Volume 107 Issue 5

Fordham Dance Marathon Hosts Auction for Families

Battling Cancer

By MARIAM AHMED CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fordham Dance Marathon (FDM) has been part of Fordham University tradition for twelve years now, working closely with the B+ Foundation to raise funds and awareness for families battling cancer.

“While many assume Fordham Dance Marathon is a dance group, we are actually a fundraising organization with a mission to raise one million dollars for pediatric cancer,” said Photo and Video Chair Ava Ami, FCRH ’27.

Co-Executive Director Anaya Ger, FCRH ’25, emphasized that, “Beyond spreading awareness and fundraising, FDM is all about spreading positivity.”

Ger highlighted the story behind the B+ Foundation, which was founded by the father of Andrew McDonough, a young boy who battled cancer. His mission is rooted in

The Fordham Ram

Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918

Student Life Council Meets with Vice President of External Affairs

By EMMA LEONARDI EXEC. COPY EDITOR

The Student Life Council (SLC) met for the second time this semester on Feb. 19 to discuss the implications of recent national executive orders on Fordham University’s mission.

To begin the meeting, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Rose Hill Christopher Rodgers noted recent executive orders and introduced Vice President of External Affairs Travis Proulx to discuss Fordham’s intentions and answer questions from SLC members.

Proulx began his conversation by explaining his journey to his position at Fordham. Proulx was raised in a singleparent household and mentioned that he hadn’t viewed college as his path. College only came on Proulx’s radar due to potential football recruitment, which he ended up getting rejected for but went to college anyway, attending St. Lawrence University. He credits not only his success to the faculty within his college

Student-Run Coffee Chain Set to Open at Lincoln Center

By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR

Fordham University will partner with Saxbys, a company that opens student-run coffee shops across the country. Fordham’s Saxbys location will be at its Lincoln Center campus, where Argo Tea was. The storefront is set to open in the fall.

Saxbys is entirely studentrun, with a student CEO, managers and employees. The

By ADITHI VIMALANATHAN MANAGING EDITOR

Fordham Young Democratic Socialists Association (YDSA), an unoffical club, hosted a Plan B distribution on Feb. 19 outside of the Leon Lowenstein Center at the Lincoln Center campus. The distribution was run by YDSA members

and distributed free Plan B along with pamphlets starting at around 1 p.m. The distribution coincided with the launch of their new form for students to request Plan B. The distribution was their third overall and their first at Lincoln Center, according to YDSA co-chair Matthew

Smith, FCRH ’27.

Also on Feb. 19, the YDSA announced the launch of a form through which students could request Plan B on their Instagram, @fordhamydsa. According to Smith, the form is open not just to Fordham students, but to other members in the community and SEE YDSA, PAGE 5

student CEO will receive a paycheck and course credit for their six-month tenure.

“Once it became clear that the bankruptcy of Argo Tea would result in the closure of the cafe at Fordham, Ram Hospitality proposed Saxbys as a great option both because of the type of dining venue it is and because of their innovative experiential learning platform that provides hands-on learn-

Campus

ing experience for students,” said Senior Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the Gabelli School of Business (GSB) Marisa Villani.

Saxbys has locations at 30 other universities in the United States; Fordham will be their first New York City location.

“Saxbys is an education company disguised as a coffee company,” according to Patrice Sakalosky, senior

Thomas Massaro Appointed as New McGinley Chair

By SIENNA REINDERS ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Fordham recently appointed Father Thomas Massaro, S.J., professor of moral theology and associate director of the Center for Ethics Education, as the new Lawrence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society. Fordham University announced the appointment on Jan. 9 in a Fordham Now article, three months after Massaro signed the contract for his new position.

The Lawrence J. McGinley

Chair in Religion and Society is a position that was established in 1985, “to attract distinguished scholars interested in the interaction of religion with the legal, political and cultural forces in our pluralistic American society,” according to Fordham’s website. The position was named for the 26th president of Fordham, Lawrence J. McGinley, S.J., who was an important figure in Fordham’s history and helped establish the school as a metropolitan university by

ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM

YDSA members distributed Plan B outside the Lincoln Center Campus last week.

The CEO of Saxbys poses with Ramses outside the Lincoln Center Campus to celebrate.

The Mimes Shine

Walsh Library Feb. 19

7:23 p.m.

On Wednesday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in the Walsh library. The supervisor responded. The elevator company could not provide an ETA. The supervisor called FDNY to respond and free the student.

Off-Campus Feb. 23

2:30 a.m.

On Sunday, a student reported they were robbed. The supervisor and NYPD responded. The investigation revealed the student met the offender outside Clinton Hall Bar. The offender offered the student marijuana, which the student declined. The offender left a bag of marijuana next to the student. The offender demanded $50 and threatened harm to the student. The offender walked the student to an ATM inside Family Deli. The offender attempted to withdraw $200 from the student’s account. Store employees called Fordham Public Safety and the NYPD. The NYPD arrested the offender.

McShane Marketplace Feb. 24

2:30 p.m.

On Monday, there was a smoke alarm in McShane Marketplace. The supervisor responded and made announcements to evacuate the building while an investigation was conducted. The investigation revealed cooking food triggered the alarm. The supervisor ventilated the area and reset the alarm panel.

Theology Department’s Racial Justice and Equity Concerns Committee Hosts Book Talk

By ALLISON SCHNEIDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Fordham University Theology Department’s Racial Justice and Equity Concerns Committee hosted a book talk by Assistant Professor of Religion at Colorado College Dr. Christopher Hunt on Feb. 20 in the McNally Amphitheater at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. At the event, Hunt spoke about his book “Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion,” which was published by Fordham University Press in December.

Hunt was joined in conversation by Dr. Rufus Burnett, an associate professor in Fordham’s theology department. At the book talk event, Hunt and Burnett spoke extensively about various facets of James Baldwin’s life and work and explained how his writing often deals with the intersections of race, sexuality and religion. They also discussed how Baldwin’s work shows that faith can be reworked to understand and communicate the realities of Black and queer life.

“Faith can still be a tool in this secularized reality,” Burnett reflected. “We see it being used for evil, for sure, but we don’t have to abandon it, because it can be just as effective in the other direction. I think that’s one of the takeaways from Hunt, is that Jimmy had a faith.”

Hunt explained that although he had been previously familiar with Baldwin, he didn’t begin seriously studying his work from a theological perspective until he was a Ph.D. student when a friend of Hunt’s recommended that he return to Baldwin’s work.

Last week’s printed USG column had an error in its headline. It was “USG Addresses Concerns About Mold in Così Coca-Cola Machine” but it should have been “USG Addresses Concerns About Mold and Così Coca-Cola Machine.”

The Ram apologizes for this error.

Wednesday Feb. 26

WBB Game

Rose Hill Gymnasium 7 p.m.

Go support your fellow Rams on Wednesday as the women’s basketball team plays against the La Salle Explorers!

just like Baldwin.”

Hunt said his research went in the direction of Baldwin for years after that, and his book “Jimmy’s Faith,” was born out of that research. The text addresses Baldwin’s use of Christian symbolism to articulate stories about Black and queer liberation, a technique Hunt refers to as disidentification.

“Rather than identifying with Christian symbols and embracing them or counter-identifying which would be throwing them in the trash, Baldwin reworks them in this fascinating and beautiful way,” Hunt said. “You find this consistently throughout his work.”

Burnett said he initially learned about Hunt’s book through Facebook and was drawn in by the artwork on the book’s cover, a painting by artist Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin. Bringing in Hunt for a conversation about the book was important to Burnett, who studies Black religion and has taught Baldwin’s work previously.

Burnett also said that prior to his connection with Hunt, the Fordham theology department had already identified Baldwin’s book “The Fire Next Time” as a common text to be featured in future Faith and Critical Reasoning courses for undergraduate students.

“I think that books like Hunt’s help us to understand what’s at stake at the boundaries of even what we think is the most progressive understanding of faith,” Burnett said in an interview after the talk. “Just in the same way that the study of Black religion is being opened up through queer theory for

Hunt, I think faith, in general, can be opened up as we get into the nitty gritty of alternative ways of living and being in the world, ways that are less visible, less respected or even violently marginalized.”

The talk was held by the theology department’s Racial Justice and Equity Concerns Committee, of which Burnett is the chair, in collaboration with the Fordham English Department, the American Studies Program, the Center on Religion and Culture, the office of the Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and the Deans of FCRH, FCLC and GSAS.

The book talk was also preceded by a seminar-style pedagogy workshop earlier in the afternoon. Dr. Jeannine Hill Fletcher, professor of theology at Fordham, spoke about how enlightening the pedagogy workshop was for current professors in the theology department and beyond who are planning to teach Baldwin’s work.

“Being able to learn from a scholar who has spent his scholarly life really understanding Baldwin in his fullness, allowing us to see Baldwin in a new way, and then give us interesting ways to teach that text; that was the goal and I think it was a really successful pedagogy seminar,” Hill Fletcher said.

While the pedagogy workshop was primarily geared toward educators, the evening book talk was well-attended by students and faculty alike. Eleanor Smith, FCRH ’26, said she attended the event because she wanted to learn more about Baldwin, who is one of her favorite authors.

“Dr. Hunt talked a lot about how James Baldwin’s early life impacted his work, and I learned really interesting things about Baldwin that I didn’t know before, like how he converted to Pentecostalism at age 14,” Smith said. “I also liked learning more about the importance that Black music and art held for James Baldwin, who believed that one can hear Black history through Black music if they truly listen.”

Seamus Dougherty, FCRH ’26, who was also in attendance, thought the talk was a great beginning for future Fordham theology discussions.

“The conversation … was over too quickly, but promised an exciting start to an interdisciplinary, boundarycrossing conversation that is overtaking Baldwin studies at the university,” Doughtery said.

Makayla Bezzant, a first-year Ph.D. student working as Dr. Hill Fletcher’s graduate assistant also spoke highly of the event.

“I thought it was a really rich and engaging discussion of Dr. Hunt’s analysis of Baldwin and the dynamics that are at play in Baldwin’s engagement of Black community, of Black queer bodies and with whiteness and religion,” Bezzant said. “I think that what this book talk did really well was give us an overview of what he’s really trying to dive into in more detail in his [Hunt’s] book.”

“Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion” is available for purchase at fordhampress.com and through other online retailers.

“The reason they told me to revisit Baldwin is they knew that here I was a Ph.D. student in a theology program who came to the realization that I was no longer a Christian,” Hunt said during the talk. “They were like ‘Baldwin would be helpful.’ They also knew that I was a Black queer person trying to make sense of myself as a former Christian in a theology program, and also a former teenage preacher,

This

Thursday Feb. 27

Career Fair Constantino Room 2-02 (LC) 1 p.m.

Fordham is holding an arts, media and marketing career and internship fair at Fordham’s Law School on Thursday.

Week at Fordham

Friday Feb. 28

Murder Town Black Box Theatre 8 p.m.

Fordham’s Experimental Theatre club is solving a murder, and you get to help! Attend the show to vote on who committed the crime.

Saturday March 1

MBB Game Rose Hill Gymnasium 12 p.m.

Attend the men’s basketball game on Saturday to support the Ram’s as they play the Saint Joseph Univ Hawks!

Sunday March 2

The Oscars Streaming on ABC 7 p.m.

This Sunday tune into the 97th annual Academy Awards show to see who wins and gets to take home the coveted Oscars statuette!

Dr. Christopher Hunt and Dr. Rufus Burnett spoke about Hunt’s book at McNally Ampitheater.

ALLISON SCHNEIDER/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham Law School Hosts Coffee Chat Sessions

By CARLI CASEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fordham Career Center hosted virtual coffee chat sessions with representatives from the Fordham Law School on Feb. 20.

Students had the chance to speak with Barbara Boehler, senior director of Fordham Law School’s Compliance Programs, to discuss the school’s Corporate Compliance Program.

The coffee chats are informational interviews that provide an opportunity for students to develop individual relationships with employers and experts in their desired fields.

Although these conversations are more informal, employers will vet a candidate during these sessions.

“If a student really stands out, they’ll be urged to apply for an opportunity with a certain employer,” said Michael Persaud, assistant director of campus recruiting.

In a recent coffee chat session with Fordham University alum Michael Krepak, PCS ’16, who is the CEO of Flex Caps Solutions, extended an

offer to a student.

A lot of employers chose to hold virtual meetings instead of in-person, and students were able to utilize the interview rooms in the Career Center in the McShane Campus Center.

The coffee chats reflect a small part of the 500 employer-related events presented by the Career Center each year, including 10 career fairs.

Networking is highly promoted and encouraged at Fordham. Overall, the coffee chats have proven to elicit great success stories and long fulfilling careers and relationships.

ALDI has attended Fordham recruiting events for the past three years.

“They really built a brand and are hiring year after year,” said Annette McLaughlin, director of Fordham’s Office of Career Services.

Persaud went on to explain ALDI’s relationship with Fordham students further: “The recruiter, Ryan, loves Fordham students and he will help you with applying. A lot of the recruiters are

kind of like coaches. They help prepare you for interviews and coach you on what questions they may ask.”

Employers want to help students and hire Fordham alumni, so seeking them out and showing interest through Career Center events goes a long way. Students can gain crucial skills regarding interview tactics and what recruiters want to hear.

Specifically, the law school coffee chats draw people into the corporate compliance programs.

These are generally sought out by graduate students in the compliance world who are looking for more legal education but not to be a lawyer. It is a one-year program and does not lead to taking the bar exam.

When asked how Fordham Law engages pre-law students, Stephen Brown, assistant dean of enrollment, said, “our director of admission spoke at the pre-law symposium for freshman and sophomores. The student groups invite us to talk all the time and we do.”

The pre-law symposium is a one-credit, pass-fail course designed for pre-law students at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center to gain an

overview of legal careers and law school admissions. It is one of the many ways that Fordham engages students who are taking the

fields.

Campus Ministry Hosts Living The Mission Panel

By JUSTIN MARTE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honors society, partnered with campus ministry to host the spring “Living the Mission” panel on Feb. 20, breaking with a four-year-long tradition by hosting two panels in the same academic year.

The other one that took place this year was in October and was co-hosted by Smart Women Securities.

The panel featured four panelists: Kay Turner, Esq., Vice President for Human Resources (HR); Father Thomas Massaro, S.J.; Alex Gruber, a

second-year theology Ph.D. student and Kajsa Friberg, GSB ’27. The discussion was moderated by Father John Cecero, vice president for Mission Integration and Ministry.

Vanessa Rotondo, current deputy chief of staff in the president’s office, described the panelist selection process as being intentional.

“[It aims to provide] a broad selection of panelists who could each offer their unique perspectives on what it means to carry out Fordham’s mission,” she said.

According to Fordham’s

website, the panel’s mission is a commitment to “the discovery of Wisdom and the transmission of Learning” through research and education and to prepare students for future leadership

For each of the panelists, however, the mission has evolved beyond this and has grown to be part of their identity.

Cecero identified the mission’s five core values — impact, relationships, community, faith and belonging — within each of the panelists.

“[Impact is] a pursuit of doing things that matter and

truly asking, ‘Am I making a difference?’” said Cecero.

As an educator, the mission manifests in Massaro’s teachings.

“As a teacher [I don’t] intend to brainwash my students, rather I plant seeds in their minds,” he said. “If Fordham can make a difference, if the graduates of Fordham improve things for the least among us, then this Fordham education would have succeeded.”

Turner had the time not only to reflect on cura personalis but also to consider, cura apostolica, while stressing the second core value: relationships. As vice president of HR, living the mission depends on maintaining a mindful balance between the two.

“Cura personalis, care of the people in this community who touch and concern students [is balanced] against the Cura Apostolica, the care of the entity,” said Turner.

“We want to make sure that people [are] in the best position to do their best work every day.”

The third value was community.

“[Community is the belief that] we don’t exist as solitary creatures, we exist as a community, a faith, intellectual, and social community,” explained Cecero.

This value radiated through Gruber’s panel, where he pointed out how intrinsic community is to the formation of an individual.

“We are formed for others by being formed with others; we are formed as whole people in relationship with others,” Gruber explained.

He shared his experience of existing in multiple communities: the theology department, the Fordham graduate community and the Fordham Graduate Student Workers (FGSW) union.

Faith was the fourth value.

“[Faith is] looking for God in all things, persons, and circumstances,” said Cecero. It could be in food or in having the confidence that you are loved by God, as Friberg does. Friberg shared the comfort that knowing she is loved has brought her, allowing her to transform herself.

“[That love] truly [allowed me to] live a life of selflessness and be a man or woman for others,” said Friberg. She explained that rest is a key aspect of understanding God’s love and acknowledging it.

“[I know] it might be hard to rest, especially when you are chasing a specific goal,” she said. “[At those moments] it is important to take a moment to acknowledge that you are loved and truly secure yourself.”

The final value, belonging, could be found not only in the panelists but also in the audience, according to Cecero.

“We come from different places, but this should be a place of belonging where everyone feels that they are at

Coffee chats are informational interviews that provide an opportunity for students to develop relationships with employers their desired

COURTESY OF CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Students attended the Spring “Living the Mission” panel hosted by Campus Ministry and Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit honors society.

MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM

FROM SAXBYS, PAGE 1

brand marketing manager at Saxbys. “So not only can students get amazing Cold Brew and Grilled Cheese, but there are also endless amounts of learning opportunities. The main one is our Experiential Learning Platform, where one student takes on the Student CEO role for a six month period. They learn how to manage a team of their peers, work on a P&L statement, campus marketing, and so on. Our overall goal is to have students

Saxbys Comes to Fordham

learn and grow into leaders.”

Fordham is currently looking for their first student CEO, with applications due Feb. 28.

This first student CEO will be sourced from GSB, but future student CEOs can be from Fordham College.

“Student employees of Saxbys will arrange work around their class schedules,” said Villani.

“The CEO role will work and remain a full-time student, with support from the class dean to arrange a schedule that includes coursework and

course credit from tutorials that will largely be based on the experiential learning from doing the student CEO position.”

In addition to a student CEO, all of Saxbys’ employees will be students. All Fordham students can apply for team leader and manager positions.

“The CEO and a couple of team lead positions will receive some academic credit in addition to being paid, and all of the hourly student

workers will be paid by Saxbys as well,” said Villani. “All students at Fordham are eligible to apply for these hourly staff positions.” According to Deming Yaun, University Dining Contract Liaison, students will be able to use their meal plan at Saxbys. Saxbys, while an external company, will be beneath the Aramark umbrella on Fordham’s campus.

