The U.S. Department of State named Fordham University a top producer of Fulbright students for a second consecutive year at the end of last month. Fulbright students typically apply for a year of graduate study or research abroad, or they can become an English Teaching Assistant (ETA).
Lorna M. Ronald, Ph.D., director of the Office of Fellowship Advising, advises Fordham students interested in applying. Approximately 400 scholarships are awarded annually by the Fulbright Scholars Program in over 135 countries. A directory of scholars is available on the U.S. Fulbright Program website.
“Students apply for a Fulbright award as soon as the beginning of senior year,” said Ronald. “In the application, you need to make the case for why you are the right person to go to [a] particular country to
SEE FULBRIGHT, PAGE 4
The Fordham Ram
Fordham Receives $100 Million Donation to Build STEM Building
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
Fordham University has received a $100 million grant to build a new STEM building. The gift is courtesy of Maurice Cunniffe, FCRH ’54, and Dr. Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe, Ph.D., GSAS ’71, and is the largest in the university’s history. Fordham plans to use the gift to break ground on the building, which will be built where the surface
parking lot is currently.
This building is part of Fordham’s plan to improve its STEM program to make the university more competitive.
“Fordham envisions a future where its distinctive STEM programs will make Fordham a top choice for students, faculty and industry partners who want to ignite discovery, drive innovation and address complex global
Fordham Parts Ways with Mens Basketball Coach Keith Urgo
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
Fordham University Athletics will be “parting ways” with Fordham Men’s Basketball Head Coach Keith Urgo, Fordham Athletics announced Thursday, March 20.
Earlier this year, Fordham self-imposed a four game suspension on Urgo due to unspecified recruiting violations. Urgo has been with Fordham for three seasons, with the Rams going 25-8 overall in his first year. However, in the following years the team had less success going 13-20 last season and 12-21 this season. According to the announcement, the university will begin a national search for a new head coach.
challenges,” said Roger Milici, Jr., PAR ’22, vice president for development and university relations. Plans for the facility have been in the works for nine months, but it is not yet known when construction will begin.
“We don’t have a firm start date at this time, but the construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months,”
By CAITLIN THOMAS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
The FitzSimons Presidential Initiative on Civics and Civility hosted its first presentation for its Lunch and Learn speaker series on Wednesday, March 12. Anthony Berry, the civics and civility fellow in the Office of the President, announced the mission of the new speaker series in an email on March 7.
“We are witnessing significant shifts in the separation of powers and new pressures on the levers of democracy,” he said in the university-wide email. “This is a critical moment to deepen our understanding of the American system of government and the institutional values at stake.”
Michael Baur, associate professor of philosophy and adjunct professor of law at Fordham University, gave the first presentation, “The Rule of Law: What is it and Why Does it Matter?”
Walk to Remember: Fordham and the Fight for Suicide Prevention
By SINCLAIR MCKINNEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fordham University’s second annual Out of the Darkness Walk will be on Saturday, April 5, as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) returns to the Rose Hill Campus. Co-chairs Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, and Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27, call students to reignite open conversation about mental health issues and hope to provide a network for all Fordham affiliates who
have been affected by suicide. Free onsite registration for this event begins at 1 p.m. and the event starts at 2 p.m. Like last year, the campus loop begins in front of Keating Hall and moves through the Rose Hill campus in a clockwise direction. Participants will pass in front of Freeman Hall, continue straight until Campbell Hall and circle behind Martyrs’ Court before passing the front of Hughes Hall and heading back to Keating’s front steps. “We always want to show
2
Fordham Hosts Second Annual Catholic Women Speak Event
COURTESY OF FORDHAM NOW
The new building is set to be built on the surface parking lot near the Botanical Garden.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETCIS
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Faber Hall
March 17
4:25 p.m.
On Monday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in Faber Hall. The supervisor responded and freed the student.
Fordham Hosts Second Annual Catholic Women Speak Event
Off-Campus
March 20
4:45 p.m.
On Thursday, an employee reported they parked their car on Southern Boulevard near Fordham Prep. When they returned, someone had broken the window of their car and removed their laptop. The supervisor responded and contacted the NYPD to respond and prepare a report. A review of a video identified an offender.
The second annual Catholic Women Speak event was held in the McShane Great Hall with over 100 people in attendance.
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
Queen’s Court
March 22
11:50 p.m.
On Saturday, there was a fire alarm in Queen’s Court. The supervisor and FDNY responded. The alarm panel showed a water flow problem on the fourth floor. Facilities responded and corrected the problem. The supervisor reset the alarm panel.
Fordham recently hosted its second annual Catholic Women Speak event, which highlights conversations surrounding Catholic women and their experiences. The event hosted a variety of speakers from Fordham and other universities.
Three Fordham undergraduates, Lauryn Sweeney, FCRH ’25, Mollie Clark, FCRH ’26 and AnnaMarie Pacione, FCRH ’26, created the event. They worked alongside Carol Gibney, director of Campus Ministry solidarity and leadership.
“[The students] did a really wonderful job of leading the conference on all levels,” said Gibney. “[It was great] to watch them step into the role with competence, intelligence and with keen eyes for detail and to do so joyfully,” she continued.
Last year, the event hosted around 40 attendees, and this year, the number went above 100. The organizers had to move from McShane Room 311 to a larger space in the McShane Great Hall.
Natalia Imperatori-Lee, FCRH
’98, Ph.D., a professor of feminist theology at Manhattan College, was the keynote speaker and kicked off the event with her lecture “Do We Still Need Feminist Theology?”
“Feminist theology shows us all the ways in which religion can be a force for good in the world even if we don’t have a lot of evidence for it being used that way,” said Imperatori-Lee. “I wanted to be setting the tone for the day [by saying] ‘this is still relevant, this is still important,’ and I wanted to support the initiative of the undergraduates who were working so hard.”
The keynote speaker from the event last year told attendees to read Imperatori-Lee’s book “Women in the Church: From Devils Gateway to Discipleship.”
“After reading this book and watching Imperatori-Lee’s 2024 Madeleva Lecture at St. Mary’s College, which is the Catholic Feminist lecture each year, we were inspired by her work and wanted her to speak to our community, especially considering she is an FCRH alum,” said Sweeney.
The student organizers aimed to include more diversity in their discussions this year.
“We definitely hit more of the intersection of different social justice issues. Like sexism is intrinsically connected to racism and to homophobia and to hurt for the earth,” said Pacione. “And so this year, instead of just uplifting women’s voices and stories, which we obviously did, we also did so through the lens of justice issues.”
The event had attendees from Fordham and local high schools, as well as viewers from all over the country online. The group has been working with other Catholic groups to spread awareness for the event.
“We attended the IFTJ [Ignatian Family Teach-in for Justice] last October, and there were a couple of groups that were tabling, and AnnaMarie very thoughtfully began to give out some fliers and information about it there,” said Gibney.
The event concluded with a women-led communion service. Last year, the event ended with a Mass. However, the organizers wanted to prioritize women’s voices, so they moved to the chapel in the University Church basement for this year.
This Week at Fordham
Wednesday March 26
The Hot Notes 54 Below 9 p.m.
Want something fun to do this Wednesday night? The Fordham University Hot Notes are performing at 54 Below in Manhattan!
Thursday March 27
Women’s History Bepler Commons
12 p.m.
The Center for Community and Engaged Learning and the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity are hosting a women’s history month event!
Friday March 28
Free Pizza Sketch Black Box Theatre 12 p.m.
Go to the Black Box Theatre on Friday for a comedy show by the Free Pizza Sketch Comedy club! Make sure to get there early so you get a seat.
Saturday March 29
Women’s Tennis Fordham Tennis Courts 12 p.m.
Head to the tennis courts with your friends and cheer on the Fordham Women’s Tennis team on Saturday as the they play against St. John’s University!
“I never dreamed that there would be this liturgy in the Chapel of Our Lady that was just totally organized by and for non-men,” said Imperatori-Lee. “And it was awesome.”
Former Fordham professor Maureen O’Connell, Ph.D., preached at the service.
“At the very end, we had everyone bless each other; we thought that was going to be like five seconds of people talking to the people around them,” said Pacione. “But instead, it burst into everyone blessing each other and people laughing and people crying and everyone standing and applauding, and it was a pure moment of true elation.”
The group plans to reach out to everyone who attended as they begin discussions for next year’s event.
“Very few things have given me hope for the Church lately, but this really does,” said Imperatori-Lee. “It gives me hope for Fordham, it gives me hope for the church, it gives me hope for the future of theology. It was one of the most hopeful days I think I’ve had in a really long time. It was really special.”
Sunday March 30
Softball Game Bahoshy Field
12 p.m.
Fordham’s softball team will play against St. Bonaventure on Sunday. Go support your fellow rams as they face off against the Bonnies!
ANNAMARIE PACIONE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Applications Open for 2025 MECCC Program at Montefiore Einstein
By JACK MCDONALD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Applications for the 2025 Fordham-Montefiore Einstein
Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC) Undergraduate Research Program closed recently.
The program is an eightweek comprehensive summer enrichment series designed to expose students to biomedical laboratory research at a top-rated New York City medical institution as undergraduates.
Applications for the MECCC program at Montefiore Einstein closed on March 17.
Students are paid for their experience and receive a stipend as part of the program’s collaborative manual.
Those who take part in MECCC must either be enrolled in Fordham University at Rose Hill or Lincoln Center or one of the CUNY institutions.
“The Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Undergraduate Research Program was made available to Fordham University students through the generous sponsorship of Dr. Ron DePhino, a distinguished alumnus of both Fordham University and Einstein Medical School,” said Kristina Ames, Ph.D., assistant director of cancer research training and education coordination at Montefiore Einstein.
DePhino is currently employed with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer
Center. He graduated from Fordham College at Rose Hill in 1977 with a bachelor’s in biological sciences and attended Einstein Medical School for his medical doctorate.
Ames noted how students are able to participate in hypothesis-driven research under the supervision of experienced researchers at Einstein, which gives students exposure to realistic medical investigation.
“Additionally, students benefit from workshops aimed at expanding their scientific knowledge and communication skills, participate in career development sessions, attend networking events, and gain exposure to advanced research tools through facility tours at Einstein,” said Ames.
Students are also required to deliver a pitch presentation near the end of the program, which consists of a research poster and an oral presentation.
“The program was first made available to Fordham students in summer 2024,” said Robert Beer, Ph.D., associate dean for STEM & pre-health education at Rose Hill.
“We hope the students will gain not only research experience but a comprehensive view of how medical research is carried out by attending seminars, meeting and working with investigators and their staff and learning scientific communication skills in a medical school setting,” he said.
Some students who were previously part of the program had already engaged in medical research, including Diana Plaza, FCRH ’27, who was part of the “Beyond Albert” program with Einstein Hospital in high school. “I researched leukemia in high school, using zebrafish as a model organism,” said Plaza when asked about her prior experience.
“I was excited to research a different cancer, so last summer, I studied the effects of a certain air pollutant [PM2.5] on lung cancer,” she said.
Similar to some of her peers, Plaza has a personal connection to cancer diagno-
sis. “I applied for the MECCC program because one of my relatives was diagnosed with cancer and recently re-diagnosed with a different cancer, so I felt a strong personal connection to study in this particular field of scientific research,” she noted.
Her interest in oncological research prompted her to return to Einstein for the MECCC program. Plaza also noted how Einstein’s program is one of the few of its kind in the Bronx.
“During my time in the program, I did learn essential lab techniques such as cell culture, cell dosing and immunoblotting,” she said. “I wanted a competitive program for my resume since my career goal is to earn a Ph.D in Cancer Biology and create my research project, and this program did teach me how to write strong scientific papers, presentations and posters,” she said. Plaza also described the opportunities students gain to explore specific types of oncological research.
Participants in the MECCC program should also have a strong science background and interest in pursuing scientific research for the complete eight weeks. The program is set to take place from
Student Research Argues Memory is Not Only Based on Experience
By TASNIMAH RAHMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Maeve McClure, FCRH ’25, is currently engaging in research about the complexity of memory.
She is seeking to diminish the idea of a more straightforward concept of memory, which is that it is experienced and remembered.
Since her junior year, McClure has worked under the guidance of Elissa Aminoff, Ph.D., to answer independent study research questions. These questions include, “Is memory influenced by the valence of visual stimuli, and is there a relationship between perceived stress and encoding or recognition of visual stimuli?” according to McClure.
McClure emphasizes the complexity of memories and says that there is more to people’s experiences of the world around them and how it affects their memory.
“There are many types of memory, like learning how to ride a bike is different than remembering your 10th birthday party (procedural versus episodic memory), but actually remembering learning to ride a bike is the same type of memory as remembering a birthday,” she said.
Her research question focuses on how memory relates to scenes to mimic what people experience as their episodic memory: memories of one’s life events.
“Memory is not concrete when you experience and remember something. People may misremember or remember what didn’t occur,” McClure explained.
McClure’s interest lies in the type of memory that is influenced by what a person is seeing and their internal state.
“I was interested in looking at different types of scenes, whether positive, negative, or neutral; the valence of the scene stimuli impacts memory accuracy and/or specificity, and internal feelings of stress using the Perceived Stress Scale,” she said.
“The project looked at both of these potential factors in memory separately, as well as their interaction with each other. [I’m] specifically interested in stress for this.”
Her project looks at different types of scenes, how participants remember scenes and if one’s stress impacts remembering those scenes.
She seeks to answer if it is one’s internal state or
interpretation of what is being seen that influences one’s memory.
“There’s a lot that goes into memory, a lot having to do with what the memory is of, if it’s positive or negative, and your internal state and how that’s influencing your perception of the world around you,” she said.
To explore these questions, McClure recruited a total of 112 participants ranging from age 18 to 45. The only requirement for participants was to be native English speakers in order to understand consent forms and related matters.
Being a part of the summer research program, she received a stipend to pursue her project.
McClure spent a lot of time picking out visual stimuli she would showcase for scenes. She carefully selected particular types of stimuli to present to participants, mimicking episodic memory.
Stimuli needed to be of mildly positive, negative or neutral valence. A negative scene would be like traffic; she did not want the scenes to be too extreme, as they needed to represent what could be encountered in a person’s day-to-day life.
“Previous research does
suggest that if there’s just one in the set of stimuli that’s very negative, for example, it should be remembered even more so than the rest, and it could throw off the project,” said McClure.
McClure presented each participant with 120 images during phase one encoding. In phase two, they saw 120 images again during a memory task, except they were slightly different the second time.
“Half of these were the same images seen during encoding, and then we had a quarter of new images. They had not seen anything like them but still fit the criteria,” she said.
A quarter of the images were different versions of the same scene.
An example is seeing two images of dentist offices to test how specific people’s memories are. Do they remember if they saw a specific dentist’s office versus another one?
On a nine-point scale, participants rated 120 images according to how positive or negative they thought they were and emotionally intense, making it operational online rather than on paper.
The nine-point scale is
inspired by the SelfAssessment Manikin, a pictorial tool used to assess a person’s response to stimuli, which she modified to fit the purposes of the study.
“It was a long study, with many images, but we got a lot of good results. It was good that we had enough stimuli for participants and for us to detect results,” she said.
The entire study ran online and was taken on participants’ desktop computers. McClure conducted Python analyses to code data files and calculate what she needed. In the fall, she worked on her Python script for the project, a tool for recalculating and avoiding human error while analyzing 112 participants’ data.
After graduating, McClure plans to complete writing her paper on her project by next fall and look into Ph.D. programs in the neuroscience field. She will present her project at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and to the Vision Sciences Society in May.
“It’s exciting to experience having my own project, and it solidified my decision to want to apply to a Ph.D. program, to do this as a career, because I’ve just loved it so much,” she said.
The Montefiore Medical Center in Norwood, Bronx, NY. has its entrance on Gun Hill Road.
COURTESY OF HUGO L. GONZÁLEZ/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Michael Baur Speaks to Fordham Community
FROM FITZSIMONS, PAGE 1
The rule of law is a social and political principle that orders our society. Baur highlighted that the rule of law includes the three Cs: the common good, consensus and constraint (or nonarbitrariness).
“The important thing to keep in mind when we talk about the rule of law is that the rule of law means government that is not arbitrary or partial or capricious or willful,” said Baur. “Government that is non-partial is government for the sake of the common good.”
When something is nonarbitrary, it is based on logic or reason instead of personal whims or favoritism. Baur differentiated between the rule of law and the rule of men, a personal-style of rule that lacks a legal system, to underscore the importance of a non-arbitrary government. He felt it was important to give this presentation now because of what he views as the recent disintegration of the rule of law.
“We are beginning to see the signs in our country of the breakdown of the rule of law,” said Baur. “I wanted to not only explain what the rule of law is but how we should make sense of the breakdown of the rule of law and what, if anything, can we do about it.”
Baur says that because agencies that protect national parks, foreign aid, government-funded media outlets and education are being defunded and dismantled, the importance of working for the common good and avoiding acting on personal whims is becoming evident.
“The Department of Education is in the midst of disassembling itself, and it’s questionable whether the ways of disassembling these administrative agencies is even legal, so the question about
whether the rule of law still exists is a living question that didn’t exist before,” said Baur.
However, Baur underscores the fact that we have the ability to cultivate civility. He suggested that we can work to counteract this loss of confidence in the rule of law by having conversations, especially with those we disagree with.
