The Fordham
Students Protest Fordham’s ICE Policy Amid Visa Revocations
“I want as many people as possible to know that this is happening...and it matters that it is hitting home. ”
Tetlow Meets With Student Press: Talks Finances and Federal Action
By NORA MALONE, ALLISON SCHNEIDER & ADITHI VIMALANATHAN
President Tania Tetlow met with reporters from Fordham University’s student newspapers on April 8. The Fordham Ram and the Fordham Observer attended the meeting to cover a variety of topics, including the recent visa revocations of two Fordham students, the new STEM building and changes to the University’s finances.
FORDHAM STUDENT VISAS REVOKED
On April 4, President Tania Tetlow shared via a university-wide email that an undergraduate student’s visa was revoked. During the press conference, Tetlow shared that a second international student had their visa revoked and added more about the circumstances behind these revocations and the university’s involvement.
The student whose visa revocation was announced on April 4 was not contacted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tetlow confirmed. The revocation was discovered during a daily routine check of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by the Office for International Services, after which the university informed the student.
“You didn’t use to have to do that,” Tetlow said. “There was no need to psychically intuit [that] the government had changed its mind about a visa.”
Tetlow shared that the DHS has not provided the university with cause for the revocation yet. She also shared that the university is in contact with the student.
“We’re trying to provide as much support as we can because it is an unimaginable situation and we are so upset on his behalf,” she said.
Tetlow said that on the
A group of Fordham students held a rally outside the Lincoln Center campus on April 8. The group demanded Fordham support its international students and publically defy recent actions by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Fordham Students Have Visas Revoked
By NORA MALONE ADITHI VIMALANATHAN
On April 8, the University confirmed that a second Fordham student has had their visa revoked. This comes after an April 4 email from President Tania Tetlow informing the student body that a different student had their visa revoked.
The University discovered the status of both students’ visas through a routine check of the Students and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) website. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not reached out to the university or the students as of Tuesday afternoon.
University Spokesperson Bob Howe gave a statement on April 5 which stated that Fordham University is unsure of the cause behind the revocation and that the DHS has provided no cause for the change in visa status.
“The University does not believe that the student is connected to the protests at Fordham,” he added.
According to the Associated Press, international students across the nation have faced visa revocations for a variety of reasons, including “pro-Palestinian activism or criminal infractions.”
In her email, Tetlow wrote that “in the last few days, a growing number of students from a wide range of countries, have had their visas revoked without explanation and without notice. Today, we discovered that this has affected one of our own undergraduate students.”
A group of faculty members and others has been assembled to “help us navigate these issues, plan our response, and provide support.”
If you have any information regarding the students who had their visa revoked, please email fordhamramonline@gmail.com
By NORA MALONE, ANDREW MASSIE & CAITLIN THOMAS
Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, and Andrew McDonald, FCRH ’26, have won the positions of executive president and executive vice president for the Fordham University Rose Hill United Student Government (USG) for the 2025-26 academic year. Voting for this election opened for all Fordham students at the Rose Hill campus at noon on April 7 and ended at 5 p.m. on April 8.
Hjertberg previously served as executive president of USG for the fall 2024 semester before going abroad in spring 2025. Before that, he served as Vice President of Budgets and Finance and SEE USG, PAGE 4 SEE TETLOW, PAGE 5
ADITHI VIMALANATHAN/THE FORDHAM RAM
NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
ANDREW MASSIE/THE FORDHAM RAM
President Tania Tetlow
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
Off-Campus
April 5
12:40 p.m.
On Saturday, Fordham Crew Team members were practicing near City Island. One boat began taking on water due to the weather change and large waves and could not make it to shore. The coach took the members onto their boat and took everyone to Rodman’s Neck where FDNY EMS transported all 17 team members, to Jacobi Medical Center and to St. Barnabas Hospital. All members were treated and released. The boat that took on the water was damaged and was left at the Harlem Yacht Club on City Island.
McShane Campus Center April 6
2:50 p.m.
On Sunday, there was a stuck occupied elevator in the McShane Campus Center. The supervisor responded and notified the elevator company. The response time was 45 minutes. The supervisor contacted the FDNY to respond and freed three occupants. The elevator is out of service.
Off-Campus
April 6
8:22 p.m.
On Sunday, there was a fire alarm at Arthur House. The supervisor and FDNY responded. The alarm panel indicated the basement laundry room. The supervisor ventilated the area and reset the alarm panel.
Moving Off Campus? Here’s Some Advice
Staff writer Eleanor Smith created a map that shows locations of off-campus housing so students can easily find their next apartment.
By ELEANOR SMITH STAFF WRITER
For Fordham University students looking for an apartment near campus, the search can feel intimidating. There are many different realty companies that own or manage buildings in the Belmont neighborhood and cater to Fordham students interested in moving off campus.
Although rent is steadily increasing, it is still usually cheaper for students to live off-campus than in the dorms. The average Fordham student pays $900-$1,200 a month for an off-campus apartment, while a double room with a (required) meal plan on-campus can cost over $25,000 for the school year.
Belmont is south of Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, just across Fordham Road.
The neighborhood boundaries are Webster Avenue in the west and the Bronx Zoo to the east, and Belmont stretches south all the way to 180th Street. However, the Fordham student population is concentrated inside the triangle made by Third Avenue, Crescent Avenue and Cambreleng Avenue.
The Ram recorded which buildings were owned by realty companies that cater to Fordham students and
Wednesday April 9
McGinley Chair Inaugural Lecture
Keating 1st 5 p.m.
Thomas Massaro, S.J., the new McGinley chair, is giving his inaugural lecture on American exceptionalism on Wednesday.
created a map of six local realty companies: Belmont Realty, LandSeAirNewYork (LSANY), Fordham Realty, Rhamco, NV Properties and Bluesky.
All the groups listed above were contacted multiple times, but only NV Properties and LSANY responded.
Aristotle Hatzigeorgiou founded NV Properties with his wife, and the two of them still own and run the business together. He has his own construction company that adds high-end finishes to his buildings.
“I have a background in the hospitality industry, so I’m not comfortable buying a building and throwing a coat of paint on,” said Hatzigeorgiou.
Jack Loughney, FCRH ’26, lives in one of Hatzigeorgiou’s buildings. He found the apartment through his cousin and enjoys living there.
“My landlord will come at 2 in the morning to fix alarms that are going off, and that’s really nice,” he said. “But I do wish I had roof access.”
Like Loughney, many Fordham students who live off-campus move into apartments that are “passed down” from someone they know. This is typical with houses or apartments rented by sports teams, passed down as new teammates move in and seniors move out. Mov-
ing into an apartment that a friend previously lived in allows students to find out more about the living space and the landlord than one learns from a quick walkthrough tour.
Joel Abreu, the founder and head broker of LSANY, said that “[LSANY’s] goal is to make the transaction [of renting an apartment] easier for students and parents.” LSANY offers virtual tours and electronic transactions to make it easier for parents to help their children rent their first apartment from a distance.
In addition to a resident benefit package that offers renters free liability insurance, LSANY is also working on creating a roommate matching system to help prospective subletters find empty rooms.
Both Hatzigeorgiou and Abreu recognized that there are challenges with renting to students. “The challenge with students is there’s generally more turnover because they graduate,” said Hatzigeorgiou. “And when they do leave, they all leave at the same time.” Abreu said. “There is a learning curve for students because it’s their first apartment, so we try to educate them on how all of this works.”
For some students, the prospect of finding an apart-
This Week at Fordham
Thursday April 10
Pesto, Punchlines and Perspectives
Keating 1st 7 p.m.
CAB is parterning with The Women’s Network to host an event full of laughs, snacks and prizes with Julia Leahy.
Saturday April 12
Sex and the City and the Baby BlackBox Theatre 8 p.m.
Go to Fordham Experimental Theatre’s production of “Sex and the City and the Baby.” Make sure to get there early to get a spot!