“Ultimately, Saxbys reports in to Aramark along with all the other University Restaurants

Travis Proulx Visits the Student Life Council

here at Fordham,” said Deming. Student CEOs are expected to handle the income and profit of Saxbys and write reports to submit to the corporate office.

“All expenses at Saxbys Cafe are paid as part of and like any accounting for receipts and expenses of any business,” said Villani. “The CEO and all food, labor, and other expenses incurred by Saxbys are paid by receipts Saxbys earns from every paying guest.”

Current employees of Argo Tea will remain employed by Ram Hospitality in different capacities.

program but also his position working in higher education. Proulx shared that his mission is to help create that environment for others to succeed, no matter the challenges posed. Proulx cited Fordham’s ability to operationalize its institutional values of diversity and inclusion as his reason for applying for and accepting the job.

Proulx then discussed the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term in general and the implications this period has on people. Proulx noted that Trump is doing what every president should do when they come in, which is to learn about what is currently going on. However, Proulx also mentioned that it has not been done in a way that is thoughtful, resulting in confusion and fear.

“The president is testing the limits of traditional power…we are just going to be in a period of unknown for a while, that’s just the reality,” he said.

Proulx cited the recent executive orders and their impact on education as an instance of this. He explained that executive orders do not have the power of codified laws but do give the president authority over agencies that aren’t predetermined by

congressional law. He noted the recent directive from the acting assistant secretary of education, stating that every institution needs to verify that there is no teaching or mention of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) within their coursework. Proulx shared that there is no definition of DEI in federal agencies, making it difficult to find a path forward. He cited the lack of clarity as intentional, as it “makes it easier to test the fences.”

Staff Development and Training Coordinator for Commuter Student Services (CSS) Dana Kein, FCRH ’25, noted real photos taken of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) right outside of Fordham’s gates. Kein recognized that a lot of commuter students may be a part of undocumented families and wanted to know what the university is doing to support students during this time. Proulx ensured that Fordham is set up in a way where ICE agents cannot just come onto campus, as there is a protocol wherein they would have to go through a procedure involving security.

President of the Commuter Student Association (CSA) Kellen Zeng, GSB ’25, asked about Fordham’s plans on standing committed to DEI. Proulx shared that at the

end of the day, Fordham is a Jesuit institution that specifically is committed to welcoming neighbors: “For us as an institution, DEI is a value and remains a value, period.”

If there are any additional questions, Proulx urges students to contact him at his Fordham email tproulx@fordham.edu.

For United Student Government (USG) updates, Executive President Eron Malzman, GSB ’25, noted that the USG bylaws are currently undergoing proposed change reviews. Vice President of Operations Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, mentioned that operations packets opened on Feb. 21 and will close on March 14. Failure to complete the packets can result in a 100% sanction and the possibility for a club to go defunct. Packets and Pastries will be held by Ruzicka and Vice President of Budgets and Finance Peter Grimes, FCRH ’26, on March 5 to assist club leaders in completing the forms.

For CSA, Zeng shared that there will be a “Binge, Blind Box and Bingo” event held in the McShane Third Floor Great Hall from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 26. Vice President of CSA Crystal Wu, GSB ’25, announced that there have been umbrellas secured for the rental service that is

set to begin at the end of the month. Wu also noted a partnership with Public Safety in improving transportation updates in an app where students can track the shuttle to and from the D Train.

Due to the absence of Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life Charles Clency, Rodgers gave the monthly intoxication report. There were 11 intoxication transfers and four students who refused medical assistance.

Assistant Director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs Rashain Adams noted recent Black History Month events, such as the “Love Your Hair Expo” on Feb. 22. Adams also shared an upcoming event for Women’s History Month, the 8th annual Women’s Luncheon, which will take place at Fordham University Lincoln Center on March 6 at 1 p.m. Adams stressed that any student who wants to attend should RSVP soon as the event has a hard cap on attendance.

Assistant Dean for Seniors at the Gabelli School of Business (GSB) Jenna Cook mentioned that GSB has recently taken an artificial intelligence (AI) forward stance. The school has been conducting classes for faculty and staff on how to integrate AI into the classroom, and an AI

consultant met with GSB Rose Hill Dean’s Council to discuss how students engage with AI. Cook noted that GSB has three options for professors in terms of allowing AI usage: yes it can be used, it can be used in moderation or no usage permitted. Cook also shared that GSB is working with Fordham College Rose Hill (FCRH) to streamline registration to make a more equitable and less stressful process for students.

Associate Dean for STEM and Pre-Health Education Robert Beer provided updates in place of Dean of FCRH Maura Mast. Beer noted the upcoming Major Declaration Day on March 6, with a ceremony in Keating 317 and 318 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for declared sophomores. In conjunction with Cook, Beer shared that registration dates for the fall semester are being finalized now. Beer also mentioned that the core reform group presented a proposal to change the core requirements for faculty to vote on. Beer noted that the changes, if approved, won’t be fully implemented for a few years, but that the requirements proposed are more flexible and a significant development.

The next SLC meeting will be held on March 26 in McShane 112.

New Lawrence J. McGinley Chair in Religion and Society

purchasing the Lincoln Center campus, according to Massaro.

“I think the idea of having me was attractive to the committee because I do work in religion and society,” Massaro said.

Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J., a well-known author and lecturer, was the first chairholder. Dulles held the position from 1988 until he died in 2008. After Dulles’ death, Patrick J. Ryan, S.J. held the position from 2009 until he died in 2022. Now, Massaro serves as the third chairholder.

Massaro grew up in Queens and attended Regis High School in Manhattan, where he received a Jesuit education. After graduating, he attended Amherst College and majored in economics and political science. He had planned to go into law or politics, but towards the end of his undergraduate education, he decided he wanted to be a Jesuit professor.

“I was like, no, the people that I admire the most are

those Jesuits who taught me in high school. And you know, I would say becoming a priest had always been one of the possibilities in the back of my mind,” Massaro said. “And I said, there’s nobody I admire more than those men. I want to at least give it a try. To try to be like them.”

Massaro completed most of his formation in Massachusetts, where he was ordained, but also spent two of his formation years at Fordham. Additionally, he received his doctorate in Christian social ethics from Emory University in 1977.

From 1977 to 2018, Massaro taught at the Graduate School of Theology at Boston College and later at Santa Clara University. In 2018, he was hired by Fordham, where he has taught both undergraduate and graduate students. The primary classes he teaches for undergraduate students are Theologies of Peace and Catholic Social Teaching. Massaro says that he enjoys teaching and

sees it as an investment in the future of his students.

“The goal of any teacher is almost like planting seeds or spreading seeds. You don’t know how it’s going to blossom or sprout in other people’s minds,” Massaro said. “It’s really important that I could feel like I’m helping expose young people to these very important questions that they may not have thought of before.”

Massaro discussed the realities of being a Jesuit priest, which includes taking three vows: poverty, chastity and obedience. According to Massaro, he never sees his paycheck. The money that Fordham pays him goes into an account, where some is used towards his expenses and the rest goes into the community. Additionally, Jesuit priests don’t get married or go on dates. The third vow, obedience, means that their superiors determine the work they do. Superiors use discernment to move Jesuit

priests around where they are needed at different Jesuit institutions.

Despite the sacrifices he has taken for his profession, Massaro explained that he enjoys what he does and doesn’t regret his decision to become a Jesuit priest.

“It was a natural decision for me. I’ve never doubted it. I’ve always enjoyed it. It’s not the easiest thing in the world. You give up a lot, having a family, making a fortune. I don’t have any of those things, but it’s just something that I have just found a perfect match with,” Massaro said.

Massaro will also represent Fordham at conferences as part of the position. Next month, he will attend two conferences in England, and in April he will attend another conference in New Hampshire. Massaro showed enthusiasm for his new position and is looking forward to the work he will be able to do.

“It’s a great honor for me. The committee that chose me put a lot of confidence in me, my ability to give a good lecture and to represent Fordham at many conferences,” Massaro said. “In some ways, it’s a continuation of the work I’ve been doing for 30 years. I’m still going to continue to be an ethicist, a moral theologian, but this gives me a little bit more time, I have a reduced teaching load, so it gives me more time for research and publication and to go to conferences, to represent Fordham on these occasions.”

In his new position as the McGinley Chair, Massaro will hold two lectures a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The lectures will cover topics surrounding the overlap and interaction between religion and society. On April 9, Massaro will host his first lecture, in which he will discuss and critique American exceptionalism. The lecture will take place in Keating First at 5 p.m., and it is open to all students and faculty.

“anyone who needs contraception.”

“If they do need it and we’re not having an event, they can request it and we’ll just deliver it to them. [Plan B] and condoms as well,” explained Smith.

Smith added that the form is intended to address the need for timely access to Plan B.

“It’s not feasible to do Plan B distributions as often as is needed because

FROM FMD, PAGE 1

providing a support system for families facing similar struggles while maintaining a hopeful outlook. Additionally, Ger elaborated on the numerous ways FDM engages the community in its cause. One of these initiatives includes FDM trivia, an interactive and educational activity designed to inform community members about the organization’s mission and the realities of childhood cancer.

This year, FDM’s board members have set their sights on a major milestone: reaching their long-standing goal of raising $1 million. So far this academic year, they have raised $40,000, and the auction played a significant role in increasing that total.

The 2025 FDM auction was a highly collaborative event, featuring over 78 prizes donated by local Bronx businesses, international companies and even a unique art piece by local graffiti artist 7SoulsDeep, who not only contributed his work, but made a special appearance.

Reflecting on the significance of this year’s auction as senior, Ger and Auction

YDSA Distributes Plan B at Lincoln Center

it’s an emergency contraception,” explained Smith. “People need it in emergencies. If they need emergency contraception [and] we’re not doing an event that day, then what are they going to do?”

According to the disclaimer on the form, it is anonymous. The disclaimer reads as follows: “Disclaimer: This form is anonymous, we will not use or know your name, nor will we keep your phone number on file. Distributions will be

given outside of Walsh gate because Fordham University prohibits the distribution of contraceptives on campus.”

The distribution is the first YDSA has held at Lincoln Center. John, FCLC ’26, who asked only to be identified by his first name, has been attending YDSA meetings at the Rose Hill campus for about a month. He noted that the reception to the Plan B distribution on Wednesday was largely

positive and reached people who knew of the distribution and even those who hadn’t.

“Most people who came up and got Plan B knew about it ahead of time,” he explained. “There were also people passing by who got some, and it’s just a better way for the YDSA to be integrated into the community.”

When asked about the future direction he hopes YDSA takes at Lincoln Center, John said that he would like students to walk away

Fordham Dance Marathon Raises $10,000

Director, Mikyla Fidel, FCRH ’25, shared, “This FDM auction is especially exciting since it is our last one! We truly believe that reaching our remaining goal of $30,000 is achievable — this might just be the year we complete that mission!”

The success of this year’s auction was a testament to the collective efforts of the Fordham community. According to Ger, several campus organizations, including the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Fordham University’s Philippine American Club (FUPAC), generously contributed items and donations in honor of the auction.

Students from all grade levels attended this year’s FDM auction, eager to support the cause and win exciting prizes.

Fawwaz Omer, FCRH ’25, expressed his support for both the mission of FDM and the dedication of his friends on the board. “I attended to show my support for non-profit organizations as well as in honor of the hard work of my friends on the FDM board. I’m espe-

cially excited for the auction because I really want to win Senior Ball tickets,” he said.

Natasha Lamouria, FCRH ’26, said, “FDM has a great mission, and I’m happy to be able to support it. I’m looking forward to the silent auction — it’s so riveting! I myself hope to win the Ram Van tickets; it’s definitely the best deal, and you get such a long-lasting benefit from them.”

Digital Communications Director of FDM, Jerry Zhao, GSB ’26, spoke to the importance of getting involved. “FDM has such an inspiring mission, and it’s super exciting to contribute to charity,” he said.

A highlight of the event was the continuation of FDM’s cherished tradition — the Miracle Minute. During this moment, attendees were encouraged to scan a QR code and donate as much as possible in sixty seconds, directly aiding a selected family in need. The funds raised at the event for families cover medical bills and daily expenses, alleviating a myriad of

financial burdens that come with a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

This year’s auction was particularly thrilling, as it featured highly sought-out prizes such as the first housing

feeling politically empowered.

“I hope we have more meetings, more political education because generally I want students on campus to feel politically empowered,” he said. “Due to everything that’s happening, I think a lot of people feel powerless, but even little things like handing out Plan B to college students so they have bodily autonomy – even those little things do a lot.”

“I just want people to know that you don’t even have to do a lot to help out,” he said.

slot and a stay at the Peninsula Hotel.

The 2025 FDM auction raised $10,000, contributing to the organization’s mission of providing support, relief and hope to struggling families.

Arts and Sciences Teaching Awards to be Presented in March

By JACK MCDONALD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Fordham University’s Arts and Sciences Teaching Awards will be presented at the Arts and Sciences Faculty Day in early March. Student nominations for faculty members were open until Feb. 14. The nominees are selected from over 1,200 part-time and full-time members of the faculty of Arts and Sciences, including graduate students. 357 of them hold tenured positions. The program has been around for a while, however, it was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to their description page, the faculty of Arts and Sciences “are leaders in research who regularly make significant scholarly contributions and advancements in their professional fields.” Additionally, the “Visions of the Good in The Bronx” program, which began in 2021 after a $300,000 grant to Stephen Grimm, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, continues this year to provide underserved students with academic resources they may not have

access to. The department is headed by Deans Maura Mast and Ann Gaylin, but the selection process is directed across all four deans.

The undergraduate deans, Mast and Jim McCartin, send requests to all undergraduate students to suggest they make a nomination for the Arts and Sciences awards. “We included the information in recent newsletters and asked students to nominate an instructor who has made a positive difference on the student’s academic or personal experience at Fordham,” said Mast. Invitations were also sent to graduate students by Gaylin of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to make formal nominations. Department chairs and other faculty leaders are also invited to submit nominations.

A variety of awards are presented at the event to cover a wide variety of strengths in Arts and Sciences faculty. “The Arts and Sciences deans review all of the nominations and use that information to determine four awards: teaching

excellence in the humanities, in the social sciences, in science and mathematics, and graduate teaching excellence. Generally speaking, the nominations that are written authentically and that contain powerful examples are quite strong,” said Mast when asked why the department sought student nominations. “We also look for nominations from several students for the same individual,” said Mast. “If a student is willing to take the time to nominate one of their instructors, it means that the person made a significant difference in their classroom experience,” she said.

Mast also described how Fordham puts a particular emphasis on the value of pedagogy in the classroom, creating a culture of excellence in education. Student Educational Experiences Questionnaire (SEEQ) scores and other evaluations only tell the department so much about a professor, and they value student input and

impressions, as they can respond quickly to change.

“When we read the nominations, we are reminded of just how amazing so many of our faculty are,” said Mast. “We see how they have made a difference to students, both as teachers and as mentors.”

Mast says that professors in the department of Arts and Sciences have made

significant contributions in their field, which makes coming to the decision a challenge.

“It can be difficult to make the decision, given the strength of the faculty and their commitment to teaching and learning,” she said.

Students should be on the lookout for nominations from the department in the coming weeks.

The awards are presented to faculty every year.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham Dance Marathon’s goal is to raise $1 million.

MARIAM AHMED/THE FORDHAM RAM

OPINION

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Club Leader Op-Ed | Amy Herd, President of the Fordham Ukrainian Society

In Embarrassing Fashion, Trump Re-enables Russia’s Imperialistic Aggression

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused Washington’s offer to evacuate him from Kyiv following Russia’s full-scale invasion, stating, “I need ammunition, not a ride,” the world hailed him as a modern-day Winston Churchill. Three years later, Donald Trump is referring to him as a “dictator” who should “never have started [the war].” What happened?

The core of the issue lies in the idea that President of Russia Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine because he fears Western encroachment from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This is a narrative intended to falsely shift the blame for Russian aggression on Ukraine and to paint Russia as an agent undertaking violent action purely because it was left with no alternative choice. All one has to do is look to Finland, which faced no military aggression from Moscow when it joined NATO in April of 2023 (despite sharing approximately 830 miles of border with Russia), to see how this idea crumbles when confronted with any ounce of pressure. But Trump and a good majority of the Western world have chosen to believe it, and have thus fallen — in embarrassingly easy fashion — into the trap Putin has laid for them. What Putin actually fears is the possibility of Ukraine escaping the Russian sphere of influence. For centuries, the Russian Empire, Soviet Union

and Russian Federation have attempted to commandeer Ukrainian history, lands, language, culture and more in order to delegitimize Ukrainian claims to independent statehood. This was the catalyst for Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014 when it illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula in response to the Euromaidan protests over then-president Viktor Yanukovych’s decision not to sign an agreement that would have integrated Ukraine more closely with the European Union. After all, if Ukraine of all countries — a close neighbor that Russia has spent centuries attempting to subjugate — was to escape Moscow’s influence, it would prove catastrophic for the Russian Federation’s image and claim to power on the international stage. It would be reduced back to the rump state that it was in the aftermath of the USSR’s collapse. No need to look any further for a description of Putin’s deepest fear. If Ukraine was brought back under Russian control, however, it would be undeniably the most critical step taken toward rebuilding the Russian imperial state since the Soviet Union fell. Putin, during a 2022 discussion in which he alluded to himself as a modern Peter the Great, made it clear that this was his goal. The year prior, he had published a 5,000-word article that lamented the “artificial divisions” of Russians and Ukrainians; it also included lengthy critiques of the alleged

“Ukrainian neo-Nazis” and use of Ukraine as a “springboard” against Russia by Europe — all rhetoric he has since used to justify the 2022 full-scale invasion. But, in reading his words, one does not have to think particularly hard to realize that Putin’s ultimate reason for invading Ukraine was to lay the foundations for a new Russian Empire.