“On the level of the national conversation, anyways, it’s really hard to see if there is a common good,” said Baur. “But my hope and my expectation is if people talk to one another more locally, they’ll see the common goods they do share that make possible the better narrative than the one we have now.”
Kim Watkins, a master’s student at the Fordham Graduate School of Education, attended the event and resonated with Baur’s idea of cultivating civility.
“My passion is getting people involved in local civic responsibility and engagement,” said Watkins. “I actually think we should be really focusing on how students understand the specific issues that affect them on the day-to-day basis.”
Watkins is the director of curriculum at Cristo Rey High School in Harlem. She says she can see herself incorporating this key takeaway about civic responsibility into her work with students there.
“The idea of any disagreement having the basis of an underlying agreement beneath it is huge, and it applies to every aspect of the teaching that I do at Cristo Rey and even what I am learning about in terms of the master’s program,” said Watkins.
Her school is part of the network of 40 Cristo Rey Jesuit high schools in the
Fordham Rich In Scholars
FROM FULBRIGHT, PAGE 1
teach English or pursue a project you identify [with].”
The Fulbright program has selected 26 Fordham students over the last two years, which Ronald says is not a coincidence.
“We have a supportive community and a robust advising process,” said Ronald. “Students meet with us all through the summer on essay drafts, and they also work with faculty mentors, often experts in the region or field, to ensure that their proposals make sense.”
Fordham has had Fulbright awardees for quite some time. “Now, we do more outreach to make sure that everyone who is a US citizen knows they can apply,” Ronald said when asked about Fordham’s history with the
United States. The school operates as a work-study program, primarily located in areas with disadvantaged students. As her students get a glimpse into the professional world, they can also learn the importance of civil responsibility and practice respectful disagreement.
Alexa Davidson, FCRH ’25, also attended the event. She feels that events like this are important because they show that people are interested in and willing to learn about current events. She also acknowledges that these conversations are more difficult to have than one might expect.
“I agree with Professor Baur that it is very important to have conversations with people you disagree with and to actively listen to what others are saying in order to better unders tand where they are coming from and why they believe what they do,” said Davidson. “When confronted with a difficult conversation, I try to employ Professor Baur’s advice of finding common
ground. However, that is easier said than done.”
Baur argues that we must start small or locally. If we can find good in the people around us, especially those we disagree with, we can start to see a broader common good and consensus. This presentation highlighted that individual civic action strengthens the rule of law.
“Because civics and civility is the very medium through which we can express our shared humanity, we can’t possibly talk to one another about our common humanity, our common vulnerabilities, and our common problems if we can’t have a framework, and it’s often a legal framework, for solving and addressing those shared concerns,” said Baur.
Consensus might feel like a far-off fantasy in an increasingly divided political climate. However, Baur clarifies that consensus is not necessarily about total agreement on issues. Instead, it is about creating a foundation of respect for others and the common
good, allowing for healthy debate and disagreement.
The FitzSimons Initiative will continue to host Lunch and Learn speaker events throughout the semester. On Monday, March 24, Melissa Labonte, Ph.D., presented about foreign aid. The next presentation will be on April 4 at Lincoln Center.
“I hope that students and all those who attend can feel more informed about each given topic and feel compelled to get more involved civically in some way,” said Berry. “That could be through learning more on their own about one of the topics, deciding to call their local or federal representatives’ offices to make their voice heard, or simply finding the opportunity to talk about what’s going on with their friends and family.”
Information about the initiative and its events can be found on Fordham’s Office of the President webpage.
program. “It’s not just for the 4.0 students, although we do of course welcome them as well!”
Fordham has plans for the future to ensure the program is effective in the future, attracting students to pursue their academic goals further.
“We aim to keep improving our visibility, to make sure that all students know we’re here to think with them about their plans and goals and help them find great opportunities to apply for,” said Ronald.
In February, the State Department paused all of its spending for review, which included Fulbright spending. Currently, Fulbright scholars are receiving reduced stipends with no clear timeline of when full funding will be resumed. It is unclear how this cut will affect Fordham Fulbright recipients.
ANDREW VENIZELOS FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Attendees gather in the McShane Campus Center to listen to the lecture.
Fordham Receives Biggest Grant in University History
FROM STEM, PAGE 1
said Marco Valera, vice president for administration.
According to Milici, the building is expected to cost more than $500 million.
“Our fundraising team will prioritize this project in the coming years, and we have already secured additional 7-figure gifts for the future building,” he said.
By NISHANTH ADUMA ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
For many Fordham University students, unexpected downpours can be a frustrating and disruptive part of the daily commute. To address this issue, the Commuting Students Association (CSA) has introduced “Rainy Day Rentals,” the university’s firstever umbrella rental service. The initiative aims to provide an accessible, sustainable solution for students navigating campus during inclement weather.
Any student looking to request an umbrella just needs to fill out a Google Form accessible via CSA’s Instagram bio.
CSA’s leadership has emphasized that this program is part of a larger effort to address the daily challenges faced by commuter students.
CSA Executive President Kellen Zeng, GSB ’25, framed “Rainy Day Rentals” as an extension of CSA’s evolving mission.
“The Commuting Students Association operates with the mission of improving the commuter student experience on campus,” Zeng said.
“This year, we have adopted a philosophy that seeks long term policy changes and provides direct services that address immediate student
FROM WALK, PAGE 1 students that they are supported and not alone,” said Ruzicka. “We also want to remember those we have lost.”
AFSP’s website states that the organization works to lower the number of suicides amongst college students by working with universities to counter stigmas surrounding mental health and provide resources and community for students who struggle with thoughts of suicide. Ruzicka’s work with the organization began in high school, and in 2023, she initiated the organization’s partnership with Fordham. Since 2023, Ruzicka has been the chair of the AFSP inaugural Junior Board of Directors in New Jersey.
Last year’s walk had double the number of participants, as was the goal. Faculty, families, students and alumni showed up to support the cause. This year’s goal is to have over 100 participants and to focus on sponsorship and fundraising as all proceeds go to help AFSP continue providing free programming on campuses
The new building will house labs, classrooms, research facilities, a vivarium, rooftop greenhouses and a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Currently, Fordham’s STEM program resides in John Mulcahy Hall (JMH) and Larkin Hall. According to Valera, those buildings will be repurposed, but there is
no current plan at this time.
The construction is expected to be relatively noninvasive to campus life.
“Most of the work is confined to the parking lot, but it’s likely there will be some work on campus,” said Valera. “For example, running electrical lines to the site may require opening up a road.”
Beyond the new facility, Fordham aims to expand STEM inclusion at all three campuses. The university plans to expand the Lincoln Center campus’s computer science program and is launching a master of sciences in physicians assistant studies program.
“Approximately 48% of
CSA Launches Umbrella Rental Program
needs. The launch of our ‘Rainy Day Rentals’ umbrella program is one example of that.”
Severe weather conditions severely affect commuters.
“Last year, we saw firsthand how inclement weather, including record-breaking rainfall and citywide emergency declarations, impacted students who had to commute even when conditions became unsafe,” Zeng added. “This initiative is our way of responding to that reality in a tangible way.”
Executive Outreach Coordinator of CSA Natalie Kamble, GSB ’25, expressed her enthusiasm for finally seeing the initiative come to fruition.
“The implementation of this initiative is long overdue and something I have hoped to see at Fordham since my freshman year,” she said. “It is only fitting that CSA took the lead in addressing this ongoing challenge.”
Access to an umbrella is more than just a convenience for many students.
CSA Executive Vice President Crystal Wu, GSB ’25, reflected on a personal experience.
“I once got caught in the rain without an umbrella, and by the time I got home, I was completely drenched,” Wu said. “I ended up catching a cold, proving just how
much something as simple as an umbrella can impact our health.”
Executing “Rainy Day Rentals” required careful planning.
CSA took inspiration from an earlier initiative at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, where students could request an umbrella via text. However, bringing the concept to Rose Hill posed its own challenges.
CSA originally looked at working with external vendors for the umbrellas but decided that the costs associated would be too high. The team also had to decide on a pricing model and rental terms; students can now make a $9 refundable deposit to rent an umbrella.
“$9 felt like just the right amount,” CSA Sophomore Board Vice President, Nushana Alam, FCRH ’27 explained.It was not a double-digit like ten, which would scare people off, but it is enough that if someone decided to keep an umbrella, it would not be as much of a loss to us,” she said.
Students have five days to return their umbrella, though CSA has built-in flexibility. “We felt that five days would give students ample time to bring the umbrellas back, but if they need more time, we are always willing to work with
them,” Alam added.
Although “Rainy Day Rentals” was created with commuter students in mind, CSA made sure the program would be open to all students, faculty and staff.
CSA Senior Board Vice President Farhan Shafin, GSB ’25, noted the broader impact of the initiative: “The umbrella program is necessary because it offers a simple solution to a problem we will be facing frequently in the upcoming month.”
Shafin also mentioned an unexpected benefit. “We are also hoping to shift the current social stigma students have against using umbrellas on campus,” he said.
CSA is pursuing a variety of initiatives to improve the commuter experience.
CSA Sophomore Board Program Coordinator Joanne Pan, FCRH ’27, highlighted CSA’s efforts to strengthen community engagement.
“Being part of CSA means to lead and play an active role in bringing more engagement with other commuter students, so I hope our efforts will be reflected through this program with the accessible umbrella rentals,” she said.
CSA is also preparing for Spring Commuter Week, which will take place from
college-bound U.S. high school students seek to pursue a STEM major,” said Milici. “The future of Science education is at the intersection of STEM disciplines, so this facility will permit that type of pedagogy, and will allow Fordham to leverage its existing strengths in ethics, humanities, law and business.”
April 7 to 11.
Additionally, CSA recently partnered with Fordham’s Department of Public Safety to integrate the D train shuttle onto the TransLoc platform which gives students the ability to track the shuttle in real-time. “This is a major step forward in ensuring safer and more reliable latenight travel for the Fordham community,” CSA noted.
While “Rainy Day Rentals” is still in its early stages, CSA hopes the program will become a lasting resource for students. Alam acknowledged the work that went into bringing the initiative to life: “The journey for our initiative was not easy, and it will always be a work in progress as we continue to strive to improve wherever we can.”
With a focus on both immediate solutions and longterm advocacy, CSA remains committed to making Fordham a more commuterfriendly campus.
As Wu put it, “Access to an umbrella can help prevent students from getting sick and make their commute a little easier on rainy days, ultimately improving their student well-being.”
Fordham Walk Fundraises for Mental Health
across the country.
“Seeing all the families who showed up from off-campus was great,” said Sayegh. “It was great that through this on-campus project, we were able to build a community that went beyond campus.”
Sayegh helped with event sponsorships last year and became deeply involved with AFSP after attending the walk. As co-chair of the walk committee, she has focused on increasing fundraising and increasing student awareness and involvement. This year, the committee has increased opportunities for students to participate in fundraising. On March 12, students could purchase Chipotle and use a code for 25% of the day’s sales to be donated to ASFP. The committee also anticipates an on-campus bake sale to raise money.
There are various other ways to get involved and show support for ASFP and for the walk’s efforts. Students can participate, volunteer and lead teams of their peers at the walk. Those looking to be
more involved in operational efforts can also join the AFSP walk committee. Fordham’s mental health-related clubs can table at the event and all clubs and student government committees can register under teams to lead a group of participants. Local businesses can become sponsors, advertise at the event and spread awareness of the event while contributing to
creating a larger community effort.
“It feels like more than just a Fordham thing,” said Sayegh. “It feels like a community thing.”
By increasing student involvement, the committee hopes to make students aware of on-campus resources and to create a network of students who stand in solidarity with those struggling with
their mental health.
“It honestly felt amazing to see how willing people were to come together for this,” Ruzicka said. “I hope that this year we get more students involved to come out and see all the love and support their peers have for them.”
Pre-registration, links to donate and further information on this event can be found online.
The walk started last year and brings together Fordham students, staff and faculty.
MEGAN RUZICKA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918
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I was reading a book the other day — one of those cheesy Young Adult romance novels with cartoon characters on the cover. The one where the main character is “not like other girls” and has quirky characteristics like wearing glasses, liking weird foods and, yeah, having a dead mom. It got me thinking about just how many books, movies and television shows I’ve consumed over my 19 years of life thus far that had a main character whose mother died in their youth. It’s a cliché storyline that I encounter so frequently that it barely registers anymore. Writers use this loss of a parent as an easy shortcut to give a character depth, but in reality, these portrayals often feel shallow and disconnected from the actual experience of loss.
You may not even realize just how many books, movies and shows you consume that have a protagonist whose mother either died when they were a child, or is missing without explanation. Out of the 12 official Disney princesses, half of them don’t have a mother. Miley in “Hannah Montana.” Carly and Spencer in “iCarly.” The Tanner sisters in “Full House.” Cathy in “Wuthering Heights.” Peter Quill in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Olivia in “Lemonade Mouth.” Scout and Jem in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Even cartoon animals like Bambi
OPINION
From the
Desk | Cristina Stefanizzi
Am I a Disney Princess Too?
and Nemo suffer the fate of this overused plot point. These characters and their experience with loss isn’t explored; it’s just treated as a means for the characters to be independent for the sake of the story.
However, this Medium article from 2016 documented that, out of the 51 Disney Channel Original Movies aired as of 2016, six included a main character with a dead mother — just a little over 11%. This is more than double the percentage of children in the United States who lose either or both parents before the age of 18. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that loss of a parent before the age of 18 is rare; as of 2021, just 4.3% of children ages 0-17 have lost at least one parent.
And that’s the reality of this overused storyline. The majority of people don’t experience this specific hardship. These thousands of stories, films and shows aren’t relatable to the majority of the population. You can argue that they serve as a way of teaching children about loss or providing children with deceased parents with representation, but I don’t remember any of these movies, shows or books making me feel any less isolated from my friends who had two living parents.
So many of these shows, books and movies didn’t address the reality of losing
a parent accurately. They didn’t acknowledge the wideeyed stares from other kids, who still had living parents, looking at you like you were an alien. They didn’t show the reality of being sent on aimless walks around the school when it came time to make Mother’s Day cards in art class. They didn’t write about the reality of realizing you’d only have to save one seat at your graduation and wedding instead of two.
And, gosh, for as much as I watched “Hannah Montana” growing up, I always wished they would have given her plot line of a dead mother the justice and representation I looked for as a kid. (However, if you were one of the many teens living the life of an undercover pop star, that series would be a really great and relatable piece of media for you!)
I guess what I’m saying is, I’m tired of books, shows and movies using the dead parent storyline in a poor attempt to give a character depth and
Editorial | Student Journalism
childhood trauma. I understand that a children’s show solely surrounding the death of the main character’s parent would be depressing to watch, but most kids can’t relate to becoming a teenage pop star overnight or being the princess of a faraway kingdom. I want to see how these characters took the loss they faced and how they coped and grew from it. The loss of a parent doesn’t define someone — but it does impact them. Representation of lived experiences, even outside of the loss of a parent, is so important. It’s vital for people to see themselves portrayed in books, films and shows, to serve a sense of relatability, and even an avenue of comfort — especially for children. This representation, for it to truly be meaningful to viewers and readers, needs to be intentional and realistic. Otherwise, we’ll all just grow up thinking we’re Disney princesses.
The Undeniable Value of Student Journalism
The phrase “student journalism” tends to carry quite a bit of weight and meaning for all those who staff this nation’s numerous school newspapers. It perfectly encapsulates all our blood, sweat and (sometimes happy) tears in a neat, self-explanatory phrase, conjuring up images of late nights spent writing, editing and producing articles that may only ever be read by parents and close friends. More importantly, however, the phrase “student journalism” also captures our belief in and commitment to practicing journalism in its purest form: a form predicated upon researching, writing and producing articles for no other reason than a deep love for the truth, even if this truth operates at the small-scale level of everyday life.
It is, therefore, the belief of the editorial board of The Fordham Ram that the immediacy and local-first lens of “student journalism” may very well serve not only as a light in the darkness of this historical moment but also as a key touchstone for navigating and shaping one’s daily reality.
Consider, for one, how the current presidential administration is, by its own admission, undertaking a project that it calls “muzzle flash”: an endeavor to implement and change countless policies so quickly and simultaneously that both the media and the general public just cannot keep up with all that is
happening. This means that not only do stories and events worthy of coverage often fall through the cracks, but also that larger media companies willingly choose to only cover “the big questions.” Is this sort of presidential behavior normal or even constitutional? What does the future of democracy look like? What can be done to fight back?
Student journalism can provide a partial antidote to these dire problems, as school newspapers are, by virtue of their size and their focus on the immediate, able to center what falls through the cracks. What is missed, glossed over and generalized by larger media companies is picked up by school papers just like The Ram, where student journalism returns truth to its most visible and immediate form.
Take, for instance, a recent piece published in Boston University’s BU Today about the human impact of the Trump administration’s recent immigration policies. Instead of focusing on metanarratives about Trump’s broader policy vision and its constitutionality, it pulls the effects of immigration policy down to their most immediate and human level, highlighting what displacement actually means and looks like for those living on the margins of the immigration system. In other words, the piece speaks
of the migrants’ “palpable fear” of their now-dashed hopes and dreams and of the physical and mental trauma that is created by anti-immigration infrastructure.