Sunday April 13
CAB: Last Comic Standing
Keating 1st 7 p.m.
Go to Keating on Sunday to help narrow down the last comic standing. First place will win the opening slot for Spring Weekend!
ment, furnishing it and remembering to pay the bills each month can feel daunting. Indira Kar, FCRH ’25, said she chose her current apartment because it had many of the conveniences of dorm living. She rents an apartment from Belmont Realty, which includes WiFi and water in the monthly rent, as well as furniture and a biweekly cleaning service.
NOTE:
These companies were chosen because they are the most well-known among Fordham students. The Ram only noted properties that had a visible sign on the building. On the map, the commercial districts along 187th Street and Arthur Avenue seem to lack student housing, but that is only because those buildings did not have signs on them.
The map is a reference tool rather than a search tool and will eventually become outdated. Many companies still have apartments available for next year, but it is best to reach out to them directly or use their website’s search function to find an apartment. The off-campus housing map can be found at https:// www.google.com/maps/d/ edit?mid=1CX2_xFpAu_R3 t5DbEGSnlCKIVmotqNo&u sp=sharing.
Monday April 14
Race and Slavery at Fordham
ELEANOR SMITH/THE FORDHAM RAM
Students Gather to Promote Suicide Prevention Awareness
By SIENNA REINDERS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Despite the rainy weather, almost 200 Fordham University students, alumni and parents gathered in front of Keating Hall on Saturday to promote suicide prevention awareness. The second annual “Out of the Darkness Fordham University Campus Walk” included activities and an opening ceremony followed by a walk around Fordham’s campus.
It was hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in collaboration with event cochairs Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, and Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27.
AFSP is an organization that aims to empower research, education and advocacy for suicide prevention. The organization partners with high schools and colleges to host walks in support of suicide prevention awareness.
The annual walk, now in its second year, also includes a fundraising aspect. This year, Fordham participants raised $6,401 of the event’s $12,500 goal.
Ruzicka helped organize the event last year and once again served as the walk cochair. She said they have been planning this event since last October and that they have had a lot of support from Fordham in putting it together.
“We’ve gotten a lot of support from the faculty here on campus,” Ruzicka
said. “I know the psychology department made a team and they were here. We’ve gotten a lot of support from alumni who have come back for this. And, of course, the students at Fordham have been really great, so it’s been an amazing event all around.”
The event started at 1 p.m., and when attendees arrived they were greeted with music and were invited to check in or register if they hadn’t done so in advance. After that, they could pick up honor beads in various colors, depending on their experience with suicide. At the table was a sign explaining what each bead color signified.
Before the opening ceremony, attendees could participate in activities, including making beaded bracelets, decorating rocks, writing on posters and collecting stickers and pins. Volunteers at different tables engaged with the participants to inform them about suicide prevention awareness.
Sayegh was the other event co-chair, and she primarily organized sponsorships and fundraising for the event. She believes events like these are important, especially in college, where stress among students is common.
“I think, especially on a college campus, there can be a lot of stigma about talking about these kinds of things, especially as we near finals season, you know, kids tend to get really stressed,” Sayegh said. “I feel like what’s most important is solidarity and having a
place with your peers where everyone feels safe and accepted, and talking about our shared struggles and not feeling judged.”
Other tables at the event included one for Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), which was staffed by Alice Feng, a supervising counselor and the coordinator for outreach and DEI initiatives, and Mariaisabel Zweig, a supervising psychologist and group coordinator.
Katherine Zaino, GSB ’27, who creates sponsored content for Poppi on TikTok, sponsored a table with free Poppi and Red Bull. She said events like this one are important to promote a call to action for mental health and also to promote a safe space for people to talk about their struggles.
At 2 p.m. everyone gathered on the steps in front of the Keating Hall for the opening ceremony, which commenced with the national anthem. The
organizers then spoke about AFSP and the importance of suicide prevention awareness.
Volunteers also talked more in-depth about the different honor bead colors.
During the opening ceremony, the organizers announced the winner for fundraising the most money, a title that went to Josie Whalen, GSB ’27. She raised $1,000 by reaching out to family members and posting on social media such as Instagram and LinkedIn.
She decided to participate in the event because she lost her sister to suicide, an experience that made her want to help spread awareness.
“I lost my sister to suicide, so I just really wanted to walk for her,” Whalen said. “She struggled for a while. Bipolar [disorder] runs in my family, and I just really want to spread awareness for mental health.”
After the ceremony, Ruzicka and Sayegh, along with the other organizers and volunteers,
led the attendees on a walk around Fordham’s campus. The route passed by Edwards Parade, taking a counter-clockwise direction around campus before returning to Keating Hall.
After the walk concluded, the event continued with more activities and dancing for attendees to participate in. Frankie Stella, FCRH ’27, said events like these are important because they allow people to come together to talk about their struggles and know they are not alone.
“Mental health in general isn’t always talked about, so having a platform for students to take charge and talk about it on their own campus, I think, is really important,” Stella said. “For people who maybe don’t have an outlet to talk about mental health, or for people who are struggling, this may be a way to see that there are people who are trying to spread awareness.”
Fordham Announces Hiring Pause and Budget Cuts
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
Fordham University recently announced it would be instating a hiring pause and budget cuts for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026. The news was shared in an email from the University’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tokumbo Shobowale on March 14.
“This year, we forecast a budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year due to a combination of factors, including external uncertainty associated with federal funding and the graduation of our largest undergraduate cohort in Fordham’s 184-year history,” Shobowale stated in an email. “Taking proactive steps such as the budget freeze helps to ensure the University’s financial stability without compromising our core mission.”
The hiring pause requires all position requests — when a member of staff requests a job posting be opened — to be reviewed by a relevant vice president and then the president’s cabinet, according to the email sent by Shobowale.
According to Sharif Mowlabocus, the Communication and Media Studies Department chair, Provost Dennis Jacobs discussed the hiring pause at the Faculty Senate meeting on Feb. 28.
“[Jacobs said] the hiring freeze is in the clerical and administrative [departments] for sure; however, he still sees that there will be a round of faculty-based hires in 2026,” said Mowlabocus, who also serves on the Faculty Senate.
“As a chair from a staffing perspective, I’m concerned, but I do not understand the CFO’s email as immediately imposing a freeze upon my hiring.”
Positions that are currently open or people who are in the process of being hired will continue in their current course according to Shobowale.
“Some open positions will be filled because they are necessary for safety or the delivery of essential student services,” said Shobowale.
“Other roles, such as tenure-track faculty positions, are critical to delivering upon exceptional learning experiences.”
There is currently no end date for the hiring pause. Shobowale attributes this decision to “all that is happening with the federal government and reductions in public funding for higher education.”
In addition to pausing hiring, all departments are expected to reduce their non-staff spending by 10% for FY ’26, which runs from September 2025 to September 2026.
“We will have to be making some difficult decisions,” said Mowlabocus. “I’m committed to making sure the student experience is maintained. […] but I also have to balance that with the needs of my faculty.”
Currently, the University is dealing with the incoming “demographic cliff,” which refers to the reduced number of births during the 2008 financial crisis. This age group is in the process of applying to colleges.
“Now, previously, the Provost has said that for us, it’s less of a cliff and more of a step-down,” said Mowlabocus. “There are other
colleges around, I’ve been told, that really will be suffering this massive drop.”
According to Shobowale, the graduation of the postCOVID-19 class and smaller class sizes due to the demographic cliff will impact the University’s finances.
“Both the hiring pause and the reduction in non-staff costs apply to all units across the university,” said Shobowale. “However, the largest reductions in non-staff costs are coming in administrative units, and we have not suspended any of the faculty hiring searches in progress.”
Mowlabocus has concerns about how departments are supposed to implement this spending reduction.
“The first communication that I’ve received from the CFO about the budget since a communication around this time last year […] was this communication, and since then, there has been no follow-up communication,” he said. “We were aware […] that there could be budgetary constraints. I think the concern that many people have had is that up until this point, there
has been a sizable increase in the number of highly paid administrators in Fordham.”