Now that Trump and the United States are sidelining Ukraine as they attempt to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, Putin is closer than ever to achieving what he set out to do. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s claims that Ukrainian NATO membership is unrealistic and that Kyiv should “abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia” compound this. So, while Putin may not have toppled Kyiv with the swift efficiency he initially hoped, the message he has been sent is clear: the U.S., whose aid served as a bulwark for Ukraine during the Biden administration, will no longer be an obstacle to the modern Russian imperial project, but will rather enable it. The next steps for Putin are painfully clear: Russia will continue its attempts to once again subjugate former Soviet states, as well as the rest of Ukraine (assuming it remains partially independent following the present “negotiations”). Death, displacement and despair will continue to flourish in the name

Editorial | Pope Francis

W.W.P.F.D. (What Would Pope

At times it feels like the progress of the last few decades is slipping away as our institutions and leaders choose to push us back towards the darkness of the past. Frustratingly, it seems that the good fight — that is, the fight for universal equality and the maintenance of basic human dignity — must be fought again. Once more, a brick must be thrown through a window in order to defend the existence of our queer neighbors. Once more, we must take to the streets to protest and let it be known that racial discrimination cannot and will not be an accepted legal practice. Perhaps most importantly, once more, the voices and concerns of the people must be used to insulate against a faux king who wants to stand in the way of democracy. Sadly, this good fight may soon lose one of its strongest soldiers and most vocal advocates: Pope Francis. At a time when so many of our institutions and leaders have begun to move dangerously in the wrong direction, he has instead chosen to guide what had been one of the most politically and socially conservative institutions — the Catholic Church — towards the light of greater acceptance and love.

Thus, it is the belief of the Editorial Board of The Fordham Ram that Pope Francis’ life, especially his commitment to upholding the Jesuit values of compassion and social justice, should be celebrated and made into an example — a guiding light for both Catholics and nonCatholics alike. In short, all of us, regardless of our professed religious creed, should endeavor to be more like Pope Francis.

Be more like Pope Francis when it comes to the environment. Instead of looking to strip the natural world for parts and quicken its destruction for cheap political points, choose to love it, view it as sacred and do all you can to protect its rapidly fading beauty and gifts.

Be more like Pope Francis when it comes to consumerism. Instead of submerging yourself in unethical, greed-filled and ultimately harmful cycles of mindless consumption, choose to heed the words of one of his homilies: “Let us ask ourselves: Do I really need all these material objects and complicated recipes for living? Can I manage without all these unnecessary extras and live a life of greater simplicity?”

Be more like Pope Francis when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among

of Russian imperialism, and the cycle of history will repeat.

On a more positive note, the present reality reinforces the importance of activity among the Ukrainian diaspora to preserve Ukrainian history, language and culture. It is moments like these where oncampus groups, such as the Fordham Ukrainian Society, take on the critical role of providing students with Ukrainian heritage, or simply an interest in the country, a place to come together and share their struggles, their curiosities, their happiest memories. Borders will inevitably shift, lands may change possession, but the true things that tie people of a common heritage together will remain. It is in these elements that we must rehabilitate, reinvigorate and rejoice.

But I cannot conclude without issuing a final warning to be vigilant. The amount of people who have fallen for Russian propaganda surrounding Ukraine suggests that it is not as easy to avoid it as you might initially expect. When it comes to imperialism, the narratives of the aggressor must always be questioned; you must always read between the lines of their rhetoric. The lives and stories of those who have been victimized must be listened to and amplified. History may repeat itself this time, but in the future, we must do more to ensure that the cycle is broken.

Francis Do?)

us. Instead of supporting the mass deportation of millions of undocumented workers and families, or seeking to cut off humanitarian aid to some of the globe’s most marginalized and disadvantaged communities, we should all choose the alternative. This, of course, being to champion the rights of the downtrodden, to work to uphold “the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human person” and to rebuke those who fail to uphold the biblical call to total and unconditional support.

Be more like Pope Francis when it comes to maintaining democracy. Instead of blindly participating in or acquiescing to the West’s current and terrifying movement away from liberal, representative democracy, seek to push for the inclusion of more diversity in leadership positions and for democratic reforms.

To be sure, Pope Francis has not always steered the Church in the most progressive justice-oriented direction. He has certainly had his fair share of less-than-spectacular moments: protecting powerful abusers from the all-revealing light of justice, using derogatory and hurtful language in reference to the vulnerable

and upholding racist colonial logics about lesser-developed areas. However, his leadership within the Church has still been overwhelmingly defined by a persistent desire to do right by the truth of the Gospel message and by the billions of marginalized, forgotten people around the globe. In other words, his papacy has come to be defined by his progressive tendency to move the Church away from the elitist, discriminatory and blood-soaked codes of its often ugly past.

As the world seemingly hurls itself closer and closer to a dystopian future, and as a great man seemingly gets closer and closer to drawing his last breath, it is imperative that we honor his legacy by carrying on his work. We are called to do so not only as members of a university dedicated to upholding the Jesuit values of compassion and social justice, but also as members of a human race bound together by a shared fate and common good. In other words, now is not the time to lament or linger on his papacy potentially coming to an abrupt end; our tears can flow after we have brought his fight for more compassion and more acceptance into the future.

OPINION

Guts and Glory: The Bleeding Heart Of The Superhero Genre

By GABRIEL CAPELLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The superhero genre peaked around the “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018) and “Avengers: Endgame” (2019) era. Tickets were selling like hotcakes with “Endgame” earning $2.8 billion worldwide at the box office. “Infinity War” earned $2 billion the year prior and stoked the flames of the worldwide sensation of “Endgame” and its flashy conclusion with departures of some of Marvel’s most loved characters, such as Iron Man and Captain America. It was the perfect ending to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but why would they stop when they still had so many more characters to explore and more money to make?

After Phase 3 of the MCU, Marvel began their “falling off” stage with most of their new projects receiving lower ratings compared to the ones released before “Endgame” and “Infinity War.” Around the same time, newer shows like “The Boys” came out,

and they surprised audiences that were used to the oversaturated superhero genre seen on the silver screen.

The first episode of “The Boys” engaged audiences with a darker storyline about the gory death of one of the protagonists’ girlfriend. It was unapologetic in the way that it was done as well. His girlfriend was run over by the hero, A-Train (essentially a speedster, similar to the Flash and Quicksilver) and her body shatters with only her hands left in Hughie’s arms. This made the show very gory and equally entertaining to viewers, including myself.

The show went on to develop around taking down the Supes, the “heroes” of the show (they were actually the antagonists and ran the world like it was theirs). “The Boys” plot runs deeper than most Marvel movies since the show explores darker themes such as inequality, revolution and power. The show is in its fourth season with each season getting bigger than the last. The violence is only one

part of why viewers enjoy the show so much.

The show’s highest-rated episode, “Herogasm,” is a good example of why it made powerful strides in the superhero genre. The episode is about this convention that happens where Supes meet up without cameras, sign NDAs and engage in activities a college paper probably can’t print. The main characters go to a convention with the intention of completing an assassination, but they then realize that the show’s main antagonist, Homelander, is on his way to the event as well. The characters see an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone, and go after Homelander. A cynical powerhouse whose presence on the screen automatically spells out “danger,” Homelander is an incredible villain. He does everything brutally and has the highest kill count on the show. For more context, think of Superman if he was evil and chased internet fame harder than Logan Paul.

The closest thing the MCU has in terms of a scary villain would

be Thanos since he was a villain who posed the biggest threat to the Avengers, but when compared to Homelander, Thanos doesn’t size up with how the latter is presented in the show. The violence that is depicted in Homelander’s actions is one of the many reasons why he’s a better villain.

Superhero violence is something that we need more of, with shows like “The Boys,” “Gen V” and “Invincible” providing us with a breath of fresh air about what the superhero genre could look like. “Invincible” is another Amazon Prime show that centered on gory violence

with a deeper storyline, following a similar approach to “The Boys.” These shows remind me more of the classic CW shows that have darker storylines and more character-building like “Arrow” and season one of “The Flash.” These shows were enjoyable to watch and their worlds were fun, whereas with MCU movies, everything moves fast to the point things feel lazy — violence and storylines alike.

Go Set The World On Fire: A Call For An Interreligious Community of Service

By HAILEY BAKER STAFF WRITER

As a Jesuit university, it is imperative we follow St. Ignatius’ guidance and “go set the world on fire.” The phrase calls us to spread Jesus’ unwavering love and fight against the injustices plaguing our world. As the Jesuit University of New York, it is our responsibility to not just remember these words, but live them.

One of the most valuable service experiences Fordham provides is Urban Plunge, a three-day pre-orientation program run by the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL). On Admitted Students Day, some students walking by stopped me and told me I should do Urban Plunge if I came here. After committing to Fordham, I applied on their recommendation, and it has been one of my most impactful experiences at Fordham thus far.

Urban Plunge gives students the unique opportunity to learn about the importance of community and service before classes even start. During Urban Plunge, student participants engage in various service projects throughout the Bronx while older peers, called Urban Plunge Assistants, help them get adjusted to life in their home-away-from-home.

This year, Urban Plunge collaborated with many local organizations, including one of Fordham’s long-term partners, The Bronx is Blooming, a nonprofit focused on environmental stewardship, community building and youth leadership development. While Urban Plunge introduces incoming students to The Bronx

is Blooming, Fordham’s relationship with the organization extends far beyond it.

Throughout the year, students continue to engage with The Bronx is Blooming through the Pedro Arrupe Volunteers (PAV), deepening their commitment to service and engaging with the Bronx community. For example, on the Oct. 5 Ignatian Day of Service, PAV cleaned and winterized a neighborhood park with The Bronx is Blooming and Fordham alums.

PAV, a “multi-faith and interfaith, student-led community with the mission to accompany our Bronx and greater NYC area neighbors in prayer, service, solidarity and reflection” builds community among Fordham students passionate about service, regardless of their religious background.

Kevin Maysonet, FCRH ’27, who identifies as agnostic, has participated in numerous projects with PAV. Maysonet noted, “I didn’t feel any sort of exclusivity or even much of a distinction between myself and my spiritual partners in that service.” His experience illustrates how PAV fosters inclusivity, but also points to the need to always make sure non-religious students feel included.

Fordham’s strong Catholic emphasis can unintentionally discourage non-religious students from joining Campus Ministry’s service efforts. While Campus Ministry welcomes students with different beliefs to participate in their programs, they could do better to advertise the fact, as many students are unaware.

“I do wish Fordham and

Campus Ministry could in some way extend more of a message of openness and opportunity to not just different religious groups, while that is certainly crucial and very welcome, but also to the non-religious student body,” Maysonet said.

Notably, the Director of Ignatian Mission, Robert Parmach, Ph.D., works to promote interreligious student involvement through Ignatian Programming, which despite being rooted in Jesuit ideals, is open to all students. These programs use a head, heart and hands approach that engages students’ intellect, values and on-the-ground actions to drive change within our communities.

Parmach also teaches a community-engaged learning philosophical ethics class that encourages students to serve others through an ethical partnership with the Jesuits of Murray-Weigel Hall Province Infirmary and Xavier Mission in Chelsea, New York City. Lillian Mercado, FCRH ’27, took his class last semester with me.

“Our class went to Xavier Kitchen to serve food to migrant families and houseless individuals. This situation humbled me in which I realized that many people in New York City are hungry, return to Xavier Mission for the hospitality and share so much of themselves with the volunteers,” Mercado said. “The experience softened my heart.”

At first, I hesitated to volunteer at Xavier Mission because I did not know what to expect. I am so glad Parmach gave me the opportunity to volunteer with them, though, because

it helped me learn a lot about myself and the people around me. There is a huge stigma about New York City being dangerous because of its vast amount of houseless individuals and migrants. While I have worked hard to eliminate the biases and stereotypes I hold, it is an ongoing process. Working with the people our society falsely portrays as dangerous individuals is one of the most impactful ways to counter any internal biases I still carry and learn about our structural inequities that fail to support our community members by hearing their experiences firsthand.

If Fordham advertised more initiatives like this, the institution’s advocacy would feel a lot less performative.

Benjamin Coco, FCRH ’24, who worked as a Resident’s Assistant (RA) for two years, explained, “There is a fundamental disconnect with planning at Fordham. RAs are required to have two weeks approval prior to each program, [but] we’d often find out about something a week before it would happen.”

As campus leaders, RAs could play a critical role in promoting service opportunities, but Fordham’s bureaucracy, especially through the Office of Residential Life, often prevents them. “We were required to do 10 programs a semester. That’s too many to be able to dedicate significant time to each one for a great program if you’re also an overachiever and have a lot on your plate — in other words, if you’re about 3/4 of the RAs,” Coco continued. “If quality over quantity was prioritized, not only could there be greater programs, but there would

be more service opportunities.” Focusing on the quality of these service programs and promoting inclusive opportunities will help Fordham truly embody its Jesuit mission. Fordham already provides students with incredible opportunities to live out its Jesuit mission, fostering both community and engagement among students. However, focusing on improving the quality and accessibility of these service programs will help Fordham truly embody its Jesuit mission, encouraging students from all religious backgrounds to participate in service work. By focusing on more inclusive advertising, communicating opportunities to a wider range of students and allowing RAs and other student leaders to promote service more efficiently, our school will live up to its full potential and “set the world on fire.”

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

Hailey Baker, FCRH ’27, is a politicalsciencemajorfromGaithersburg, Maryland. First-year students participate in Urban Plunge.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Extreme violence has become a prominent part of the superhero genre.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Gabriel Capellan, FCRH ’28, is a journalism major from the Bronx, New York.

OPINION

Driving Safely: How Samsara Cameras Keep Fordham’s Ram Vans Secure

By IAN ROTUNNO

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a Ram Van driver, and I have always wondered about cameras in the van and their exact purpose. After having the chance to meet with the director of Fordham University Transportation, Plinio Gonzalez, it is clear to me that the Samsara recording system, installed in all of the university’s Ram Vans, is a necessary feature for the safety of passengers and drivers.

Ram Van conducts over 250,000 trips between campuses annually and currently employs approximately 125 student workers, with new drivers being trained continuously. The university needed a way to track the vans when they were not on campus. Thus, the university started using Samsara in 2017 as a way of tracking vehicles. They later implemented artificial intelligence (AI) in 2020. The AI feature uses facial recognition to identify drivers and tracks the van’s location along with other metrics, including accidents, speed, following distance, driver drowsiness,

driver inattentiveness, seat belt usage and harsh braking. The system saves footage when one of these events occurs and sends it to the office for review. Only the administrators can see this footage, and Gonzalez said that footage is not saved unless an incident occurs. Unless administrators need to download the footage of an incident, it is deleted after 45 days.

The Samsara system has dramatically improved all aspects of the service. To start off, Gonzalez reported that parents say they feel a lot more comfortable with their kids being driven by students in New York City traffic when they hear that a camera is monitoring their driving. Another benefit is that the cameras help keep insurance costs down. According to Gonzalez, insurance companies were initially hesitant to insure a fleet of vehicles driven by college students, and for good reason. The data shows that younger drivers are more dangerous. A study published by the U.S. Department of

Transportation (DOT) and AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety (AAA FTS) showed drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. The installation of a video monitoring system makes insurance companies more comfortable with insuring the Ram Vans, Gonzalez said. When an accident happens, having a video record also makes it easier to determine precisely which driver was at fault, which in turn keeps costs down. Most importantly, passengers’ feelings of safety remain consistently high. Every year, Ram Van sends out anonymous surveys to track performance. Last year, the surveys reported that 97% of students felt safe riding the vans, according to the internal records of Fordham’s Department of Transportation. On a personal note, knowing the Samsara cameras are there makes the experience of working for Ram Van and being a passenger feel much safer. Knowing that there will be video recording if anything unexpected happens takes away a

lot of the stress that comes with the job. By adding this layer of safety, it makes me more confident as a driver, making the experience safer for everyone in the van and other drivers on the road. When riding as a passenger in the van, it makes the experience more enjoyable, knowing that the driver is extra motivated to drive as safely as possible. Overall, Samsara is essential to all aspects of the Ram Van. Gonzalez says the whole goal is to defy expectations and make it clear that “it is possible for college students to drive [a fleet of] vans at all times of the day and [do so] incredibly safely.”

With Samsara, the university can confidently say that the trips between Rose Hill and Lincoln Center are as safe as possible. While driving in New York City can be unpredictable, having the Samsara system in place reassures everyone, from students to insurance companies to parents, and keeps the service as safe as possible. As both a driver and a passenger, I appreciate the university’s commitment to making safety the top priority by providing a secure and reliable experience for everyone on the road.

IanRotunno,GSB’27,isamarketing majorfromHuntington,NewYork.

A Distracted Military: DEI’s Effect on the Armed Forces

By MICHAEL DUKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Just like church and state, the military should not be influenced by political agendas or ideologies. The military should be the one aspect of the United States that should always remain apolitical, being deadset and focused on our national security and safeguarding our country’s history and freedom. This means that any and all politicized conversations or initiatives that could affect the military should not impact it. The stakes are simply too high.

However, politicized topics have made their way into military conversations. Particularly, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in the military, saying, “I think the single dumbest phrase in military history is ‘our diversity is our strength,’” and “I think our strength is our unity. Our strength is our shared purpose.”

Hegseth’s comments come after President Donald Trump signed new executive orders targeting DEI initiatives across the federal government, banning it outright. Specifically, one executive order that Trump has signed addresses DEI programs in the United States military.

On the White House’s website, the executive order is entitled “Restoring America’s Fighting Force.” The executive order states that it is aimed at eliminating “racebased and sex-based discrimination,” and that it will uphold Trump’s policy that “[T]he Department of Defense, the Department

of Homeland Security with regard to the United States Coast Guard (UCSG), and every element of the Armed Forces should operate free from any preference based on race or sex.”

The executive order also states that it seeks to stop the practice and institutional operations that promote “divisive concepts,” including “gender ideology” and notions that “America’s founding documents are racist or sexist.”

Even further, the very first sentence of the executive order states that it is meant to promote meritocracy, and to undo perpetuated “unconstitutional discrimination” within our fighting forces.

To be clear, the focus of both the executive order and this article is specifically on DEI in the military, not DEI in general. This ongoing political debate is distracting the military from its primary mission: America’s protection.

Hegseth has said in his own words that the one job of the Department of Defense is to be the best at “warfighting,” which is “about readiness; it’s about staying focused.”

The bottom line for the brave men and women who serve our country is that they need to be focused on completing missions that help safeguard our national security.

However, the commentary expressed by Jim Fein and Mary Mobley in an article published on the Heritage Foundation’s website suggests that the military’s focus is elsewhere. The authors argue that, “Top officials have set diversity quotas for generals

and leadership positions in the military–and they’re willing to sacrifice standards to achieve these quotas.”

