hearing about an all inclusive dance team was therefore completely out of my comfort zone, as almost everything I’ve ever known about dance was highly structured and incredibly cutthroat. I was interested to see how that dynamic played out on stage, both interpersonally and choreographically.

I had no idea where to go once I got to Fordham Prep, as I hadn’t been inside the auditorium since the safety presentation during my first week of freshman year. Still, I followed a crowd of girls I assumed were going there (especially since one was holding a bouquet of flowers). Once inside the packed lobby, one of

my friends handed me a Dance Co-Op program. The theme was entitled “Serve.” This title, in club president Lily Paturzo’s, FCRH ’25, words, “is based on the saying ‘you served, you ate’ which is a way to show appreciation and support for others.”

Despite the saying itself being a metaphor, the show was organized into three courses: Act One — Appetizers, Act Two — Entrees and Act Three — Dessert. Each act was organized into three or four dances, with either a song or an intermission dance, performed by Fordham dance groups Falak and Candela Latina, in between them. There was also a two-part raffle, where two lucky Co-Op parents were given a goodie box.

The Appetizer round began with a group dance choreographed by both Vesa Prevalla, FCRH ’25, and Katherine Leahey, FCRH ’26, complete with fierce choreography and bright, pink and green costumes. In between most of the Appetizer round’s dances, the house went dark, and a song would play. However, Fordham Falak performed after the final dance of the round, “Freaky Mix” choreographed by Mia Guzzo, FCRH ’25. Falak’s technique was beautiful in their shining red and gold costumes, and the team utilized a creative mix of Indian compositions with American music.

Right before Falak’s performance, a lighthearted, funny video introduced Co-Op’s mission to unfamiliar audience members such as myself. Guzzo described the team as a “middle ground for people who are very anxious or want to do something casual.” While many dance teams can either be a significant time commitment or need advanced technique to join, Dance Co-Op strives to provide a safe space for all dancers, whether they have years of experience or are just beginning.

The Entree round started off with a bang as Grace Glennon, FCRH ’25, Prevalla and Paturzo performed a tap dance choreographed to a mashup of Michael Jackson’s

“Smooth Criminal” and “Beat It.” Further entrées included a jazz number to Sabrina Carpenter and a moving contemporary dance to Hozier. The course was concluded by Fordham’s Candela Latina, who gave us high-energy partner dances, including music by Romeo Santos and individual choreography to Bad Bunny.

The final act, Dessert, began with an empowering, fun jazz dance to “Juice” by Lizzo, followed by a seniorcreated video and dance to “Ribs” by Lorde. The act concluded with a short dance and bows, set to “Candy” by Robbie Williams. The company then honored all of their seniors with a bouquet of flowers and a brief speech

for each of them, thanking them for their contributions to the company. Before attending the showcase last week, I was pretty much checked out when it came to dancing in college. I occasionally took classes at Broadway Dance Center, but I was not engaging with anything Fordham-related. I enjoyed this show, not just for the fun choreography and uplifting energy, but also because it opened my mind to another way to dance. Dance doesn’t always have to be very stern or serious; it can still be driven without being boring. From now on, I’m going to try and take a page out of the Dance Co-Op’s book when I am dancing.

Boxed In: The Blind Box Obsession

By SARAH BOUMLOUKA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Walking into my roommate’s and my dorm room, you’re immediately greeted by our much smaller, much cuter roommates. They’re scattered all over — on our desks, shelves and window sills — all kinds of tiny figures in all kinds of poses. There’s a mummy cat (with its own little sarcophagus), fuzzy chipmunk and kitten calico critters, a hot pink Littlest Pet Shop cat, a cat riding down a yellow elephant slide, a Sonny Angel baby with a cookie hat and, of course, way too many Sanrio characters to count.

Our room may look like we have little siblings who have forgotten their best friends on the counters, but these figures are actually something we’ve carefully curated. They’re part of a collection we’ve slowly built up, one blind box at a time.

A blind box is a small mystery toy packaged in a sealed box, and you can’t tell which figure you got until you open it. The excitement lies in the surprise. The boxes are often themed, like “Hello Kitty” or “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” and inside is a tiny, collectible figure that could range from rare to common. Over the past couple of years, blind boxes

have exploded in popularity. What began as a niche interest has become a full-fledged trend.

“I didn’t really get it at first,” said my roommate, Rachel Servidio, FCRH ’26. “But then I opened my first one, and it was like this tiny surprise just for me. It became kind of addictive.” Servidio, who’s been collecting with me for months now, is far from alone in this newfound obsession. Blind boxes have become almost like a rite of passage for people in Generation Z, and they’ve slowly spread into the mainstream. Social media only amplifies the excitement.

“People trade, post about their finds and compare their collections,” Servidio continued. “It’s like a way of connecting with others who share the same passion.”

According to a study by the Atlantis Press, those aged 10 to 20 make up 85% of blind box purchases, and they are most often alluring to women, who make up nearly 2/3 of purchases.

The study also notes how blind boxes evolved into more than just collectibles; they’ve become gifts, and expressions of love. Most of my blind boxes were gifts from my partner, family or friends. To me, they represent thoughtfulness, as

each one carries the care of someone who knows your interests. It was a gesture that felt both personal and meaningful.

“Blind boxes are an amazing way to give someone a small gift,” said Dheya Abyan, FCRH ’26, who has gifted multiple blind boxes.

But why are people so obsessed with buying boxes with mystery contents, and why is it so addictive?

“It’s not even about the toys anymore. It’s about the hunt and the element of surprise. It’s like a game, like a competition,” Servidio explained. “The real fun is in the hunt.” And the hunt gets aggressive.

At P!Q Gifts, a store known for selling designer toys, blind boxes, especially Sonny Angels, sell out within hours. Sonny Angels are small baby figurines that have taken on a cult status. The rush for these specific blind box toys has become intense, as fans eagerly try to get their hands on them before they disappear.