The spending decrease came after Fordham announced an increase in tuition, meal plan and room costs for the 2025-26 academic year, and a $100 million donation was given to the University.
“The $100 million gift was restricted, as are most gifts, to support a particular area or project — in this case, the construction of the new STEM building,” said Shobowale. “As such, the University is legally prohibited from using these funds for current salaries or other ongoing operating costs.”
Fordham also recently had its annual Founders Dinner, which raised $2.5 million for the scholarship fund.
“I also want to say, we need to have a strong marketing department, we need to have a strong fundraising department, I don’t doubt that,” said Mowlabocus. “But [if] you’re marketing a university [if] you are raising funds for a university, you need highly qualified experienced educators to teach in the university.”
Megan Ruzicka, Laila Sayegh and a 10-person walk committee planned this year’s “Out of the Darkness Campus Walk.”
SIENNA REINDERS/THE FORDHAM RAM
By NORA MALONE NEWS EDITOR
A group of Fordham University students rallied outside of the Lincoln Center campus on April 8 in support of a Fordham student who had their visa revoked. The rally was organized by Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), who demanded more action by the university in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) revoking of student visas. Fordham SJP is not an officially recognized club on campus.
“The fact that somebody at Fordham, a part of our community, was put in danger was enough for me to want to come out here to make sure Fordham stands up and protects the students to the best of their ability,” said one of the protestors, Kenny Moll, FCLC ’25.
SJP published a list of demands for Fordham’s administration on Instagram. Their statement on Instagram calls for “immediate transparency from the administration, a public commitment to noncooperation with immigration enforcement, and material support for any affected students.”
The rally began at noon with around 12 protesters gathered on the sidewalk outside of Lowenstein Plaza. Approximately 14 NYPD officers were also present. They primarily interacted with protestors to clear the sidewalk. During the protest, an NYPD officer instructed a student to put away a megaphone and said that they needed a permit to use it.
Several students led call-and-response chants throughout the rally while other protesters held signs. The chants primarily regarded demands that the students
Students Rally At Lincoln Center
have for the university. The event lasted until about 2 p.m., with nearly 70 attendees at its peak.
“I hope administration understands our demands for legal aid and support of this student,” Moll said. “Financial support, transparency and communication with the Fordham community about this, about what’s going on, and then a commitment not to capitulate to ICE or the Department of Homeland Security and to really understand that this is upsetting to a lot of students, this will affect their bottom line if they are treating the university as a business.”
Moll also said they hope for more action from President Tania Tetlow. She recently sent an email regarding immigration status and higher education institutions. In that email, she mentioned that a Fordham student’s visa had been revoked.
“I hope [Tetlow] does a lot more than just thoughts and prayer,” said Moll. “I hope there is direct financial support for the student, legal aid given to the student with support of the university instead of just, you know, kind of a half measure that leaves the entire campus confused and worried for future students.”
Student leaders said they took several actions to make the protest safer for students, keeping in mind that several students were arrested during the proPalestinian protest and encampment at the Lincoln Center campus last year. Moll said one precaution they took was making sure to stay on the sidewalk and off of campus property.
“Our campus is pretty oppressive when it comes to
rallies and protests and stuff like that, and they’ve made it very clear in the past that they view us more so as a threat than a student body, so staying off their campus is one of the most important things we did today to ensure that our community was safe, and unfortunately that means keeping our community safe from the university itself,” Moll said.
Members of Fordham SJP also suggested that international students not participate in the protest due to safety concerns specifically regarding student visas. Moll emphasized that students feel they cannot trust the university to protect its students.
“We made sure that students
on visas, international students, immigrant students did not come because we do not have faith within our university to protect those students if NYPD is around, if ICE is notified of this rally, and that’s really disappointing to us,” Moll said. “We have a lot of international students on this campus who want to be a part of these protests, but don’t feel safe, and so our main goal today was ensuring the protection of everybody who came to today’s rally.”
Michael Magazine, FCLC ’26, an organizer, reiterated Moll’s ideas.
“We told people … to not have [international students] show up just because of the
concerns on ICE and DHS being here in person,” said Magazine. “Clearly, NYPD was here in force, and we know they’re collaborating, so it was a security concern.” Magazine said SJP will continue to take action as they receive updates about international student visas.
“We definitely are a rapid response-based group, so in nine days from now if that student does try to get deported by ICE we would definitely do something in response to that,” Magazine said. “But, we’re obviously examining the situation as it evolves, and we’ll have more events as needed.”
USG Executive Board Members and Class Senators Announced
as a Fordham College Rose Hill senator. McDonald has not served on USG, but he did run for executive president for the 2024-25 academic year.
Their campaign platform advocates for transparency from USG and Fordham’s administration. They pledge to publish voting records of USG members and ensure that any student can run for USG regardless of previous experience. Along the campaign trail, they promised, “No more unchecked power, no more backroom politics, no more barriers between students and the government that represents them.”
The Ram called Hjertberg and McDonald for comments on their win.
“First, I just want to say thank you to all those people who helped us out
and door knocked and reposted on their Instagram,” said Hjertberg. “It means the world to have their support and especially coming off an election last year, to see that they still have faith in me but also in the institution is nice to see.”
Hjertberg is currently studying abroad in Madrid but said he is excited to get to work when he returns. One issue they hope to address is the safety of the Fordham students who recently had their visas revoked by the Department of Homeland Security.
“What I think is really important is that we get transparency from the administration and if Drew and I can apply pressure in the right way to ensure that, or even if we were the mode of communication to let students know updates as often as possible,” he said.
McDonald shares Hjertberg’s sentiments.
“Thank you for putting your trust in Lucas and I,” he said. “We’re an unconventional pairing but we know it’s going to work out well.”
McDonald says he and Hjertberg want to tackle “the small procedural things.” They plan to start with bylaw changes that they could realistically enact within a short timeframe.
Hjertberg and McDonald received 621 votes, while Ruzicka and Rodriguez received 483 votes.
Compared to the 2,370 votes in the 2024-25 USG election, the turnout is significantly less this year with 1,104 total votes.
The remaining members of the executive board for the 2025-26 academic year are as follows:
Tina Pathak, FCRH ’28, will serve as vice president of operations.
Luc Angus, FCRH ’26, will serve as vice president of student experience.
Peter Grimes, FCRH ’26, will serve as vice president of budget and finance.
Yeonsu Son, FCRH ’27, will serve as the vice president of communications.
Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26, will serve as vice president of FCRH.
Hunter Gholson, GSB ’26, will serve as vice president of the GSB.
Aidan Costella, FCRH ’27, will serve as vice president of health and security.
Laila Sayegh, FCRH ’27, will serve as vice president for diversity and inclusion.
Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, will serve as vice president of sustainability.
Maddie Ando, FCRH ’27, will serve as vice president
of facilities and dining.
Jenny (Yeju) Hong, FCRH ’28, will serve as vice president of international integration.
Ava Cascella, Joseph Onorato and Anna Wiss will serve as the Fordham College at Rose Hill senators for the class of 2026. Wiss was elected as a write-in candidate for the senate swing seat.
Cate Dalton, Anna Brown and Katelyn Martins, will serve as the Fordham College at Rose Hill senators for the class of 2027.
Audrey Shooner, Whitney Egbe and Regan Healy will serve as the Fordham College at Rose Hill senators for the class of 2028.
Sarah Bayas and Coffee Dinh will serve as the Gabelli School of Business senators for the class of 2028.
ANDREW MASSIE/THE FORDHAM RAM
Attendees made their own signs at the rally,. The crowd was made up of students and staff.
FROM USG, PAGE 1
Fordham Hosts Former President of Costa Rica For American Age Lecture Series
By CAITLIN THOMAS ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Former Costa Rican
President Carlos Alvarado Quesada spoke on climate action on Tuesday, April 1, in McShane Great Hall. The event was organized by the Campus Activities Board’s (CAB) Live! Committee. This was the first speaker event in Fordham University’s revived American Age lecture series.