Specifically, Fein and Mobley suggest that the Biden administration misappropriated the $86.5 million spent on DEI programs in 2023. The pair base their claim by insisting that the military must “[M]ake the most of the money it receives. That means spending money on projects that will improve national security, not on DEI initiatives that serve as mere virtue signaling.”

Whether or not Fein and Mobley’s assertions are correct or irrelevant, the one thing that beats talk is action, and that seems to be what Washington D.C. is doing with DEI in America.

Since Trump’s election win, Walmart, Amazon, Lowe’s and other companies have all rolled back DEI initiatives. This comes as conservative pushback on DEI has heightened, with Trump recently scaling back federal DEI programs. As it is, three states have banned or limited DEI, 10 have passed related legislation in one chamber and 18 other state legislatures have introduced such bills.

To say the least, the debate surrounding DEI is polarized. The debate is ongoing and lawmakers aren’t helping by vocally going to the extremes. Take, for instance, how Representative Nancy Mace is being targeted by her fellow Republican lawmakers for her takes on DEI, following a rant where she spoke about being the first woman to have graduated from the military academy The Citadel. The

messaging on DEI from some Republicans, like Mace in this case, has shown that the conversation is becoming misconstrued, off-topic and partisan to the point where Republicans are eating their own. It’s simply not productive.

Regardless of the partisanfueled debates on Capital Hill, DEI has demonstrated that it has range. But the debates rarely discuss meritocracy: having the ability, talent and grit to perform. This is what the military thrives on and looks for when promoting and honoring its members. Former President John F. Kennedy is a prime example of this, as he was given honors following his acts of bravery in saving his fellow sailors after his boat was attacked and destroyed by Japanese soldiers in World War II.

The fact is that DEI’s range is colossal in Washington D.C. Look at how in the recent Supreme Court ruling of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the court ruled that race-based admissions and affirmative action policies are unconstitutional and violate Title XI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Or, look

at how in Congress, conversations on DEI are presently chaotic and are full of partisanship and grandstanding. This is concerning, particularly because politicians have a say over the military. Whether that be through policies made by a member of the House Armed Services Committee or a change in the military budget in the House Appropriations Committee, the chaos of DEI-focused conversations by politicians could bleed over to directly impact the military in a number of ways beyond these two.

When it comes to the military, the message Washington D.C. should receive on DEI implementation should be: have the political debates, figure out what works and give us the strongest elements so the military can be the best that it can be. Until that happens, the military needs to stay focused solely on warfighting and protecting America.

Michael Duke, GSB ’26, is a business administration major from Scottsdale, Arizona.

Ram Van technology seeks to secure the safety of its riders.

NICK DESILVA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM DEI policies can be a distraction for the military.

OPINION

Meet Me in Miami: Why You Should Fly This Spring Break

By MALGORZATA GORSKA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As midterms are in full swing, Fordham University students are eagerly awaiting Spring Break, as the university will close on March 15 and re-open March 23. Many are booking flights to visit family or travel with their friends across the country or even internationally. However, an important question arises: Is it still safe to travel across the United States?

I’ve personally started having some doubts as airline incidents started to appear in the news more and more often. Since January of 2025, several aviation incidents have occurred, raising concerns about air travel safety. These incidents include a crash between a military helicopter and a passenger aircraft in Washington, D.C., a collision between two planes at the Seattle International Airport and a recent Delta crash in Toronto on Feb. 17. Videos of the Toronto crash, showing the plane on fire and flipped upside down, went viral on TikTok and made me quite concerned about the possibility of flying in the

near future. However, even though Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy has reassured the public recently, stating that the U.S. has “the safest airspace in the world,” I am still not convinced that is true.

I have been traveling by plane ever since I can remember. Even last year alone, while studying abroad in London, I went on around 30 flights, and I have never felt scared of flying. However, with the recent incidents, I needed to think twice before booking my trip to Miami this spring break, especially since, as an international student, I do not travel a lot around the U.S.

It was important to me to put things into perspective and think logically. I started thinking about how aviation safety standards are constantly evolving, with rigorous inspections, advanced technology and highly trained personnel working in the airports 24/7 to ensure passenger safety. Everyday, airports and airlines enforce strict safety regulations to protect passengers and crew, making air travel one of the

safest ways to get around. Moreover, while most tragic or unusual accidents capture public attention and make people post on TikTok about them, the majority of flights operate without any issues.

To reassure myself, I needed to remember that accidents can happen anywhere at any time — whether driving, walking to class or taking a subway ride to the city. According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, air travel remains safer than driving. From 2002 to 2022, fewer people were injured or killed in airplane accidents compared to car and truck crashes.

For Fordham students who are traveling during spring break just like me, staying informed is crucial. Checking airline safety records, keeping up with travel updates and following safety guidelines — such as reading the safety card and listening to flight attendants — can help ensure a safe trip. Additionally, purchasing travel insurance (which I regret not doing) can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected

delays, cancellations or emergencies.

Despite recent incidents, flying still remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Ultimately, choosing how and where to travel is a personal decision, and it is important to remember that every form of transportation carries some level of risk. However, that shouldn’t take away from anyone enjoying their spring break plans. It will definitely not

stop me, as my

stay safe, plan your trips wisely and most importantly, have an amazing spring break once you are done with your midterms!

Never Too Old for a Snowball Fight

By TAHIYAT RAISA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

New York City’s first major snowfall of 2025 turned the city into a winter wonderland by covering streets, sidewalks and numerous college campuses in gorgeous white snow. Some students chose to stay indoors in their comfy blankets with their favorite novels, drinking hot chocolate or even playing video games. Many other students went outside when they saw an opportunity for something more active, like a snowball fight.

On Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11:30 p.m., Fordham University students had their first-ever snowball fight of the season on Edwards Parade. Dominique Jack from PIX11 News stated, “According to forecasters from the National Weather Service, at least 7.6 inches of snow has fallen in the Big Apple since the start of 2025.” Students who were brave enough to go out in the cold got to witness a fun and magical snowball fight straight out of our very own childhood dreams. Students were running, dodging and throwing snowballs through the air under the glow of campus lights. There were no specific sections that were determined by year or major. This was just a bunch of college students being chaotic, having fun

and being fueled by laughter.

But this major snowfall, and our very own Rams having a snowball fight on Edwards Parade, raises the interesting question: “Are college students too old for a snowball fight?”

Some individuals might argue that snowball fights are for kids and that college students should instead be busy with exams, internships and many different adult responsibilities — not partaking in activities that are “solely” meant for children. But that mindset really does overlook a very important truth, and that truth is that joy doesn’t have an age limit; we’re allowed to have fun at any given age because we’re all human despite our responsibilities.

As a first-year at Fordham University, Akifa Hossain emphasized, “Our first year at college could be very different and challenging to adjust to. Tons of exams, essays and projects pile up. But being able to go outside and have fun in the snow with your friends makes us realize that we’re also human and are allowed to have fun even though we’re adults now with responsibilities.”

For many of us, snow days used to mean waking up early, turning on the television to Fox News, and hearing the magic words, “School is closed.” It also meant our

parents layering us up and heading outside with us to play in the snow without a care in the world. As we grow older, those moments become rare, mainly because the last great snowfall New York City has seen was in January and February 2022. So finally seeing a decent amount of snow has filled New Yorkers with joy, especially students from the West Coast who may have never experienced a snowstorm. Snow days no longer guarantee a break from our daily lives, deadlines stay the same, emails pile up and Zoom meetings especially don’t care about the weather. But that’s exactly why moments like Saturday’s snowball fight are so valuable. They remind us that even though most of us are entering or are in adulthood, there is still some time to enjoy our lives and the world around us.

Young adults often spend their free time doing more solitary activities such as reading, knitting or watching movies. While there’s nothing wrong with that because winter is an extremely cold season, embracing winter doesn’t have to mean just staying indoors. Ice skating, sledding, skiing or even just stargazing on a nice cold winter night can be just as fun. As Abby Smith in her article in Mayo Clinic News Network, stated, “Playing in the snow

brings laughter and exercise.” A snowball fight allows individuals to have a sense of playfulness that many of us have forgotten because, as children, we were always in a rush to grow up.

And let’s be honest, we all know that throwing a snowball at your friend or roommate is just fun in itself because you can all get a laugh out of it. There’s something about the sound of snow crunching under your boots, the nice wind of the cold air on your face and ears and the laughter that could explode when your friend aims for you and directly hits you with a snowball. All of these minor factors make the experience worth it. It’s one of those mini activities that can momentarily take us back to our childhood and help us remember what it’s like to be a kid.

No one is ever too old to have fun, and no one is ever too mature to throw a snowball. If anything, college students should embrace moments like these even more because who knows when we’ll get another chance to have a snowball fight with our college friends. Our lives will only get busier, responsibilities will only increase and opportunities for having fun will decrease.

So the next time the snow starts falling, don’t just watch the beautiful snow from your window. Go ahead and get some friends, bundle up with a heavy jacket and join the snowball fight. You might just surprise yourself by how much fun it is to experience what you once did as a kid.

Malgorzata Gorska, FCRH ’27, is a marketing major from Pozman, Poland.

Tahiyat Raisa, FCRH ’28, is an English major from Queens, New York.

There was a Junior v. Senior snowball fight on the night of Saturday, Feb 8.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Miami trip is fully booked and non-refundable. Fordham students

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Fordham students should remain informed when traveling.

OPINION

Love is On the Air: In Support of Valentine’s Day

By AMEYA JAIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

February 14 has become synonymous with love, affection and romantic gestures. From handwritten letters to extravagant gifts, humans love to love. More than that, though, they love to express their adoration in tangible ways. Some people scoff at the holiday; they might find its meaning to be corny, or they might be nursing a broken heart. I think that for how much of our lives are spent loving other people, one day dedicated to celebrating that love isn’t so bad. But even the biggest supporters of Valentine’s Day have been known to cringe at the humble serenade. I’d argue that from guitars in living rooms to boomboxes outside windows, it is one of the longest standing and authentic ways for one person to share their love with another.

As a holiday, Valentine’s Day traces its origins to

both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. One of the most widely accepted theories connects the holiday to St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree banning marriages for young men. Eventually executed for his defiance, Valentine was a radiant symbol of love transcending all other things — even the law. Before his death, it is said that he wrote a note to his jailer’s daughter signed, “From your Valentine,” a phrase still commonly used today. By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had become associated with courtly love, a tradition emphasizing chivalrous and often idealized expressions of passion. Over time, the day became widely recognized as an occasion for lovers to exchange tokens of their endearment, including flowers, chocolates and in more elaborate displays, music and serenades.

Serenading, a poetic and heartfelt tradition, ranges from an intimate moment between

two lovers to a grandiose gesture of affection. When you think of serenading, a suitor singing out beneath the balcony or window of his beloved might come to mind. The word “serenade” comes from the Italian “serenata,” meaning “an evening song.” Traditionally, serenades were performed at night as a surprise gesture of admiration and devotion. Now, your (future ex) boyfriend of two weeks strumming beginner chords at you while singing about his undying love for you fits the description. But not all serenades are indicative of long-lasting relationships. The custom gained popularity during the Renaissance period in Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, where music was deeply integrated into culture. Figures like troubadours and minstrels played a crucial role in shaping the art of serenading. These wanderers composed and performed heart touching lyrics praising the beauty of their romantic interests.

The 17th and 18th centuries marked the golden age of serenading, when composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Franz Schubert embraced the practice as a musical form. In fact, they transformed serenades into memorable concert pieces that many people still listen to today. Music has a unique ability to capture raw thoughts and emotions in their purest, and most beautiful form. It’s no surprise that serenades have stood the test of time, even if they show

up in slightly different ways in modern day.

Two Fordham University vocal groups, the Ramblers and the Satin Dolls, have brought this practice onto our campus. The Ramblers, Fordham’s all male a cappella group, have been doing “Ramblergrams” for years. Students are able to book the group to serenade their friends, or love interests, in advance and the boys surprise the lucky recipient in classrooms, apartments and virtually any other place within walking distance from campus. While some enjoy basking in the affection, others might blush from embarrassment. However, the reviews of these grams are overwhelmingly positive and most students take advantage of the grams to have fun with their friends rather than to take a bold risk and surprise their crushes.

The Satin Dolls, Fordham’s all-female a cappella group, flipped the script from in person serenades to virtual grams a few years ago, and this change has allowed them to reach a much wider audience. So, through virtual grams, the singers’ families and friends from all over the country are able to support the group. This year, they had 27 grams, and some of the popular song requests included “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar, “At Last” by Etta James and “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. While each gram costs $7, individuals are encouraged to donate more if they can. The grams started as a

way to raise money to support the vocalists and much of what they earn goes towards the albums they put out. Their most recent album, “From Room 105” is out everywhere, and if you’d like to be serenaded in person by these stunning vocalists, you can see them at the spring concert on April 26 in Fordham Prep.

I’m in strong support of serenades — a playful, joyous way to celebrate Valentine’s Day — romantic or not. And the practice isn’t isolated to just romance either. Truly, what are Christmas Carolers knocking on your door to warm up your evening and loved ones belting different keys of “Happy Birthday” as you blow out your candles, if not people serenading you? Valentine’s Day is no different, even if the day is tinged pink. But, in the spirit of showing love, I think we should bring back serenading as a romantic practice, regardless of how corny it may seem. There is a reason some of the best declarations of love are in the lyrics of our favorite songs: music harnesses honesty in a compelling way. If you have your eye on someone by the time next February rolls around, shoot your shot and sing a song — or ask the Ramblers and Satin Dolls to do it for you.

Ameya Jain, GSB ’28, is a marketing major from Los Angeles, California.

The Ramblers deliver serenades to students on Valentine’s Day.

CONNOR WHEATON FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Editor’s Pick | Books

In Search of Dignity: Kurt Vonnegut Predicts AI

By IAN NELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

It’s 1952, and Delacorte Press publishes a debut novel by a young 23-year-old writer. Kurt Vonnegut Jr., a former employee of General Electric, has written a book inspired by his experience working there. His debut novel addresses the issues of replacing human labor and the resulting loss of purpose and meaning in life. He titles it “Player Piano.” Vonnegut uses the player piano, or automatic piano, to show how even an activity such as someone playing the piano at a local bar can be replaced by a machine that does it for a quarter.

At the time, many wrote the novel off as science fiction and it was not given the attention it deserved. The premise was too fantastical for the average reader.

“Player Piano” takes place in a future in which machines have replaced the majority of human laborers in the United States following a devastating war. Due to this reliance on machines, engineers became the most important members of society. People were divided into three classes: the managers and engineers, soldiers and the Reconstruction and Reclamation Corps or, as they are more commonly referred to as, Reeks and Wrecks.

While the managers and engineers are at the top of the

hierarchy of man, EPICAC, a highly advanced supercomputer, calls the shots. EPICAC calculates and manages various aspects of production and consumption in their society. It acts as a brain, determining how many products will be sold, how many workers are needed and what their roles should be.

The divide between highly educated engineers and everyone else is stark in the fictional Ilium, New York, where Doctor Paul Proteus lives with his wife, Anita. As manager of the Ilium Works, Paul is the most powerful man in town. An issue arises as Paul, who once believed in the value of engineering and automation, becomes skeptical of the inequality it has created in society.

In “Player Piano,” you can see the beginnings of Vonnegut’s unique writing style and satirical approach to his stories. He writes dryly, utilizing short sentences and avoiding wordy runon sentences.

The story is filled with sentiments revolving around themes like self-worth and class divisions. Throughout the novel, Vonnegut argues that humans will lose their purpose with increasing reliance on machines. Through Paul, Vonnegut explains why dependency on machines is detrimental to humanity. He writes, “Men, by their nature,

seemingly, cannot be happy unless engaged in enterprises that make them feel useful. They must, therefore, be returned to participation in such enterprises.” This quote submits for consideration the idea that people need to take pride in their accomplishments to maintain their dignity.

The world that Vonnegut constructed is presented as a utopia, a perfect world where even the people at the bottom of the social and financial ladder still have everything they could desire. Yet, one thing that they crave to the point of voracity is kept out of their reach: meaning. They float through life with no direction.

In an automated world where people have lost their dignity, humanity reaches an impasse. They must decide: Simply continue to exist, coasting from day to day, devoid of meaning or take back your once cherished dignity by removing the machines from the jobs that should be yours.

To give an outside perspective, Kurt Vonnegut includes the character of the Shah of Bratpuhr, a foreign spiritual leader. The Shah finds himself in the U.S. to survey the successful use of machines to create a streamlined, highly productive economy and government. One of the recurring themes throughout the book is the Shah’s misunderstanding of the word “citizen,”

which is translated into his language as “takaru,” meaning slave. The Shah’s observations about the hierarchies in the U.S. are uncomfortable, peculiar and eerily accurate. Artificial intelligence, or AI, has become an increasingly hot topic. Opinions on AI are varied; some see it as a powerful tool with immense potential to improve society, while others fear its potential for job displacement. To anyone who cannot see the benefits of AI, I recommend opening your eyes to the possibilities. But, to those who are so rapt by AI that they cannot see the risks, I propose that you read “Player Piano.”

There is much to be done as the world wrestles with future uses of AI and what restrictions are needed. What makes humanity special is our ability to paint artistic masterpieces, compose sonorous

symphonies and write eloquent prose. But with people using generative AI to create new content, including images, music and text, we are losing our place as masters of the arts.

It is vital that our fascination with AI does not become reliance. Once AI is a necessity, there is not much to stop our civilization from becoming like the one in the book. AI is more intelligent, faster and efficient than even the best and brightest of our species. So, with the debate on AI usage at an all-time high, the most important question may be, “What should AI be used for?” I believe it is crucial that we do not reach the point where there is no answer to this question. That would be the time when AI starts asking what the Shah of Bratpuhr wanted to know about modern American society: “What are people for?”

Death Through the Lens of Leo Tolstoy in ‘The Death of Ivan Ilych’

By EDUARDO MATEO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Death as we know it is a phenomenon that usually triggers sentiments of fear and anxiety for the average person. Most of us aren’t really able to comprehend it to its full extent. Some argue that in death, we find peace and eternal rest, while others argue that it is the time in which we face judgment, where our previous actions in life are put to the test in determining whether we ascend to heaven or descend into hell. Logically, one would think that the agony of death lies in its unknown nature and our lack of control over what the Hereafter awaits us. But what if the real pain of dying lies in the sudden realization that our whole life was lived in vain? This is the dilemma that is explored in Leo Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych.” An extraordinary novel, as experts refer to it, it explores the life of a high-ranking official residing in the comforts of societal norms.