This frenzy around blind boxes isn’t accidental — it’s carefully engineered. Companies know how to tap into consumers’ psychology with “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out. As Shoufeng Chen explains in a study called “The Psychological Analysis of the Blind Box Craze in the Chinese

Market: A Case Study of POP MART,” blind box corporations release limited edition or rare boxes to create a “scarcity effect.” Customers will spend more money to hunt down rare or limited edition toys. The unboxing and purchasing of these “limited” boxes release dopamine in the brain as they get excited to hunt down that limited figure. Customers fear they will miss out so they just keep buying. This explains why, despite our wallets constantly being drained, it’s hard to resist the temptation of another blind box.

Servidio and I joke about our wallets getting lighter with every new blind box, but we both know it’s hard to resist the rush of opening one. Still, it’s hard not to notice how much time and money we’ve lost to it. Blind boxes generally cost around $15, and they add up quickly. The fun of the

hunt is real, but it comes with a cost. For every cute figure, there’s a wallet that feels just a little bit emptier. This means blind boxes are one of many things in life where moderation is key. It’s easy to get swept up in the hunt, but there’s value in stepping back to admire what you’ve already collected. As I stand in my dorm room, surrounded by rows of quirky blind box figures, I can’t help but laugh at how our little collection has grown out of control. Somehow, the figures have taken over every available surface in our dorm. But, for all the fun, the truth may be that we’re not just collecting toys anymore. It may be that we’re addicted, and that it’s time to start appreciating the collection we’ve built before it overtakes our entire room, our budget and maybe even our sanity.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM DANCE CO-OP

Fordham’s Dance Co-Op performed their annual showcase on April 13 in Fordham Prep Theater.

COURTESY OF SHERIDAN DUONG Blind boxes, tiny, collectible figures, have exploded in popularity.

CULTURE

The Book Scene in New York City

By EMMA LEONARDI EXEC. COPY EDITOR

As the so-called cultural capital of the world, it is no surprise that New York City is home to many bookstores since books are an essential vessel of culture. While many independent bookstores are spread across the city (as well as many New York Public Library locations), four stand out in terms of popularity, uniqueness and overall vibe.

To begin my bookstore reviews, I hopped on the four train to visit the place that famously houses 18 miles of books: the Strand Book Store. Open since 1927, this independent bookstore chain has every book you could want, going back decades, including rare, collectibles and signed editions. One of the first tables, upon entering, has options for a blind date with a book, with the covers not only featuring vague descriptions of the plots, but also quirky handdrawn designs to match. There are several tables in the center area, all of which have a theme attached to them (most of which are genrespecific). However, along the sides, there are also shelves of books, they are alphabetically organized in rows, which gives a classic library feel.

In addition to books, this store also sells their own merchandise in the form of tote bags and clothing, and has a ton of knick-knacks available for purchase, including, but not limited to, NYC-specific hair clips, bookmarks, stickers and even kitchen accessories! Overall, the Strand has a lot

to offer consumer-wise, but it is important for visitors to know just how busy it is. It is almost impossible to move freely within the store due to the sheer number of people and volume of books contained within this block of 12th Street. I would still recommend a visit, but going on a weekday trip would be advised.

Continuing my book journey in Manhattan, I headed up to Times Square to pay a visit to a bookstore I didn’t even know existed before starting my research for this article: The Drama Book Shop. This bookstore, as the name suggests, houses only written copies of plays and musicals. It also has a lovely, quiet spot for reading and studying located all the way in the back, as well as a beautiful art display of books traveling in a line throughout the shop. For those who chose their college based on the variety of live drama entertainment that the city provides, this bookstore is not only a must because of its contents, but also its history.

The Drama Book Shop was founded in 1917 and then became an independent bookstore in 1923. When the store moved to its current location in 2001, Black House Productions became the resident theater company. The theater troupe actually rehearsed “In the Heights” in the basement, and the store went on to win a Tony Award Honor for Excellence in the Theatre in 2011. One of the founders of the troupe and the director of “In

the Heights,” Thomas Kail, alongside writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, bought the store in 2020. The impact of this cultural institution is evident through its history, making it a worthwhile trip for any theatre fanatic.

From there, I ventured into Brooklyn. My first stop was The Ripped Bodice, a romance-specific independent bookstore that opened in 2023 and was founded by sisters Bea and Lea Koch. The Brooklyn location is the second of two; the first bookstore opened in Los Angeles, California, driven by their goal to bring their dream to life. As per their website, “the store is proudly Woman and Queer Owned.”

Even if you don’t enjoy romance novels (and who doesn’t every once in a while?), this store is still worth a visit. The Ripped Bodice is picturesque: it features an almost entirely pink interior, complete with a checkered floor and bookcases with their own sliding ladders. The store not only features a diverse selection of romance novels but also has seriesspecific merchandise, such as scented candles based on specific characters. It feels like the dream version of a home library, and despite its small size, I could wander around browsing forever.

The last bookstore I visited has the perfect name to describe how books make me feel. Books Are Magic, owned by author Emma Straub and her husband, Michael Fusco-Straub, has two locations in Brooklyn and features a section dedicated

to Straub’s books, including multiple signed copies of her bestsellers. The bookstore is entirely family-friendly and has that perfect classic indie bookstore vibe: not flashy but incredibly homey.

This shop has a smaller range of books when compared to the other general bookstores on this list, but it is infinitely more comfortable to roam around in since there is fewer numbers of people.

The Montague Street location not only features merchandise with the Books Are Magic logo (which of course I had to buy), but also a Mini Print Vending Machine, complete with several bookish prints

for only a dollar each. If you’re looking to spend a day in Brooklyn, this bookstore should definitely be on your list.

These stores are all unique, beautiful and worth a visit for different reasons. However, the one aspect that brings them together is arguably the most important: they are all independent bookstores. In a place as big as New York City, with incredible independent options such as these, make use of your location to discover as much of the world as you can through one of the best resources and pastimes we have available to us: reading books.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Inside The Ripped Bodice is a haven for romance readers and book lovers alike.

Rory McIlroy Completes Grand Slam at The Masters

By IAN NELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

From April 10 to 13, the best golfers from around the world gathered at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, for the 2025 Masters Tournament. Over the course of four days, a field consisting of 95 players would drive, pitch and putt to see who would win and receive the coveted green jacket. The slogan of The Masters is “a tradition unlike any other,” and this year, it lived up to the hype as Rory McIlroy outplayed Justin Rose on a playoff hole to win his first Masters.