Consider also the Columbia Spectator’s coverage of the Trump administration’s most recent flurry of executive orders. Their journalism redirects the conversation around these executive orders away from larger questions and towards a distinct focus on the policies’ impact on the actual human beings on campus. It speaks, quite powerfully, about a classics professor who is concerned about the immigration status of their students, about an interim dean of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons who is concerned about cutting costs and about a student leader who is concerned about the mental and physical wellbeing of their trans classmates.
Beyond this important role that student journalism plays when it comes to providing visibility and accountability in the political sphere, it also has the capability to guide individuals through meaningful aspects of their daily lives. Take, for instance, how it aids the students, faculty and staff who live and work right here at Fordham. Their lives are directed by a myriad of things that are mostly independent of federal politics — who our spring performer is,
how our basketball team performs and what events are occurring in and around campus. These everyday matters are important to people, and student journalism often acts as the touchstone for them, not only informing individuals of the “what” and “where” of issues, but also the all-important “why” and “how” behind them (i.e., those things which allow individuals to understand how to shape that which shapes them). Thus, without student journalism, these events would very likely not only remain invisible and unknown, but their innermost mechanisms, what makes them possible and how they can possibly be brought about or changed, would also exist in relative, far-away obscurity. While this all may be or may sound a bit self-congratulatory — after all, this article is, at its core, a bunch of student journalists talking about the importance of student journalism — it is the genuine belief of those of us at The Ram that student journalism greatly benefits local communities. Its immediacy, its focus on the daily and its commitment to truth of all sizes is perhaps exactly what is needed in this modern moment when life seems so chaotic and mindbogglingly fast that understanding the world around us, let alone changing it, seems like a far-away, distant possibility.
OPINION
Letter to the Editor:
Fordham’s Bureaucratic Bottleneck: Why OSI Isn’t
Dear Editor,
In its last issue, The Fordham Ram published an article regarding the Office for Student Involvement (OSI) and their management of student activities. In our experience as three former high-ranking officials in the United Student Government, we vehemently believe that the article misses the bigger picture about OSI and unfairly treats the individuals and allegations brought forward. Fordham’s Jesuit Mission of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and magis (striving for more) requires Fordham students to go deeper and further whenever evaluating issues around us and the world; the issue with OSI requires further examination than what was granted.
The challenges OSI faces are far more complex than the individual shortcomings described in the student petitions investigated in last issue’s article. Drawing on our experiences working closely with OSI, we contend that the focus on individual blame obscures the fundamental issues of limited resources, an expanding workload due to the increasing number of student clubs and a lack of institutional empowerment that prevents OSI from operating as efficiently as students would like. Student frustrations with delayed approvals, payments and event planning are symptoms of a university-wide challenge that requires a shift in focus from individual accountability to institutional power.
All three of us have dealt with our fair share of issues with OSI and Student Affairs in our senior roles, which is part of the job. Patience and resilience are two traits that anyone will learn in any professional role you take at Fordham or at any professional organization in the future. However, we took a proactive approach, boarding situations with stride, and learned to work alongside administrators, realizing it is a two-way street. This is not to invalidate the student experiences described in the prior article but to say that there’s a general lack of understanding of the hierarchical structures within (whether dysfunctional or not) OSI and Student Affairs. This experience can be likened to students expressing frustration with USG not recognizing our limited ability to handle issues and forward initiatives without the consent of Student Affairs.
The article states that “there have been numerous instances where chronic delays in making payments and consistent issues when
scheduling meetings with [OSI staff]. They say these delays contributed to an overall work environment that negatively impacted both students and staff.”
“The letter details ‘negative effects’ on students as a result of shortcomings within OSI, alleging that [OSI staff’s] actions have delayed club approvals, slowed student payments, and hindered event planning.”
However, this is a Universitywide challenge, not an OSI problem. Without the right structures, no individual can single-handedly overcome bureaucratic hurdles. The University has many checks and balances to reduce liability and risk whenever they are making decisions, which conflict with students’ expectations about responsiveness and productivity at any office at Fordham. If students are frustrated by the pace of approvals and support, the conversation needs to shift to how Fordham, as an institution, can provide better operational efficiency, not just how OSI can do more with less.
A striking reality is that OSI operates with limited staff and resources while managing an ever-growing list of responsibilities. If students truly want a more responsive and efficient OSI, the conversation should focus on increasing staff support for the office.
Recently, Fordham has undergone many significant physical infrastructure projects that have improved the student experience and opened up new opportunities. Nonetheless, along with the necessary investment in infrastructure, Fordham should not neglect the fact that OSI is the faceto-face contact between students and administration. Without a well-funded and functioning OSI, students will not receive a good quality experience at Fordham, regardless of the building improvements. There have also been instances where Fordham prioritized budgeting over student resources. An investment in the student experience should transcend cost cutting.
Student workers in the Office for Student Involvement at Fordham University are consistently overburdened, undertrained and misdirected, which has led to a profound dysfunction within the office. The workload is disproportionately distributed, with some workers tasked with excessive responsibilities while others are left with little to do, creating a sense of inequity and burnout. The lack of proper training and guidance leaves many student workers unprepared to
handle their duties, resulting in confusion, mistakes and inefficiency. This lack of clear communication and leadership undermines the quality of their work and impedes the office’s ability to support and engage the broader student body effectively. As a result, the office struggles to meet its objectives, leaving the workers and the students they serve frustrated and disillusioned.
We believe the University Administration needs to empower entry-level positions for OSI employees, provide decision-making opportunities and have more direct oversight over OSI low-level decision-making. The challenges OSI faces are not just about one person’s leadership — they’re about how much autonomy and resources are given to the oth
er support staff and assistant directors. If OSI struggles to approve events or funding quickly, it is not because of unwillingness. Rather, the office doesn’t have the necessary authority and manpower to process requests at the speed students expect.
The exponential growth of student organizations is another overlooked factor in this landscape. USG continues to approve new clubs every year, adding to OSI’s workload. However, OSI is not expanding at the same rate. The number of staff members responsible for managing clubs has remained relatively stagnant while the number of clubs they oversee has ballooned. Delays in responses or event approvals aren’t a sign of OSI ignoring students — they’re a sign that the office is overwhelmed (and understaffed). In our view, OSI is growing slower while student organizations are expanding exponentially. This creates a recipe for bottlenecks, not because of individual overloads, but because of simple math.
If we want a student involvement office that can meet student needs efficiently, we should be advocating for institutional investment in OSI, not placing blame on the people working tirelessly to keep things running. Let’s push for real solutions — more staff, funding and more empowered office staff and student workers.
Lastly, the individuals at the Office for Student Involvement are some of Fordham’s most caring and public service-oriented individuals. During our tenures, we worked and were advised by people that without them, Fordham would only be a classroom and not a home.
The individuals in Student Affairs work countless hours
Meeting Students’ Expectations
and nights outside of a nine to five to ensure that events, meetings, clubs and organizations, run efficiently and professionally. Yes, there are discussions to be had, but whenever approaching issues, it’s also incredibly important to point out the plethora of positive things that the Office for Student Involvement does for Fordham. The article from the last issue of The Fordham Ram lacks discussion of OSI’s inherent importance and positive impact on the undergraduate student body.
Ultimately, the Office for Student Involvement needs attention, support and empowerment to succeed, and there is still an opportunity to steer the ship into calmer waters.
Sincerely,
Briana Al-Omoush, Former Executive President of United Student Government, 2023-2024
James L. Serruto, Former Vice President of Facilities and Dining, 20232024
Santiago Vidal Calvo, Former Executive President of United Student Government, 2022-2023
McShane Campus Center’s renovations provided various student club rooms.
CATIE FLORES FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
JESSICA NOCE FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
The Office for Student Involvement is on the second floor of McShane.
McShane Campus Center holds the Office for Student Involvement.
OPINION
Monster or Martyr? Why Mangione Might Deserve A Mistrial
By MARY HAWTHORN MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
“Equal justice under law” is the foundation on which our nation’s legal system stands. Yet, in the case of Luigi Mangione, this foundation has crumbled due to prosecutorial misconduct, political objectification and media influence. Regardless of whether you believe he is a monster or a martyr, these factors have undermined his right to a fair trial.
On Dec. 4, 2024, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was violently shot and killed outside of a New York City hotel. At the scene, the NYPD said it looked like a “brazen, targeted attack.” Eerie surveillance footage showed glimpses of the killer wearing a hoodie and mask before fleeing on a CitiBike. On Dec. 9, Mangione was “arrested [and taken into custody] at a McDonald’s after a customer alerted an employee who called police.” Now, almost four months later, Mangione is in the midst of litigation and is pleading not guilty to all charges. Based on the sharp arguments by his attorneys, it is evident that his legal team has set their sights on a potential mistrial.
Named a “social media folk hero” by Forbes, Mangione is a viral sensation. Despite being an alleged murderer, masses of people have shown overflowing support for the 26-year-old. This case has taken the nation by storm, sparking protests, calls to action and conversations surrounding the morality of capitalist culture. There was even an enormous “Free Luigi” mural projected on a building in Lower Manhattan this February. With extensive Reddit threads, Instagram posts and TikTok videos, the infatuation for this suspected murderer is both fascinating and disturbing.
This case is active, with the “next federal court hearing scheduled for April 18, followed by a state court hearing in June,” according to CBS News. I am in no way forming an opinion on Mangione’s guilt or innocence. Rather, I am attempting to answer the complex question: Has Mangione been given the right to a fair trial?
Firstly, Mayor Eric Adams “publicly discussed undisclosed evidence.” Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a lawyer for Mangione said, “Mayor Eric Adams and a top NYPD official improperly discussed evidence in the
case” and “may seek to get evidence gathered during his Pennsylvania arrest thrown out.”
“There is a serious search and seizure issue here ... We want to have the opportunity to litigate that,” said Agnifilo during a court appearance in February.
Additionally, Mangione’s legal team was “shocked that the NYPD chief of detectives and Mayor Adams were able to sit down with HBO and discuss evidence and their theories of the case for a documentary.” This is especially concerning, and a violation, considering “the prosecutors have yet to turn over key evidence — including a journal they allege is his ‘manifesto’ — that Adams at the NYPD official discussed on HBO,” according to Agnifilo.
Another example of the undermining of Mangione’s right to a fair trial was his dramatized perp walk on Dec. 20, 2024. This scripted spectacle with over a dozen armed guards illuminated Mayor Adams’ use of Mangione as “political fodder.”
Transferring the suspect from Pennsylvania to New York was nothing less than a grand ordeal. The New York Times described the scene as “cinematic,” with “Luigi Mangione, handcuffed and wearing an
orange jumpsuit, surrounded by a phalanx of armed law enforcement officers as they led him off a helipad.”
Agnifilo expressed her discontent with the perp walk, calling it “unnecessary” and “the biggest staged perp walk [she’s] ever seen.” This overthe-top scene highlights the prejudice Mangione is facing from government officials attempting to leverage their own public image. It is almost comical that Mr. Five-Count Indictment Mayor Adams is acting like he takes crime seriously. It is quite apparent that he has no desire to protect the people of New York, but rather, protect his own appearance and the people who buy him first-class airline tickets.
Agnifilo also argued that it
was illegal, “given that a perp walk is unconstitutional if not used for a ‘legitimate law enforcement objective,’ citing a Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruling, Lauro v. Charles,” according to The News Republic.
Ultimately, this case certainly exemplifies the messiness of the legal system and the difficulties of maintaining the presumption of innocence. Regardless of the outcome of this case, I hope that the United States courts prioritize honoring the Sixth Amendment and strive to attain justice the right way.
Open Gangway Cars: A Novelty or Cause for Concern
By EDUARDO MATEO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The introduction of the open gangway cars on the New York City Subway has undoubtedly sparked both excitement and concern among riders and transit officials alike. Recently, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) debuted two open gangway cars on Brooklyn’s G line, marking a significant shift in the design of the city’s subway cars. These new trains, lacking traditional doorways between cars, allow passengers to move freely through the entire length of the train. The idea behind this innovation is to improve passenger comfort and ease overcrowding, but it has also raised questions about safety, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about crime on the subway. As the MTA plans to order 80 more of these open gangway cars, the debate over whether this design is beneficial or problematic has become louder. While I can personally appreciate the MTA’s attempts to address overcrowding and make commutes more comfortable, I find myself questioning whether this change prioritizes the right factors, especially given the current climate of safety concerns surrounding the subway. In my opinion, the focus should be less on the comfort improvements these cars offer and more on ensuring that
riders feel safe when using the subway system.
First and foremost, the idea behind the open gangway cars is a good one: reducing overcrowding and improving passenger comfort. I can see how many commuters, particularly those on shorter lines like the G line, would significantly improve the ability to move easily between cars. When a subway car is packed, the ability to walk to another car and find a more comfortable place to stand or sit could ease the anxiety of commuting. I’ve been on crowded trains myself, and it is frustrating when there’s no room to breathe or even stand without being pressed up against other people. Having the option to find a less crowded car could offer relief and a more pleasant experience, which is something the subway system desperately needs.
Despite these potential benefits, we can’t ignore the concerns surrounding safety. Honestly, these concerns are where I’m most hesitant about the open gangway design. New York City’s subway system has always been a space where safety issues are a concern, whether it is dealing with harassment, theft or more serious crimes. With open gangways, it becomes too easy for someone to move between cars without being noticed. This, in turn, could
invite people to engage in inappropriate behavior, knowing that they have the ability to quickly slip from one car to another.
I personally can’t help but think that the MTA may be prioritizing comfort over safety in this instance. While I believe it is great that they’re trying to make the trains less crowded and more comfortable, I’d argue that safety should be a number one priority. In fact, according to the Gothamist, the MTA announced that they were ordering 80 more “open gangway” subway cars as part of a larger $1.3 billion order of 435 new train cars that are scheduled to be delivered by 2028. NBC New York also said, “The MTA says G-train riders will have a one-in-five chance of catching the new cars.” This also points out the fact that despite the focus on the betterment of the subway, the MTA is committing a substantial amount of money toward these new designs without fully addressing relevant issues on the subway. When the MTA is pouring such a large sum into updating the fleet, it’s hard not to feel frustrated that the primary focus is on comfort enhancements that could, at best, provide minor improvements, as the previous source mentioned how the G-train riders have a low probability of riding these new gangway cars. In my opinion, it would make sense
for the MTA to focus a large portion of that $1.3 billion on increasing security measures, improving lighting and making the system generally safer.
While I can see the potential benefits of open gangway cars, I’m not convinced that they should be the top priority when safety concerns loom large. Comfort and convenience are important, but they shouldn’t overshadow the fundamental need for safety within
the subway system. The MTA needs to balance these two priorities carefully, so the subway can truly serve the needs of its riders. If this balance isn’t met, the MTA may find that even the most comfortable train riders can’t make up for a lack of security.
Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26, is a Englishandpoliticalsciencemajor from Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Eduardo Mateo, FCRH ’28, is a political science major from Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic
The MTA debuted two open gangway cars on Brooklyn’s G Line.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Luigi Mangione appears in court for a procedural hearing.
Off to the Races: The 2025 NYC Mayoral Race Begins
By JESSICA RITTER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The fast-approaching race for New York City Mayor is coming in November, and polls show Andrew Cuomo, FCRH ’79, former NY governor who stepped down due to sexual assault accusations, is leading. New Yorkers seemingly look to the disgraced former governor as a replacement for Mayor Eric Adams, but he seems no different from Adams at all. In a sea of candidates, New York City flocks to the one they know, even if that means voting for Andrew Cuomo.
This mayoral race has been particularly interesting, coming soon after Mayor Adams’s indictment last September. While Adams is still seeking reelection, his approval rating is the lowest in nearly 30 years with only 20% approval.
In the crowded race, many Democratic Party candidates are fighting to win their primary in June. Cuomo and opponent state senator Zellnor Myrie, FCRH ’08 and GSAS ’13, are both Fordham alumni. Along with the Fordham alumni, there are 10 other candidates also in the running. What sets them apart
is their funding. Many of the candidates were able to qualify for match funding which doubled their donations and could make or break how long they are able to stay in the race.
Many of the lesser-known candidates, who are expected to soon be weeded out of the competition, have millions less than their opponents.
The candidates represent a variety of positions within the Democratic Party, from the super moderate to the far left. Zohran Mamdani is the most progressive candidate in the race as a democratic socialist who is popular on social media. While progressive ideas have seemingly lost favor in the Democratic Party, in the Trump era, as many Democrats are adopting centrist policies, Mamdani is standing his ground and actively campaigning to younger and underrepresented voters, recently visiting the Muslim American Society Bronx Muslim Center. Only about 12% of Muslims voted in the last mayoral election.
According to the New York Times, “The Working Families Party will also endorse a slate of progressive
candidates and is encouraging voters to ‘D.R.E.A.M.’ — Don’t Rank Eric or Andrew for Mayor. Several candidates, including Mr. Mamdani, support the idea.”
This will be the second mayoral election with ranked choice voting and ideas like D.R.E.A.M. as a result. NYC’s progressives want anyone who is not Cuomo or Adams, and it brings the idea that candidates could work together to take down bigger enemies.
Cuomo released a 17-minutelong campaign video in his announcement of joining the race. In it, Cuomo highlights his achievements as governor while making no mention of his disgraced exit from his position. Like many mayoral candidates who have come before him, he vows to be tough on crime and promises to put more police officers on the street. His campaign seems eerily similar to Adams’ in 2021. He has the most name recognition out of all the candidates, and clearly New Yorkers are dissatisfied with Adams. Cuomo also boasts a large campaign budget, including overflow from his gubernatorial campaign.