I had the privilege of reading this book for my philosophy class a few weeks ago while touching upon the subject of death. Tolstoy wrote this book during a period of intense and spiritual crisis, where he questioned the meaning of life and death’s inevitability. Through the book, Tolstoy attempts to

explore the agony of confronting one’s mortality and the emptiness of leading a materialistic life.

The book’s overall purpose truly inspired me and motivated me to spark a change in the world and to not conform to society’s standards. The novel follows Ivan Ilych, a wealthy man who served as a judge in Russia’s judicial system. He holds a position in the Court of Justice and spends much of his life striving for success, status, wealth and social approval. His career and desire for societal recognition play a crucial role in the novel, as it highlights the emptiness of his achievements when faced with death. Ivan had successfully crafted a life that his peers admired. Every detail of his existence portrayed a perfect image along the lines of propriety and minimalism. Ivan was well-groomed, worked diligently during the day and indulged in playing cards with his friends during the evening, as well as reading. Ivan married Praskovya Fyodorovna, a woman of a high social status who matched his “perfect” public image. Life ran smoothly until the unexpected blow of a terminal illness caused by a fall that derailed his perfect lifestyle and predictable routine, dragging him into a trip of self-reflection and examination of his way of living.

At first, Ivan disregarded his illness and believed that it was just the result of a mild discomfort on his left side. However, after visiting multiple doctors, his final diagnosis says that he’s undeniably dying. From this moment on, Ivan’s life takes a drastic turn. The routine he once found comfort in vanishes and is replaced by constant feelings of frustration and fear.

This realization is both terrifying and isolating. He begins wondering how someone as truly great as him could be dying in such a nasty manner. Fear seeps into every thought and every moment, making his own life feel strange as if he is merely watching it unfold from a distance. As Ivan’s family tries to get him more doctors and medicines to save him, he then finally makes them accept that he’s dying. While hallucinating and reminiscing upon his childhood memories, Ivan dies in pain as he takes his last breath.

We can see that during his final moments, Ivan was afraid of death and the unknown, something that can be attributed to his way of living. Ivan led a materialistic and superficial life to keep up with appearances. He always sought to make his way up the social ladder while having unrealistic expectations for himself. However, in his last moments, Ivan came to

realize that life lacked meaning, making it harder for him to face death as he remarks: “‘Can it be that I have not lived as one ought?’… ‘But how not so, when I’ve done everything as it should be done?’” In this quote, Ivan begins experiencing an inner struggle with his previous life choices as he questions his entire existence and whether he had truly lived with purpose or merely conformed to societal norms.

The world is full of uncertainty, and because of that, we must live our lives to the fullest. “The Death of Ivan Ilych” shows us the life of an upperclass well respected man from Russia, who, despite surrounding himself with the finest company of respectable and wealthy individuals and striving for success, went through the ordeal of an agonizing death while experiencing an existential crisis. The lesson taught by Tolstoy within this book is that death

is an inevitable part of the cycle of life, and no matter how rich or poor we are, we can never escape it. Because of this exact reason, Tolstoy encourages us to live a meaningful, fulfilled life and to step out of society’s box of expectations. By the end, Ivan’s life, which was full of greatness and ravenous for more success, is reduced to nothing as he lies on his deathbed, reminiscing upon his life and the good and pleasant moments he lived through as he inhales his last breath and finally closes his eyes, leaving this world. Throughout Ivan’s life, he strived to be that “golden child” his parents and those around him looked up to, but in executing this role, he becomes unsatisfied with whatever he accomplishes and always wants more. Therefore, this turned him into a workaholic, not only to escape from his life problems, but also to distract himself from his misery and the void he felt inside.

“The Death of Ivan Ilych” is a must-read fictional classic.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Kurt Vonnegut is one of America’s most celebrated novelists.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

CULTURE

Magazine Fever and the Legacy of Asian American Zines

By MIA TERO CULTURE EDITOR

A short walk from the Canal Street subway station in lower Manhattan stands the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). Inside, you will find its permanent collection of artifacts from Asian American history and its temporary exhibit on magazines in Asian culture, appropriately named Magazine Fever. This “fever” culminated as a form of activism in Asian culture for many Asian Americans, reflecting their identities in media, representing multiculturalism and demonstrating their political empowerment.

The MOCA divided the exhibit into different periodicals of Asian American magazines, including AsianWeek, AsiAM and YOLK. It also included a center table where museumgoers could flip through different editions of the featured magazines. On the wall displays, each magazine was accompanied by the years in which it ran, a brief overview of how the brand began and the type of Asian American representation that it focused on.

The first magazine on display was Gidra, a college newspaper started at UCLA in 1969 by a group of Japanese American students. Although the magazine originally started as a school newspaper, it was shortly changed to an off-campus publication since the university wanted control over what type of information

was published. The students who started Gidra did not want the university to have authority over what stories could be published since the main focus of the magazine was to emphasize anti-capitalism and anti-racist movements. This was one of the first publications that established the alignment of Asian American magazines to these movements.

The exhibit continued to highlight other magazines or “zines” and their relationships to the social and political environments of their time. Many of the first magazines on display focused on the representation of Asian Americans in politics. The AsianWeek magazine, for example, wrote primarily about local and national elections, immigration news and events happening in Asian countries that would not normally be discussed in mainstream newspapers. Around the room, the magazines transitioned to focus on social issues facing Asian Americans as well.

Included in this exhibit was an article done by the magazine Hyphen that discussed Asian representation in pornography and the different sexual stereotypes that follow Asian men versus Asian women. The article features an Asian male adult film actor known as Hung and his journey of representing Asian men in the straight category of pornography, typically dominated by white males. Although there

is an acknowledgment of how Asian women are sexualized in American culture, there is little regard for how sexual stereotypes impact Asian males. This is where magazines for and about Asian Americans can help fill the gap left by mainstream news by discussing and breaking stereotypes. By talking about the social implications of grouping people this way, these magazines help challenge misconceptions, highlight diverse experiences and foster a deeper understanding of Asian American identities.

As the magazines shift between political and social representations of Asian American communities, it is fascinating to see how this structure is mirrored in other forms of media and reinvented in modern times. The historical role of zines in Asian American activism and self-expression helps explain their recent resurgence in popularity, especially with how divided the current political and social environment is. Over the last couple of years, zines have continued to be used as an art form that expresses individuality. However, how we understand zines today may be slightly different than how they were used in the ’80s and ’90s regarding Asian American culture. The structure remains mostly the same: a self published pamphlet or book that shares ideas of our community and selves, but the modern structure tends to mirror collages rather than magazines.

Even though I’ve never made a zine, many of my friends have taken up this hobby for their exploration of their identities, including how they relate to social and political issues. Art has always been a pinnacle of expression, but the modern usage of zines makes it easier to take this journey without outside pressure since the goal is not necessarily to publish them anymore. While they can be and still are published, they can also solely be creations shared with friends or kept private.

Zines can also be published locally, such as in the Barnard College Zine Library. The collection at Barnard is fully made up of student works that use art and collages to comment on a range of issues, including gender, protests, discrimination and mental health. Personally, I find that publishing zines in school papers or sharing them with smaller groups expands the

meaning behind these collages since they will then highlight local issues that often go unrecognized in mainstream news. This gives visibility to stories that rarely receive widespread attention but are just as important.

The modern-day use of zines continues the legacy of Asian American magazines by providing a space for personal experiences and voices that would otherwise go unheard. Publications like AsianWeek and Gidra tackled political and social issues that were absent from mainstream media. Modern zines, although they vary in style and topics, carry this tradition by using art to shed light on local and underrepresented narratives. The MOCA exhibit preserves this artistic history to represent the importance of zines in Asian American culture and also draws the question of how zines can offer space for activism and for collective or personal expression.

The Lumineers Dive into Love and Heartbreak in New Album

By ABBY PRICE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Spring has almost sprung, and with it comes the perfect new soundtrack for romping through wildflower covered hills. The Lumineers released their fifth studio album, “Automatic,” this past Valentine’s Day. The album seamlessly blends the trials and tribulations of love with the classic folk-rock vibe the band has become famous for. With a runtime of just under 33 minutes, it dives deep into the complexities of love, heartbreak and unworkable relationships, telling a moving story seamlessly interwoven throughout each song. It begins with the upbeat tune of “Same Old Song,” a lively hit with a catchy drumcentric melody primed for radio contention. The easily screamable chorus is full of heartbreak, depicting the deterioration of a relationship on the rocks and sets the stage beautifully for the rest of the album’s narrative. Following such a lively song, “Asshole” turns to the

slower side, tapping into a more traditional Lumineers sound with piano melodies and soft-building drums. It depicts the happier moments of first meeting, falling in love and finding a lasting connection with someone. It carries a bit of a selfdeprecating tune, alluding to the future tribulations of songs later in the album, but overall, it is surely sweet and very relatable.

Rounding out the first act of the album is a transitional and short instrumental build, setting the scene for the impending downslide of relationship turmoil. “Automatic” (my personal favorite) and the titular song bring an edgier tone, depicting the little delights of life and asking, “Is it ever going to be enough?” It branches out from The Lumineers’ traditional sound but successfully shows that the band is capable of mastery beyond just the folk genre.

Following this slower turn, songs including “You’re All I Got,” “Plasticine” and “Ativan” serve as a reckoning to a relationship crumbling to pieces — the self-questioning lyricism

and melodic guitar mirror two lovers drifting further apart. Eventually, this story builds to an emotional ballad, “Keys on the Table,” where the lovers realize that their relationship has nothing left. The heartbreaking line, “If you’ve lost the faith, leave your keys on the table,” expresses the finality of leaving behind everything that was once loved. It is simple yet tragic, making it a very emotional listening experience.

Finally, another instrumental piece, “Sunflowers,” rounds out this devastating emotional journey. These heartfelt ballads are broken up by the reconciliation and freeing nature of the final song on the album, “So Long.” This lively, upbeat tune encompasses the freedom of moving on and growing from a toxic relationship. It offers a happy end to such a tragic love story and gives listeners hope for the future of both love and life.

Overall, this album departs from The Lumineers’ usual indie-folk sound, dipping into an edgier, more alternative vibe while illustrating the band’s versatility. It is sure to appeal to both new and long-standing listeners and continues to display the fantastic talent of this Colorado based band. If you’re looking for songs to add to your hiking playlists this summer, I highly recommend checking out this album!

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

“Automatic,” the Lumineers’ new album, dropped on Valentine’s Day 2025, fitting the themes of love and heartbreak.

MIA TERO/THE FORDHAM RAM Gidra magazine editions were published every month from 1969 to 1974.

CULTURE

The Mimes Shine in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

By CHELSEA DELALLA CULTURE EDITOR

The Mimes and Mummers lit up the stage this weekend with “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” This sung-through musical was a nonstop thrill, bursting with energy, laughter and the infectious enthusiasm of each and every performer. From the opening number to the final bow, the dynamic dance sequences and irresistibly catchy soundtrack had the audience clapping, cheering and practically dancing in their seats, making for an unforgettable theater experience.

Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is an old-school musical that offers a fresh, playful twist on the biblical tale of Joseph. One of the most unique aspects of the show is its ability to seamlessly blend various musical styles from 1970s go-go to classic ’50s rock. This genre-hopping soundtrack perfectly complements the show’s vibrant and whimsical energy.

The performance kicked off with Clare O’Connell, FCRH ’25, president of Mimes and Mummers, guiding the audience through the story. With her captivating stage presence and impressive vocal range, O’Connell had the crowd hanging on her every note.

The majority of the cast was later introduced through the lively number “Jacob & Sons,” where we meet the protagonist, Joseph, played by Sam Howe, FCRH ’27. Though this was his very first Mimes

and Mummers production, Howe wowed the crowd with his powerful vocals, magnetic stage presence and heartfelt emotion. The production also featured Quinn Lesniak, GSB ’28, another newcomer to Mimes and Mummers, as Joseph’s father, Jacob, alongside Joseph’s eleven brothers, all residing together in their home in Canaan.

At the show’s start, Howe’s character Joseph was showered by his father’s affection and gifted the coat of many colors. Overcome with jealousy, the brothers decided to kidnap Joseph and sell him to merchants as a slave. Joseph was then forced to work in the household of Egyptian millionaire, Potiphar, played by Jake Maglio, FCRH ’26. When Potiphar’s wife, portrayed by Rebecca Lothson, FCRH ’26, attempted to seduce Joseph, he refused her advances. However, after Potiphar discovered the two together, he falsely accused Joseph of misconduct and had him imprisoned. While in prison, Joseph was soon recognized for his ability to interpret dreams. This piqued the interest of the most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh, played by Bridget Godfrey, GSB ’27, who sought help deciphering his troubling visions of cows and ears of corn. Godfrey brought a lively and playful energy to the stage with her Elvis Presley-inspired portrayal. Decked out in a white jumpsuit covered in red rhinestones, she strutted and hip-swiveled her way through “Song of the King (Seven Fat Cows),” delivering a fun and unforgettable performance.

After meeting the Pharaoh,

Joseph interpreted his dreams as a warning of an impending seven-year famine. Impressed by his wisdom, the Pharaoh appointed Joseph as his second-in-command, entrusting him with the responsibility of Egypt’s food supply. Meanwhile, back in Canaan, Joseph’s brothers struggled through the harsh famine, a moment captured in the French-style ballad “Those Canaan Days.” This number was led by Simeon, portrayed by a Mimes regular Ian Colton, GSB ’27. With heartfelt emotion, Colton’s performance had the audience captivated. His rich vibrato and exaggerated French accent added a layer of charm and humor to the scene, making it one of the show’s most memorable moments.

After discussing his experience with the show, Colton shared that the most rewarding part was “watching it all come together behind the scenes.” As a member of the Mimes e-board, he gets an inside view of the effort that goes into the lighting, props, costumes and stage management. Colton emphasized how “incredible” it is to witness the dedication of everyone involved, pointing out that “so much of the work the audience never sees,” with even the smallest moments taking hours of preparation.

In the second act, desperate for food, the brothers traveled to Egypt in search of supplies and came face-to-face with Joseph, though they initially failed to recognize him. Joseph provided them with sackfuls of food but secretly planted his gold chalice in his brother Benjamin’s knapsack

to test his family’s loyalty. When the chalice was discovered, the brothers pleaded for Benjamin’s innocence and even offered to take his place in prison. Moved by their selflessness, Joseph revealed his true identity and joyfully reunited with his family. The show concluded with the lively song “Joseph Megamix,” a fun and upbeat finale to a truly unforgettable performance.

Alongside the actors’ exceptional portrayals, another standout element of the show was the costume and set design. The creative set featured a V-shaped catwalk that extended into the audience, allowing actors to dance and interact with the crowd, which added a sense of intimacy to the performance. At the heart of this V-shaped area was a live orchestra, consisting of student volunteers from both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, creating quite an immersive experience for the audience. The costumes were crucial

to the show’s visual appeal. Assistant costume designer Lilah Spedding, GSB ’27, mentioned the challenges of creating costumes on a limited budget, especially given the show’s costume-heavy nature. Nevertheless, she relished the creative process, describing how she had the chance to “re-learn how to sew, crochet, and, the most fun, bedazzle.” She mentioned that “seeing a creative vision come to life through ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ was one of the most rewarding experiences this semester!”

More than 50 years after its debut, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues to captivate and delight audiences. With their rendition, the Mimes and Mummers once again surpassed expectations, delivering a mesmerizing, hilarious and highenergy performance that left a lasting impression on all of those who attended.

Sarah Hyland: Absolute Rose in ‘The Great Gatsby’ Musical

By MOLLY FRIEDMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Highly acclaimed actress Sarah Hyland began her run in “The Great Gatsby: A New Musical” as Daisy Buchanan at the Broadway Theatre on Feb. 9 at the Sunday matinee. I had the pleasure of witnessing Hyland make her debut in this astounding show alongside many well-respected actors and Broadway stars, such as Ryan McCartan, Samantha Pauly, Noah J. Ricketts and Terrence Mann.

Those of you who are avid Broadway fans and viewers may be saying, wait, wasn’t Hyland supposed to begin on Feb. 10? And you would be entirely correct. She made a surprise early start to this role. As I opened up my playbill to read through the cast before the curtain rose, I assumed there must have been a mistake when Hyland’s name was printed across from Daisy Buchanan, but this was no mistake. According to the

ushers at the theater, she wanted to start a day early to get all the first performance jitters out. From that moment, I knew the audience was in for a treat.

With the news and the media buzzing about Hyland’s debut in this popular show, I cannot even imagine the weight she must have been feeling. I must admit, you could see her nerves peeking through, but she used her jittery and anxious persona to craft a new version of Daisy that made viewers completely rethink her as a character. Her shaking hands and distraught looks furthered Daisy’s struggle in this show as a woman trapped in life, seeking freedom to be with the man she wants and trying not to crumble under the weight of societal pressures.

Not only did Hyland shine in this role, but the electric chemistry she found with her co-star McCartan as Jay Gatsby was an astounding performance in itself. You would never have guessed this was their very

first performance together. In some of the big numbers of the show that these characters sing together, such as in “My Green Light” and “Go,” they seem only to build each other up and further the depth and gravity of their characters and their flawed relationship. Not to mention the captivation and entrancing romance that radiates off them in every scene they’re in together, whether it is anxious babbling or passionate words of affection. These two actors sell the audiences on their desperate love story. It’s like they have known each other all their lives.

Stepping into this role was not an easy feat, as Hyland was following a Broadway great. Eva Noblezada originated Daisy Buchanan and set a high bar for anyone playing the role in the future. Noblezada’s incredible voice and emotional range left the audience in awe, but Hyland’s rendition of the character did not disappoint. I had the pleasure of seeing both Noblezada

and Hyland embody this role, and they both added their own flare and raw vulnerability that made it impossible to compare the two.

Hyland has grown into herself on the stage in the past couple of years as a Broadway and musical theater actress. Before assuming the role of Daisy, Hyland was starring as Audrey in an off-Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” While she has taken on some smaller roles, this will be one of her first times stepping into a major role in a Broadway production.