The win was a careerdefining moment for McIlroy, as he achieved a feat only ever accomplished by five other golfers: a career grand slam. McIlroy’s victory at Augusta National puts him among a select group of golfers to ever win the four biggest tournaments on the PGA Tour: The PGA Championship, The U.S. Open, The Open Championship and The Masters. McIlroy will be in the same conversations as legends Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods for years to come. It was not an easy path for McIlroy. He turned pro in 2007 at age 18 while holding the position as the topranked amateur in the world.

He earned enough prize money that year to secure his 2008 European Tour card, becoming the youngest and fastest golfer ever to do so. He then debuted on the PGA Tour in 2010 and quickly rose to the top of the rankings. Soon after, he won the 2011 U.S. Open by a commanding eight strokes. Then, in 2012, he won his second major at the PGA Championship, again by eight strokes. About two years later, in 2014, he won his third of four required majors with a close win at the Open Championship. Although he would win the PGA Championship again in 2014, a win at The Masters

always eluded him. Until now.

On his 11th attempt to complete the career grand slam, after years of struggles, years of missed opportunities, blown leads and missed putts, McIlroy finished the job. That is not to say it wasn’t an incredibly stressful tournament. McIlroy repeatedly gave his opponents chances to steal the win but always, somehow, managed to right the ship before it was too late. On day one, he opened with a 72, even par. The leader, Rose, shot 65. Trailing by seven strokes, McIlroy turned in two rounds of 66 — six under par — on days two and three. Going into Sunday, he held a two-shot lead over Bryson

Dechambeau as a tough day from Rose left him at five under par and tied for sixth.

Sunday at The Masters is when champions are made, but McIlroy did not seem to be on his game to start. On number one, he doublebogeyed, dropping him down to 10 under par. It hurt to watch. Fans of McIlroy had seen it all too many times, and a lead going into the final round was blown. Luckily, McIlroy would not be discouraged. He quickly got back to even on the day with birdies at numbers three and four. Another birdie at nine would set him up with the lead going into the second nine. But McIlroy never makes

The Tankdemic: An NBA Disease

it easy for himself, and another double-bogey, his fourth of the tournament, followed by another bogey, would set him back yet again. With the field closer than ever, McIlroy needed to do something incredible, and he delivered. On hole 15, he hit a 208-yard shot, settling it on the green within six feet of the pin. He sank the putt, allowing him to secure a birdie and regain a one-shot lead. Another birdie on 17 seemed to be the cherry on top of his Masters moment, but there was one more twist: Rose had come storming back. Rose drained a 20-foot birdie putt on number 18 to put him one shot behind McIlroy. Then, an errant iron shot by McIlroy put him in a bad position on 18. He was able to scramble onto the green and give himself a makeable putt for par and the win. But, in typical McIlroy fashion, he missed it.

Mercifully, they staggered to the playoff hole. Both players hit great drives. Rose hit his approach shot to about 15 feet, but McIlroy would not be beaten as he hit a beautiful shot to roughly three feet. Rose missed his birdie putt, and McIlroy sank his. Happiness and relief. McIlroy, a usually quiet presence, let out 11 years worth of pent-up frustration and fell to his knees a grand slam winner. It is truly a tradition unlike any other.

By KURT SIPPEL STAFF WRITER

When the NBA put in place the draft lottery in 1985, the strategy to get the best players out of college was changed forever. Before the lottery, the two teams with the worst record in the East and the West would flip a coin to see who would get the first pick in the draft.

But the lottery being introduced in the first place was thanks to the Houston Rockets. In 1984, the Rockets had their eyes on Hakeem Olajuwon, a franchise-altering player. The Rockets’ strategy to get Olajuwon was to sit all their best players and lose as many games as possible for the best odds at the first pick. After this, the NBA wanted to shake the accusations that they were allowing teams to tank, and they felt that the lottery would be the way to fix it. Now, the worst teams in the NBA would have their name on ping pong balls, and the three worst teams all have a 14% chance of winning the first pick.

But, the draft lottery has not stopped teams from tanking in the NBA. In fact,

tanking has gained more notoriety, and teams past and present have been employing it for years to build their teams. The Philadelphia 76ers dubbed it the “trust the process years.”

The 76ers would employ their tanking process from the 2012-13 season to the 2017-18 season. The Sixers would get Joel Embiid in 2014 with the third overall pick and then back-to-back first-round picks in 2016 and 2017, drafting Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz.

The Sixers’ tanking did help them — they became a contending team for many years to come. But it still wasn’t good enough to get them to a championship, and in all of those years, they still haven’t even reached an Eastern Conference Final.

Tanking is not good for the NBA. Teams that tank go into downward spirals for many years and all for a draft pick, that, at the end of the day, might not work out. Still, there are some cases of past drafts where players like Victor Wembanyama or Lebron James are franchise-altering players that everyone knew would

make their teams instant competitors.

For this season, that’s no different. Duke University’s Cooper Flagg is clearly the best player in the NCAA, averaging 19.2 points a game, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He is a 6-foot-9-inch phenomenon who can do it all on the basketball court, and might be one of the best prospects the NBA has seen in a very long time.

But all that being said, for every Flagg, there is a Greg Oden, who was so hyped up in his college performance but didn’t pan out in the pros. Even worse is that teams could potentially tank their entire season for Flagg, and he has recently expressed that he might stay in college. Therefore, it’s simply not worth it.

Tanking teams are in constant purgatory, and many fan bases haven’t seen a winning season in five or 10 years. Organizations have made fans buy the narrative that tanking will always help in the long run to contribute to winning.

It feels like a lot of the time, it has become a sorry excuse

for organizations that have been incompetent. Teams like the Charlotte Hornets have yet to build a team to even make the playoffs since 2016. Fans have nothing to latch onto other than hope that someone like Flagg can come save the franchise.

But it takes so much more than just a guy of this caliber to come and save a team. It takes a whole franchise to build a team around a generational talent, like Flagg, and actually compete. Fans come and support these franchises through thick and thin, and never get the contributions back from their favorite organization.