At this point, he is a clear front-runner in the race, but it’s disappointing to see. In his campaign video, he focuses on NYC’s past and how the government was apparently more efficient back then, but his focus on the past fails to paint a picture of NYC’s future. Cuomo’s main issue with the city is crime, as was Adams’, but the solutions he offers seem tired and mediocre. Cuomo’s video also describes what a “true progressive government” is, taking a jab at NYC’s progressives. While
Cuomo seems likely to win and has seemingly nothing to fear, jabs like this show a deep-seated fear of progressives and what NYC could be under them. In elections like these, the importance of voting is clear, and while it seems NYC may be doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past, it doesn’t have to.
Learning Through the Lens Of Community: Urban Plunge at Fordham
By ELEANOR SMITH STAFF WRITER
When I got to Fordham University my first year, I was shocked to learn that many incoming first-years had participated in Urban Plunge, a three-day pre-orientation program run by the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) that aims to introduce students to New York City through community engagement. All incoming first-years received an email asking if they wanted to apply to the program, but I probably deleted it immediately, as I had no interest in leaving home sooner than I had to. However, I soon realized that writing off Urban Plunge (or Plunge, as insiders call it) was a mistake.
By the end of orientation, I noticed that students who had participated in Urban Plunge (Plungers) were generally better adjusted than myself. They knew their way around campus, many of them already had good friends and they knew how to navigate New York City’s vast public transportation system. Plungers also learn important lessons about the Bronx and New York City as a whole. While it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings in a city as large as New York, Plunge serves to dispel negative stereotypes about New York City and the Bronx, helping students get to know their neighborhood and build lasting connections with the place where they will spend the next four years.
Because some of my closest friends did Plunge as first-years and loved it, I decided to apply to be an Urban Plunge Assistant (UPA) for my sophomore year. I enjoyed being an UPA so much that I returned to the same role my junior year and applied to be a captain for my senior year. Captains plan Urban Plunge over the summer, and as an UPA Support Captain for Plunge 2025, I’ll be working with other student leaders to develop training and support UPAs during the Plunge program.
As a first-year, I didn’t want to do Plunge because of the early move-in, but most students actually see that as a bonus — they get to know Fordham’s campus and make new friends before the craziness of first-year move-in day, when hundreds of students and their families come to campus for one of the busiest days at Fordham each year.
Incoming first-years have many different reasons for signing up for Plunge. Jack Forester, FCLC ’26, is the 2025 Senior Captain for Lincoln Center. When asked why he chose to sign up for Plunge, Forester said, “Plunge has a lot of community initiatives, and I wanted to be involved in my college community.”
Jake Esposito, FCRH ’26, is a Plunger Recruitment Captain for the upcoming Plunge. He told me that, although his mom initially pushed him to apply for Plunge as a
first-year, he realized that he was truly excited about the program while filling out the application. Esposito is a political science major who is interested in social justice, and Plunge aligns with his values. “There’s a widespread sentiment about the Bronx being an unsafe place and [students] live there just because Fordham is there,” he said. “It’s good to deconstruct these negative ideas about the Bronx.” Deepening the connection between Fordham students and their neighborhoods is one of the primary goals of Plunge.
Each year, Urban Plunge captains work to create a theme for the program. Some past themes have been “Build, Bridge, Begin” and “Establish, Nourish, Flourish.” The theme helps to focus the program. “[Social justice work] can be overwhelming because there’s so much to do as an advocate, but having a theme helps to split that work up into more manageable parts,” said Esposito. Nicola D’Abundo, GSB ’26, and an Education and Formation Captain for Plunge 2025, agrees. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, and that can make it feel like progress is difficult. But that’s exactly why Urban Plunge matters — because it grounds students in the reality of the world they’re stepping into,” he said.
I also spoke to a first-year who was in my Plunge group for 2024 about her experience in Plunge. Caroline Lindsay, GSB ’28, said, “Compared to
orientation, Plunge felt more personable. Maybe it was the longer time periods the group spent together or the group activities.” During Urban Plunge, students spend all day with their Plunge groups traveling around the Bronx and New York City to visit community engagement sites, enjoy food at local restaurants and reflect on what they have learned. “Socially, Plunge was transformative for me,” Lindsay said. “I’m in very strong contact with many of the people I met during Plunge.”
The friendships formed and lessons learned in Plunge change participants’ lives for the better, which is why so many come back year after year as UPAs and Captains. I was elated to learn that Lindsay, who was my Plunger last summer, is applying to be an UPA for Plunge 2025. D’Abundo and Esposito have both participated in Plunge every year they’ve been at Fordham, as have many of my friends. “This program is one of the most important things Fordham offers incoming students,” said
D’Abundo. “Plunge isn’t just a program for me, it’s a transformative experience for everyone.”
I’m confident my fellow captains would agree when I say we’re incredibly excited for Plunge 2025. “We want students to have the courage to own their voice at Fordham,” said Forester. “And that starts with Urban Plunge.” I regret not doing Plunge as a first-year, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate as a student leader over the last few years. UPA applications will be closing on March 31, and I encourage anyone who is interested to apply. As Esposito said, “even if you think the program isn’t something you would use in your professional future, Plunge is about more than that. It will impact your life in a major way.”
Eleanor Smith, FCRH ’26, is an American studies and history major from St. Paul, Minnesota.
First-year students taking the plunge at a community engagement site
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI//THE FORDHAM RAM
Jessica Ritter, FCRH ’25, is an English and Film & TV major from Huntington, New York.
Former Governor Cuomo is currently leading in the NYC mayoral race polls.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
Navigating News In A Digital Age
By RORY DONAHUE STAFF WRITER
In today’s digital age, social media makes information more accessible than ever. While news organizations embrace digital platforms, we must stay cautious against misinformation on social media.
The digitalization of the news industry offers many advantages, including continuously updated information through live blogs, multimedia integration and faster reporting.
Thinking back on the past two decades, I have seen firsthand how the news industry has evolved. My first exposure came through my parents’ Wall Street Journal subscription and their nightly habit of watching the local news. By the time I got my first phone, digital news had emerged, but print was still a significant part of the news industry. I did not start seriously consuming news online until high school.
As I embark on my months at Fordham University as a journalism student, my habits and the industry’s approach to news have changed dramatically. My daily routine starts with a scroll through TikTok and Instagram, where I catch
up on last night’s stories. After that, I check my email for breaking news updates from NBC and the New York Times. Lastly, I head to the New York Times app to play Wordle. Traditional news mediums are no longer the primary choice for younger audiences. This is no surprise to me. Instead, platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels and podcasts offer more accessible storytelling. As a result, news organizations have had to adapt while independent creators gain traction as trusted sources.
Immersive video experiences are taking the spotlight in the industry, showcasing advances in video editing software to tell compelling stories. Social media platforms provide opportunities for short-form news clips, livestreamed events and more personable reporting.
Creator Johnny Harris capitalizes on high-quality visual content for all platforms and has amassed over eight million followers, focusing on political journalism. He exemplifies how creators have embraced the future of news, particularly by integrating influencer-like strategies with
journalistic content. I appreciate how this blend makes news more engaging.
Social media is often the most efficient way to stay informed through our daily habits. However, for breaking news situations with constant updates, I prefer researching online for quicker updates. My preference highlights a crucial question: How can we ensure people engage with accurate news reporting with the surge of mass information on social media?
While social media has made information more accessible, it emphasizes the importance of media literacy, as these platforms create a “breeding ground for misinformation.”
Determining where independent news creators are sourcing their information can be difficult. National news organizations have sections on their websites outlining the publishing principles behind their content, such as the New York Times’ ethical journalism handbook. That is why it is best to stick with familiar sources.
Though misinformation labels have been implemented, research shows they only offer temporary relief and are
Younger audiences have turned to social media for news consumption. miss it, I know the future lies in embracing the new. The opportunities that digital media has created for storytelling are far more valuable.
ineffective in stopping the spread. People often ignore the warnings and engage with the content regardless. This further emphasizes the need for media literacy courses to be implemented at all stages of higher education.
Print media is another key aspect of the changes in the industry, as studies show that the ability to recall information was significantly higher when people consumed news that way. In 2024, 26% of United States adults consumed news in print.
As a former Ram staff member, I find print media to hold nostalgic value, reminiscing on the stacks of newspapers in the production rooms. While I
Despite concerns about misinformation, social media news consumption continues to rise and will likely remain dominant. As college students, we are at a pivotal point in deciding which news sources we trust. Keep that in mind as you consume information digitally.
Rory Donahue, FCRH ’25, is a digital technologies and emerging media major from Haverford, Pennsylvania.
Fasting, Reflection and Growth: the Personal Benefits of Lent
By GIANNA TETRO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Each year, as Lent approaches, millions of Catholics prepare for 40 days of fasting, reflection and self-discipline. Days or even months before, Catholics reflect on what food or material items plague their everyday lives so they can decide what to give up. Then they reflect on how they can better others, deciding what almsgiving they will practice. But what if you don’t consider yourself Catholic or even religious? Could Lent still offer something meaningful? In a world obsessed with selfimprovement, with trends like “Dry January” and intermittent fasting, Lenten practices can suddenly seem less like an outdated religious tradition and more like a structured path to personal growth. Lenten practices can benefit anyone because they encourage self-discipline, mindfulness and intentional reflection. Taking time to evaluate our habits, set goals and challenge ourselves can lead to personal growth in ways we might not expect. Some students already embrace Lenten-inspired habits without the religious framework, using this time as a personal challenge to reset and reflect. Could Lent be the next big secular self-improvement trend? Or does removing it from its religious roots strip it of its deeper purpose?
While anyone can adopt Lenten practices, it is essential to remember that at its core, Lent is not just a self-improvement challenge – it is a
profoundly spiritual season of preparation for Easter, rooted in repentance, sacrifice and a closer relationship with God. For many religious observers, reducing Lent to simply “giving something up” for personal betterment overlooks its purpose and long-time standing. It is essential to recognize that Lent is a time of reflection on Christ’s sacrifice, not just a structured period of self-discipline for Catholics and many Christians.
However, for nonreligious people, Lent can be about self-discipline, reflection and growth – which all attract people outside of formal religion. Many nonreligious individuals are drawn to structured challenges that encourage mindfulness and self-improvement, making Lenten practices surprisingly relevant today.
Consider “Dry January,” a month-long commitment to abstaining from alcohol. While not structured in religious tradition, this challenge helps individuals reset their habits in the new year, improve their health and increase awareness of their relationship with drinking. Similarly, intermittent fasting, which has become a mainstream wellness trend, promotes self-control, healthier eating habits and even mental clarity. These practices share common ground with Lent, where fasting is used for discipline and reflection.
Whether religious or secular, fasting has been linked to numerous psychological benefits. Studies suggest that delayed gratification strengthens
self-control, helping individuals make better long-term decisions. Beyond the physical benefits of fasting, such as improved metabolism and increased energy levels, fasting encourages mindfulness, forcing individuals to be more intentional about their choices. These structured challenges offer a sense of purpose, proving that intentional self-denial can lead to growth rather than deprivation. Whether someone participates in Lent for faithbased reasons or as a personal experiment in self-improvement, the underlying message is the same: stepping back from indulgences and giving alms to others allows for greater clarity, control and a renewed sense of self and purpose.
I interviewed some Fordham students to see what nonreligious and religious people think about adopting Lenten practices. Lizzy Hageman FCRH ’28 didn’t seriously commit to Lent, saying, “I kind of joked about eating less sugar and not watching as many YouTube Shorts, but neither of those goals were met.” However, she mentioned how she appreciates the concept, comparing it to New Year’s resolutions with a deeper meaning. She believes a Lent-like practice could benefit everyone and said, “It’s a good exercise in willpower, and it probably would make you feel really accomplished once it’s over.” She also notes that giving something up can increase appreciation for it: “By stopping yourself from having something all the time, it makes it more meaningful the rare times you do get it.”
Peninah Rosenthal, FCRH ’28, observes Lent and has given up scrolling on Instagram and ice cream. She sees Lent as a personal journey, saying, “I think you should do what works for you.” To her, Lent is about self-improvement, helping both spiritual and mental well-being: “For me, it’s definitely religious, but I think anyone can benefit from it.” Emily Sauget FCRH ’28, a recent convert to Catholicism partaking in her first Lent, is trying to give up snacking and cursing but admits it’s difficult. She initially saw fasting as just a tradition, but now understands its significance. She believes that “Lent can be impactful for anyone … to focus on a higher good.” These perspectives highlight Lent as a period of selfdiscipline and reflection. The nonreligious side values its ability to build willpower and appreciation, even outside religion. The Catholic perspective sees it as a personal and spiritual commitment, emphasizing its role in selfimprovement. Ultimately, the
perspectives show that Lent, whether practiced for faith or personal growth, offers a valuable opportunity for discipline, mindfulness and appreciation. Rather than being exclusively religious or purely selfimprovement-focused, Lent can be both. Whether someone participates in Lent for faith-based reasons or as a secular challenge, the essence remains: a period of reflection, sacrifice and renewal. In this way, Lent can offer something valuable to anyone, regardless of belief. Lent may be rooted in religious tradition, but its core values are universal. Whether through giving something up or practicing mindfulness, the challenge of intentional sacrifice can foster personal growth in unexpected ways. Thus, the true appeal of Lent lies not in its religious significance alone but in its ability to inspire change in anyone willing to take on the 40-day challenge.
Gianna Tetro, FCRH ’28, is a psychologymajorfromHouston,Texas.
Many practicing Catholics at Fordham attend Lenten services.
MARY HAWTHORN/THE FORDHAM RAM
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
CULTURE
Editor’s Pick | Music
Playboi Carti, “MUSIC” and the Rise of Postmodern Trap
By JONAH RING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
When Atlanta-based rapper Playboi Carti released his now-critically acclaimed album “Whole Lotta Red” (WLR) in December of 2020, it was fair to say that all the eyes and ears of the music world became firmly glued on him. In short, Carti’s 24-track album was unlike any musical project that had preceded it. “WLR” featured a complex and wholly novel sound that paired unorthodox drum and 808 patterns with a unique syncretic blend of Atlanta trap and cloud rap aesthetics. However, just as the music world was becoming enamored with this enigma of a project, especially the artistic and sonic potential that Carti had flashed on it, Carti, like a true artistic diva, went missing. In short, he simply became as mysterious and cryptic as possible, going on a five-year break from releasing new music that was laden with false announcements, tour cancellations and indecipherable social media posts.
However, this all changed this past March, as Carti finally emerged from his cave to release his highly-anticipated follow-up album, “MUSIC,” to streaming services.
As expected, the project has been an instant commercial success, topping the charts and shattering numerous previous streaming records as the music world excitedly rushes to see what this sonic pioneer has come up with during his painfully long hiatus. The critical reception of “MUSIC” and its artistic validity has been significantly more fractured, however, it
By ALANA JONES CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Director and filmmaker
David Lynch’s death has left a profound sense of loss in the film community. His surrealist style remains iconic, and his work continues to resonate with audiences. Lynch’s distinct style earned him a loyal following of fans, including myself. In memory of his life and work, the Roxy Cinema in the Roxy Hotel in Tribeca hosted showings of his films and short films.
I attended their 10 p.m. showing of “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me.” The theater is on the hotel’s lower level, and as I walked through the Art Deco lobby and past the jazz bar, I was reminded of Agent Cooper’s dream sequences. The Roxy Hotel has been a patron of the arts for years, and the name pays homage to The Roxy Club on West 18th Street, which has since closed down. The hotel has been involved in the TriBeCa Film Festival and has hosted
seems that critics and fans alike are not necessarily sure what to make of it — some hate it with all their heart, while others are labeling it as an album of a lifetime.
Personally, I find myself in the latter arena. While I am not necessarily the most qualified person to speak on the critical dimensions, I have listened to the entire project a dozen times now, and I can say that “MUSIC” is a work of art that not only deserves the praise that it is receiving but also that it will eventually find itself in the canon.
To be sure, I am not going to sit here and say “MUSIC” is a conceptual masterpiece that could rival Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, M.A.A.D. City” or Nujabes’ “Luv(sic) Hexalogy.” Carti’s lyricism and concepts often leave a lot to be desired, and the very organization of the album is a bit of a muddled mess; there is no decipherable reasoning as to why one track flows into the next.
Nevertheless, I simply cannot deny the sonic brilliance and entertainment value of “MUSIC,” as the 30-track album is, at least in my eyes, the full actualization of the project that I think Carti kicked off with his earth-shaking WLR: the genesis of postmodern trap.
In short, “MUSIC” rejects all deeper meanings, concepts and categories, each and every track really functioning as nothing more than an explosion of energy and spontaneity that engages the listener at their most primal levels.