Watching someone make their debut in a show is an

indescribable feeling. The level of work and time commitment that went into this all paid off for us viewers. As bows took place, you could see an unavoidable sense of relief wash over Hyland, and she earned it. The crowd gave her the standing ovation she deserved. Though I think she deserved more applause, I can only assume she got the praise she deserved on her scheduled start date of Feb. 10. Although she did not come out for the stage door, it was still a complete delight to watch her shine in this role. Future audiences are in for the experience of a lifetime.

CHRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Mimes and Mummers wowed the audience with its latest production.

LAUREN ROCCO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Hyland also starred in the Broadway show “Little Shop of Horrors.”

CULTURE

The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism at the New York Botanical Garden

By MARY HAWTHORN MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR

The orchid show is back!

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is starting spring splendidly with the opening of the 22nd annual orchid show titled “Mexican Modernism.” Open from Feb. 15 to April 27, this celebration of floral beauty highlights the vibrant and unique designs of modernist architect Luis Barragán.

I attended the show on Saturday and was shocked by the hundreds of people in attendance. The freezing temperatures did not stop anyone from seeing the intersectionality of artistry, architecture and the natural world. The moment you enter the exhibit, you see an enormous neon orange rectangle covered in orchids.

A smaller white rectangle intersects this gorgeous piece, exemplifying Barragán’s appreciation for stark lines and bold shapes. The structure floats atop the conservatory pool with a waterfall, creating the perfect tranquil ambiance to start the show. According to the NYBG, “water features, such as pools and fountains became common in Barragán’s work. The still reflective surface of water contributed to the quiet meditative

spaces he strived to create.”

On the way to the main pieces in the center of the conservatory, guests had the opportunity to see different types of orchids dispersed along the trails. Some included the Oncostelopsis brazilian sun orchid, Oncidium tsiku marguerite orchid, lottery prince orchid, Lewis orchid and the mango orchid. Although I loved everything, my favorite flower was the Phalaenopsis unimax moonlight, also known as the green apple orchid. It’s “brat,” dare I say. These pigmented plants ranged from soft yellows to deep blues, all showcasing the variety of orchids that exist.

As I navigated through the exhibit, I appreciated the educational aspects of the show. An abundance of informational signs lined the pathways, many of which illuminated the orchid diversity in Mexico. To my surprise, I learned that orchids are one of the most expansive and diverse plant families on Earth, living on six out of seven continents. The NYBG informed attendees that “Mexico’s wide range of ecosystems contains 10-12% of the world’s species… This includes over 1,300 orchid species, about 40% [of] which are endemic” to Mexico. Towards the middle of the

show, I loved the bright blue jacaranda tree adorned with orchids and greenery. This tree is common in Mexico City and is known for its purple blossoms each spring. Beside this tree stood a purple wall with an arch-shaped opening for guests to walk through. This was one of the most popular photo spots in the entire exhibit.

I was surprised to learn about the importance of photography for Barragán and his work as well. “Photography was a critical tool to market and sell Barragán’s unique aesthetic. He was keenly aware of creating spaces that were not only tranquil and beautiful, but that also photographed well,” according to the NYBG signage. Considering that “a large part of his legacy lives on in the incredible photos that capture his vision,” attendees are encouraged to take as many photos as possible throughout the show. After a few more turns, you will find yourself greeted by colorful window panels in the desert glasshouses. Unlike last year’s orchid show, this year’s exhibit actually infiltrated the structure of the Enid Haupt Conservatory itself. The vivid blues, reds, oranges, yellows and greens made the exhibit entirely immersive. These window panels were

quite intentional as Barragán’s use of vivid colors is a definitive feature of his artistic style.

Known by the New York Times as “the lushest bar in town,” the NYBG also hosts several “Orchid Nights” from 7-10 p.m. throughout the season. These Saturday evenings in the Enid A. Haupt. Conservatory “bring Mexican Cumbia music, with cumbia sonidera dance parties featuring a DJ, professional dancers, and a celebration of traditional tracks and modern influences that create an immersive dance experience,” according to the NYBG. Attendees must be 21+ and are encouraged to purchase

tickets in advance.

Following the show, I stopped by the gift shop which was filled with a variety of orchid merchandise. Out of all the postcards, pens and pins, the most popular purchase was a miniature orchid. The gift shop had a large selection of potted orchids ready to purchase. Last year, I got a pink orchid, and this year, I happily got to take home a yellow one.

This is one of the most beautiful exhibits at the NYBG, and I highly recommend you visit this spring. If you’re interested in attending, visit NYBG.org. For more information, you can follow @NYBG on Instagram.

NYC’s Lunar New Year Festival Returns Despite Rain

By RACHEL WANAGOSIT CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sunday, Feb. 16 marked the end of the Lunar New Year celebration with the first full moon of the new year at the Lunar New Year festival in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Although it was a cold, rainy day, the spirit of excitement and new beginnings was very much alive. New York City’s Chinatown was an excellent place to ring in the Year of the Snake — symbolizing wisdom, renewal and transformation. Chinatown never fails to provide traditions, a feeling of community and delicious cheap food.

The festivities commenced at 10:30 a.m. and ran through 3:30 p.m. The parade started at 1 p.m. at Mott Street and Hester Street, and traveled down East Broadway until Forsyth Street and Broome Street. You could hear traditional music, color floats, impressive performances and, of course, the lion dance. Unfortunately, I was not able to assemble my fellow Fordham festival-goers at Chinatown until closer to 2 p.m. Arriving one to two hours before the parade commences would allow you to get an ideal viewing spot. Luckily, we were able to witness a few parade floats, including one with people dressed as princesses like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Each float was lined with people waving decorations and exploding confetti poppers. The floats were red, with advertisements for

Asian restaurants plastered on the sides. The streets and air were filled with gold and rainbow confetti. A benefit to the rain is that it was less crowded than last year’s parade, allowing us more space to move and less confetti and litter on the ground.

I recently saw an Instagram reel about Chinatown detailing the best restaurants to go to for example, Mei Lai Wah, is known for their scrumptious pineapple roast pork buns. Despite the video making the bun look mouthwatering, I could not justify waiting in a block-long line on such a cold day. A friend had suggested Yunnan Rice Noodle House, but there was a similar issue. Upon walking into the restaurant, I was greeted with an essentially full house with a table for two open. This was not going to cut it for the group of seven we had.

Walking down Bayard Street, or any other avenue within Chinatown, be sure to keep your eyes open to take in the scenery. There are colorful lantern decorations and a unique ambiance here you will not find anywhere else in Manhattan. If you walk by too fast, you may miss something delicious, beautiful or both. To this point, I recall walking by a grid of glistening roasting ducks in a storefront. I ran across the street to check it out and noticed multiple large round tables inside with two open. Jackpot. I brought my freezing friends inside

New Yue Wong Restaurant and we were immediately met with complimentary teacups and hot tea. If you are looking for a filling meal for cheap, I would recommend looking over the section that is meat over rice or noodles with soup. Food doesn’t have to be Instafamous for it to be good in Chinatown. There are plenty of cheap pastries all around.

I ordered roast pork noodle soup for $8.50. It was a bit salty for my taste, and the others agreed that they needed water afterward. I also ordered two roast pork buns that were at the front of my mind because of the line for Mei Lai Wah I had just seen. It took about 15 minutes for it to be prepared, but they were truly worth the wait. Not only

were they two for $4, but they had a mouthwateringly juicy and warm taste. It was my favorite thing to consume there. Our table also ordered soup dumplings for $7, which were pretty decent as well. In the end, I was decently content with the meal and experience, especially since the restaurant allowed me to hide out from the rain.

When receiving the bill, it may be a bit confusing since there are only numbers accompanied by Mandarin on the receipt. You may be able to guess what your item is according to the price written. Remember to bring cash, because some places either accept only cash or add a surcharge for card use. A heads up: they add an automatic 18% tip to the bill. Before leaving, they

will give your table some fortune cookies, and I’d recommend using their bathroom because those are rare to nonexistent in Chinatown.

For dessert, we decided to head to Alimama Tea which served mochi donuts, cream puffs and various drinks. I ordered a brown sugar boba cream puff and passion fruit green tea. The cream in the puff had a light sweetness to it with tapioca pearls which was the perfect complement to the sweet tea. My friends also enjoyed the strawberry mochi donut and the brulee donut, which were chewy and tasty.

Overall, despite the cold, I enjoyed attending a less crowded but festive Lunar New Year Festival. I hope to return next year and explore the celebrations in the other boroughs!

RACHEL WANGAGOSIT FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Chinatown celebrated the Year of the Snake with their annual Lunar New Year Parade on Feb. 16.

MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM

The 22nd annual orchid show is now on display at the NYBG.

Juniors

BY CAITLIN THOMAS ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Naiya Rookwood is the co-president for Fordham Experimental Theater (FET). They balance a busy academic and extracurricular life, thriving in performance, leadership and community-building roles across multiple clubs on campus.

Tucked on the backside of Collins Hall is the one-andonly Blackbox, a small, simple performance space and the home of FET. This week, I sat down with FET’s co-president Naiya Rookwood, FCRH ’26, from White Plains who wears many hats. Literally, you might find them in a crown, wig or top hat as they grace the stage. Rookwood also wears many hats as they juggle a busy class schedule and impressive involvement in many Fordham clubs.

Rookwood is majoring in English while double minoring in philosophy and French.

“Ambition” might just be Rookwood’s middle name. Outside of the classroom, they are an active member of the Fordham community. Impressively, they juggle their responsibilities as co-president of FET and a member of one of Fordham’s a cappella groups, Hot Notes. They also share their passion for helping others as a Humanities Student Ambassador.

Across the many extracurriculars they engage in, they are fully present and enthusiastic about everything they do. But how did they get to this point of so much involvement in the Fordham community?

During their freshman year, Rookwood was pursuing a philosophy major on the prehealth track. On top of the already overwhelming transition to college, Rookwood’s workload was almost unbearable. That’s when they found FET’s Black Sheep Poetry group. Rookwood had always loved writing poetry; now, they had found an outlet for it.

“Especially when it’s firstsemester fall, I know for a lot of people, I was someone who was really stressed out and anxious about finding community at Fordham, and I found my way to the Black Sheep poetry team, and that, like, saved me my freshman year,” Rookwood said. “It made me feel really normal, and I’m really grateful for the people in that club and the people who we will continue to accept and make that for other people. That’s so joyous to me.”

Black Sheep Poetry is just one of the groups under the FET umbrella. The other three performance groups are Street Legal Stand Up, Stranded in Pittsburgh Improv and Free Pizza Sketch Comedy.

After joining Black Sheep Poetry during their first semester at Fordham, Rookwood was elected to the FET e-board.

CULTURE

Who’s That Kid? | Naiya

Involvement in Fordham’s Club Scene

They started out as the tech representative, handling the lights, sound effects and any other tech that performance groups needed during their shows. Although they held the title of tech representative, Rookwood did not have much opportunity to learn on the job as friends of the performers more often took on the role instead. They were active in eboard meetings, brainstorming and pitching ideas for the club, but they felt they weren’t tapping into their full potential.

With a semester of e-board under their belt, Rookwood was elected as vice president her sophomore year. Their fellow club members saw great leadership qualities in them, and they proved them right, becoming an impressive communicator and email-writing force.

Since then, they have taken on more responsibilities with the club since being elected as one of the co-presidents, alongside Reese Dains, FCRH ’26. Their leadership doesn’t stop there. Rookwood is also the co-captain of Black Sheep Poetry, hosting weekly meetings and organizing tech rehearsals for their shows. They are likewise a member of the Free Pizza sketch comedy group. Rookwood is involved in nearly everything that FET does, showing their commitment and passion for performance, theater and community.

“I am bound to FET by my heart and body and soul,” said Rookwood.

FET is not the only theater group on Fordham’s campus. Mimes and Mummers, and the Theatrical Outreach Program (TOP) are the other two. Rookwood has also been involved in multiple shows for each group. However, FET has taken up much of Rookwood’s time this semester. Besides performing for both Black Sheep and Free Pizza, Rookwood is also directing FET’s slot three show, “Murdertown,” written by Naomi Markus. The show is in the Blackbox this Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, March 2.

They write, they perform, they direct, they take on key leadership roles. You couldn’t possibly think Rookwood has time to do even more, right? Well, they can. Rookwood balances their commitment to FET with their involvement in Fordham’s Hot Notes, one of the a cappella groups on campus.

“The Wednesday rehearsals for a cappella conflict with the Wednesday rehearsals for Sketch,” said Rookwood. “They share custody of me, and I go back and forth almost every week to learn music and then to learn lines. Maybe I do too much, but it’s hard because they’re all things that I really love. It’s only natural that that give and take means that putting yourself into something so

passionately, means that you’re gonna get everything back just as passionately.”

The interconnectedness of everything they are involved in shows that they really lean into the humanities, especially as a Humanities Students Ambassador (HSA). The HSA works with the career center and Fordham students studying humanities to increase career literacy and readiness. They help students with resumes, cover letters, networking and bring in alumni speakers.

If you weren’t already impressed by Rookwood’s involvement and talent, how hard they work to put their best foot forward on and off stage is even more impressive.

“Before going on [stage], without fail, I am so stressed out, even for poetry shows,” said Rookwood. “I have really bad stage fright. People genuinely don’t believe me, but before opening nights, I get really, really scared, and I get worried that I am not going to be able to put my best foot out there because I am so nervous. I know I can do it; I trust the people that cast me that trust that I can do it, but I just get worried.”

Performing is a practice in vulnerability. It takes a lot of courage to be unapologetically yourself on stage.

“Frankly, it’s quite embarrassing to be vulnerable, whether it’s a character or a poem, which oftentimes has to include very personal things about yourself that you’re able to discuss in public,” Rookwood added. “It’s really scary to not know how it will be received because you can’t really control that.”

For Rookwood, their passion for performance and for putting their best self forward is something they do not take lightly. Overall, their pre-show nervousness shows how much they care.

“Being fully yourself, being fully confident, being fully

present – letting yourself be whole and not limiting yourself to parts that you think people will like,” said Rookwood. “I think sketch taught me how to perform for other people, and poetry taught me how to perform for myself.”

Free Pizza Sketch Comedy co-captain Sophia Eid, FCRH ’27, shares that Rookwood is a grounding force in maintaining the FET community.

“Naiya is truly a blessing,” Eid said. “They are the most composed person I know. They are so busy and so active in the Fordham community, yet they show up every day at Sketch with a smile on their face and a good attitude and just ready to make people laugh. If they weren’t here to keep us on track, I don’t know what we would do.”

Rookwood’s passions include performance and community building. They hope both continue to be present in FET and their own personal future beyond Fordham.

“I feel like FET is kind of like a physical embodiment of how I’m feeling about approaching my career, where it’s like there’s so much happening at once, and you’re passionate about all of the things that you’re doing, but to the point where it’s hard to pick

one,” said Rookwood. “I can’t necessarily see myself going into writing and comedy, but I can see myself going into community.”

After Fordham, Rookwood can see themselves pursuing a career in education administration, stage design or theater management, among other things. There is no rush for Rookwood to know their next steps, but understanding the importance of community and the fulfillment they find in engaging with it helps Rookwood picture their future.

“If there’s one thing FET has taught me, it’s how to be part of a community, how to lead one, how to mediate one in case anything happens, which is very rarely, and it taught me how to take charge of myself and my art and the and the people around me,” said Rookwood.

Rookwoods future is bright. Remaining grounded in the Fordham community and finding camaraderie in all they are involved in has allowed them to find a home on campus.

“I am really happy about all the things that I do,” said Rookwood. “They bring me so much joy, and I am so lucky to be able to call myself part of something.”

CAITLIN THOMAS/THE FORDHAM RAM

CAITLIN THOMAS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham junior Naiya Rookwood wears many hats around Rose Hill’s campus and gives their all to each activ-

Pictured above are the co-captains of Free Pizza Sketch Comedy.

A Hockey Marketing Campaign for the Ages

By LYDIA PIRNER STAFF WRITER

The National Hockey League might have inadvertently pulled off the greatest marketing campaign in hockey history during the All-Star break. They not only got people who had never watched hockey before to tune in, but they had those same people on the edge of their seats. Fans from all over — north, south, east and west — showed up in record numbers. The result was an unprecedented turnout that will likely add hundreds of thousands of new viewers to the sport.

The best part? The league barely even marketed the event. With almost no promotional push, this tournament still managed to smash expectations.

Just a few weeks ago, I had concerns that this tournament might be a business failure. But the reality was the exact opposite.

One of the biggest worries among fans was whether the players would even care. This question was answered in the first nine seconds of the opening game between the United States and Canada when nearly five million people tuned in on ESPN alone — to watch six different players throw haymakers — a 473% increase from the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and a 369% jump from the NHL on ABC’s average viewership this season. If there was any doubt

about the players’ investment, Jack Eichel — yes, Stanley Cup Champion Jack Eichel — put it to rest when he called the final against Canada the most important game he’s ever played in. And let’s be real, when else are you going to see Rasmus Dahlin leveling Connor McDavid? That doesn’t happen in a BuffaloEdmonton matchup.

The skepticism wasn’t just from the players. Fans were hesitant too. As an international hockey fan, I was thrilled about this tournament from the moment it was announced. But for those who primarily follow their NHL teams, concerns about injuries were valid. Unfortunately, those fears weren’t unfounded. Shea Theodore left Canada’s first game and remains out for Vegas. There

are also growing worries that Matthew Tkachuk’s injury could sideline him for the rest of the NHL season. If that happens, it might be time for Florida to take Tampa Bay’s place as the new long-term injured reserve king.

That said, Tkachuk probably doesn’t have any regrets about playing. Despite the U.S. falling short, he and his brother Brady cemented themselves as American hockey heroes.

Because when you put on your country’s jersey — whether it’s the stars and stripes, the maple leaf or the triple crown — it means something. The players felt that, and it showed. I can’t imagine Alex Pietrangelo, watching the games from his couch (or more likely, Cancún), not thinking, “That could’ve

been me.” Quinn Hughes even attempted to force his way into the tournament, only for the NHL to shut the door on him.

Meanwhile, Jake Sanderson and Thomas Harley took their opportunity and ran with it.