Fans also pay a lot of money to go see NBA games, and when a team decides to tank, fans are paying to see their team’s best players on the bench. On the floor, it’s a bunch of guys from the NBA G League, the end of the bench that many fans have never even heard of.

This all needs to change, and the lottery system has to be fixed in the NBA. One thing the NBA should do is steal a page from what the Professional Women’s Hockey League calls the “golden rule.”

The rule says that once a team has been eliminated from playoff contention, they get points in the draft for every game they win. Teams stay involved even outside of the playoffs and are still trying to play to win, so they get the higher draft spot. If this were implemented in the NBA, the rule could be tweaked. Every team out of playoff contention and the teams that win the most games could get higher odds at the number one pick. This idea doesn’t entirely eliminate the draft lottery, and it manages to keep all 30 NBA teams engaged in some way for the entire season. If your franchise is taking a dive for the latest draft pick, now, at least fans can watch their favorite players compete every night, and the games still remain meaningful.

Exciting prospects are what make fans of teams hold out hope that the future is going to be better. But tanking has created a culture of losing and anguish for fans who have to suffer through meaningless seasons waiting for the “chosen one” to arrive and save their franchise.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Rory McIlroy has become the sixth male golfer in history to complete the career grand slam.

Softball Snaps Seven-Game Losing Streak

By EMILY PADEGIMAS STAFF WRITER

The Fordham University softball team went from one extreme to the other, winning ten consecutive games and then losing seven straight, three of which came this past week versus the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks and the University of Dayton Flyers. Luckily for the Rams, they broke this streak and prevented a sweep by Dayton with an Atlantic 10 win this past Saturday.

A midweek loss against Long Island University (LIU) saw the Rams’ struggles continue, as they plated just two runs. LIU jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the first on a triple and wild pitch. The Rams responded in the bottom of the inning with a solo home run by senior Sydney Wells to tie the game. Fordham took the lead in the third when Sophomore Mikayla Swan and Wells reached on a pair of singles before junior Kate McGuire knocked in a run on a ball up the middle.

In the circle for the Rams, sophomore pitcher Olivia Simcoe could not hold down the lead, allowing a two-run homer to the Sharks. Simcoe made it through four innings; the sophomore loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the fifth before freshman Elizabeth Gaisior relieved her. LIU plated two in the inning. Fordham did not see much offensive production

the remainder of the game, but LIU tacked on two more in the sixth to bring the final score to 7-2.

On the road against A-10 opponent Dayton, the Rams lost their first game of the series on Friday, 10-5. Dayton scored all of its runs over the first two innings. Two errors by Fordham and four hits by the Flyers allowed the home team to post six in the bottom of the first.

Junior Holly Beeman got the start for the Rams. She was knocked out of the game with just one out in the second inning and replaced with freshman pitcher Victoria Klimaszewski. Dayton added four runs on two hits and one error in the inning.

Fordham answered back with three runs in the top of the third. Senior Mallory McClellan reached first on a single and moved to third on a batted ball by senior Allie Clark, which resulted in an error. Junior Neleh Nogay hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring McClellan. Wells capped off the inning with a two-run home run to center field, shrinking the Flyers’ lead to 10-3.

The Rams added two more in the sixth on another tworun shot by Wells, cementing the score at 10-5. Beeman earned her sixth loss of the season, throwing just one and a third innings, allowing eight runs (only four earned), four hits and one walk. Klimaszewski was strong in relief, allowing just

Athletes of the Week

This past week, the Fordham University Rams swept their series with the Saint Bonaventure University Bonnies, picking up three massive conference wins. In the opening game of the series last Thursday, freshman Anthony Grabau pushed Fordham’s lead to 11-2 with a sixth-inning grand slam, his fourth home run of the year. The Rams would go on to win the series finale 11-4, bringing their record to 19-21 overall and 10-8 in Atlantic 10 conference play.

Fordham University Women’s Tennis is soaring into the playoffs largely due to the efforts of junior Nevena Kolarevic. The Rams have won their past seven matchups and shut out opponents in their last four. Kolarevic has gone 4-0 in first singles and 4-0 in first doubles in her last four matches. She was also celebrated for having the highest Universal Tennis Rating in the Atlantic 10. Most recently, Kolarevic won her first singles matches versus the University of Rhode Island’s Katharina Spieth 6-1, 3-1 on April 12 and versus Lucia Garrigues of Long Island University 6-2, 6-1 on April 13. She also teamed up with sophomore Julianne Nguyen against URI and LIU, and won those matches 6-3 and 6-1, respectively.

one earned run on five hits with two walks and three strikeouts over four and twothirds innings.

The A-10 opponents began the second game of their series on Friday evening, playing three innings before suspending play due to darkness. Fordham scored one in the top of the first on a pair of singles by Nogay and Wells. Dayton took control of the lead, though, in the bottom of the second on a two-run homer off Klimaszewski, who started game two. The Flyers tagged on another run on a second home run in the third.

When the middle game of the series resumed on Saturday morning, Klimaszewski continued in the circle for the Rams. She did not last long, loading the bases with no outs. Gaisior entered for Fordham hoping to do damage control, but an error, walk and two singles allowed Dayton to score four, extending their lead to 7-1.

The four-run fourth for the Flyers capped off both teams’ offense. Klimaszewski took the loss, her second on the season, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks. Gaisior was strong out of the bullpen, allowing one unearned run, two hits and two walks to pair with two strikeouts. Two errors in the Rams’ infield were costly in the fourth, but the team’s lack of offensive production did not help their cause.

The series finale was a

complete turnaround from games one and two, with Fordham earning an 8-0 mercy-rule victory to snap their seven-game losing streak. The Rams were hot out of the gate, scoring two in each of the first three innings.

In the first, Wells started the offense with a solo home run.

Juniors Nicki Sudall, Eva Koratsis and McGuire strung together a single, walk and error to produce the second run. Senior pitcher Emilee Watkins almost got into trouble in the bottom of the frame, allowing a hit and two walks. She worked out of the jam with a strikeout to end the inning.