“EVIL J0RDAN,” for instance, attacks one with a distinct ferocity, its synth-filled, cinematic intro eventually opening
up into a beat that can only be described as an unrelenting series of apocalyptic 808s laid atop a distorted siren sample. The preceding track, “K POP,” is perhaps even more memorable and postmodern, its heavy metal-inspired beat being paired with some killer, yet ultimately meaningless, punchlines that Carti delivers using an extremely catchy Atlanta triplet flow: “I just been feelin’ myself / I found Jesus / Christian Dior.” However, I think that “CRUSH” is the track that best represents the untamed and chaotic postmodern energy that “MUSIC” brings to the table; its 2:53 runtime ultimately amounts to nothing more than Carti repeating a bunch of catchy ad-libs over a synth-heavy cyberpunk beat — the sonic depths of which I simply cannot put into words. However, any critical analysis of “MUSIC” would be woefully incomplete without mentioning its loaded cast of notable features. For one, frequent collaborator The Weeknd appears on “Rather Lie,” his melodic vocals pairing perfectly with Carti’s midbar vocal inflections to create what will likely become a pop-rap classic. Fellow sonic trailblazer Travis Scott likewise makes a few praiseworthy contributions on “MUSIC,” as he not only receives a lead producer credit for the aforementioned brilliant “CRUSH,” but his verses on “PHILLY” and “WAKE UP F1LTHY” also positively contribute to the album. His vintage one-two hypnotic flow adds a more traditional and accessible dimension to the album for those listeners not necessarily enamored by
Carti’s postmodern sound.
It is Kendrick Lamar, however, who makes the most noteworthy set of appearances on the project. While there were questions about how his more conscious rapping style, nuanced lyrics and layered storytelling would mesh with Carti’s more aggressive and free-flowing sound, Lamar nonetheless manages to build on his already phenomenal past 365 days and, at least in my eyes, steal the show.
For instance, on “MOJO JOJO,” his clever and perfectly timed adlibs create the impression that the viewer is listening to a highly entertaining back-and-forth postmodern studio session where everything goes and nothing matters except the energy being put out. On “BACKD00R,” his hook brings a sort of “Luther”-esque melodic brilliance to the track, as his tiredsounding vocals pair brilliantly with Jhené Aiko’s more traditional R&B vocals. However, it
is on “GOOD CREDIT” where Lamar shines the brightest, as he truly throws the kitchen sink at the track’s dark trap — he repeatedly switches his flow up in an exercise of the unbridled postmodern chaos and energy that rests at “MUSIC”’s core; he delivers a number of his patent killer punchlines. He also seemingly reignites the beef with Drake, not only cleverly turning the Canadian rapper’s goading ad-libs from earlier in the beef back onto him, but also leveling the claim that Drake was never really ready for the feud because of how much he sacrifices true artistry for commercial imperatives.
To bring all this analysis together, when all is said and done, what we seemingly have in “MUSIC” is a project for the ages — an album that mixes together postmodern production and performances in order to create a listening experience chock full of unbridled, rhythmic energy.
David Lynch’s Enduring Legacy
performances by Blood Orange and LCD Soundsystem.
I took my seat, and the “Twin Peaks” theme began to play as the lights dimmed. A reverent silence fell in the audience of about 15 other people. The theater was small, and a curtain drew to reveal the screen. When Lynch’s character appeared on screen, the audience let out a familiar laugh while he yelled all his lines at Agent Cole. The crowd cheered when Agent Cooper appeared. The psychological horror had a greater impact in the small theater filled with superfans who braved pouring rain for the screening, with the hotel’s architecture and atmosphere being perfect for a Lynch film.
Lynch artfully combined the monotony of small-town life with sinister storylines and chilling cinematography. As someone who has lived in a city, I find small towns foreign and somewhat unnerving. The subtle music and foggy countryside add a mysterious, quintessentially Lynchian atmosphere.
Lynch’s work — especially “Twin Peaks” and “Fire Walk With Me” — creates a disturbing atmosphere by combining domestic with the depraved. Laura Palmer’s room is a prime example: complete with pink walls, lace curtains and floral bedding, her room is cozy and unassuming. The stark juxtaposition of innocent decor and the secret life Laura led contributes to the discomfort.
“Twin Peaks” explored themes of abuse, sexual violence and personal hypocrisy, with the occasional bout of comic relief. Lynch is famously meticulous, and the show within the show, “Invitation to Love,” acts as a satirical mirror to “Twin Peaks’” events. The cliche, soapy script is laced with surrealist elements and often incites more dramatic moments in the characters watching. The show’s tagline “Who killed Laura Palmer?” is reminiscent of “Dallas’” famous “Who Shot J.R?” “Twin Peaks” changed television by exhibiting all of its usual qualities in a surrealist environment. It aired on network television, which
allowed it to reach a wide audience. As bizarre as it may be, “Twin Peaks” is accessible and enjoyable for mainstream audiences, and its success proved there was (and is) a market for more experimental television.
Granted, “Fire Walk With Me” was not as well received as “Twin Peaks,” with Quentin Tarantino calling David Lynch “up his own a**.” The film is heavier on the bizarre than the mundane and was widely ignored by American audiences, but it was compelling, and I still enjoyed it. Besides, Tarantino wouldn’t know anything about
being pretentious. Fiona Apple can be his character witness. Lynch’s legacy is evident in current television and film, and his artistry has been an inspiration for his cult following. His impact on the film industry has been indelible. Creators of iconic shows like Dave Chase of “The Sopranos” and “Mad Men” director Lesli Linka Glatter have cited “Twin Peaks” as an influence. His ingenuity and artistry have made a lasting impact on audiences and creatives, and his legacy will continue as long as there are surrealist television shows and experimental films.
The Roxy Cinema is hosting showings of iconic David Lynch films.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Playboi Carti recently dropped his highly-anticipated album, “MUSIC.”
COURTESY
CULTURE
A Treasure Trove of Fashionable Curiosities
By MAKENZIE SMITH STAFF WRITER
“Fashioning Wonder: A Cabinet of Curiosities,” the newest exhibit at the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, has struck gold. As I wandered through the displays, it felt as though I had stepped into a magnificent treasure chest — or perhaps a collection of cabinets once belonging to adventurous collectors whose treasures provided inspiration for this captivating exposition.
From Dr. Colleen Hill, the senior curator of costume at MFIT, this exhibit showcases how the Age of Exploration during the 15th to 17th centuries brought not only new knowledge and opportunities but also profound influences on art — including fashion — that have transcended time well into the modern day. The garments, accessories and baubles displayed throughout the room vividly illustrate the effects of curious craftsmanship and unique beauty. These items serve as a testament to the spectrum of artistry and human creativity across the globe.
Overflowing with curiosity with nearly 200 items — some of them never seen by the public before — the museum makes the visitor experience flow better by dividing the exhibit into 10 sections, each having a specific theme. The pitch-black walls and floors with light shining solely on the displays also help center your focus to give each piece the attention it deserves.
“The Aviary” was the most impressive section, with a birdcage holding a variety of outfits adorned with an array of feathers. This particular display was included in the exhibit to represent the menagerie of exotic animals,
By WHITNEY WOODROW CONTRIBUTING WRITER
If you tend to spend time on TikTok every day, it is extremely likely that you have Doechii’s recently released “Anxiety” stuck in your head. In the past few weeks, the song has been used for a new dance trend on the app, and as many know, when a song becomes popular on TikTok, you will be hearing it often for the next few weeks. Despite being recently released and currently trending, the history behind the song began long before its recent release. Its origins go back early in Doechii’s career in 2019 when she first released “Anxiety,” which samples the beat from the song “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye. Her song was then sampled by the artist Sleepy Hollow, and new Doechii fans eventually discovered her original song
especially birds, that were included in people’s cabinet of curiosities. According to art historian Emmanuele Lugli, feathers were a particular sign of luxury in Europe at the time, as owning birds meant having access to global resources and the means to transport them. Thankfully, time has revealed the ethical and environmental concerns with such practices. Feathers are still used in fashion, but designers are encouraged to look to chicken feathers over others due to the material being a sustainable byproduct of the poultry industry.
The “What Is It?” display was definitely the most fun, with boxes on the wall inviting you to reveal the function of a curious accessory such as an antique glove clip or coin purses. Collectors for cabinets of curiosities typically picked up a number of objects from different parts of the world, especially during the Age of Exploration. This also meant that the collectors were not aware of some of the object’s functions.
“Illusions” opens with a quote from fashion designer Alexander McQueen saying, “You have to push forward and realize the power of fantasy and escapism.” The words ring true as the section reveals a Ralph Rucci abstract gown; however, as you move further away, a profile of a woman’s face reveals itself. Many items with cabinets of curiosities housed objects of illusion and applied trompe l’oeil, an art form that purposefully “deceives the eye” to humorously trick visitors.
The “Vanitas” display is an allusion to the popular art style representing human life’s temporary and fragile yet elaborate nature that was often displayed in curiosity
cabinets. For instance, the introduction to the section describes that “timepieces, burning candles, flowers, leaves and skulls signified passing time and inevitable decay.” However, some pieces within the Vanitas art form possessed more intricate meanings, such as butterflies signifying renewal and sea shells signifying wealth. My favorite object to behold was a pair of multicolored, embroidered, handpainted butterfly shoes with applique flowers on the heels by Sophia Webster.
“Artisanship” is a nod to the appreciation of tools and techniques that were used to create the artifacts in the cabinets. Intricate artisanship has been passed on through generations, allowing us to admire the art of creation just as people in past centuries have.
“Specimens” houses items from a variety of animal, vegetable and mineral materials that come from fashion’s fascination with nature. Everything from a tusk anklet to an alligator skin necklace to a horsehair flower hair clip to a most impressive Tom Ford zebra print dress with a horsehair mane is displayed in this section. Despite the awe found in such items, the exhibit addresses the negative effects of the malpractice of treating animals as a commodity and hunting them for fashion.
“The Senses” sums up its display with a quote from the fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg saying, “It is very important to be curious … because sometimes you learn and you don’t even know you’re learning.” What better way to unknowingly learn than to open up your senses to the world around you? The visitors of curiosity cabinets were able to do just this, as they were encouraged to engage their
senses, especially through touch. According to cultural historian Constance Classen, people would imagine receiving a supernatural power from touching fanciful objects. The most unique item in this section is an antique umbrella with a cello-shaped handle, secretly holding a music box that plays “The Blue Danube” waltz.
Next was “Reflections and Refractions,” which displays a kaleidoscope of embellishing designs to represent items like telescopes and prisms held in the cabinets. Current fashion techniques include adorning gowns with reflective materials to create an air of luxury. Each dress within this display was decorated with materials like rhinestones, mirrored beads and gems.
The “Anatomical Theatre” section is incorporated into the exhibit because anatomical figures were put into cabinets of curiosities to acquire new knowledge of the body.
Today, fashion designers have a certain interest in bones and organs as well. An Arzu Kaprol dress depicts this type of creativity with its skeleton design made from metallic leather.
“Kunstkammer,” translated to “Chamber of Art,” is the section inspired by the paintings collected for the cabinets of curiosities. The exhibit connects its displays to its namesake through designs showcasing famous artworks. A 1591 painting “Vertumnus” by Guiseppe Arcimboldo is transported onto a 2018 Comme des Garcons dress, which show how centuries of artistic expression transcend time.
The Cabinet of Curiosities exhibit is a special opportunity to revel in the beauty of modern fashion inspired by the quirky valuables in the cabinets of curiosities owned by royals, aristocrats and scholars. I highly recommend taking advantage of MFIT displaying its permanent collection before the exhibition closes on April 20.
Anxiety Never Sounded So Good
through social media. After she realized the song was trending and fans wanted her to release the original track, she took advantage of the online traction and re-recorded “Anxiety” to be released to streaming platforms.
Doechii’s music has become quite popular with the release of “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” the album that helped the artist win her first Grammy award for Best Rap Album this past year. Doechii became only the third woman to win the Grammy for this category. The album has been deemed refreshing, exciting and unapologetically genuine, which are all traits that have become synonymous with Doechii’s celebrity brand. Many songs from this album became popular as sounds on TikTok, but “Anxiety” was the first of her songs to become part of
a TikTok trend. Through rereleasing her song, Doechii once again took social media by storm and showed her fans she always wants to deliver art that they love as much as her.
The song itself has a rather simple, consistent beat throughout it that feels quite familiar since it was sampled from “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It adds a unique addition to Doechii’s discography since it showcases her vocal talent which is not always highlighted in her rap songs. Despite this, the style of the song stays true to her performance style, and as the song continues more and more voices begin to overlap, creating a sweeping crescendo at its conclusion. The song captures the same feeling as “Anxiety,” with the lyrics describing the eerie feeling of being watched by the physical
embodiment of her own anxiety. As the song goes on, the breathing in the background picks up and gets faster to display her panic. Additionally, the previously mentioned crescendo emphasizes the rise
in chaos she experiences as her anxiety looms over her. In true Doechii fashion, “Anxiety” delivers a strong message through storytelling and creatively structuring the music while also still being catchy and fun.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Doechii’s “Anxiety” gained new life after going viral on TikTok.
MAKENZIE SMITH/THE FORDHAM RAM
The Age of Exploration had a big impact on art and fashion.
March 26, 2025
All Things
By ALESSANDRA SMITH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BonBon opened its baby pinkframed glass doors in the Lower East Side in 2018, boasting confections made with products straight from Sweden. Founders Robert “Bobby” Persson, Selim Adira and Leo Schaltz initiated their confectionary venture with one goal: to “revolutionize the U.S. candy world.” Their business steadily grew as years passed with the opening of a second store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, e-commerce, a hot dog cart and a third store in the Upper East Side. BonBon has greatly benefited from its dedicated following on TikTok, where candy lovers proudly unpack the store’s signature pink bags for the world to salivate over. Their self-made and fanmade content paints a decadent, satisfying candy experience, but is BonBon actually exceptional? Is it possible that they have actually revolutionized the United States’ candy world?
I visited BonBon’s original location on the Lower East Side mainly because my friend was dying to stop in. The confectionery’s Windsor blue awning and neon pink sign greeted my friends and me, the alluring fragrance of sugar lingering like a soft, puffy cloud around the shop’s doors. Excited and slightly impatient chatter accompanied the fragrance, produced by the long queue of around 30 patrons lining the sidewalk outside the store. We waited 20 minutes outside, as the store has a system where they only let in two people at a time – two out, two in.
By JULIA TYNAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With spring officially sprung on March 20, many people want to spend their time outdoors. There are various green spaces and community gardens in New York City, ranging from parks to botanical gardens to museums.
The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is located right across the street from Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. This convenient location allows Fordham students to visit for free. The NYBG consists of vast plant collections to see. There are also plant-related events, such as “The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism,” available to see until April 27. This show features a vibrant orchid display inspired by the architect Luis Barragán. Another event you can attend at NYBG is “Women Leaders of the Garden,” which celebrates women who have contributed to horticulture, education and discovery at the NYBG.
Another one of my favorite green spaces is the Highline, located in Manhattan’s West Side. This elevated park was built on a former railway line and offers exquisite Hudson River and NYC skyline views. The Highline has various permanent and temporary art installations to view.
CULTURE
Sweet and Sour in BonBon’s Candy Revolution
Inside, there is a small circular table that awaits you amidst a minimalist room, bearing hand sanitizer, sanitized scoops and pink candy bags. Once you pick up a bag and scoop, you are free to roam the store with no time limit or restriction on how much candy you can grab. BonBon presents its offerings in pickand-mix bins lining the walls, separating products into three sections: chocolate, licorice, and gummy and marshmallow. Hot pink labels proclaim each candy’s name, flavor (sweet, sour or salty), and allergens (or lack thereof). The shop’s walls are a sight to see: gorgeous, tantalizing morsels of bright pink, electric blue and intense red, along with every other color in the rainbow, coated in sugar crystals, and rich, shining chocolate winking at me through its plastic enclosure. After loading my bag, the “candy sommelier” weighed my pickings, and I had to fork over $36. It hurt my soul, I will admit. Was such an expensive blow for a three-quarters-full bag worth it? Before I provide my thoughts, full disclosure: I am a notorious candy disliker. I’m not quite a hater, but I often reject any candy offering with visible disgust, a fact to which my Jolly Rancher-loving roommate can attest. When it comes down to it, I prefer dark chocolate over any sickly sweet candy. I didn’t expect BonBon to change my mind on this matter.
Yet, to my surprise, it did. The shop produced candy that I like and want to eat again and again. While I typically never crave candy, I can eat BonBon candy
anytime. My sweet bounty is too expansive to list here, but it covered all the bases, from the Sour Watermelon Skulls to tasty BUBS Banana Caramel Ovals. I enjoyed most of my selections, and my favorite were Strawberry Clouds, light pink half-spheres with a white rim, all coated in sugar. Its soft and foamy interior melts when you bite into its deceptively firm exterior. The strawberry floats across your tastebuds, followed closely by the crystal sugar that brightens its predecessor with sweet delight. I scooped approximately five Strawberry Clouds into my bag. In hindsight, I regret not taking more. On the other hand, I was not a fan of the Gummy Teeth. They were far too firm and lacked the promised “fresh strawberry flavor,” its texture disagreeing with me to the point that I could not finish the candy.
Regarding the founders’ grand aspirations, I think that the only thing BonBon can boast as “revolutionary” is its highquality ingredients, which are imported from Sweden. The shop’s commitment to making as many of its products glutenfree, vegan and natural as possible is a great stride for candy in America. However, the fact that each of BonBon’s selections has a cheaper American counterpart sours their revolution. The website promises a “magical world” that brings beloved Scandinavian treats to America. This description paints a picture of outlandish, highly unique treats unfathomable to the American mind. It is a bit misleading, as nearly all of the treats already exist in some
form in the U.S. The difference is in the ingredients.