For Sanderson, that meant 16.1 million people watching him snipe a goal past Jordan Binnington. For a still young defenseman playing in Ottawa, that had to be one of the coolest moments of his life.

According to ESPN, approximately 9.252 million people in the U.S. watched the 4 Nations final, which makes it the mostwatched non-Olympic hockey game in U.S. history. In Canada, viewership hit almost seven million, putting the total just shy of the 16.3 million who watched

game seven of last year’s Stanley Cup Final between Edmonton and Florida — but this does not take into account that the 4 Nations final was watch-party central in the U.S. and Canada. What’s even crazier is that there were more Americans watching this game than Canadians. Of course, Canada still had a higher percentage of its population tuned in, but the fact that the U.S. outdrew Canada in raw numbers is a massive win for hockey. At the end of the day, that’s a victory for Canadians, because growing the game in the U.S. only strengthens “their” sport.

This tournament delivered what is now ESPN’s largest hockey audience ever. It was the most-viewed event on ESPN platforms since the 2024 NBA Finals, excluding NFL and college football. It nearly doubled U.S. viewership for the NBA All-Star Game, pulling in 9.3 million compared to 4.7 million. It also outperformed every NBA All-Star Game on TNT except for the inaugural event in 2003. To top it off, it was the most-watched nonfootball event since last year’s NCAA men’s basketball title game between the University of Connecticut and Purdue University.

Simply put, hockey won. And what could be more fitting than a Connor McDavid golden goal to clinch the championship for Canada? Poetic.

January Premier League Transfer Window Preview

By AARYAN SAMA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

With injuries and poor performances clouding a team’s ability to perform during a Premier League season, the winter transfer window often acts as a bail-out, allowing teams to sign players throughout the month of January. While most clubs conduct their business entirely in the summer, some of the most important signings, such as Nemanja Vidić for Manchester United and Luis Suárez and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool, have been signed in the January window. Here’s a look at how the 2024-25 January window panned out for the twenty Premier League clubs: One of the clear winners of the transfer window was Manchester City. Although a slow start to their season has left them competing for a Champions League position instead of a title, Pep Guardiola’s side has made it extremely clear that they are to be taken seriously, signing five players and spending around $230 million. Bringing in those reinforcements in the winter window is certainly unconventional, but they have never been shy in terms of spending, given their generous backing from their owners at the City Football

Group. Amongst these highprofile signings was striker Omar Marmoush, signed from Eintracht Frankfurt after a stellar first half of the season in the Bundesliga. Despite a quiet first few games, Marmoush has already made his presence known in the Premier League, bagging a hat-trick against the recent Carabao Cup finalist Newcastle United.

Additionally, one of City’s biggest problems this season has been Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s season-ending injury, hence leading to the signing of Rico González from Porto. This could certainly be a key signing for them as players such as Mateo Kovačić and İlkay Gündoğan have struggled to fill the void that was left by Rodri’s injury. Other notable signings include defender Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens, attacking midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate and center-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. Manchester City has certainly had an explosive January window, strengthening their weak areas, and some of these signings could go on to be club legends.

Another club that didn’t remain silent through the January window was Aston Villa, who engaged in some massive signings and sales. In terms of sales, their super-sub Jhon Durán parted from the club to join

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané at Al-Nassr for a record fee of around $80 million. This transfer has seen a lot of press since Duran left for the Saudi League at the young age of 21 compared to most players who opt to spend the end of their careers there. However, their signings this winter are even more shocking. Someone who many thought would never depart from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, exited the club on loan after issues with manager Ruben Amorim. He has struggled for playing time this season and could return to his best as Villa pushes for Europe.

Other loan signings are center-half Axel Disasi from Chelsea and former wunderkind winger Marcos Asensio from Paris St. Germain. In terms of a significant permanent signing, they brought in 2024 Champions League finalist Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund for around $28 million. Currently sitting four points off a Europa League spot with an extra game played, these additions to the squad may significantly contribute to Villa’s push for another season under the bright lights of European football.

Some of the most captivating transfers happened in the middle of the table, as the

mid-table teams strengthened their rosters in order to avoid falling into the bottom half of the table. Manchester United, for instance, brought in young full-back Patrick Dorgu from the Serie A club Udinese, who can certainly help soften the defensive struggles Amorim’s side has been facing. Furthermore, 2021 Champions Leaguewinning left-back Ben Chilwell departed Chelsea on loan to the other side of London, signing for Crystal Palace. His performances have been far from satisfactory over the past few years, and he lost his place in the squad to the Spaniard Marc Cucurella. Hence, this move may allow him to rediscover his quality while getting more minutes.

Tottenham Hotspur also had an active window, signing a much-needed backup keeper Antonín Kinský from Slavia Praha. While he got off to a strong start against Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, his performances since then have been questionable. On top of that, they signed a promising striker in Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy next summer.

Despite a turbulent negotiation process that allegedly involved Tel rejecting owner Daniel Levy to his face, he finds himself at Tottenham

Hotspur Stadium for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, at least.

On the other hand, sometimes, the loudest statement that can be made is silence, such as Liverpool and Arsenal, choosing not to bring in reinforcements amid a heated title race. While Liverpool currently lacks depth in the defense, Arsenal currently lacks depth in the offense. The extent of Arsenal’s injury crisis is so dire that a former Real Sociedad center defensive midfielder is currently playing striker. What’s even more unbelievable is that it‘s working, with Mikel Merino locking in a late brace against Leicester to secure the three points on Matchday 25. On the other hand, Liverpool has been shaky since the new year, only keeping three clean sheets in the last 13. With a lack of squad rotation, players such as Andy Robertson, Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konaté are visibly tired, leading to dropped points against Everton, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in the last few matchdays. The decision by both clubs not to add any players to the squad is certainly bold and will contribute to the title race extensively, as both teams will surely drop points due to their weak areas, which they refused to improve.

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

Sidney Crosby hoists the inaugural trophy after a Team Canada victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Softball Splits Invitational in South Carolina

By EMILY PADEGIMAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Back in South Carolina for the second time this season, Fordham Softball went 2-2 in the Garnet and Black Invitational in Columbia.

Fordham opened its weekend with a 2-1 win over the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels.

The Rams quickly sprung into action in the bottom of the first. Junior Neleh Nogay led off the game for Fordham with a bunt single. She advanced to second on a throwing error and then to third on a wild pitch. Sophomore Mikayla Swan followed this up with an infield single and stolen base to put two on with no outs for the Rams. Senior Sydney Wells knocked a single to the right side to score Nogay. An RBI groundout by junior Eva Koratsis plated a second run for Fordham, giving the team an early 2-0 lead.

Junior pitcher Holly Beeman held UNLV scoreless through three innings, but their bats woke up in the top of the fourth. The Rebels led off the inning with a single and double to narrow the Rams’ lead to 2-1. Beeman shut down the scoring for UNLV after the one run. Later, she faced trouble in the top of the seventh — with two on and no outs — but forced two flyouts and a pop-out to work out of the jam.

The Rams failed to push any more runs across, but the tworun first and Beeman’s effort in the circle was enough to secure the victory.

What started as a close game two of the invitational turned into a 9-1 mercy-rule loss as Fordham took on the host, No.

24 University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Rams tried to score early against the nationally rankedteam. They worked the bases loaded with a walk, single and hitby-pitch, but were unsuccessful in getting on the board when a double play ended the inning. Fordham later paid for leaving runners on base without scoring when sophomore pitcher Olivia Simcoe gave up a solo home run in the bottom of the first, falling behind 1-0.

In the top of the fifth, though, Wells smacked an RBI double off the left-field wall to score senior Allie Clark, tying the game 1-1. South Carolina answered with two runs on a single in the bottom of the inning, retaking a 3-1 lead.

The Gamecocks exploded in the bottom of the sixth, adding six runs to their lead. Simcoe gave up one run on a two-out single before freshman Victoria

Athletes of the Week

At the Atlantic 10 Championships this week in Hampton, Virginia, senior Christian Taylor clinched three bronze medals. He claimed bronze in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke, breaking his own Fordham record (set in the preliminaries) in the latter competition with a time of 47.24. He also claimed the bronze as part of the 200 freestyle relay team, helping Fordham Men’s Swimming and Diving place seventh overall in the competition.

Klimaszewski came on in relief. She struggled out of the bullpen, unable to get the last out for Fordham. The reliever gave up five runs (two credited to Simcoe, three to Klimaszewski), three hits and two walks before the Rams were mercied in five and 2/3 innings. Simcoe took her third loss of the season.

After a blowout in its first game on Saturday, Fordham dropped its second game of the day to UNLV in agonizing fashion: a walk-off home run for a 3-2 loss. Similar to game one versus the Rebels, the Rams struck first with Nogay on the bases. She singled to lead off the game, then stole second, moved to third on a batted ball and scored on an RBI groundout by Wells. Fordham tacked on another run in the top of the fifth. Freshman Sophie Nesturrick led off with a walk. Later that inning, a single by freshman Morgan Volgraf sent Nesturrick home to extend the

Rams lead to 2-0.

Freshman Elizabeth Gaisior was dazzling through the first six innings, allowing one run on a solo shot in the bottom of the fifth. What seemed like a certain, wellearned win quickly turned sour in the seventh when Gaisior gave up a walk-off, two-run homer to the Rebels. The freshman continues the search for her first collegiate win, despite putting on a strong performance at the invitational.

Game four against the Boston University (BU) Terriers became a pitchers’ duel, ending in an extra-inning 1-0 win for Fordham to close out their weekend in South Carolina.

The Rams scored a lone run in the top of the eighth inning. In what seems to be a common theme, Nogay touched home to put Fordham ahead. She reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second and then scored on an RBI single from Koratsis.

With Beeman in the circle

for the Rams, the Terriers went down in order in the bottom of the eighth to secure the team’s second win in the invitational. The reigning Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week limited BU to just five hits over eight innings, striking out three in her effort.

Beeman’s pitching continues to carry Fordham, as she improved her record to 4-2 on the season. This weekend, the senior tossed another accolade-worthy performance, allowing just one run over 15 innings in Fordham’s two victories. Pitching was not entirely the problem for the Rams this weekend. Gaisior pitched well against UNLV in game three, but with only a one-run lead, she had no room to make mistakes. Although the second game versus nationally ranked South Carolina ended in a blowout, Simcoe held the Gamecocks to just three runs before the big sixth inning. Where the Rams continue to struggle is their offense. They scored just six runs and allowed 13 this weekend. Excluding game two, Fordham has only outscored their opponents 5-4. They were outhit in every game. All three opponents the Rams faced in the Garnet and Black Invitational are strong teams with winning records, so the fact that the team had three one-run games and held South Carolina within two for five innings is commendable. Fordham improved their record to 6-8 this season.

The Rams have an off week before starting a busy stretch. Starting March 5, they head to New Rochelle with a game against Iona University. The team will then travel to Harrisburg, Virginia, to play in the Lakeside Book Company Tournament beginning Friday, March 7.

Varsity Calendar

At the Atlantic 10 Championships this week in Hampton, Virginia, senior Ainhoa Martin defended her titles in the 400 individual medley and 200 breaststroke. This performance made her only the second Fordham swimmer to ever defend her A-10 Championship titles in two different events, alongside Megan Polaha, GSB ’17. Martin also claimed silver in the 200 individual medley race and bronze as part of the 800 freestyle relay team, where the team set a school record. Christian Taylor

Ainhoa Martin

Infielder Sophie Nesturrick competes for the Fordham softball team this season. COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS

What Happened to the Game I Love?

By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

In 2023, former NBA player and ESPN broadcaster Mark Jackson famously bemoaned, “what happened to the game I love?” in response to what he considered a blasphemous flagrant foul call. His quip quickly became a rallying call for all those disenfranchised by the radically changing landscape of the NBA — the abundance of threes, the lack of defense and the load-management of star players. In recent weeks, as the NBA finds itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, I’ve found myself reciting this proverb more than ever before.

It’s been 10 days now since the culmination of the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend, though it feels that the event’s outfall has generated more buzz than the event itself.

The Golden State Warriors hosted the event and the three main competitions: the three-point contest, the dunk contest and the AllStar game, which took a new tournament form this year. Historically, these events have been a glowing bastion of the sport of basketball, with each competition yielding memorable moments, year after year. In 2025, that glowing bastion is more of an eye-sore than an attraction.

The event’s sudden downfall is almost incomprehensible. Much of the NBA’s lore and legend derives from the league’s midseason festivities, which have run since 1951.

Larry Bird famously won his third consecutive threepoint contest with his warmup jacket on, cementing his status as the then-greatest shooter of all time. Aaron Gordon and Zach LaVine glued the NBA world’s eyes to their screens as they dueled in the dunk contest, leaping from the free-throw line over mascots while pulling off mid-air 360s and between-the-legs windmills.

The All-Star game, at its best, has seen the league’s premier superstars, spanning generations, leave blood, sweat and tears on the hardwood in a battle for East vs. West glory.

Now, the weekend stands as a shell of itself. Kevin Durant, among others, thinks it should be scrapped altogether.

What happened, and where

does the NBA go from here?

Let’s start with a recap of the weekend’s scintillating events. The three-point contest featured household names like Cam Johnson and Norman Powell, along with one of the league’s greatest flamethrowers, Cade Cunningham. Johnson and Powell, of course, are highend role players without a large following, while Cunningham sports a measly 33.5% career conversion rate from beyond the arc. Stephen Curry, the game’s greatest shooter, did not compete.

The dunk contest was won — for a third straight time — by Mac McClung, who is not even on an NBA roster. What was once an event belonging to Vince Carter and Dominique Wilkins has become a showdown featuring G-Leaguer and 3.9 PPG scorer Andre Jackson Jr. In all fairness, McClung’s dunking highlights may well be the weekend’s saving grace: the dunk contest hasn’t featured superstar competitors in years, but McClung’s performances have inspired some of the NBA’s biggest stars to consider competing in the future.

The most entertaining part of the weekend came during the Skills Challenge. Veteran point guard Chris Paul and second-year phenom Victor Wembanyama exploited the event’s loosely written rules by errantly heaving every basketball they touched in rapid fashion before moving on to the next stage in order to finish with a faster time — they were subsequently banned. Ironically, in a weekend marked by lethargy, the only two people who cared enough to try and win did so in the laziest way imaginable.

The main event came a night later — the evercoveted All-Star game. Except, for the first time ever, the All-Star game wasn’t a game. It was, rather, a tournament between four teams, including the elected all-stars and the winners of the weekend’s less-promoted Rising Stars game. The product was as pitiful as any in the 77-year history of the NBA.

The games were each played to forty points, making them incredibly short; for a majority of the All-Star game’s most successful years, the NBA has opted for a full 48-minute game.

The players were content

to take half-court heaves and allow opponents uncontested dunks, but, to their credit, seemed at least marginally more interested in playing basketball than in years prior. While player effort is a massive issue, the real issue lies at the source of this lack of effort.

As the teams traded mostly uncontested shots from distance, a Jayson Tatum hot streak eventually forced a timeout. It was at this point that the game ceased for an impromptu performance by Kevin Hart. It is rare that one sees a 5-foot-4 man on a professional basketball court; it is rarer when this occurs unbeknownst to the unassuming and non-consenting players and public during the first quarter of the finals of the NBA All-Star tournament.

And yet, it is remarkably apropos — it is the epitome of what the NBA All-Star festivities have become: an embarrassment to the sport, a laughing stock for the rest of the sports world and an emblem of the Association’s recent plummet in popularity.

After a stunning 20-minute break from play that saw Hart conduct a roast-adjacent ceremony “honoring” the crew of Inside the NBA on TNT — a stoppage long enough to make the players cold and increase their risk of injury, further encouraging them not to try — the evidently disgruntled players returned to the floor.

Reflecting on the bizarre moment, Tatum remarked, “I think the toughest part [was when] they stopped the game to do the presentation while we were kind of halfway through it… It was kind of tough to get back into the game after that.”

“At the beginning you have the energy, the adrenaline… and then you sit for 30-45 minutes. That was tough, to be honest with you,” added Donovan Mitchell.

Upon resumption, the affair quickly culminated after just 11 minutes of actual basketball with an uncontested Tatum dunk — and Wembanyama, who seemed to be the only one upset that the game was ending, was mad at his teammate Alperen Sengun’s lack of effort on the game-ending play.

In total, the All-Star tournament ran for three hours. Only 27 minutes of actual

basketball were played and 80 minutes of advertisements were run.

The antics began before the players even took the court. LeBron James, the biggest name in basketball, opted out of the game at the last moment — who can blame him? His absence is representative of the AllStar game’s biggest problem: a pride deficiency.

Players have no reason to play, let alone try. There is no pride or prize to be gained in victory, and none to be lost in defeat. Resting means that you’ll be better fit to help your team win when the season continues. James’ choice to sit out, along with other stars like Antetokounmpo and Anthony Edwards, is as understandable as it is frustrating for fans.

How can a player be convinced that they ought to try when most players played around six minutes the entire night? How can a player be convinced that they ought to try when Kevin Hart hosts a roast of the players mid-game? How can a player be convinced that they ought to try when their play is interrupted by a Mr. Beast half-court challenge? From all angles, the new All-Star format is entirely unserious — and that’s where NBA commissioner Adam Silver needs to step in.

Players like Draymond Green have been outspoken in their interest in making All-Star Weekend the spectacle it once was. When Green was asked to rate the Weekend’s current format from zero to 10, his answer was simple: “zero.”

He considered the 40-point mini-games an affront to the players’ efforts, saying, “You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40 [points], and then you’re done. This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama, who just took this game really seriously.”

Curry has gone as far as to meet with Silver in order to discuss a few potential solutions. While this event — and this whole year — leaves a dark blemish on the NBA’s legendary legacy, hope is not lost.

The game and the weekend may never be as competitive or exciting as fans hope, but it can absolutely be better. The majority of this lies on the shoulders of

Silver, who ought to return the game to its traditional East vs. West format and restrict the player pool to the 24 best players, not allowing the “Rising Stars” to participate in the main event. Alternatively, Silver could embrace the wishes of stars like Antetokounmpo, who want to see a USA vs. World format.

The game ought to be 48 minutes or consist of three 12-minute quarters and an untimed fourth quarter with a target score — this method, the “Elam ending,” was successful during its implementation in the 2020 All-Star game. Cut out the performers and cut down on the ads — above all, let the players play.