Fordham walked, singled then walked again to load the bases in the second. With two outs, Koratsis dug in at the plate and notched a tworun single up the middle to extend the team’s lead to 4-0. The next inning, Clark reached on a double then advanced to third on a pass ball. Swan kept things going with a walk and stolen base to put two runs in scoring position for Nogay. The lefty dropped a single into left field, allowing both runners to score.

Wells ended the scoring with her second home run of the game in the top of the fifth, securing the Rams’ mercy-rule, 8-0 win. While a rejuvenated offense was key for Fordham, Watkins’ performance in the circle was stellar. After the first inning — when she allowed

two walks and one hit — only one Flyer reached base the rest of the game. Watkins collected a season-high six strikeouts over five innings. The senior improved to 7-6 on the season.

The Rams’ leadoff and two-spot hitters continue to be a power duo. Nogay leads the team in batting average (.383), hits (64), and stolen bases (39). Her 39 swiped bags on the year makes her the single-season leader in stolen bases in program history — an honor she earned in a game versus George Mason University on April 13. She is also just ten shy of topping the Rams’ alltime stolen bases list, a feat she will surely accomplish before her career at Fordham is complete. Nationally, Nogay ranked third with 38 bags going into the weekend. With Nogay in front of her, Wells finds numerous opportunities to knock runs in. She sits at 41 runs batted in (RBIs) on the season with 14 home runs. Wells went 5-for-8 with eight RBIs and four home runs in 24 hours against Dayton.

Climbing closer to .500, the Rams improved to a 22-23 overall record and 12-8 in conference play, tying George Washington University for fourth in A-10 standings. Fordham will take on the eighth-place University of Massachusetts Minutewomen in their final series in the Bronx starting Saturday, April 26.

Varsity Calendar

Men’s Golf

Men’s/Women’s Tennis

Rowing

Anthony Grabau Freshman Baseball

Nevena Kolarevic Junior Tennis

Women’s Basketball: The Case for Prime Time

By KATHRYN COX CONTRIBUTING WRITER

More than 8.5 million people turned on their televisions to watch the University of Connecticut (UConn) take on the University of South Carolina in the NCAA Women’s College Basketball Championship on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. EST. The title game peaked at 9.8 million viewers and became the ESPN platform’s third most-watched women’s championship. Viewership was up 75% from the same matchup in 2022. Yet, the championship aired in the afternoon as ABC reserved its prime-time television block for “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Idol” and “The $100,000 Pyramid.” Given the championship’s reach and relevance, it makes one wonder: why isn’t this game in prime time?

The answer seems to lie more in past assumptions than in actual data. For decades, television networks operated under the assumption that women’s sports could not draw large, engaged audiences. Consequently, they were given afternoon airtime, minimal promotion compared to men’s sports and lower production quality. But in recent years, the women’s NCAA championship has become a leading national event, challenging the status quo.

In the 2022 title game between UConn and South Carolina, more than 5.91 million viewers watched the game across ESPN, ESPN2 and

By KURT SIPPEL STAFF WRITER

For the past seven years, the New York Giants have been the laughing stock of the NFL, with the exception of 2022 when they made the playoffs. This is the same Giants team that, earlier in the century, won two Super Bowls in a four-year period.

Well, how did they get here? It starts with the organizational dysfunction, as well as missed opportunities from the quarterback, Daniel Jones. Ultimately, getting his winning shot in 2022, Jones led the Giants to a road playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings. Jones’ performance led him to sign a four-year, $160 million extension with the team. This deal would lead the Giants down a prolonged road of mediocrity, with a 9-25 record within the two years of his contract. Even though he had moments of greatness in the beginning, the Giants released Jones before he got into his third year of his four-year contract.

To add to the list of misfortunes caused by poor quarterback play, the Giants would choose Jones over a fan favorite and superstar running back, Saquon Barkley. The Giants allowed Barkley to

ESPNU, the highest number of viewers in almost two decades. In 2023, the championship moved from ESPN networks to ABC, and the matchup between Louisiana State University and the University of Iowa averaged 9.9 million viewers. The 2024 final, featuring Caitlin Clark and Iowa against South Carolina, drew an average of 18.9 million viewers and peaked at 24 million on ABC. It was the most-watched basketball game (men’s or women’s, college or professional) since 2019, surpassing the average audience of most NBA Finals games, and yes, “American Idol” and “The $100,000 Pyramid.” Yet, despite massive viewership, the women’s

college championship continues to be slotted for 3 p.m. on a Sunday.

Start times matter in sports when it comes to championship games. The NBA finals, the NCAA men’s basketball title game, the World Series and the college football national championship (to name a few) are all played during the prime-time television window. Prime time isn’t just a television slot; it’s recognition that the event matters. By keeping the women’s championship out of that slot, networks are sending the opposite message.

What makes this decision even more frustrating is the cultural contrast with the NCAA Men’s College Basketball

Championship. The title game aired on Monday, April 7, 2025, during prime time at 8:50 p.m. EST. The game was very deserving of that spot, averaging more than 18.1 million viewers on CBS. However, the women’s championship had the storylines and star power of players like Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Joyce Edwards. And more than anything, this is about opportunity. Moving the game to prime time would allow for broader media coverage and increased viewership from fans who might not be free to watch in the afternoon. Critics of a prime time slot argue that the 3 p.m. slot is ideal, as it is accessible to families and less competitive against other

Giants Country, Let’s Abide

walk to division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, where he would have one of the best seasons of his career and lead the NFL in rushing yards.

After a list of misses, the Giants attempted to secure a strong quarterback in time for next season.

Signing Russell Wilson for one year on a $21 million deal was their answer, as well as the addition of Jameis Winston as a backup arm on a two-year $8 million contract. This move to sign both players was how Joe Schoen, the Giants’ general manager, decided to make up for the fact that Matthew Stafford declined a two-year contract with the team for over $50 million a year.

Schoen needed to pivot fast because, along with head coach Brian Daboll, he was in the hot seat after two embarrassing losing seasons. The team made a good choice in choosing Wilson. He is a veteran, a ten-time Pro-Bowler and a Super Bowl champion.

Wilson will finally give the Giants a solid foundation at the quarterback position. in return, the Giants will provide Wilson ample opportunities to succeed with the team with their now

beefed-up offensive line and reliable receivers like Malik Nabers.