Dean of Students at Rose Hill Christopher Rodgers reached out to CAB President Adeyinka Maddy, FCRH ’25, and Vice President Jaclyn Wickersham, FCRH ’25, about restarting Fordham’s American Age Lecture Series. They passed this initiative on to CAB’s Live! Committee, which books speakers and stand-up comedians throughout the academic year. Members Megan Blaustein, GSB ’25, Keagan Ostop, FCRH ’25 and Sara Plomondon, FCRH
FROM CHAINS, PAGE 1 morning of April 8, a second student’s visa was found to be revoked. She said the university is limited in the information they can provide out of respect for both of the students’ privacy.
In her email on April 4, Tetlow announced a working group of faculty and administrators to address these concerns. During the press conference, Tetlow said they had started meeting the week prior and are now working on guidance for students, faculty and staff on work visas.
“Giving that guidance is difficult because there is so much uncertainty that is not within our power to unlock,” she added.
She said some of their work includes providing legal advice and helping ensure that students can complete school work online. The group also hopes to find opportunities for housing in the event that a student’s visa is revoked and they feel unsafe going to their home country.
Tetlow said she sent the email to the entire Fordham community because she felt it was important for Fordham students to know that national issues have reached Fordham and are affecting their fellow students.
“I want as many people as possible to know that this is happening and to spread the word through our community, through our board and all the stories you are seeing about this happening nationally,” she said. “It matters to know that this is hitting home.”
ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND FREE SPEECH
During the press conference, Tetlow was asked if she was worried about how the recent arrests of students and faculty who have engaged in political activism might affect free speech within university campuses. Fordham’s Vice President for Marketing and
’25, say that relaunching Fordham’s American Age lecture series aligns with CAB’s mission to provide educational programming to students.
Alvarado Quesada felt it was important to talk to students and encourage their continued commitment to making a change in the world.
“I do believe [talking] to young people in the current state of affairs is relevant,” said Alvarado Quesada. “The youth is a driving force of good change everywhere. But sometimes the feelings of anxiety and sadness can take over, so I think it’s good to remind everybody that it’s possible to make a meaningful contribution.”
He spoke about his work as president of Costa Rica to push the country to use 99% clean electricity and partner with other countries to expand protected natural areas.
Jade Petalcorin, GSB ’25,
who studies accounting with a concentration in sustainability reporting, attended the event. She commented on CAB’s ability to host such a notable speaker.
“I think it’s really impressive that we could get a former president of such a significant country, especially in the sustainability sphere here,” said Petalcorin. “It’s also just good to hear different perspectives about political issues, specifically ones that affect the entire planet I have an interest in sustainability so I loved to hear his views on everything.”
Alvarado Quesada also fielded questions from students during the Q&A portion of his presentation.
Petalcorin asked him about Costa Rica’s informal economy structure and how their climate change mitigation efforts might be used as a model for other countries with informal economies.
“As a business major, I think about the economy a bit too much and informal economy has always been something very interesting to me, especially as the United States is such a formal economy,” said Petalcorin. “I think it’s important to hear because he did mention that no small act is an effort wasted. When it comes to informal economies like that, it makes me think, how do you target individuals to want to care about the planet?”
Alvarado Quesada said he hopes students can walk away from his presentation with just one new insight or perspective.
“If by coming here, they either take an idea or an example or remember an element that provides hope or an analogy that they find useful and incorporate in their own language or even if they say, I don’t agree at all, I think that is good,” said Alvarado Quesada.
Tetlow Meets with Student Press
Communications Justin Bell clarified that arrests of this nature are not happening at Fordham.
“What I find ironic at this moment is that so many of the critics of academia who said we didn’t believe enough in free speech — and I thought many of those criticisms were fair — have now flip-flopped and are doing things to chill free speech. And that’s really a shame,” she said.
“Universities are supposed to be places where you can debate controversial topics and express views, some of which are unpopular, and that’s what we do, is we hash out hard issues,” Tetlow said. “I have been clear with faculty in individual faculty meetings, in the speech I gave, that Fordham defends academic freedom. But the pressures are not coming from us, they’re coming from the world.”
On Feb. 26, President Tetlow gave an address titled “Sign of the Times” to faculty and staff that addressed the university’s direction going forward.
When asked about her address, Tetlow noted that Fordham’s Catholic grounding informs its process going forward.
“As a Catholic institution, we believe profoundly in fundamental human dignity and equality,” she said. “We believe in meeting people according to their needs … We believe in the idea that all are welcome here and that it is our job to make sure that students feel welcome here. Not just with vague platitudes but with very specific learning about how the stereotypes and hatreds and biases of the world are wrong.”
UNIVERSITY FINANCES AND THE TUITION INCREASE
Tetlow also spoke about the recently announced tuition increase for the upcoming school year and explained the necessity of the increase in light of routine employee pay
increases and inflation.
“The cost of educating students has gone up for all the reasons you might imagine. Everything from normal pay increases for employees --which is two-thirds of our budget is people, faculty, staff --- and administrators, and utilities and insurance and the impact of inflation,” Tetlow said.
According to Tetlow, the university’s highest funding priority continues to be financial aid.
“Our highest priority in the budget is financial aid,” she said. “It’s hundreds of millions a year. We continue to raise money from alumni for financial aid. So about half of our endowment is dedicated to scholarship funds, and that was a big part of the last fundraising campaign. We will continue to make that the highest priority.”
She encouraged students struggling to cover the cost of their education to contact the Financial Aid department and file an appeal.
Tetlow further explained that the university is working hard to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
“Our first priority is to contain those costs as much as we can,” Tetlow said. “In general, bridging the gap between the excellence that students deserve and the price they can afford to pay is brutally hard.”
These cost-cutting measures include a hiring pause and a 10% cut to non-staff expenses in all departments. Members of the university community were initially informed of these changes via an email sent by Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Tokumbo Shobowale on March 14.
According to Tetlow, the hiring pause will primarily impact staff and administrative hiring and generally does not apply to faculty positions.
“The hiring freeze does
Alvarado Quesada says his goal in speaking with Fordham students was to build community and offer new insights. Alvarado Quesada is also a Tufts University professor, where he teaches courses about leadership and diplomacy to graduate students and works on issues related to climate change and migration as a fellow at the university. Currently, CAB is looking to host more speakers for the restarted American Age lecture series. They plan to host at least one speaker per semester to continue CAB’s mission of engaging students with free events.
“At the end of the day, our goal is just to provide events on campus for students free of cost so they can either go out and try new things, meet new people or learn,” said Ostop. “The nice thing about CAB is everything is free and anyone can go.”
and other groups.
not apply to tenure faculty searches and the hiring of adjuncts and lecturers is really about the size of the incoming class and how many courses we need to schedule,” Tetlow said. “The focus of the hiring freeze is on the staff and administrative side, not faculty.”
Tetlow acknowledged the difficulties that budget cuts create for all members of the community and emphasized the importance of responsible spending for the university.
“I am very aware that it is exhausting to have to constantly try to pinch pennies and be frugal in this way,” said Tetlow. “But I also believe that given that almost every dime that we spend comes from student tuition, it is part of our mission and values to be incredibly careful with every dime that we spend.”
The president also spoke briefly about the recent decrease in student worker hours, which have been impacted by budget cuts from the federal government.
“I do know that federal work study, which is some of the jobs that students work, was reduced this year by the federal government, and we are fighting hard in Congress to maintain it going forward,” Tetlow said. “If there are proposals specifically to cut work study, we will let students, parents, alumni, know that that is being considered, so you can tell Congress how you feel.”
During the fall 2024 semester, Tetlow announced via email that the university would be forming an Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing to make recommendations to the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees about future investments and divestments. According to Tetlow, the committee includes representatives from various forms of student government, the Faculty Senate, the Administrators’ Council
“As you can imagine, getting each of those groups to meet and pick a representative and get that going takes a minute,” Tetlow said. She mentioned that she was currently unsure if the group had met with the Board of Trustees yet.