The rest lies on the players themselves, who seem mixed in their interest to put forth a full effort in the weekend’s festivities. That said, if even a couple of stars venture to participate in events like the dunk contest, it could give the NBA the momentum it direly needs in order to put on a successful main event. Give players bigger incentives for winning individual competitions and the main game; adopt the NHL’s former policy of restricting who they allow to sit out the game with injuries.

From there, it would be on the players to talk amongst themselves and agree to play with a specified degree of effort. Half-courters and dunks are fun and ought to be showcased, but so should lockdown defense and marquee matchups, especially as the clock winds toward zero. This balance between exhibition and competition is not only attainable but more enjoyable for everyone, from the players to the fans to the league itself.

The game we love is not dead, but lost — it’s in a period of soul-searching, if you will. The NBA All-Star Weekend has long been a celebration of the sport and its players — the hallmark of everything the league is. At a time when the NBA itself is under fire for the product it puts out and the poor ratings it draws, it feels especially necessary for players and league officials to coalesce and revive the All-Star weekend. If they do a good job of it, they just might revitalize the league itself.

Men’s Basketball Adds Aleksa Vlajic to 2025 Class

By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

A new Ram has joined the herd.

Serbian forward and center Aleksa Vlajic has committed to Fordham Men’s Basketball for the 2025 season, he announced via his Instagram last Wednesday. The international talent stands at 6 feet, 10 inches, 225 pounds and profiles as a stretch big unafraid of handling the ball and slashing inside. His international tape

shows his knack for taking the ball coast-to-coast, finishing from the post in a variety of ways and launching threes over undersized competition.

Vlajic has some experience as a professional in the ABA League’s Dubai BC and KK Dynamic Balkan Bet in the Basketball League of Serbia. Prior to joining Dubai BC, Vlajic spent extensive time at the Junior ABA’s Falcons Academy Dubai.

Elsewhere, Vlajic spent time on the Adidas NextGen EuroLeague U18 team and

the U18 Serbian National Team. He’s also played at the U18 level for KK Crvena Zvezda.

Making the trip to the United States for his final season before college basketball, Vlajic has found a new home at the Hoosac School in Hoosick, New York — the same school that Fordham freshman guard Aleksander Pachucki starred at for three years. He has helped propel Hoosac to 97th in the national prep school rankings, averaging a whopping 20.2 PPG, 10

RPG and 3.5 APG on 44% shooting from deep. It was reported that Vlajic drew interest from high-major programs like Creighton University and New Mexico University, but he ultimately landed in the Bronx to marshall the Rams in their fight to the top of a loaded Atlantic 10 conference. He made an official visit to the school on Oct. 29, 2024, before committing last week. It is likely Vlajic will see an immediate role with Fordham as a freshman, with the team’s two primary big men

— graduate students Abdou Tsimbila and Matt Zona — in their last year of eligibility. He’ll join forces with former four-star recruit, freshman Jaden Smith, to anchor the Rams’ frontcourt for the foreseeable future. Vlajic will join high school seniors Troy Henderson and Reggie Grodin as the third member of Fordham’s 2025 recruiting class. As he was born on April 4, 2006, he will be 19 by the time he suits up in the maroon and white next fall.

A Successful Run for Swim in A-10 Championship

By GRACE MCCARRON SPORTS EDITOR

The Fordham swimming and diving team wrapped up competition at the Atlantic 10 Championships in Hampton, Virginia, on Saturday, Feb. 23. The men’s team placed seventh overall, while the women’s team took fourth place in the championships.

On day one at the southern Hampton Aquaplex, the women set a new Fordham record in the 800 freestyle re-

lay. The team of seniors, made up of Ainhoa Martin, Jessica Zebrowski, Leire Martin and Emilie Krog won bronze with a time of 7:17.59, breaking the previously-held Fordham record of 7:18.45 set last year.

On day two, A. Martin and Zebrowski added on to their successful campaigns. Martin claimed silver in the 200 individual medley, and Zebrowski took silver in the 50 freestyle. It was a big day on the men’s side as well. Senior Christian Taylor clocked his season-

best time of 19.90 seconds in the 50 freestyle to earn the bronze. Taylor was the first leg of the 200 freestyle relay team, taking third place along with sophomores David Topi and Daniel Ribiero, capped off with senior Vitalis Onu.

On day three, Zebrowski got another medal for the Rams, taking bronze in the 100 butterfly clocking her season-best time of 53.87 seconds. An-

other highlight came when A. Martin defended her title in the 400 individual medley, and L. Martin took the bronze in the 100 backstroke, clocking her seasonbest time of 54 seconds. The 400 medley relay team of swimmers L. Martin, senior Emma Shaughnessy, A. Martin and Zebrowski recorded a season-best time of 3:40.95 to take fourth place. On the men’s side, Taylor claimed another medal, a bronze, and

broke his own school record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 47.24. Taylor’s original school record was set in the preliminaries. The Fordham men took home two individual medals and one relay medal, with a new school record for the 100 backstroke thanks to Taylor. The Fordham women claimed six individual medals and one relay medal alongside the school record for the 800 freestyle relay.

Baseball Wins First Game of Season

By NOAH HOFFMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS

Fordham Rams Baseball traveled to North Carolina this past weekend for four games at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina.

The Rams opened up the weekend with a back-andforth battle against Harvard University, securing its first victory of the season with a 14-10 win. The matchup was the first between these programs since 1936.

The Rams opened the scoring in the second inning with a string of singles. Senior Cian Sahler and sophomore Madden Ocko led off with back-to-back base hits, putting runners on the corners for sophomore Matt Dieguez, who drove in Sahler with an RBI knock.

Two batters later, freshman Caden Young kept the momentum going, adding

another single and scoring Ocko. An error extended the inning and scored a third run before two singles from junior Daniel Bucciero and graduate student Reid Lapekas pushed Fordham’s advantage to 5-0. Harvard responded quickly with two in the bottom of the inning. In the third inning, Young cranked a three-run home run to left, his second homer of the season, to reextend the Rams’ lead to 8-2. Six unanswered runs by the Crimson, including two two-run homers, knotted the game at eight by the fourth inning. The score remained tied until the sixth, when Harvard took its first lead on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single, making it 10-8. Fordham rallied in the seventh inning. Sahler led off with a hit-by-pitch, followed by an Ocko single. Graduate student Andrew Kanellis drove them both in

with a two-run double to tie the game at ten.

The Rams regained the lead when Kanellis scored on an error in the next atbat. Fordham added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings for senior Gannon Brady who shut the door on the 14-10 win for his first collegiate save. He pitched the final three innings, not allowing a run or hit while striking out two.

Following up this thrilling victory, the Rams were on the receiving end of a scoring onslaught in their second game of the weekend, falling 15-2 to Indiana University. Indiana started the scoring in the first inning, plating two on a pair of walks, an RBI single and an RBI groundout.

Fordham responded with two in the bottom half of the first when graduate student Jack Brennan and freshman Taylor Kirk both

scored and opened the inning with a walk and single. However, that was all the scoring for the Rams on the day, as they only mustered four more hits for the game, all singles.

Indiana regained the lead for good in the third inning, when an error in center field cleared the bases. Then the Hoosiers added four more in the fifth inning, two in the seventh and another four in the eighth en route to the 15-2 win.

The Rams squad capped off their weekend losing both their games versus the Northwestern Wildcats. All the scoring in game one’s seven-inning affair came in the first, beginning with a two-run home run from the Wildcats’ senior Bennett Markinson. The Rams cut the lead in half in the bottom of the frame when Kirk singled, advanced to second on a hit-by-pitch and scored

on Ocko’s single to right. From then on, it was a pitcher’s duel between Fordham graduate student Mike Rabayda and Garrett Shearer. Rabayda only allowed those two first-inning runs over six innings and struck out nine, but Shearer only allowed the one over seven complete innings, striking out six.

In game two of the doubleheader and final game of the weekend, the Rams jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage in the second inning. Kanellis led off the frame with a single to left and scored on sophomore Carson Chavez’s double down the right-field line. Two batters later, Brennan scored Chavez on a single. The Wildcats then evened the game at two. Markinson hit another two-run shot to left in the fourth inning. Northwestern took the lead an inning later on an RBI single and extended it to 6-2 on a three-run homer from Markinson, his third of the day. Fordham tacked on a third run in the sixth on an RBI single, but that would be the end, as the Wildcats scored two more in the seventh and one in the eighth, cruising to a win with a final score of 9-3.

The Rams return home to The Bronx for their home opener on Feb. 26 when they will face Iona at Rose Hill’s Houlihan Park. They then travel to Florida’s Boca Raton for a three-game weekend series against Florida Atlantic University.

Fordham at the plate in North Carolina.

Fordham Women’s Swimming and Diving celebrates at the A-10 Championships.

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS

Fordham Swimming and Diving wrapped their season at the Atlantic-10 Championships.

Fordham visits Florida Atlantic next.

Men’s Basketball Struggles to Find Pulse

By ELIZABETH COLLINS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

As we approach March, the Fordham University men’s basketball team is hunting for the strategies and lineups that will allow them to end their season on a high note. However, the Rams could not seem to find or employ them in time for their recent games against the Duquesne University Dukes and Davidson College Wildcats.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the Rams battled the Dukes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, looking to earn their second win against them this season following their Jan. 26 game that ended 65-63 in the Rams’ favor. While the matchup remained relatively close, the Dukes earned redemption with their second-half performance.

By six minutes into the first, the Rams brought their lead to seven, 17-10, but the Dukes slowly chipped away at it throughout the half, eventually reaching the first tie of the night with 5:35 on

the clock, 24-24. A seven-point run by the Rams earned them another lead, 31-27, but the Dukes scored four in a row before the break, tying it again, 3131, at the half.

At the beginning of the second, the matchup remained neckand-neck until about five minutes in, when the Dukes’ senior guard Jahsean Corbett scored a layup that sparked a 10-2 run to increase their lead to 46-37. The Rams cut the advantage to four but trailed throughout the half. Then, a run by the Dukes increased their lead to 11. With three minutes on the clock, the Rams got within seven, but the Dukes held on for the 73-64 win.

With the win, Duquesne improved to 11-15 overall, 6-7 in the Atlantic 10, while Fordham fell to 11-15 overall and 3-10 in the conference. Senior guard Jackie Johnson III scored 20 points for the Rams, as graduate student forward Matt Zona added 12 and junior forward Joshua Rivera and graduate student guard Japhet Medor

each scored 10. With the Rams coming off three consecutive losses and the Davidson Wildcats coming off two, each team desperately needed the win in the Rose Hill Gym on Saturday, Feb. 22, to begin their desired A-10 run. In their January matchup, the Rams were down 46-20 at the break, and while they narrowed the lead throughout the second half, they ultimately fell 74-64 to the Wildcats. This time around in the Bronx, the Wildcats dominated once again; while they are near the bottom of the league in field goal percentage and defense ability behind the arc, they persistently held the Rams down.

A pair of three-pointers from Johnson III led Fordham to an 8-2 lead three minutes into the first half, but soon after, mirroring consecutive threes from the Wildcats tied the score 8-8. Sophomore forward Jahmere Tripp drove to tie it again at 10 with 13:30 remaining, but the offense then froze. The Rams began to struggling setting up

their defense, and the Wildcats took advantage, as they built an 18-point lead, 34-16. The Rams entered a brutal five-minute scoring drought, allowing Davidson to score 14 consecutive points until a Zona three broke it with 3:36 remaining. At the half, Davidson led 41-24.

While the Rams thrive off the momentum they often bring to begin second halves, they struggled to find it on Saturday, as the Wildcats scored the first five points of the half less than a minute in. The deficit later increased to 20, 57-37, before the Rams made a notable dent in it with an 18-11 scoring run to cut the lead to 13. Defensively, Fordham adjusted their game as they began to exert full-court presses, forcing the Wildcats out of their rhythm as they struggled with the extra pressure on each possession.

After a Johnson III driving layup, the Rams brought the game within seven, 69-62, following a 10-3 scoring run. A pass to Rivera from Medor gave them the chance of a two-possession

game, but Rivera missed the alley-oop, and the win quickly left Fordham’s reach as backto-back triples from Davidson brought their advantage to double digits with two minutes left to play. The game ended 80-69.

The Rams were unable to play cleanly for an entire 40 minutes on either side of the court; their defensive game, especially, allowed Davidson to thrive early on. With the loss, Fordham falls to 11-16 overall and 3-11 in the conference, while Davidson improves to 16-11 overall, 6-8 in the conference. Johnson III scored 21 points and Tripp scored 17, adding ten rebounds.

The Rams will continue to test and seek what game plans work best for them as they enter the home stretch of their season. They will travel to Virginia for their Wednesday, Feb. 26 matchup against the George Mason University Patriots and will host the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks on Saturday, March 1 in the Bronx.

Women’s Basketball Wins a Close One, Loses Another

By IAN NELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

After a loss at home against Virginia Commonwealth University, Fordham Women’s Basketball hosted the Duquesne University Dukes at the Rose Hill Gym on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The game was close the whole way as the Rams and Dukes hustled for every single bucket. In all, the game saw nine ties and 15 lead changes with neither side leading by more than eight points in the game.

In the first quarter, the

Rams struggled to generate offense and relied on junior forward Rose Nelson who scored six of the teams’ first 12 points. The Rams trailed 16-14 at the end of the first quarter. The Rams picked up where they left off in the beginning of the second quarter, missing open shots and failing to come down with much-needed defensive rebounds. In addition, the team also had multiple charging fouls called on them in the first half. The Rams trailed by five at the half after junior guard Chaé Harris knocked down a three-pointer with

under 30 seconds to play, making the score 31-26.

The Rams picked up the intensity in the second half, outscoring Duquesne 30-22. Neither side led by more than four points in the final quarter, with the leader changing six times. Trailing by one with 2:36 to play, Duquesne sank a pair of free throws to pull ahead 53-52. When in need of a score, Harris pulled up for a jumper with 1:02 and drained it to give the Rams a narrow victory over the Dukes.

The leading contributors for the Rams on the night included Harris with 15 points,

Nelson with 11 points and five rebounds and junior forward Kaila Berry added 10 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Coming off the victory the Rams headed to Ohio to face the Dayton University Flyers. The Flyers got out to a quick start in the first quarter, outscoring the Rams 18-8. But the Rams would not be put away as they closed the gap more and more each quarter. Unfortunately, though they did whittle down the lead, they were not able to take a lead themselves. Dayton held on to win 62-57.

The Rams struggled on the glass, getting out-rebounded 56-34 while allowing 30 offensive rebounds. To win a game in Division I college basketball, you cannot allow an opponent to impose their will on you on the offensive glass. Leading contributors for the Rams were senior guard Taya Davis with 20 points and five assists and graduate student forward Irene Murua with 10 points. With just one game remaining in the regular season, the Rams look to go out on a high note on Saturday against Davidson College.

Overtime: A Struggle Against Undeserved Obscurity

By IAN NELSON ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

Roger Craig was the perfect modern running back. The only problem is that he played mainly in the 1980s.

At the college level, Craig played three full seasons at the University of Nebraska from 1980-82. In his time there, he rushed for 2,446 yards and 26 touchdowns, averaging 6 yards per carry. He was an essential piece at running back in Head Coach Tom Osborne’s I-formation option offense.

In 1983, after completing his college career, Craig entered the NFL draft, where he was selected as the 49th pick by the San Francisco 49ers. He stood out from the start, totaling 12 touchdowns in his rookie season. Craig soon became known for his high-knee running style and pass-catching ability. While playing in the NFL, he was a pioneer who helped change the role of running backs.

Craig played eight seasons with the 49ers, reaching the postseason in each. Alongside quarterback Joe Montana, Craig would win three Super Bowls. In his first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XIX, Craig rushed for 58 yards, caught seven passes

for 77 yards and became the first player ever to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl as the 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins 38-16.

Yet, even with a Super Bowl ring and touchdown record, the highlight of Craig’s career would come during the following season. In 1985-86, Craig became the first player in NFL history to run and receive for at least 1,000 yards in the same season. Since then, only Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey have achieved this feat. He ran for 1,050 yards on 214 carries and led the NFL with 92 catches for 1,016 yards while scoring a team-high 15 touchdowns. Craig, Lydell Mitchell and Chuck Foreman are the only running backs to lead the NFL in receptions for a single season.

But he wasn’t done there. In 1988, Craig was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He ran for a career-high 1,502 yards and caught 76 passes for 534 yards, leading the league in total yards. During week seven against the Los Angeles Rams, he scored three rushing touchdowns while running for a career-high 191 yards. In the 49ers’ 20-16 win over Cincinnati in Super Bowl XXIII, he rushed for 71 yards and caught eight passes for 101 yards, making him the first running back to have 100 receiving yards in a Super Bowl. Then in the 1989 season, the 49ers returned to the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. Craig supported their efforts by amassing 1,527 combined rushing/receiving yards

and seven touchdowns in the season. In San Francisco’s 55-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV, Craig rushed for 69 yards, caught five passes for 34 yards and scored a touchdown.

In eight seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, Craig played in 121 games and missed only seven, and five of those games were in his final season. After leaving the 49ers, Craig played three more seasons in the NFL, one with the Minnesota Vikings and another two with the Los Angeles Raiders. He appeared in the postseason in each of his 11 seasons and made the Pro Bowl four times (1985, 1987-89). He finished his career with 13,143 total yards and 73 touchdowns, 56 rushing and 17 receiving. Craig’s career résumé is very

strong, which begs the question: Why is Roger Craig not in the NFL Hall of Fame?

He set records, won the biggest game of the season three times, consistently made the postseason and changed the role running backs play in an offense. Yet, people have repeatedly denied his entry to the Hall of Fame on the grounds that his career statistics, particularly rushing yards, make him undeserving. These people should grow up. If statistics were the only thing that mattered, then Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone are better basketball players than Michael Jordan because they have more total points. However, any basketball fan would know this to be false because Michael Jordan’s impact on the game of basketball cannot be encapsulated by looking only at statistics.

All in all, I have made my position on this matter unambiguous. Roger Craig deserves to be in the Hall of Fame for the records he set and the way he modernized the running back position.

This article is dedicated to Roger Craig and the fools on the NFL Hall of Fame election committee. Can we please get this man in the hall already?

CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM

The NFL Hall of Fame selection committee has once again denied Roger Craig’s admittance into their exclusive club.