Wilson provided the foundation for the Giants, but we also cannot underestimate Winston. Winston not only has a very strong arm but also has the ability to make big plays. Two of his downfalls are that he has high turnover rates and can get flustered and rush some of his throws. Nonetheless, Winston provides something valuable– he brings a positive attitude and excitement that is noticeable every time he steps onto the field. This energy rubs off on the rest of the team. Winston gives fans a lot to love, with his memorable quotes and contagious smile.

Now, the Giants have two strong arms to fill the quarterback position, so they have a big decision to make when it comes to this upcoming draft in 2025. This is going to leave opportunities for the Giants if the team does not feel like it needs to rush to fill that position.

For the draft, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders is an AllAmerican and is the number two prospect at the quarterback position. He is the top choice to be picked by the Giants, since they have the number three overall

significant events. While this argument has some logic, the NCAA women’s championship is a defining game. It’s the end of a long tournament that captivates millions over weeks and deserves to be treated as such.

Fans on social media have taken a stand, commenting on the ESPN and ESPNW Instagram and TikTok pages: “It should have been a prime time game,” and “Now get this on prime time.”

“The women’s title game should be played at prime time,” NBC’s Nicole Auerbach wrote on X. “Can someone explain to me why the women’s national championship game is on at 3 p.m. today and not in prime time?” sports journalist Jemele Hill wrote.

The reality is this conversation isn’t just about the 2025 title game. It’s about the future of the women’s basketball game and how we choose to value it. Women’s college basketball has grown exponentially in talent and excitement, and fans have responded. The NCAA, ESPN and ABC now have the responsibility to match the energy of fans. If the goal is to continue growing the game, putting the championship in prime time should be a no-brainer.

In 2025, millions of fans tuned in at 3 p.m. because they wanted to watch an incredible basketball game. But imagine how many more people would tune in if the networks gave the game the attention it deserves. It’s time to move the women’s championship to prime time because it’s earned it.

selection in the draft. He was wearing Giants-themed cleats in his final college game and was even throwing to Nabers during the presentation of the Heisman Trophy.

Sanders was receiving a lot of hype within Giants circles as the future leader of this squad. But the Giants should not draft Sanders. There is no need anymore, with two strong quarterbacks that can hold things down till next year, when the draft class for quarterbacks is much stronger and has a lot higher upside than that of this year.

Instead of lecting to draft Sanders, the Giants should try to draft his Colorado teammate and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter. He can play on both sides of the ball at a very high level, playing both the wide receiver and cornerback positions.

Hunter will just add to the Giants’ offense that is now led by Nabers. They could become a very good duo, along with the veteran duo the Giants have formed at quarterback.

In college, Hunter put up serious numbers. In the 2024 season, he had 96 receptions, over 1,258 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. These were numbers

as Sanders’ primary receiver and being a dual-threat. He has shown his natural ability as a playmaker, a skill that translates well to the NFL. While there have been whispers that the Cleveland Browns might take Hunter with the number two overall pick, Browns general manager Andrew Berry has not seemed very thrilled about having Hunter play both positions.

When Hunter was asked by CBS Sports reporter Garrett Podell what he would tell a team if they made him choose a position, “It’s never playing football again.” The Giants have seemed more than happy about allowing Hunter to play on both sides of the ball.

I don’t think the Browns are going to take Hunter, and if they don’t, he is exactly the type of guy that the Giants are missing, and he would help them build an even better squad.

In a division that is flooded with talent at every single position, the Giants are currently at rock bottom, and the only way that is left for them to go is up. But this is going to have to start in the draft, and that is going to be the most important thing when it comes to the Giants finally trying to get back to their winning times.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

The NCAA Women’s Basketball tournament has been getting an increasing amount of viewership as of late.

Fordham Men’s Eight Hoists Emory Clark Trophy

By EMMA LEONARDI EXECUTIVE COPY EDITOR

The Fordham University women’s rowing team and men’s club rowing team competed in the Knecht Cup, hosted on the Cooper River in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, from April 12 to 13.

Over the weekend, the women’s team competed in several different races. The first varsity four, stroked by junior Seneca Farhy, placed third in their heat and fourth in the semi-finals. However, this boat came in sixth in the Petite Final and 12th overall.

The women’s second varsity four, led by sophomore Lucy Cunningham, placed fourth in their heat, third in the Petite Final and ninth overall. The women’s team also had a freshman/novice four, who placed fifth in their Petite Final and eighth overall.

The women’s team had three varsity eights, each racing in their own events based on rank. The first and second varsity eights placed fifth in their heats and thus did not advance further. The third varsity eight placed third in

their final, crossing the finish line just under 30 seconds after the first-place boat from the University of WisconsinMadison.

The women had a varsity pair boat, rowed by junior Sarah Burns and sophomore Isabella Barone. The duo placed second in their final, coming in about 30 seconds behind the lead boat from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The men’s club rowing team competed in a multitude of races as well. The freshman/novice four, led by freshman Johnny Gu, placed third in their heat and first in the Petite Final. The club four A boat placed second in their heat, and the club four B boat placed fourth. Both boats progressed to the same final, where the A boat placed second once again and the B boat placed sixth, coming in seven seconds and just under 50 seconds behind the firstplace boat from the United States Military Academy at West Point, respectively. The club four A boat received a silver trophy for their performance on the water.

The men’s team had one pair in an event; senior duo Sebastian Gwitt and Adin Deljanin placed third overall, receiving a medal for this event as well.

The men’s team only participated in one other event: the Men’s Club Eight, for the Emory Clark Trophy. Two boats were entered into heats, but only one advanced to the finals. After finishing first in their heat, the men’s first varsity boat fought hard in the finals. The work proved to be worth it as the boat, stroked by captain Gwitt, crossed the finish line at 6:17.58 minutes elapsed, securing their victory.

When asked about the mood on the medal dock after the win, Gwitt noted that it felt great. “Our boat has a lot of seniors mixed with some underclassmen, and it was their first time winning something like this at Fordham. It’s always great to see the young guys get their first, and we remain focused on the next one,” he said. As captain, Gwitt’s expectations were hopeful going into the final. “We always go into

races expecting them to be as competitive and close as possible. While we thought we had a good chance to make some noise, we were more focused on having the best race we could as a boat. Performing to our standards always comes first,” he said.