NEW STEM FACILITIES
In the press conference, Tetlow discussed the recent $100 million donation by Maurice Cunniffe, FCRH ’54, and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe, Ph.D., GSAS ’71, which will be used to break ground on a new STEM building.
“We have needed a new STEM building for a very long time,” said Tetlow. “When we think about the best investment in the quality of your education and Fordham’s future, it is to invest in STEM at this moment when this has become evermore relevant.”
The building is set to be built on the surface parking lot at the Rose Hill campus. In addition to the donation, the university will need to raise more money to fully fund the construction of the building.
Tetlow also highlighted the Cunniffes’ previous donations and the reasoning behind this one.
“The Cunniffes have given huge amounts of money towards scholarships. We have the Cunniffe scholarship program,” she said. “They knew that we needed this bricks and mortar investment to really preserve and gain in our academic quality — so this money is for that building.”
Tetlow also discussed her hopes for the future of Fordham.
“I love the idea of that beautiful STEM building on Southern Boulevard,” she said. “Of doubling down on our Jesuit identity, of having a reputation for being the place to choose for college if you want to matter to the world.”
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OPINION
Editorial | Non-Citizen Rights
This Is Not Normal: In Protest of Visa Revocations
The fenced-in nature of the Rose Hill campus can often make it feel as if Fordham University exists in a bubble — a space of academic and jovial whimsy far removed from everything sociopolitical. However, this illusion of separation has caved in on itself over these past few days, as the Trump administration’s recent nationwide string of extrajudicial seizures, deportations and visa revocations has breached the iron-rod fences of Rose Hill.
To set the scene, President Tania Tetlow released a public statement last weekend announcing that one of Fordham’s own undergraduate students had become the most recent individual to see their visa suddenly revoked “without explanation and without notice.”
Then yesterday, in a press conference with reporters from Fordham’s student newspapers, Tetlow revealed that a second unnamed student had their visa revoked.
Per both University Spokesperson Bob Howe and Tetlow, neither the students nor Fordham received any sort of direct notification from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that their visas had been revoked. This change to their immigration status was only discovered as a result of a recent university initiative carried out by Fordham’s Office for International Services (OIS), in which OIS is conducting daily checks of students’ visa statuses. These checks are carried out using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) — a government portal that provides universities with up-to-date information regarding their international students’ immigration status and standing. Notably, Tetlow said that these daily checks were not routine in the past, but only began in the past week or two in light of the Trump administration’s recent immigration policy.
Additionally, Howe noted in a statement to The Ram that the first unnamed student is believed not to have participated
in any sort of activities related to pro-Palestinian activism — a reason often given by federal officials as to why these visa revocations are being carried out. Beyond this, little has been announced about either situation’s specifics.
In response to these highly troubling revocations of student visas, The Fordham Ram feels it is necessary to reiterate the following:
First, the covert nature of these two visa revocations — i.e., that they were carried out both without notification or an explicitly stated cause — should remind everyone that the Trump administration’s current slew of actions against international students represents a dangerous erosion of due process. Regardless of one’s stance on President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation policy, the reality is that American courts have held that every single migrant is entitled to due process under the Constitution. They simply have the fundamental, inalienable right to contest any charges, which need to have been formally filed in front of a neutral judicial body.
The Supreme Court reiterated this very sentiment in their recent ruling in Trump v. J. G. G. While the Court assented to the legality of the Trump administration’s recent deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, they nevertheless reaffirmed that every potential deportee needs to be given both prior notice of and a meaningful chance to challenge any governmental action regarding their immigration status. In the Court’s own words: “‘It is well established that the Fifth Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law’ in the context of removal proceedings … So, the detainees are entitled to notice and opportunity to be heard ‘appropriate to the nature of the case.’” Thus, this recent ruling confirms that Trump’s nationwide string of seizures, deportations and visa revocations, all without notice nor hearing,
is unconstitutional in nature.
Second, the fact that two of our very own students on the receiving end of this gross misconduct should remind us all that real human beings lie at the heart of these actions. Each and every extrajudicial visa revocation, seizure and deportation does not happen in the abstract. These actions come back upon real people and their families with great and terrible violence, irrevocably uprooting the lives and dreams of individuals who came to America in pursuit of the professed ideals of our nation. We cannot allow this painful trauma to be forgotten in the larger discourse surrounding Trump’s immigration policy.
Finally, it cannot be ignored that this wave of extrajudicial immigration measures has created a pervasive and undemocratic culture of fear on college campuses across the nation. Students, faculty and staff no longer feel safe speaking out against the current presidential administration, lest they too fall victim to these drastic punishments for dissent.
The Ram has seen this fear firsthand. Even prior to these visa revocations reaching Fordham, writers looking to express political opinions sought anonymity because of concerns surrounding their
safety and, in some cases, immigration status. Now, in the wake of these visa revocations, this concern has only been amplified, our fears fully realized and brought to life in a manner far more nefarious and serious than we could have ever predicted.
Of course, this culture of fear degrades the very foundation of American democracy: every individual’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression. In setting the precedent that public dissent will lead to physical removal, the Trump administration’s policies effectively encourage voices to police and silence themselves, impeding the fruitful public discourse and debate that allows this nation to be a thriving participatory democracy. The Ram, a publication aimed at fostering a democratic space where a diverse array of viewpoints can be shared and debated, simply cannot condone this intrusion into everyone’s right to free expression.
Considering all this then, The Ram unequivocally rejects these visa revocations and what they ultimately represent: an unconstitutional approach to immigration and political dissent that both needlessly perpetuates trauma and breeds an undemocratic culture of fear.
If you have any information about the Fordham students who had their visas revoked, please email us at fordhamramonline@gmail.com
NYPD officers monitored student protestors.
NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
Students gathered at Fordham Lincoln Center to protest the visa revocations.
NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
Several NYPD officers were present at the protests. NORA MALONE/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
Sometimes You Have To Listen To Be Heard
On any given day, we have a certain number of conversations. Each interaction — whether it be ordering a coffee, talking to a friend, sitting in a meeting, participating in class discussion or calling a loved one on the phone — is a balancing act with speaking on one side and listening on the other. The scales sway from side to side as our minds constantly shift from taking on the role of the speaker to the role of the listener.
At its best, a conversation is like a dance — there is a smooth flow of speaking and listening; there is mutual understanding and shared emotion. Both sides feel present with the ideas being exchanged. You feel connected to the person you are speaking with; you might even say you are “on the same wavelength.” It feels effortless.
However, oftentimes, conversations do not feel like this due to the challenges and distractions of modern life. They feel less like a smooth waltz and more like a game of freeze dance — there is a lot of
fragmentation and instances of starting and stopping. Responses may feel forced and do not flow naturally. It feels like it takes a lot of effort.
Listening is a difficult thing to do. It is not passive but an active skill that takes a lot of practice. I think that changing the way we think about listening and the way we listen can make a big difference, not only in our conversations but also in our feelings of connection to the people around us. This is especially important given the high rates of loneliness people report experiencing in recent times.
96% of people think they are good listeners, but research shows we only retain half of what people say to us. Where does this disconnect come from between our perceived and actual ability to listen? Why are we missing so much?
There are many barriers that prevent us from listening deeply to the people around us.
One is the speed at which our modern minds operate. Research shows that the average person has somewhere between 12,000 and 60,000 thoughts a day. There is a constant flurry of activity inside our brains, both influencing and influenced by the things happening around us, an internal monologue that doesn’t end. This feels true to my own experience, as sometimes it feels like there is enough happening in my head to count for two to three people, at least. The amount of thoughts that go through my head and
the speed at which they dart around only increases with busyness and stress. To put all of my thoughts — about the things that have to get done, the places I have to be, the time I have to be at those places, etc. — on pause to try to make room to hear and understand someone else’s thoughts is a difficult thing to do.