BonBon’s notoriety speaks to a common phenomenon in our digital age: branding hyping up quality. The store is sleek and eye-catching. It feels cool in there, much cooler than picking up a bag of gummy worms from a deli on Fordham Road. The romanticization of BonBon makes the confectionery look a lot more unique than it is. Influencers show off mounds of candy, hand-scooped from the confines of a Swedish, aesthetically pleasing store. It is enough to make anyone yearn for a taste, never considering that some candy looks awfully familiar. After all, why would you buy a drab, tired tube of Rolo’s when you can buy Swedish “Center Caramel Caps” in a chic pink bag?
As an alternative, Economy Candy resides two blocks from BonBon, founded in the 1930s.
They have many of the same options as BonBon, merely under different names at much lower prices. BonBon’s Strawberry Clouds are named “Puffy Puffs” at Economy, only $5.50 per pound. Since Economy practices maximalism in contrast to Bon-Bon’s minimalism, it may not be as aesthetically pleasing, but it gets the job done. To answer the grand question of whether BonBon is worth it, it depends. It is worth it if you are a huge candy fan and/or want healthier candy. It is like Whole Foods – it has the same offerings as other stores, just healthier and in different packaging. This is all not to discourage you from going there – stop in if you desire healthy candy alternatives and are willing to pay the price. I probably will, too. BonBon is a wonderful candy shop, maybe not a complete revolution, but at least a step in the right direction.
Spring is on the Horizon
Along the 1.5-mile walk, you can also see a variety of plants, greenery and gardens. There are also interactive events at the Highline, including art lessons and stargazing. The Highline is a great place to escape if you want to enjoy the city outside.
An underrated outdoor spot in the city is the Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park. This branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art focuses on medieval art and architecture. The museum also overlooks the Hudson, and you can walk outside around the beautiful grounds. Throughout the museum, there are three different gardens you can visit. The Met Cloisters are inspired by medieval monastery gardens, as it combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. You can also go to the Trie Café, which has outdoor seating by the gardens. Since the Cloisters are conveniently located in Fort Tryon Park, you can explore this exquisite park, too.
New York’s iconic Central Park is the perfect place to explore during the spring. In the heart of the busy city, Central Park is the ideal green space to visit. It serves the public for recreation, leisure, events and tourist attractions. One appeal of the park is the Conservatory Garden. You can see everything from vibrant
flowers to greenery, sculptures and fountains here. This tranquil environment is perfect for a relaxing walk in the park. Another garden in Central Park is the Shakespeare Garden, which consists of plants mentioned in his plays. Here, you can explore a replica of a traditional English garden and enjoy the scenic atmosphere.
There are various community gardens near Fordham’s campus. One example is Bathgate Community Garden, which is part of New York’s Restoration Project’s (NYRP) network. This garden focuses on restoring open green spaces for the public and making them available for use. Also located in the Bronx, Clay Avenue Community Garden is another part of the NYRP network. Many of the community members cultivate vegetables, fruit and flowers here. This public garden also hosts community events, including picnics, block parties and gardening workshops. The garden serves three neighborhood schools and aims to encourage students to learn about outdoor green spaces. Communal outdoor spaces are vital for community members in NYC. Public spaces, like parks and community gardens, serve as gathering spaces for residents. These outdoor spaces allow them
to strengthen their relationships and social interactions within the community. Communal outdoor spaces are also important for community members’ overall health and well-being. Green spaces promote opportunities for recreation, exercise and leisure from city life. They also help the environment’s well-being by contributing to the overall biodiversity of NYC.
The city should foster more community gardens since they contribute to health and environmental benefits. Community garden initiatives can help NYC residents access fresh and local produce, especially in underserved areas. The most extensive
urban gardening program that has supported hundreds of community gardens across the city is NYC Parks GreenThumb. This program has provided resources, workshops and education programs to maintain thriving green spaces in the city. Community members could benefit from green space initiatives if the city created more programs to foster public green spaces.
With spring already here, you should explore these green spaces and community gardens in the city! Having an escape from the busy city life is essential, and green spaces offer opportunities for relaxation, mindfulness and reconnection with nature.
ALESSANDRA SMITH FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
BonBon is serving up delicious but pricey candies.
JULIA TYNAN FOR THE FORDHAM
Junior Shares Pre-Law Experience and Ambitions
By EMMA LEONARDI EXECUTIVE COPY EDITOR
The biggest challenge for any college student is finding the perfect internship. While this is not an easy task for any major, it can be more difficult depending on the field you are aspiring to work in. An especially difficult situation can be finding an internship within the field of law. As a student on Fordham University’s pre-law track, Abigail D’Angelo, FCRH ’26, knows this challenge well.
D’Angelo lives fairly close to Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus and chose the university due to its proximity to her home and Manhattan, a place where she wanted to work after graduation. D’Angelo started at Fordham as a psychology major, with the aspiration of working in school psychology. D’Angelo cited her high school curriculum as inspiration for that path: “I had taken psychology classes in high school, and appreciated the ability to better understand the decisions those made around me in an informed and measured way.” After taking an introductory philosophy class, once she began her studies at Fordham,
she decided to major in philosophy as well. When noting her majors, D’Angelo shared that two of the reading comprehension topics on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are psychology and philosophy, so the majors will help her perform well. Beyond the test, these two fields can also be supportive of a career in law. “In the context of a broader career in law, I feel that the biggest strength these majors will give me is a deep understanding of the human psyche and its motivations. A large part of being a lawyer depends on your reputation and interpersonal skills, two things that these majors will help me foster and protect,” she said.
D’Angelo declared herself on the pre-law track after fellow members of the Fordham Undergraduate Law Review mentioned it to her. While noting that the program could be expanded, she cites an overall positive experience: “The pre-law symposium does a great job of accurately describing what different paths to being a lawyer could look like. I believe they do a good job of delineating between
the law you see on tv and the law you would actually be practicing.”
As a junior, D’Angelo knows all about looking for internships within the field of law, describing her experience as “mildly annoying at best and absolutely grueling at worst.” She pointed to the lack of legal internship availability, specifically those accepting undergraduate students, as the root of this issue. D’Angelo first interned at Evan Guthrie Law Firm, beginning as a first semester sophomore. When asked how she got such an exclusive internship so early, D’Angelo noted her persistence as being key. “In my experience, an application is not enough. You really need to make yourself stand out, and honestly be a little annoying on LinkedIn to the people that work there until you get that interview,” she said. D’Angelo also noted that the application difficulty in law is not limited to internships: “Of the three law internships I will have completed by the end of this coming summer, none of them were easy or noncompetitive to get, but this is indicative of the field of work you will be entering.”
Curently, D’Angelo works licensing artwork in the legal department of Alterea, Inc. and cites her work as very fulfilling. “Although not a creative myself, I love being able to protect the work of the creatives I work with and ensure no one else could ever take credit for their work,” she said. When considering her future within law, D’Angelo notes the possibility of an expansion on art law into musical and written works, or even a focus on a childhood love of animals with environmental law.
Fordham London Students Witness UK’s Response to Ukraine
By EMILY TONNA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On March 3, my philosophical ethics course at Fordham London took place in the Public Gallery at Parliament’s House of Commons, watching the daily minutiae of British democracy at work. But what was supposed to be a routine visit on par with the London Centre’s experiential learning program became an extraordinary moment of history in real-time: witnessing Prime Minister Keir Starmer deliver an address amid the recent transgressions surrounding the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The statement came just 24 hours after Sir Keir Starmer convened with European leaders over the response to Ukraine and days following President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s heated discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump alleged that Zelenskyy was “gambling with World War III.”
As a measure of accountability to Parliament, the Starmer led Labour Government spoke before the House to provide an update on the recent summit on Ukraine and the U.K.’s steps moving forward.
Starmer assured Parliament that British aid to Ukraine would continue to “flow” as part of the larger mission to support Ukraine amid Russian aggression, a stark contrast to the United States’ decision to pause military aid and the sharing of intelligence towards Ukraine just hours after
Starmer’s address. “In this House, we stand by Ukraine because it is the right thing to do … But we also stand by them because it is in our interest to do so,” Starmer declared.
Starmer’s U.S.-dissenting sentiments regarding Ukraine are particularly noteworthy when compared to his prior visit to the White House on Feb. 27, in which Starmer and Trump shared an amiable discussion.
The Prime Minister continued to speak before the House, stating, “What happened in [Trump’s] subsequent meeting with President Zelenskyy … is something nobody in this House wants to see. But I do want to be crystal clear: we must strengthen our relationship with America. For our security, for our technology, for our trade and investment, they are and always will be – indispensable.”
Throughout his address, the House was lively, with every seat filled and plenty of “hear, hear”’s to be heard. Members of the Opposition, notably Leader of the Opposition and Conservative Party MP Kemi Badenoch, were given the opportunity to offer their thoughts regarding Starmer’s political strategy. Starmer responded to their objections in earnest, engaging in productive discussion surrounding such impactful diplomatic moves for the U.K.
Angela Chen, GSB ’26, gave her thoughts on the experience: “It was interesting to see the UK’s Prime Minister address the House on such major issues, especially with everything happening so fast in the news.
Hearing the opposition leaders respond made it even more engaging since we got a sense of the different perspectives. It was definitely a unique experience to witness in person.”
Piers Benn, Ph.D., an academic philosopher, and instructor for the Fordham London course, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the opportunity, recounting that the last time a class of his witnessed the Prime Minister at the House of Commons was in 2015, in which Prime Minister David Cameron motioned to Parliament regarding the government’s next steps amid the ongoing Syrian War, and clarified the threat it posed towards the U.K.
I asked him his reflections on the trip and what he thought Fordham students could take away from this opportunity.
“We live in a very polarized
world, and I want [students] to see an arena where all views are considered, put on the table, and can be discussed. I think it is very important for students to make up their own minds on the basis of the widest possible evidence available. So I think that getting [the class] to see British democracy in action, even in a rather stilted way, is good intellectual training because it trains you to follow up with the argument: What do you see? What’s the argument here? It trains you to think,” he responded.
As the U.S. adjusts to the new administration, everything can feel very uncertain, even isolating — especially when studying abroad 3,461 miles away. It’s easy to become disillusioned when the BBC’s nightly reports include increasingly alarming free speech infringements, and the
gap between democratic debate grows larger and larger.
Benn stressed the importance of open discussion in politics and education, stating his objective of “inducing students to be a bit bolder in stating their views and believe in the value of free speech, not only believing it for yourself but for everybody.”
On the educational value of witnessing Parliamentary discussions, he concluded, “You learn how to hone your critical thinking skills, and you can see that up to a point in Parliament.”
Studying abroad in London and participating in the experiential learning opportunities Fordham provides have opened my eyes to a fresh perspective — one that encourages students to engage critically with the rhetoric they are exposed to and values free speech in a modern democracy.
ABIGAIL D’ANGELO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Abigail D’Angelo is a junior majoring in pyschology and philosophy .
EMILY TONNA FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Fordham London students had the unique opportunity to visit the Public Gallery at Parliament’s House of Commons.
CULTURE
What Love Can Be: Sabahattin Ali’s ‘Madonna
By FRANCES SCHNEPFF STAFF WRITER
There are sorts of stories that you may read when you least expect it. Stories that come across you when you’re waiting for one, stories that you read at night when you can’t see straight. As you read, you begin to watch. I saw the same streets I was on about a year ago today. I heard the same footsteps walking down them. As I began to read Sabahattin Ali’s 1943 novel “Madonna In A Fur Coat,” I immediately knew that it was one of these stories.
The novel begins in Ankara, Turkey, in the 1930s. The first protagonist we encounter is a man who is traveling to Ankara to find work. He is jobless and financially confused. He accepts some local work and becomes coworkers with Raif Efendi. As I read our narrator’s hopelessness, I was reminded of my own. He too cries over what feels like his own ineptitude.
Once our narrator gets a job and becomes fascinated by the elusive and forlorn Raif Efendi, we alongside him are taken in a different direction. The rest of the novel takes place in Raif’s journal, a black leather notebook which he commanded the protagonist to burn once Raif comes down as ill. But because biblioclasm is unacceptable for our narrator, rather than let Raif’s history melt away, we enter it.
On the whim of his father, Raif is sent to Berlin to study at a book factory and is expected to return after a year. Raif wanders the streets of Berlin alone, stumbling around at night, drinking too much and feeling unsettled. When he comes upon a free gallery, his eyes catch a portrait – The portrait “Madonna in a Fur Coat.”
Before seeing this portrait, Raif’s existence in Berlin seems pointless; he doesn’t like his homestay, which is infected with strange characters and lustrous, longing women chasing after him day and night. For Raif, the portrait, by Maria Puder, becomes his fascination and in short, his purpose during his year in Berlin.
Eventually, he meets Maria, and the two have an extraordinary rendezvous. They spend hours together, lasting deep into the night. She is an unhappy dancer and finds joy in Raif’s confusing and dedicated personality. She talks on and on of the disordered nature of love and her inability to know it deeply. She claims, despite the depth and closeness of her relationship with Raif, that she is incapable of loving anyone at all, and this disability has plagued all her past and eventually will affect her future relationships.
However, Raif, on the other hand, is experiencing undeniable feelings of love and affection for Maria, but he must suppress them despite
their strong and sometimes romantic connection. In the end, Maria falls ill and the two depart Berlin. At first, they write letters, but that fades with time. It isn’t until 10 years later that Raif discovers Maria’s fate after a run-in with her aunt in Ankara.
Both Raif and Maria bond over being outsiders; they both feel as if they belong somewhere they aren’t, maybe even somewhere they can never be. Being alienated from his community follows Raif through the rest of his life. He marries a woman he doesn’t love, his children don’t bother him and he is silent at work, alone
in a Fur Coat’
in his office. Raif starts his life as an enigma, an outsider until he meets Maria. But Raif also finishes his life as an outsider, alone and uninterested. The only time where Raif feels real harmony is with Maria, and even that relationship is too complicated to feel full. He is constantly thinking about his past, living in melancholy.
Novelist Sabahattin Ali creates a narrative out of Raif’s journal. As we read his thoughts, the mundane story of an unrequited romantic love becomes a world in and of itself — it becomes an idea of what love can be
without sex, what it can be between two people who really see each other. In spirituality, love isn’t a noun or a verb, it expands beyond the definable. It can be in some ways, a god. The love Ali creates in Raif’s story exists too as a god. It is so powerful and overwhelming that it bleeds off the pages as you read, warming your body and leaving you in awe. This novel is short, yet deeply affected. Each word is picked to impact you, to leave you in despair for a decided future, one that feels loveless but, like all things, is actually full of love.
By GRACE GALBREATH ASST. NEWS EDITOR EMERITUS
ACROSS
1. Raised and lowered to steer a sailboat (plural)
6. Official name for seaweed
7. Add fuel to a fire to keep it burning
8. Raw, painful wound
1. Back-talk
2. Falls between tenor and soprano
3. Tyler, The Creator’s 2019 hit album
4. Michigan, Erie, Ontario (singular)
5. Notice, perceive, glimpse
Instructions
Use the clues to the left to fill out the boxes above.
Sabahattin Ali, an esteemed Turkish novelist, released “Madonna In A Fur Coat” in 1943.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Winners and Losers of the NHL Trade Deadline
By LYDIA PIRNER STAFF WRITER
As a hockey fan, no time is more exhilarating and nerve-wracking than the NHL trade deadline, and this year did not disappoint. Headline deals, starting with Mikko Rantanen, sparked plenty of debate — especially among Boston Bruins fans. Let’s break down the winners, losers and major trades.
The biggest moves came from the Western Conference powerhouses, the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche. These teams battled last year and have maintained elite play this season. Both made significant splashes to gear up for another deep playoff run.
Starting with the Avalanche, the big storyline out of Colorado before the deadline was the trade of Mikko Rantanen. A key piece in their 2022 Stanley Cup win, Rantanen was sent to Carolina for Jack Drury, Martin Necas, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick after contract extension talks fell apart. While shocking, the move provided Colorado with depth and future assets. Necas has 20 points (8G, 12A) in 22 games, while Drury plays a key bottom-six role, crucial in the playoffs.
The Avalanche continued their deadline moves by acquiring Brock Nelson and William Dufour from the New York Islanders in exchange for Oliver Kylington, top prospect Calum Ritchie, and conditional first and third-round picks. Nelson strengthens their center depth behind Nathan MacKinnon, allowing them to
further trade Casey Mittelstadt to Boston for Charlie Coyle and additional assets. MacKinnon, Nelson and Coyle form a formidable 1-2-3 center lineup, one of the best in the league. Coyle is also under contract for another season at $5.25 million.
Colorado also made a smaller move, acquiring Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers. Lindgren, worn down from top-pairing minutes in New York, gets a fresh start with a reduced workload in Colorado, where he could thrive.
Losing Rantanen stings, but Avs fans should be thrilled with their deadline work.
On the topic of Rantanen, his final destination came after a whirlwind of moves that kept insiders scrambling for information. The Dallas Stars ultimately landed him and signed him to an eight-year, $12 million annual extension. In return, they sent Logan Stankoven, two firstround picks and two third-round picks — a solid deal considering draft picks are never guaranteed to pan out.