While the women’s team took this past weekend to train, the men traveled down south to Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association (SIRA). The novice four

boat placed fifth in their B final and eleventh overall, while the varsity four boat placed first in their C final and 13th overall. Hot off their win in New Jersey, the men’s varsity eight finished second in their B final and eighth overall.

This coming Sunday, both the men’s and women’s teams will travel to Glen Island on the Long Island Sound to compete in the Spring Metropolitan Championships. Lineups have not yet been announced.

Fordham Men’s Basketball Penalized by NCAA in Major Infractions Case

According to an April 22, 2025, press release, the NCAA has officially sanctioned the Fordham Men’s Basketball program for past recruiting violations, handing down numerous penalties as a result of a major infractions case regarding the team’s recruitment of student-athletes from June 2021 to April 2023.

The release, which contains a supplementary negotiated resolution, outlines the procedural facts of the case, as well as the specifics of the team’s violations and consequent penalties.

Notably, the document lists former Athletic Director Edward Kull, former Men’s Basketball Head Coach Keith Urgo and former Director of Basketball Operations Trevonn Morton as the case’s chief offenders. However, the document repeatedly notes that Urgo and Morton “denied intentionally committing the violations.”

The case began in September 2022, when “the institution’s athletic business office discovered that Morton, Urgo and the men’s basketball program provided impermissible recruiting benefits in the form of entertainment expenses to two men’s basketball prospective student-athletes and their family members during official visits.”

From there, the NCAA started a collaborative investigation with the school in January 2023, and they unveiled a number of other violations.

For instance, on eight occasions the team paid for recruits

to enjoy various activities that exceeded the NCAA’s $75 per day limit on entertainment spending. These activities included trips for players and their parents to see the New York Giants, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and U.S. Open sporting events. Lesser violations included paid outings at bowling alleys and an instance in which the team rented jet skis for a recruit. All together, the cost of these various impermissible benefits added up to an approximate total of $10,736.

Further, on 24 other separate occasions the team paid for a professional photographer to publicly capture film of prospective

student-athletes in Times Square — an action in direct violation of the NCAA’s publicity-beforesigning rules.

However, most notably, the NCAA has elected to vacate all team records from 2021-2023, during which two rostered players were considered ineligible “as a result of the impermissible benefits.” Included in that span is the 2022-2023 season during which the team went 25-8, a program record for wins in a season.

The NCAA classified the infractions as Level II — Level I being the highest, and Level III the lowest. The NCAA also gave show-cause orders of one, two

and three years to Kull, Urgo and Morton, respectively. Morton’s penalty was greatest due to a September 2023 interview in which he denied knowledge of and involvement in providing entertainment expenses for a recruit’s suite at a Giants game. It was later proven that Morton and Urgo did arrange for this event, and even visited the suite. The NCAA claimed that Morton “provided false and misleading information during the interview.”

The team has been placed on probation – a time of heightened scrutiny and regulation –for three years. As a part of this, the team will be disallowed from

participating in the July 2025 recruiting window. They will also have to pay a fine of $35,000 plus 2% of the team’s allocated budget.

Urgo was fired in March following the team’s season — the University did not mention whether the NCAA’s investigation had anything to do with the decision. Morton and Kull are also no longer with the program, as Kull left Fordham to become the Athletic Director at St. John’s University in September of 2024, while Morton departed during the regime change to new Fordham Men’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Magpayo.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS Fordham’s rowing team continues competition this Saturday on Glen Island.

Former Head Coach Keith Urgo was suspended near the end of the 2024-25 men’s basketball season. The totality of the consequences is just now being revealed.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

By JOE HENRY & JONAH RING

Women’s Tennis Takes Seven-Match Win Streak to the A-10 Championships

By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

In 2024, Fordham University Women’s Tennis ended their regular season on fire, winning nine of their last 10 matches and sweeping St. Joseph’s University (SJU) in their last bout before the Atlantic 10 tournament.

A year later, they’ve done the exact same thing.

The new-look Rams have won nine of their last 10 matches, including a sweep of SJU to cap off the regular season.

Despite a completely restructured roster, coach Michael Sowter seems keen on delivering consistent results.

Unlike 2024, Fordham will enter the A-10 Championships, which take place in Orlando, Florida, from Thursday, April 24, to Sunday, April 27, as the #1 seed.

The Rams finished conference play with an unblemished 8-0 record. If you add the points from those matches, they’re 34-9. The closest they came to losing was against Virginia Commonwealth University, when they won by a measly 4-2 final score.

Since the last issue of The

Fordham Ram, they’re 4-0 overall, and a combined 17-0 in total points. They haven’t lost a point in over a month.

In an away match two weeks ago against one of the conference’s best squads, the University of Rhode Island, they cruised to a 4-0 win. The conference’s second-best team, the University of Massachusetts, canceled its match against Fordham.

The indomitable Rams enter the tournament on a sevenmatch win streak. They’re the team to beat.

On Saturday, April 13, against Long Island University, the Rams savored their last taste of home. Senior Lorraine Bergmann, one of the more accomplished players to step on their home clay, was honored as the squad’s lone graduating student. Bergmann is the only Fordham player remaining from their 2023 championship season, when she compiled a stellar 9-1 record at doubles.

In the caged confines of the Hawthorn/Rooney Courts, the group celebrated with a 4-0 demolition of the rivaling Sharks. The highlight, of course, was a 6-1 doubles win from the woman of the match, Bergmann, and

her partner, sophomore Lily Chitambar.

Closing the regular season last Saturday at SJU, Fordham made quick work of a Hawks squad that entered play a measly 2-5 against A-10 competition. The Rams were led by junior Nevena Kolarevic — the #1 player in the conference by Universal Tennis Rating — who won points at singles and doubles. She finishes the regular season with an undefeated 10-0 record in singles; at doubles, she hasn’t lost since March. She is, in all likelihood, your 2025 A-10 Player of the Year.

She’s not alone, though.