This is especially difficult given the sheer amount of information and stimulation available to us at any given moment with the internet and social media. There is a whole other world readily available at our fingertips of communication, color, photos, videos, sounds and music (a whole bunch of short bursts of dopamine). When we spend a lot of time in this highly addictive and satisfying environment, talking to another person in the absence of all the other elements is not enough stimulation to keep our minds occupied. So they wander to a lot of different things, or we reach for our phones during any pauses that may happen in conversation — it is not abnormal to be scrolling through social media or watching television while “listening” to somebody else.
The need for stimulation makes it difficult for our minds to rest and creates an intolerance for silence that leaves us in constant fear of conversational pauses. When someone else is speaking, we may feel on the edge of our seat, anticipating the end of their thought and planning a response to keep in our back pocket for the
moment when it arises. But when we are thinking about what to say next, we miss what is being said. When we are worried about our response, we aren’t really listening. We are in our own world and thus disconnected from the conversation and the other person. It’s back to the game of freeze dance and the feeling of fragmentation. It is natural to feel the pressure to form a response, to say things that matter and to avoid quiet. This is the way our society operates. In a world that values production, we are always having to prove ourselves by the things we say. When we listen, we technically aren’t “doing” anything, so it can seem unproductive and unnecessary under the capitalist framework that influences so much of how we think and act. We must create an image of ourselves through the words that come from our mouths. There is pressure to get a word in, an urge to make a point everyone else agrees with and a desire to be understood. But we ourselves cannot be understood unless we work to understand. Listening is a form of respect for others in a time when our attention is increasingly commodified, bought and sold in the digital market. And it’s not unproductive either. Listening changes the way we speak. It allows us to form ideas in a more comprehensive way. Insight is born from deep listening because we can make connections between ideas and give them
time to take root in our minds. Instead of trying to have the loudest voice, we should consider having the most attentive ear because listening is where the seeds of creativity lie. With that being said, listening does not mean agreeing with everything someone else is saying but simply opening the door to their idea so that we can decide whether we want to make room for it in our minds. There is always the option to close the door, but we won’t know if we want it to stay if we don’t ever open the door when someone rings the doorbell. There is only so much capacity for listening on any given day, and there are definitely times when we should stop listening because it is no longer possible or healthy to do so. But in general, I think we can do a better job at it.
I wonder what we miss about other people’s thoughts when we believe we already know what they are going to say. I wonder if we are depriving each other of the opportunity to fully form our ideas because we are cut off with an insincere head nod or a comment that is in the same general area, but isn’t a genuine response to what’s been said. I wonder how deep listening could change our relationships, classrooms, workplaces and political climate. Listening is the essential but often overlooked or underestimated part of communication. It deserves more attention and practice. After all, we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. From
Jibbitz Galore! Crocs’ Comeback and the World of Fashion
By TAHIYAT RAISA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Crocs have been called hideous, mocked by fashion critics and “declared” dead or out of style more than once. And yet, they have refused to die and have been around for more than two decades. Along with the shoe brand SKECHERS, Crocs used to be the punchline to every “what are those?” jokes in grade school. And now Crocs have become a legitimate fashion statement, one that balances comfort and confidence. But the real question is, are Crocs a fashion faux pas or simply ahead of the curve?
Let’s be honest, Crocs were never meant to be “cool” or “trendy.” They launched in 2002 as a boating shoe and were marketed for their practicality and comfortable design. However, for fashion? Not really. Their rubbery texture, vent holes and clog-like shape have been described as everything from “hideous” to “vermin.” Yet somehow, these foam clogs are not only surviving after two decades, they’re being worn frequently and are very popular. Crocs have proven themselves to be more than just a fad. According to Drapers, the company saw “a 93% increase
in sales year-on-year, hitting $641 million in the second quarter of 2021.” Sales have increased across all regions, with digital sales alone accounting for more than one-third of overall earnings. Direct-toconsumer sales increased nearly 80%. Crocs CEO Andrew Rees stated, “We continue to see strong consumer demand for the Crocs brand globally.” So, while fashion critics complain about their look, Crocs are clearly winning where it counts.
And Crocs’ fashion has taken notice. Crocs were originally only designed for gardening tasks and your neighborhood grocery store runs. But now they are walking runways, worn by celebrities and partnering with well-known designers. Byrdie reports that Crocs has partnered with designers such as Balenciaga and celebrities such as Justin Bieber, SZA and Post Malone. These partnerships have thrust Crocs into fashion, and everyday comfort is now something that individuals can incorporate into their wardrobes. Music artists have also promoted the Croc trend. In 2023, St. Louis rappers Jordan Ward and Ryan Trey dropped the track “WHITE
CROCS,” which created even more buzz for Crocs.
But is it really about fashion, or are we simply in love with comfort? Crocs don’t force you to choose anything. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, easy to just slip on your feet and water-resistant. Anyone who’s ever stood in line at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Burlington or navigated airport security knows the value of a shoe that doesn’t want to punish you for just simply existing. Katelyn Ramdass, FCRH ’28, stated, “Crocs are comfortable, and also fashionable if you style them correctly. Nothing’s wrong with wearing a baggy hoodie and sweatpants. It’s all up to interpretation. Crocs are comfortable and cute.”
Still, some fashion experts might scoff and call Crocs ugly. They may argue that Crocs have no real sense of shape or structure. And to rebut that, we say, so what? Style doesn’t have to be symmetrical or sleek to be valid or even deemed as fashionable. In fact, a lot of the most iconic fashion statements have come from challenging the norms. Crocs dare to be bold by being unapologetically themselves. And maybe that’s what makes them fashionable
in the first place. After all, fashion is really subjective. What one person sees as a travesty, another person sees as stylish and cute. It’s also worth noting that Gen Z and younger Millennials have played a significant role in normalizing “ugly fashion,” from normalizing dad sneakers to wide-leg jeans and baggy cargo pants, all of which were deemed to be “ugly.” The new aesthetic is less about style and more about personality. Crocs fit seamlessly into that because they’re blank shoes that you can personalize with charms, colors and collaborations that reflect your own taste. And isn’t that what fashion is supposed to be about?
Sure, they might never be
as sleek and fancy as stilettos or as classic as Converse, but Crocs have earned their place in modern-day fashion. They’re distinct and above all, comfortable. And while some may continue to write them off as a passing trend, their billiondollar sales and ever-expanding fan base say otherwise.
So, are Crocs a fashion faux pas? Only if you’re afraid of having a little fun with your footwear. In the end, Crocs are whatever you make of them: practical clogs, ironic fashion statements or just your go-to shoes for everyday life.
Tahiyat Raisa, FCRH ’28, is an English major on the pre-law track from Queens, New York.
Opinions on the ugliness of Crocs are divided.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
Galivanting in Granada: My Fordham Study Abroad Experience
By INDIRA KAR STAFF WRITER
Reflecting on studying abroad during the fall of my junior year at Fordham University in Granada, Spain, it is one of my favorite decisions that I have made for myself.
In my sophomore year, my best friend Vesa Prevalla, FCRH ’25, suggested we study abroad together. I would never consider myself to be an adventurous person. However, I felt burnt out by the middle of my sophomore year. So, why not study abroad? It was a fresh start, and I had never been out of the country. With a strong study abroad program, Fordham reports that 40% of undergraduates elect to study abroad. I decided to go through a Fordham program for ease of application and credit transfer, so I looked at both the Fordham in London and Fordham in Granada programs. I decided against London as I was already attending college in New York — another major, diverse metropolitan area and
I already spoke English. Fordham in Granada had caught my eye. I had been studying Spanish as part of the core curriculum and my international studies major, so I wanted to challenge myself. With its rich culture and history, Granada seemed like the perfect place to immerse myself and grow in a completely different culture. Prevalla and I had both applied to study abroad in the spring, but we were selected for fall. This was an inconvenience, as I had been selected as Senior Captain for Urban Plunge, a pre-orientation program for first-year students. I had to fly up from St. Louis for Urban Plunge, head home for a month and then fly to Spain in September rather than starting the fall semester at Fordham. I was fortunate enough that everything worked out. I went in with zero expectations. In September, I boarded my first international flight alone, landed in Madrid, got my pink sparkly scissors confiscated at security, had
By GABRIEL CAPELLAN STAFF WRITER
During our undergraduate experience, students will have to register for classes at least eight different times, twice per academic year. That’s eight cycles of rolling the dice and hoping to get the ideal schedule. Most students spend some time cross-referencing between their Degree Works and the Plan Ahead interface. “Clunky” would be an understatement in describing that interface. Even when students have familiarity with it, it’s still a thing that they dread.