Dallas also added Mikael Granlund and Cody Ceci from San Jose for a 2025 first-round pick and a conditional third-rounder. Granlund, a skilled forward, has 12 points in 18 games, while Ceci is a reliable veteran defenseman.
While the Stars didn’t make as many moves as Colorado, they made key additions to stay competitive in a stacked Western Conference. Whether these moves set them apart remains to be seen, but they secured their star in Rantanen.
Several other teams found success at the deadline. Both Florida teams made moves to add depth. Brad Marchand, despite being injured, makes the reigning champion Florida Panthers that much more of a championshipcaliber team with his grit and skill. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning added key roster pieces, with Julien BriseBois once again finding value in Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand.
With every winner comes a loser, and while most trades made sense this year, some teams still took a hit. The Carolina Hurricanes essentially traded Martin Necas, Jack Drury and draft capital for a few weeks of Rantanen and a Rolex for Jack Roslovic (arguably the biggest winner of the deadline). After just 13 games, Rantanen made it clear he wouldn’t sign long-term in Carolina, and money didn’t seem to be the issue. Whatever the reason, Carolina continues to struggle with player retention (Rantanen, Guentzel, Trocheck, etc.). They did acquire four draft picks and Stankoven, but as a playoff team, they need impact players now — not future assets. Beyond the Rantanen saga, they made no major moves to improve their roster other than adding Taylor Hall, which is puzzling. Clearly, Tom Dundon did not see long-term value in this year’s deadline.
Carolina struggled on the ice, but no fanbase suffered more at the deadline than Bruins fans. As a Rangers fan who grew up in “Bruins Country” (where the fans were fake, at least where I lived),
this deadline felt like a horror film. Losing beloved names like Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo was tough enough, but Don Sweeney twisted the knife by trading captain and lifelong Bruin Brad Marchand to a division rival. Yes, the same rival that has eliminated them in recent playoffs. Marchand was dealt for a conditional secondrounder, dependent on him, playing 50% of games and the Panthers advancing two rounds. I joke with Bruins fans, but if my team did that, I’d disappear for a while. Objectively, Boston’s return (Mittelstadt, Fraser Minten, draft capital) wasn’t bad, but watching a franchise fall apart like this is heartbreaking — I would know.
For a quick local recap, the Rangers did most of their work early, with Jacob Trouba heading to the Anaheim Ducks and J.T.
Miller returning to Broadway. Deadline day itself was quiet, with only minor deals.
The Islanders’ big move was shipping out Brock Nelson, and they got a solid return — surprising given Lou Lamoriello’s history. However, they could have done more with pending unrestricted free agents like J.G. Pageau and Kyle Palmieri.
As for the New Jersey Devils, given their struggles and Jack Hughes’ injury, Tom Fitzgerald wisely stayed quiet. Even the best teams have just a 3% chance to win the Cup when fully healthy, so there was no reason to go all-in. They did add depth with Daniel Sprong, Cody Glass and Brian Dumoulin but paid a steep price — a conditional second-round pick — to do so. With Dougie Hamilton out, the move makes sense, but it was costly.
The NFL’s ‘Franchise Tag’ Needs Fixing
By JOE HENRY ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
It’s that time of year again. NFL free agency news runs rampant, trade notifications fill our phones’ home screens, mock drafts litter our social media and … the franchise tag generates as much news as anything else?
After two years of incessant rumors about Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins’ future in Cincinnati, the Bengals have — for a second consecutive season — placed their franchise tag on the 26-year-old, they announced March 3.
You can’t blame them. Even as the WR2 to Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins electrified defenses when on the field in 2024, reeling in 73 passes for 911 yards and 10 TDs in just 12 games. Higgins remains etched as an upper-echelon receiver in a league whose most competitive teams share one trait: an elite quarterbackreceiver duo.
It’s no shock, then, that the former Clemson Tiger became – and remained for two years — one of the hottest commodities in the NFL’s always-churning rumor mill.
And yet, for two years running, rumors about Higgins have remained just that — rumors.
The culprit? The franchise tag.
As murmurs of Higgins’ imminent relocation reached their apex in early March, they were squashed in an instant when Higgins himself announced that the Bengals would be retaining him via the tag.
This decision — and this situation as a whole — perfectly encapsulates the twisted and unfair nature of the franchise tag.
Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with retaining a player by any means necessary. In fact, I laud the Bengals for doing what other near-contenders often fail to do in going to exorbitant lengths to retain their high-octane offensive core. The Bengals are simply acting within the rules to maximize their chances of winning — the problem here is the rule itself.
At its core, the franchise tag is a tool at a general manager’s disposal to keep an impending free agent on their team for one more year, usually when said player is expected to leave in free agency or demand too much money from his current team. The tag can be used once per offseason to retain any player — no negotiation necessary.
The player cannot refuse the tag; should he refuse to play, he forfeits a year’s salary. This happened in 2018 when Steelers
RB Le’Veon Bell sat out the season after being franchisetagged for a second straight year — he was not paid.
Players are often paid a healthy amount under the tag, though the contracts sometimes undervalue their performance.
Per USAToday, “the value [of the tag] is either the average of the top five salaries at his position for the current year or 120% of the value of his previous salary … whichever value is greater.”
Regardless, the issue is in the ethics: a player has no right to negotiate over his own livelihood.
Imagine that your contract at your job is ending. You get a lucrative job offer from another company. Then, your current employer forces you to sign a one-year contract for a salary you cannot negotiate — even if you hate it there; even if you’ll be underpaid; even if you want the stability and comfort that comes with a longer-term deal.
It’s not their fault, they tell you — it’s under the umbrella of federal law.
Doesn’t sound fair, does it?
The NFL proves more stingy than the common man in considering the ethics of these rules.
That said, if an outright abolition of the franchise tag proves too drastic a change
to actually enact, smaller adjustments could be fought for by players and their representatives. Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams suggested that players bargain for a “no franchise tag” clause in future contract negotiations — this feels like a decent compromise, especially for players such as Higgins, whose unique situations make them a likely target of the tag.
Still, most players aren’t as fortunate as Higgins, who managed to negotiate a longterm extension last week. Teams seem more keen on treating the tag as a one-year rental on a key player rather than a deadline extension for coming to terms on a new contract.
Nevertheless, the franchise tag seems here to stay — or, at least, see minimal amendments to its current form. The folks in charge of rule changes are the same folks benefiting most from this rule; the NFL Rules Committee is currently composed of a coach, a team CEO, two team Executive Vice Presidents and a general manager. Each of these roles has everything to gain from a rule that effectively forces a player to stay on their team. This power structure is the same one responsible for the league’s consistently lackluster
innovations in concussion prevention.
The franchise tag is bound to fulfill a similar destiny. As players and the general public continue to raise an eyebrow at the ethics and fairness of the rule, a change may be considered more closely. But that doesn’t mean change will actually happen.
In a case like this, the verdict will always reflect the institution that bangs the gavel. An institution that doesn’t give proportional representation to its moneymakers — its players — will always be free to rule against them.
For the franchise tag and for every other rule that unfairly hurts players, the problem is systemic. The solution that will grant players their desired bargaining power is the solution that allows them to better bargain on items beyond the dollar figure on their contract — the rules of the league itself.
To create a more equitable, player-friendly league, the NFL must put their monetary interests aside and give the players that platform, one whose powers far exceed those of the current NFL Players Association, whose interests are secondary to those of team and league executives.
Then, and only then, can the fate of the franchise tag be weighed fairly.
COURTESY OF NHL MEDIA
The NHL trade deadline was on March 7, and many big moves were made.
By NOAH HOFFMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
Most of Fordham’s students enjoyed a week off for spring break, but Fordham Baseball stayed busy, winning four out of their five games.
The Rams began the week with a 9-6 home victory over the University of Maine Bears. The Bears scored two in the first inning with a leadoff home run and an RBI triple. The Rams responded quickly, scoring three runs including sophomore Madden Ocko’s two-run single. After Maine scored two to briefly regain the lead, Fordham University answered to tie the game in the third on an RBI single from senior T.J. Wachter. later scored on sophomore Carson Chavez’s single, giving the Rams a 5-4 advantage.
The score remained until the sixth inning, when Maine tied the game with a solo home run, before Fordham once again reclaimed the lead with a sacrifice fly and an RBI triple from junior Daniel Bucciero. The Rams added insurance runs late with a pair of RBI doubles, before senior relief pitcher Connor Haywood shut the door on the 9-6 win, earning his first save of the season.
The next day, the Rams notched a 5-2 win on the road over the Hofstra University Pride. The Rams struck first in the third inning when freshman Tommy Markey ripped an RBI double and later scored to give Fordham a 2-0 lead. Hofstra cut the deficit with a solo home run in the fourth, but the Rams
Baseball Wins Four Straight
responded by extending the lead to 4-1. Later, junior Tommy McAndrews added an insurance run with a solo blast to left.
On the side of pitching, starter and graduate student Ameer Hasan allowed just one run on six hits with three strikeouts over 5.2 innings, earning the win. Junior Ryan Egan, freshman Beau Elson and sophomore Koen Smith combined to lock down the final 3.1 innings and secure the 5-2 victory.
Fordham then hosted the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Minutemen for an Atlantic 10 weekend series. In the opener, the Rams’ pitching staff dominated, allowing just five hits, while three runs in each of the first three innings provided more than enough run support for the 6-0 shutout victory.
In the tilt’s first inning,
Athletes of the Week
Sophomore catcher Carson Chavez was instrumental in securing Fordham Baseball’s fourth straight win over break on Saturday, March 22, with his two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen. Entering the ninth inning, the Rams were down by three runs before an Andrew Kanellis sacrifice fly and a Chavez two-run double to left field to walk it off for the Rams with a final score of 10-9. This clinched the threegame series with UMass in favor of the Rams and gave them six wins in their last seven games.
Freshman Sophie Nesturrick helped secure a 6-1 Rams victory over the Saint Louis University Billikens on Saturday, March 22, with her first home run of her college career. Her three-run blast in the third inning put Fordham up 5-1 early in Saint Louis. They would hold on for the win, putting their record at 12-16 on the season so far and 4-2 in Atlantic 10 conference play.
sophomore Matt Dieguez delivered a two-run single. In the second, graduate student Andrew Kanellis hit a two-run single of his own. The scoring was capped in the third inning with an RBI single off freshman Anthony Grabau’s bat and a sacrifice fly by senior Cian Sahler.
On the mound, sophomore starter Aidan Dowd tossed six shutout innings with eight strikeouts to earn his second win of the season. Senior Robbie Stewart took care of the final three innings, striking out six of the nine batters he faced to lock down the 6-0 victory.
In the second game, the bats exploded, as the Rams manufactured a late rally to pull off a 10-9 comeback victory. UMass plated two runs in the first inning before Fordham cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the inning.
After the Minutemen added another run in the fourth, the Rams tied the game at three in the fifth inning on a tworun double from freshman Taylor Kirk.
A UMass grand slam in the seventh inning put Fordham on the ropes, but a Rams rally quickly made it a onerun ballgame again. In the bottom half of the frame, Chavez drew a walk and Kirk reached on an error to extend the inning, before Sahler crushed a three-run homer to right-center, trimming the lead to 7-6.
UMass tacked on two runs in the top of the ninth, but Fordham had one more rally left in the tank. Markey led off the bottom of the ninth with a single, Kirk was hit by a pitch and Sahler worked a walk to load the bases with no outs. Kanellis then launched a deep fly ball to left that just
missed clearing the wall for a walk-off grand slam but was deep enough for a sacrifice fly, cutting the deficit to 9-7. With two outs and the bases loaded again, Dieguez was hit by a pitch, bringing home another run to make it 9-8. That set the stage for Chavez, who delivered in the clutch, ripping a double to left field that brought home two runs and sealed a dramatic 10-9 walk-off win for the Rams.
The third and final game of the series was another tight contest, which ended in a 3-2 Fordham loss in 11 innings. The Rams got on the board first with graduate student Reid Lapekas’ RBI single in the second inning. The Minutemen tied the game at one in the fourth, but after the fourth, both the UMass and Fordham pitching staffs dominated, with both teams allowing just two hits until the ninth inning when UMass broke the tie with a solo homer. The Rams sent the game to extra innings after Kirk led off the ninth with a double and Kanellis singled to send him home. In extras, the Minutemen took a 3-2 lead in the 11th inning and shut the door in the bottom of the frame on the 3-2 victory. The Rams ended the week going on an impressive 4-1 run, bringing their overall record to 10-14 and 4-2 in conference play. Fordham will face their next game versus the Wagner College Seahawks on Wednesday, March 26, before heading to the south to Virginia for a weekend series with another Atlantic 10 rival, the University of Richmond.
Varsity Calendar
Men’s Golf
Women’s Tennis
Women’s Soccer
Carson Chavez Sophomore Baseball
Sophie Nesturrick Freshman Softball
3:30 p.m.
The Fordham Rams went an impressive 4-1 over spring break, now 10-14 on the year. COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
MLB Preview: New Beginnings in New York
By GRACE MCCARRON SPORTS EDITOR
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs already have two games under their belts from last week’s Tokyo Series, but the traditional Opening Day of the 2025 Major League Baseball season is tomorrow, with 28 teams playing their first game of the season.
New York fans have a lot to be excited about. The Mets and Yankees were two of the last four teams standing in 2024, with the Mets falling in the National League Championship Series to the Dodgers and the Yankees winning the American League (AL) pennant. October 2024 was a great time to be a baseball fan in New York, but fans have to wonder if we will see this kind of magic again in seven months.
It certainly seems plausible. Starting in Queens, the Mets had an extremely active offseason. The biggest splash, of course, was outfielder Juan Soto’s historic 15-year contract with the team, the most valuable contract in sports history. It is difficult to put into words how significant this move could be for the franchise, and it will be a joy to watch him in orange and blue. If all goes according to plan and expectation, Soto has the potential to transform this offense. But the Mets didn’t stop there: they resigned beloved first baseman and 2019 National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso, standout starting pitcher Sean Manaea and added pitcher Clay Holmes as well, who was named their Opening Day starter after an impressive spring.
While everything may sound like sunshine and rainbows in
Queens, the team has already begun facing injury concerns, with catcher Francisco Alvarez out six to eight weeks with a fractured hamate bone and outfielder Brandon Nimmo experiencing right knee soreness. There was good news for Manaea, however, who had an oblique injury but has resumed throwing. Pitcher Frankie Montas, another offseason acquisition, went down with a lat strain and is likely out a couple of months.
There’s no doubt the Mets had a great offseason, but there are still some questions around their pitching staff as a whole. Luis Severino and José Quintana, two quality starters from the 2024 rotation, didn’t return, and the rotation has already been thrown into question with the Manaea and Montas injuries. The bullpen is facing similar questions, but the Mets can hope their offense — which should be threatening, especially with the bats of Soto, Alonso
and shortstop Francisco Lindor — can help make up for any potential pitching problems. They’re in a tough division, having to contend with dangerous squads in the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, but they can definitely compete with them.
Turning it over to the Bronx, it’s been an upand-down offseason for the Yankees. Losing Soto to their crosstown rivals left a bad taste in the mouths of many Yankees fans, especially considering the significant role he played in the team’s run to the World Series last season. However, they recovered from this loss quickly and made some very solid moves to pivot. They acquired two former NL Most Valuable Players in Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt. They also traded for 2020 NL Rookie of the Year pitcher Devin Williams and signed pitcher Max Fried. But a massive blow came with the news
that ace Gerrit Cole needed Tommy John surgery, leaving him sidelined for the entire 2025 season. In addition, 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil was shut down with a lat strain, and the team hopes he can return in June. While they have rotational options in Fried, Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman, concerns linger. Giancarlo Stanton is also dealing with discomfort in both elbows as well as a calf issue. It feels like the injury bug has hit the Yankees early — and lethally. The good news for the Yankees is that the American League is wide open, much like it was last season. Any NL team will likely have to take down the Dodgers (among other very talented teams) en route to the World Series, but the Yankees don’t have to worry about that until the Fall Classic. If the Yankees can put on a performance like they did last year, with the hope of certain players
making strides on offense to bolster the lineup, they should be able to beat any team in front of them on the path to a repeat pennant.
As for the rest of the league, there are several other teams to keep an eye on. Do I even have to say the Dodgers? They seem extraordinary in every category, and barring an outrageous collapse it will be extremely tough for other teams to best them. Alongside the Yankees in the AL East, I’m keeping an eye on the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. Boston added pitchers Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler to their rotation in the offseason, and brought in infielder Alex Bregman. While they’re already facing injuries in their rotation as well, those two new additions joining some combination of Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello (if all are healthy) is a solid rotation. Baltimore has not seen the postseason success that they would like to in recent years, but they simply have too many good players, especially 2023 AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman, to be counted out of the picture. Finally, I like what the Chicago Cubs have begun building. Acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros was big, and Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele in the rotation are two solid pieces. They also picked up veteran bullpen arm Ryan Pressly. They say anything can happen in baseball, and that is part of the beauty of the game. Opening Day signifies a turning of the page and a fresh slate for every team, and it will be fascinating, as always, to see how things shake out in the next seven months.