At second doubles, Bergmann and Chitambar pulled out a 7-6 win. At third, it was the freshmen tandem of Catalina Padilla Udaeta and Paola Ueno Dalmonico that continued their dominance with a 6-3 victory. The underclassmen finish the season 9-1 as a duo.

The Rams made it 5-0 at singles, where they won all four finished matches. Joining Kolarevic, Bergmann and Dalmonico with individual wins was junior Aya Matsunaga, who picked up a hard-fought 6-2, 7-6 triumph at sixth position.

While these Rams seem

poised to bring home their second A-10 title in three years, the path won’t be easy.

The A-10s, put simply, are a different animal. Fordham’s trip to Florida is as long as any team’s in the conference. While the Rams will enjoy a firstround bye, they’ll have to play three matches in as many days in order to win the title. With a minuscule eight-woman roster, it’s worth monitoring how the intense schedule will affect them.

Last year, Fordham fell short in the semi-finals. Though they had a bigger roster, it was day three that got to them. Coach Sowter will need to channel the same energy he instilled in his

2023 team for this one to lift the trophy on Sunday.

Should they complete their story-book season with an emphatic final chapter, they’ll be able to write an epilogue at the NCAA Tournament, with a national title up for grabs.

Let’s not be over-zealous, though. Before they turn the page, Fordham will see its first test this Friday at 9 a.m., when they’ll take on either #8 Dayton University or #9 George Washington University. If they can continue the magic that has carried them this far, they won’t just be writing their own story — they’ll be rewriting the A-10 record books, too.

Overtime: The SEC Needed Basketball, Too?

By ELIZABETH COLLINS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

From August to January, all we hear about in college sports is how the Southeastern Conference (SEC) rules football. Through February and March, we (non-SEC fans) had this sanctuary of college basketball. The conference, of course, often had its University of Kentucky Wildcats (who won their latest of eight national titles in 2012), and, sometimes, its University of Florida Gators (who won back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2007), but that was pretty much as far as their greatness ever went. However, this year, all of that was turned on its head.

The SEC has won 27 national football championships, 13 of which have been since 2006; they consistently recruit the best young talent and produce the most skilled NFL prospects. It is not unreasonable to assume that, before recent years, the conference feared diverting their extensive fan bases’

attention away from what they knew best with the fostering of their basketball programs. Essentially, for decades, SEC basketball remained a punchline while football was their religion, and their programs were the gods of it.

Between 2012 and 2017, the conference averaged fewer than four bids to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. In 2018, a record-setting eight SEC teams were called on Selection Sunday, but only two remained by the second round, and none made it past the Sweet 16. Last year, the conference finished just 9-8 overall in the tournament despite the University of Alabama making it to the Final Four for the first time in program history.

However, times have quickly changed. This past February, four of the top five teams in the AP poll were from the SEC. According to KenPom, the University of Tennessee had the third-best defense in the country, and Florida, Alabama and Auburn University had

three of the top five offenses. However, while an impressive regular season matters, the SEC knows all too well that college and conference legacies are built in March.

Fourteen of the 16 programs in the conference gained a spot in this year’s NCAA tournament, making for the most of any conference in history. SEC teams constituted half of the Elite Eight (Florida, Tennessee, Alabama and Auburn), leading to a conference battle between Florida and Auburn in the Final Four and a subsequent championship win for the Gators. “It’s a dominating performance,” said ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla. “I’m not sure there’s ever been a conference that is this clearly far ahead of everyone else in a given year.”

But how did they get here? They essentially decided they wanted to be good.

The conference called for change following Kentucky’s 2015 loss in the Final Four, which ended a 38-0 run. They named athletics administrator Greg Sankey as the league’s commissioner, and he recognized men’s basketball as an area of priority. He hired former Big East commissioner Mike Tranghese as an adviser and former coach Dan Leibovitz as a dedicated associate commissioner. Facilities were either rebuilt or refurbished on most campuses, veteran coaches were hired (including Auburn’s Bruce Pearl, Tennessee’s Rick Barnes and Kentucky’s John Calipari) and exciting earlyseason games were scheduled

primarily to gain the investment of fans. “We’ve just continued to reinvest in basketball in this league,” the Tigers’ Pearl explained. “And the level of play, the fan engagement, the depth of talent in the league … it’s just continued to go to another level.”

The investment, however, certainly did not end with arenas and coaches. Recent changes in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policies have shifted the methods of building a great team. Transfers are no longer required to sit out for a season, and NIL collectives can offer athletes financial deals to join their programs; any incoming player can basically be bought out. Being one of the richest conferences in college sports, the SEC has everything it needs to win big with high school recruits and (its primarily targeted) transfers. Many of their star players proved their skills while previously playing for mid-major schools, including Auburn’s Johni Broome (Morehead State University) and Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. (Iona University). With their money and power, the SEC was able to sign them once they knew they could shine. In doing so, the conference can preserve its experienced players while recruiting new talent.

Contrastingly, some of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), a historically dominant basketball conference, has resisted adhering to new NIL methods and consequently earned only four spots in this year’s March Madness. According to ESPN, “the ACC’s

top 10 men’s basketball players in NIL earnings in January 2024 made less than their peers in the Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC.” ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg described, “We live in a world where it’s ‘pay for play’ … Your investment equals your expectation. If you want that expectation of being really good, then you’ve got to match that expectation with your investment.” The SEC has been able to flex its muscles in the basketball world with its deep pockets. While the conference is successfully adjusting to the times, stories like these make me wonder if March will ever deliver as many exciting underdog moments as it has in the past. If this were a decade ago, maybe we could have seen Clayton bring the Iona Gaels deep into the tournament instead of the Florida Gators. But who’s to say? March will always have its madness, and the future of the NIL and its full effects on the sport remain unknown. What the SEC has accomplished this past season is nothing short of impressive, but it may be a microcosm of modern college basketball (or all college sports) — that is, money wins. This splurge of investments increased tournament participation, bringing more revenue for the postseason, forming a cycle of advancement.

A new era of college basketball has begun. With it, the SEC no longer has to be braggadocious for only half the year while nearly every other conference does. The FebruaryMarch sanctuary is no more.

The historically dominant football conference is after basketball.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham senior Lorraine Bergmann eyes the ball mid-match. COURTESY