Class registration for the Fall 2025 semester started on March 24, and will continue through April 15. Students register in stages according to how many credits they’ve earned. Additionally, student athletes, members of Fordham University Emergency Medical Services or ROTC and students currently studying abroad get priority registration. However, the weirdest part of this is the distinction by the letter that your last name starts with. For students with 0-35 credits earned, their registration group is divided into two.
a layover and then boarded a 45-minute flight to Granada where I was picked up and subsequently dropped off at my apartment-style living at la residencia or “La Resi.” La Resi was full of students from Lincoln Center, Rose Hill and Spanish students who studied at the University of Granada. It was a great environment for making new friends — Fordham and nonFordham students alike.
Attending school while abroad was a lot of fun. I went on field trips to a farm and a garden near the Alhambra, practiced and improved my Spanish and learned things in the classroom that I would not have learned at Fordham. I advise saving the electives from your major and minors to fulfill during study abroad. At the University of Granada’s Centro de Lenguas Modernas program, I took Spanish grammar and speaking classes, Arab World and the West, Sustainability in the Mediterranean and Islamic Culture in Spain. In my free time, I volunteered through my program at a local elementary school where I mentored a grade school student, helped with homework and spent time playing soccer and doing crafts. I did not travel as much as students who studied abroad in bigger cities. My program took us on trips around Spain to the Alhambra, Córdoba, Las Alpujarras, Sevilla, Ronda and a few cities in Morocco. On my own time, I visited Prague and London. I do not regret my
decision to spend most of my time in Granada and recommend maximizing your time exploring the city while living there. A semester abroad flies by, and Granada has so much to offer. Not every day was perfect. Spain is not perfect. Whether it was odd Fordham students or the racist microaggressions of a random Spaniard, there were tough days. But, the negative moments pale in comparison to the good.
One thing I look back on fondly was my routine, especially my Sundays. Every Sunday, Prevalla and I would wake up, walk to a little cafe called Josephina, order orange juice and a sandwich, and eat it on the steps in the plaza in front of the Granada Cathedral, chatting and people-watching.
The rest of my week was filled with exploring new cafes, walking around the University of Granada’s campus, taking siestas, thrifting at Mosaico and spending time with our new Spanish friends. My friends and I would oftentimes aimlessly wander the city, finding new things to do, gossiping over tapas and sometimes ending an evening with a shawarma that tasted even better because the owners, without fail, would wave us ahead to skip the line and serve us tea while we waited for our orders. Because it never really got cold in the fall, my friends and I would take the bus to the beach on weekends, even into October. Unlike New York, Granada
Ready, Set, Go: The Race to Registration
Each group has a different registration date depending on the starting letter of the student’s last name. This distinction is only for this group, and not for the group of students who have earned 36-59 credits, 60-82 credits and above 83 credits. I assume this split-up is in place for the first-year students since it’s most likely the largest year of students at Fordham. However, it’s not advantageous for the first years who are more likely to miss one of their classes simply because of what letter their last name starts with. It comes down to luck on whether or not you’ll be a round one register or not, although the last name initials that go first swap from the fall to the spring semester. Another gripe students have with this system is how different the interface of searching for classes is depending on how you find them. If you try to find a class from the Catalog Search, you’ll have more options than you would if you did from Plan Ahead. In Catalog Search, you can filter classes by meeting dates, name of professor, campus and filter between whether the section
is open or not. When trying to find classes with Plan Ahead, the section where you build a schedule that you can instantly register with when your registration date arrives, you do not get these features in trying to filter between these classes. It results in students going back and forth between tabs, trying to find the same section that they want to register for.
While I don’t have gripes with my advisor, Ms. Alcobar Ramirez, (love you, Jumirna!) I’ve heard students express disapproval of their advisors stating that they haven’t been the biggest help in trying to figure out what classes they should take the following semester. We all know what we need to take thanks to Degree Works, but a little guidance on balancing these classes from our advisors would go a long way, hence the title “advisor.” But in their defense, there are only 18 academic advisors and 11,000 of us. We should put that increased tuition towards more advisors so we can avoid this whole problem. If students have more access to their advisors, they can properly have the
was not fast-paced. It was a time when I could savor every moment as it unfolded, embracing the slower rhythm of life. It is difficult to summarize all the reasons why one should study abroad, but you don’t have to hear it from just me. When I asked Prevalla her thoughts on our semester abroad she said, “Studying abroad in Granada was the best decision I’ve ever made. Across the Atlantic, I met Fordham friends I otherwise would have never known, deepened friendships I already had, and, perhaps most of all, truly got to know myself.” She added that “New York is a great place to be a college student, but it is easy to lose yourself in the high energy. Taking the time to fully immerse myself in a slower way of life was truly what I needed to become an independent young adult. To this day, if I catch myself feeling too overwhelmed, I reflect on that familiar calmness of Fall 2023, and immediately am reminded that the world is much bigger than New York.”
And I agree with her — I developed as a person and student, traveled and met some of my closest friends. You get out of it what you put into it. Studying abroad holds an annoyingly dear space in my heart, and if you have the opportunity and privilege to study abroad, I highly recommend it.
support needed to try to get into the classes they need in a timely and almost stressfree manner.
The biggest problem with registration is the website crashes. It does not matter how much work you’ve put into making the most pristine, beautiful, efficient schedule you’ve made if you get an error message when it’s time to press register. I had to get rid of my original Eloquentia Perfecta 1 course this semester because I received an error message when I pressed register and had to find a quick substitute. It doesn’t matter how badly you need a class — if you get an error message while registering, you may be out of luck for that semester or have to
hope someone drops the class so you can have a shot at grabbing a seat.
So does this system work? Not at all. The interface we use to register is flawed, our advising system needs reworking (or just more staff, for that matter) and the distribution of registration dates falls down to luck for the freshman class. For a school charging 4.65% more on tuition, 4.3% on room fees and 4% on meal plans, I really hope the extra money coming out of our pockets goes towards helping the general infrastructure of the school.
Indira Kar, FCRH ’25, is an international studies major from St. Louis, Missouri.
Gabriel Capellan, FCRH ’28, is a journalism major from the Bronx, New York.
Students often experience many issues with class registration.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
A peek of the Granada through the Alhambra. INDIRA KAR/THE FORDHAM RAM
OPINION
Matcha Mania: A “Tea-riffic” Coffee Alternative
By THERESA GORMLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Out with the old, in with the … green? Matcha-flavored food and beverage products have taken the world by storm, and with a projected global market value of $5 billion by 2028, it is unlikely that the matcha movement will lose momentum anytime soon.
The recent surge in popularity of this verdant, aromatic tea is not without reason: its high antioxidant levels and reduced caffeine content make it an excellent alternative for those who are particularly prone to experiencing “coffee jitters.”
Matcha is a powdered derivative of green tea that originated in China during the Tang Dynasty and was later introduced to and popularized in Japan. Traditionally, matcha is enjoyed in the context of highly intimate Japanese tea ceremonies, where proper preparation and consumption of the tea play a pivotal role. Currently, the most common way to drink matcha is in the form of a latte, to which individual consumers and coffee shops alike have taken to adding various sweeteners such as honey, agave and flavored syrups.