Champions League Quarterfinals Preview
By AARYAN SAMA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With the thrilling round of 16 seeing European giants such as Atlético de Madrid and Liverpool eliminated from the Champions League, there is no telling what may happen in the quarterfinals with some very interesting matchups yet to be played. A Champions League favorite will come up against one of last year’s Champions League finalists. An English team that is currently placed ninth in the Premier League will come up against the French, who knocked out the team that is presently first. The teams at the top of the German and Italian leagues, respectively, will clash, and the team with the most Champions League titles will come up against a team with zero. The narratives at hand will make the quarterfinals an unpredictable yet sensationally enjoyable eight fútbol matches.
First, one of the highestquality matchups is between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, as both sides looked dominant this year. Twenty-six
matches into the Bundesliga, Bayern stands eight points clear of second place, whereas Inter Milan holds a threepoint lead over Napoli FC in a much tighter race for the title with nine games to go. That being said, all factors considered, Inter Milan looks to be the stronger side. Inter Milan has looked formidable in the group stages, finishing fourth in the new group format and winning six of their eight games.
Bayern, on the other hand, didn’t achieve direct qualification and had to scrape past Celtic to even qualify for the Round of 16. Nonetheless, Bayern did comfortably beat their title rivals Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16 and is still a world-class team, as they do have players such as Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. However, Inter Milan is more balanced on the pitch, and Inzaghi’s management skills appear to be far superior to Vincent Kompany’s.
Another great fixture will be between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, the two teams with some of the
largest fanbases in European football. Even so, it looks like FC Barcelona will win the tie fairly comfortably, as they look to be the best European team as of right now. With wunderkind Lamine Yamal and Ballon D’or contender Raphinha on the wings, along with the mastermind Pedri in midfield and a solid defense with both youth and experience, there aren’t many teams that look like they will be able to match Barcelona’s quality right now. Dortmund, despite their underdog journey to the final last year, looks much weaker this year, sitting at 11th in the Bundesliga, having lost eleven games out of twenty-six played. Still, as seen last season, Dortmund has the potential to overcome the odds, even when they are stacked against them. Players such as Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt and Gregor Kobel could be the difference for Dortmund, but it looks extremely unlikely that they will outclass the currently unstoppable FC Barcelona over the two legs.
Just five years ago, Aston Villa escaped relegation by
one point in the Premier League. Now, they gear up to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. That said, their likelihood of getting past PSG is thin, but certainly not impossible. Aston Villa was shockingly far better than PSG in the tournament’s group stages, even beating teams such as Bayern Munich. They have one of the finest goalkeepers in the world, Emiliano Martinez, and a midfield and an attack could certainly pose a threat to PSG. However, PSG currently looks formidable, given their recent victory over Liverpool at Anfield in the Round of 16. Former wunderkind Ousmane Dembélé has finally hit form in a side with quality players such as Désiré Doué and Vitinha. Months ago, PSG looked to be a certain exit in the early stages of the knockouts, but now it wouldn’t be outlandish to say that they could win the entire tournament. PSG is certainly the favorite in this game, but Villa is an underdog threat that could snap them back in to reality.
Finally, 15-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid, squares up against zero-time Champions League winners Arsenal. However, the two sides are closer in quality than statistics may suggest. Arsenal may have an injury crisis, but it isn’t stopping them from being rampant in Europe, netting nine goals in the Round of 16 with no real attack. The defensive pairing of Saliba and Gabriel, along with players such as Bukayo Saka, who are set to return by early April, may turn out to be a threat to Real Madrid’s defending of the trophy after their win over Dortmund last year. Real Madrid had a weak group stage phase, losing to the likes of Lille, Liverpool and Milan. Despite their form, they do have a worldclass roster and always have the habit of getting the job done, no matter how ugly. This tie will certainly be a test of how Ancelotti and Arteta are able to manipulate their defensive tactics, and while Real Madrid does look likely to win, a strong Arsenal squad could very well progress to the semi-finals too.
COURTESY OF MLB.COM
All-Star outfielder Juan Soto will don the orange and blue in his first regular season game as a New York Met.
By KURT SIPPEL STAFF WRITER
In 2012, when the then-New Jersey Nets decided to cross the Hudson River and move to their new home in Brooklyn, they didn’t know they would be taking something else with them.
Ever since the Nets moved into their new digs at the Barclays Center they have been cursed. While the curse might have been cast by a witch on the Jersey Turnpike while the Nets team buses were passing through the Lincoln Tunnel, in actuality it has been years of mismanagement and poor short-sighted moves that are to blame.
The Nets’ move to Brooklyn was orchestrated by Bruce Ratner, who was widely regarded as one of the worst owners in all of professional sports.
When Ratner bought the team in 2004, he was not hiding the fact that he wanted to move the team to Brooklyn. He was a real estate investor who was overseeing one of the largest developments in New York, transforming the Atlantic train yards into the Barclays Center and residential highrises.
Ratner, at the end of his fiveyear tenure as Nets owner, was taking on a lot of debt and needed to sell the team off to salvage his investments. Ratner would sell to Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov, who would lead them on their move to Brooklyn.
The Nets were looking to get back to the winning times that evaded them since 2003 after their back-to-back Finals appearances, and Prokhorov
The Curse of Crossing the Hudson
promised that he would bring a championship to fans in five years. In 2012, the Nets were fresh off a 24-win season in their last season calling New Jersey home. The team would travel across the river with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez as the faces of the franchise at the time.
The man who was tasked with leading the charge for the Nets to become champions was general manager Billy King, who acted in desperation when he was making moves for the Nets.
King would make very shortsighted moves in order to fulfill Prokhorov’s quest for championships. One of these moves would end up going down as one of the worst in NBA history and would contribute to one of the first times the Nets curse would rear its ugly head.
King made a win-now move when he decided to trade for the Boston Celtics aging superstars Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry.
The Celtics got a king’s ransom with five players, but the
most important part was the picks they received: three of the Nets’ future first-round picks and a future pick swap.
The Nets, with their aging squad of superstars, would only reach the playoffs once as a full squad, winning one series before losing to the Miami Heat. The Nets were left with nothing after mortgaging their future.
The Celtics, on the other hand, would end up turning those picks into Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who would go on to win a championship with Boston in 2024.
The Nets, after this massive fumble of a trade, would attempt to rebuild slowly, building roots through the draft with trades and free agents. King would be fired and the new general manager would be Sean Marks.
Marks would start building what ended up being a very beloved Nets squad, drafting Caris LeVert in 2016 and Jarrett Allen in 2017, helping lay the seeds for the arrival of D’Angelo Russell in a trade with the Golden State Warriors.
The Nets were a ragtag bunch
led by Jared Dudley and Russell and a young core of Allen, LaVert and Spencer Dinwiddie. This Nets squad was able to fight for a playoff spot in 2019 and won the hearts of Brooklyn. Fans finally had a team to rally behind.
At this time, Prokhorov in his final move before selling the franchise to Joe Tsai, would sign Kyrie Irving in free agency along with a sign and trade for Kevin Durant. This would be an exciting time for Nets fans, getting the two biggest superstars of the offseason.
The Nets would end up trading Russell, who led this Nets squad, in the deal. But it didn’t matter because Durant was a Brooklyn Net. The Nets weren’t done with trades yet; in 2021, they would allow the curse to overtake them once again.
The Nets didn’t learn from the first time and mortgaged their future once again to acquire James Harden from the Houston Rockets, for four future first-round picks along with five first-round pick swaps.
This squad was rife with injuries, and the Nets’ new big three
would only end up playing eight games together over the year they were formed.
The furthest they got was an Eastern Conference semifinals appearance against the Milwaukee Bucks. Durant took what looked like a series-winning three that ended up being a two, due to his toe being on the three-point line, and the Nets would end up losing in overtime.
Fans who might not have believed in the curse before became believers after that series. This squad would slowly disband, with Harden requesting a trade, then Irving causing a lot of issues and getting traded next.
Then, finally, Durant got traded in a massive deal to the Phoenix Suns, where the Nets would get a lot of their picks back. The Nets would also receive Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. Bridges would play a season for the Nets before being traded to the Knicks for five picks to add to the Nets stockpile.
So, when the dust settles, where are the Nets now in the 2025 season? It’s pointing toward a top-five lottery pick. They do have a fun squad, led by Nic Claxton and joined by Johnson and Russell coming back in a trade, along with Cam Thomas as a very exciting budding All-Star.
Fans are hoping that the Nets are finally done licking their wounds and picking up the pieces after bad deals. But the curse that the Nets have carried with them after crossing the Hudson River always manages to sneak its way down Atlantic Avenue.
The Nets seem to have carried a curse with them ever since moving to Brooklyn, but it may be broken soon.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Men’s Basketball Enters Period of Uncertainty
By ELIZABETH COLLINS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
The Fordham University men’s basketball program struggled exceedingly this season, particularly in its latter days. The Rams lost nine of their last 10 games. Following their loss in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament that marked the end of their season, the university decided to part ways with Head Coach Keith Urgo.
On Wednesday, March 12, Fordham entered the first round of the A-10 tournament against the University of Rhode Island Rams. In their matchup on Feb. 5, Fordham won 80-79 with a last-minute basket from graduate student forward Matt Zona. Just days before the A-10 tournament, however, on Saturday, March 8, Fordham extended their losing streak to eight when they suffered an 86-67 loss to them.
Fordham came with fervor to win in Washington, D.C. and they displayed it in the first few minutes of the matchup. Four minutes into play, they held a five-point advantage against the opposing Rams, 13-8. With 6:47 left on the clock, a 15-4 scoring run built the Fordham lead to 22 for a total of 38-16 (their largest lead of the night), with junior forward Romad Dean scoring the
By ELIZABETH COLLINS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
The Dallas Mavericks were once an outcast in the sports scene. In the 2000s, however, a fresh combination of power forward Dirk Nowitzki’s control of the court and Mark Cuban’s engaged team ownership enabled the Mavericks to become one of the strongest franchises in the league. They won their first and only NBA title in 2011. A few years later, Dallas acquired 19-year-old point guard Luka Dončić in the 2018 NBA draft, and fans began to see a new (and possibly better) Nowitzki in him — a young guy who could spend his hall-of-fame career in Dallas and lead their team to another title — and they were on track for just that. In the past five seasons, the Mavericks played in four playoffs, even making it to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics last June. As he proved essential to his team’s perennial success, Dončić quickly established himself as a top-five player in the league. Everyone — whether a Dallas fan, NBA
first seven of the 15 points. Fordham’s defense then went cold, and Rhode Island chipped away to get the lead down to 12, 49-37, at the half.
Rhode Island got it to a sixpoint game early in the second, but this was the closest it got as graduate student guard Japhet Medor, senior guard Jackie Johnson III and Dean dominated on offense. With about five minutes remaining in the half, Fordham’s advantage returned to digits until the end. Fordham won 88-71.
Rhode Island struggled with foul trouble throughout the game, giving Fordham 17 points at the line. But above all, the way Fordham came out in the first, taking the first swing on the Rams, gave them the win.
“The way we started the game,” Head Coach Keith Urgo said in a post-game interview, “really dictated the entire 40 minutes.” Medor and Johnson had a combined 55 points, and Dean added 14. With the win, the following night, Fordham was set to battle the seventh-seeded George Washington University Colonials. The Rams struggled in the first and trailed by eight at the break, 43-35. However, a 10-5 run in the early minutes of the second made it a one-possession game with a score of 48-45. Midway through the half, the Colonials advanced their lead back to 13, 66-53, but by 2:18 left, a 19-4 run by the Rams gave them their first lead of the night at 74-72. However, over the next minute,
three shots from behind the arc by Colonial guard Trey Autry secured the George Washington win. The game ended 88-81. The Rams put up a strong fight as Johnson III scored 35 points for the Rams (shooting 11-of-18 from the field, 7-for-9 from behind the arc). Medor struggled in the first, going 0-for-7 from the floor, but eventually added 13 to the board. Junior forward Joshua Rivera also added 11. In the end, the Colonials just had a better performance in ball movement, scoring and physicality on defense. With the loss, Fordham closed the season at 12-21. George Washington improved to 21-11. Fordham Athletics director Charles Guthrie announced on Thursday, March 20, that the university was letting go of Urgo
Overtime: The Curse of Luka
follower or Dončić himself — was awaiting his re-signing with the team this summer (he was also now eligible for a “supermax” extension worth $345 million over five years).
Hence, Feb. 2 was a shock to many. Just after midnight, a reporter at ESPN broke the news that Dončić was being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a future firstround pick. The main question many continue to ask over a month later is just “why?” Why would the Mavericks trade a player that any franchise seeks to build a championship-quality team around? Nico Harrison, the Mavericks’ general manager behind the trade, described it as a move made for team success in the next three to four playoff years, describing Davis and allstar guard Kyrie Irving as a perfect duo to lead them. Harrison was also reportedly worried that Dončić might not have wanted to sign the supermax extension and held concerns regarding his weight and injury risk.
None of this made complete sense. As stated, Dončić was
widely expected to sign the contract and had often indicated his commitment to Dallas. “I thought I’d spend my career here,” Dončić wrote in a statement to fans following the trade, “and I wanted so badly to bring you a championship.” Regarding his health, if that were a central concern, why would the Mavericks seek Davis, who, compared to the 25-year-old, is much more injury-prone at 31? If they were so concentrated on the future, why did they throw away one of the league’s best players amidst, or even still approaching, his prime? The Mavericks are unanimously understood to have had a generational talent on their court — a player with rare intensity, a talent for improvising and a charming team style — and they traded it for an underwhelming return. With colossal choices like these, Harrison probably had to imagine the team’s worst-case scenario. Whatever he imagined, it has probably become a reality for Dallas.
Anthony Davis, the forefront prospect of the trade, had a lot to prove in his debut game for the Mavericks and, for the most part, displayed the best of himself on the court. In 31 minutes, he gave the team 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks to help earn them the 116-105 win over the Houston Rockets. However, he exited the game in the third quarter due to a left adductor strain with tightness near his groin and quadriceps. While initially ruled out for a couple of weeks, Davis has not played in over a month, missing the past 18 games. An ESPN reporter stated on March 20 that the Mavericks staff believes the risk-reward of
after three seasons and they will “commence a national search for its next head coach.” Urgo took over the Fordham Rams after Head Coach Kyle Neptune left for Villanova in 2022. Urgo practically resurrected the program in his first season, giving them their best record in over 30 years. The team went 25-8 and tied for second in the A-10; Urgo was named conference coach of the year. Sadly, the Rams have yet to reproduce this early success, as the team earned a combined 25 wins in the past two seasons. Within his three years, Urgo went 50-49.
Some possible names for the job include Van Macon (current assistant coach at St. John’s University), Mike Hopkins (former head coach of the University of Washington), Kimani Young (current associate head coach at the University of Connecticut) and Bruiser Flint (current assistant coach at the University of Arkansas).
Fordham hasn’t been to the NCAA tournament since 1992. The Rams are entering a period of uncertainty that comes with any team adjusting to a new head coach, but the university is reportedly investing in its program and will have a men’s basketball budget that ranks in the top third in the A-10 in the coming years.
Davis playing again soon is not there; whether or not he will return before the end of the season remains unknown, but the signs are continually pointing to no. And so, Irving was left standing to lead the team. But, in the first quarter of the Mavericks’ loss against the Sacramento Kings on March 3, he suffered a seasonending ACL tear in his left knee. This is the same knee that Irving fractured in 2015, which then got infected and required additional surgery. Moreover, an injury like this often requires six to 12 months of recovery. Irving will likely not be back on the court until mid-next season, when he will be 33 years old, alongside 32-year-old Davis. In the games between the Dončić trade and injury, Irving averaged 39.3 minutes of play (the most of any player in the NBA).
While the league permits teams to have 13 active players per game, the Mavericks entered their matchup against the Phoenix Suns on March 9 with only nine. By the final quarter, this number decreased to seven as more injuries took players out. The benched players included forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, small forward Caleb Martin and reserve guards Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum. Essentially, the Mavericks are now walking wounded. The “win-now” strategy Harrison was thirsting for seemed to slip away before one could even fully believe it possible.
Even the Mavericks look to be scrapping this season, as they primarily focus on what to do in the next. But what should the team do moving forward? With both
Davis and Irving injured, they will be farther past their prime when they return. Irving’s speed is essential to his greatness, and who knows if that will fully come back with him. I believe this strategy Harrison is aiming for could never work as he had hoped it would. With their 2029 first-round pick, they could try to draft another superstar, but they will never get another Dončić. One of the best moves is to trade Davis. The team has cornered itself into a rebuilding period; the Mavericks must finally accept the mistake of letting go of a once-in-a-lifetime player. They should trade for young players, foster their growth and try to win a championship with a new team. This one will not get the job done.
The entire trade put Dallas in shambles as they mourned their eminence. The Mavericks have gone 7-14 since the trade. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the LeBron James-Dončić era has served the Lakers well, having gone 12-7 since Dončić’s first game on Feb. 10. Dončić was Dallas; the fans were not ready to give up on a championship with him, but the franchise was. The era, which had the passion and heart of the city embroidered within it, was cut short, and they are struggling to find something similar in this new one.
The Curse of the Bambino resulted from the accepted worst trade in sports history when the Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1919, and an 86-year championship drought followed for the franchise. Who knows what lies ahead; the Mavericks may be entering their own curse of Luka.
After losing in the second round of the Atlantic 10 tournament, Fordham has let go of Head Coach Keith Urgo.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Somehow, the Luka Dončić trade looks worse for the Mavericks than it did initially.