Matcha is primarily appealing because of its various health benefits. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, L-theanine, an amino acid exclusively found in the tea plant Camellia sinensis, is known to decrease stress in both animals and humans. Matcha production is reliant on a specific process in
By AMEYA JAIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As the city defrosts, New Yorkers do too. We recently had the warmest day of the semester, and it served as inspiration for students to get out of their rooms and into the heat. After having survived the stiffness of winter, we have earned flowy linens and sunglasses. But if you ventured out on that one 78-degree Saturday with the bold confidence that the sun was the only coat you needed, you likely suffered a bitter cold awakening midway through the day. Our luxurious few hours were taken away from us as quickly as they arrived, but the small taste left us eager for summer.
People are happier in the sun — it’s science. The physical and mental benefits of sunlight on the human body and mind should not be overlooked. Our bodies need Vitamin D to function, and an article from UCLA Health by Dr. Robert Ashley reveals, “In the winter, only 10 percent of the body is exposed, and nearly 2 hours of sun exposure at noon is needed to produce a sufficient amount of Vitamin D.” This means that in the
which the leaves of Camellia sinensis are cultivated in the shade for three weeks. This shaded cultivation process is imperative to the maximization of L-theanine and caffeine content in matcha. Although caffeine is known to act as an antagonist for L-theanine, if L-theanine and caffeine concentrations are sufficiently balanced (as they are in highquality matcha powders), then the consumer can still experience the energy boost that caffeine provides, while simultaneously retaining the stress-relieving properties of L-theanine and other amino acids that a typical serving of coffee would lack.
Millennials and Gen-Z seem to be the primary proponents of matcha, with social media serving as a fastacting catalyst for the spread of new recipes, cafe recommendations and tea brands. But in order to determine if the matcha craze truly transcends the digital world, I decided to make the trek to Fordham’s very own studentrun coffee house, Rodrigue’s Coffee House (Rod’s).
Rod’s treasurer Quỳnhan Nguyen, FCRH ’27, graciously shared some insight about the recent addition of matcha lattes to the Rod’s menu. According to Nguyen, conversations about the inclusion of matcha on the menu began to brew during the summer of 2024, and the coffee house officially began serving matcha at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester. Currently, Rod’s uses culinary grade matcha for their lattes, and preparation
methods vary between using a traditional bamboo chasen and electric hand-held whisks.
When asked to give a statement about the general reception of this new menu item, Nguyen affirmed that “it’s become really popular, especially in big cities like New York; coffee and tea are definitely [still] more popular sellers [at Rod’s], but I feel like [during] these past few semesters, it’s grown a lot more in popularity, even among our members as well.”
On a personal level, Nguyen expressed their own appreciation for the green drink.
“I get a matcha from Rod’s every day,” they declared. “It’s my daily drink. I love it because it doesn’t get me as caffeinated as coffee. ... I’d [even] say I would prefer it to coffee; I think it’s a good alternative for people that are looking to caffeinate themselves, but not too much. That’s what I’ve heard from other people too, that they’re switching to matcha for health reasons.”
Still a skeptic? Rod’s currently offers this coveted latte for $2 a cup. “Rod’s is the only place in New York City, and maybe I could argue [in] the whole country where you can get a quality matcha latte for $2,” Nguyen declared.
Although prices vary, it appears as though this statement holds true. A standard grande iced green tea latte at Starbucks costs $5.75, and Cha Cha Matcha, a popular New York and Los Angeles chain that specializes in matchabased beverages, offers their Draft Matcha Latte for $6.50. Unfortunately, you can’t have
your matcha and drink it too. According to The Japan Times, increased demand for matcha has put “unprecedented strain on Japan’s Tea industry.” Social media influencers have contributed to the growing exposure of matcha globally, and in efforts to keep up with rising trends, consumers have begun to purchase matcha powder in bulk. Repeated instances of bulk-purchasing have caused internet-viral tea brands such as Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen to instate purchase limits on their products, an action that neither company has had to take before. Since matcha production is seasonal and involves rigorous harvesting and grinding procedures, endeavors to increase supply have been challenging. Additionally, data from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries indicates that the number of tea farmers in Japan has decreased significantly from the year 2000, with numbers plummeting from 53,000 to 12,353 in just 20 years. In an effort to relieve pressure caused by the shortage,
Sun’s Out, So Are We
colder parts of the year, our bodies are lacking Vitamin D, which Mayo Clinic notes is “a nutrient the body needs, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy … it supports immune health and helps keep muscles and brain cells working.” Even beyond the physical implications of not getting enough Vitamin D, there are strong correlations between a lack of sunlight and lower serotonin levels.
Studies detail how exposure to the sun triggers serotonin releases in the brain, which boosts our moods and makes us happier. In the winter, our mental states often reflect our dreary, gray surroundings. It is much easier to have warm, hopeful thoughts when it feels like the Earth is full of warmth and new beginnings. So, it makes sense that many people struggle to find joy when the sun won’t peek out during the day.
The spring semester is going by lightning fast. Now that the coldest days are behind us, it is thrilling to think about our upcoming summers and the hard-earned tans we will flaunt at the end of August. In these last few weeks, if weather permits, there are a lot of ways
to spend a sunny day in New York. The best way to make the most of these precious, warm days is to seek out the parts of the city that radiate in sunlight and appreciate their beauty.
Brooklyn Flea in Dumbo has a wonderfully colorful assortment of “cool vintage finds, handmade goods, and unique treasures” that pair well with a sunny day and an iced coffee. Time Out Market New York is just a five-minute walk away, and whether you’re craving a flaky, jam-filled pastry or a spicy pad thai, the food will taste better if you have a picnic with your friends outside on the steps by the Manhattan Bridge. If you want to appreciate the upcoming summer weather in Manhattan, there are plenty of pockets of sunshine to bask in. Sundresses and sandals pair perfectly with people watching on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side. Central Park — with so many routes you never have to take the same one twice — is one big uninterrupted section of green calm in the middle of bustling Manhattan. Bring a picnic blanket, your close friends and hearty laughter for the perfect
the Japanese government has incentivized farmers to shift production focuses from loose-leaf tea to tencha leaves through the provision of grants and subsidies. While it is currently unknown if these measures will be enough to counter climbing demand, consumers can help mitigate this strain by being mindful of their purchasing habits and only buying enough to suit individual needs. Similarly, as more health-conscious and environmentally friendly lifestyle choices become favored by younger generations, matcha remains the most desirable choice, as its consumption is more sustainable than that of coffee due to differences in farming practices and transportation emissions. Ultimately, matcha offers a diverse array of advantages enticing enough to persuade anybody to “go green,” and it is unsurprising that it has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many.
Central Park experience. The view of dogs running around with the springtime zoomies is hard to beat. Further downtown in Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park. If you can secure a park bench before the New York University (NYU) students claim it as their campus, it is the perfect place to start a new read or finish the book you’ve been putting off for months. Opportunity is rich at home too. The streets of the Bronx are lined with opportunities. The New York Botanical Gardens are a well-loved treasure and as the days get warmer, walks there become more frequent. Beyond that, brunch spots like DeLillo Pastry Shop and Pete’s Café
are hubs of good food and even better company. You can also walk around the Bronx Zoo with an ice cream cone in hand or go watch a Yankees game. People need sunshine like they need air in their lungs, and though the weather isn’t in our control, the perfect sunny day can give us enough hope to get through weeks of icy winters. Fill this summer season with trips to the farmer’s market, long sunset walks and late-night bonfires so that when winter comes around again, you’ll have three months of fond memories to think back on.
Theresa Gormley, FCRH ’26, is a biology major from Newburgh, New York.
Ameya Jain, FCRH ’28, is a psychology major from Los Angeles, California.
Fordham students enjoying a nice sunny day on Edwards Parade.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Matcha is a popular drink among young people.
OPINION
Dress to Impress or Look Like A Mess: The Importance of Attire
By MICHAEL DUKE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Wearing pajamas to class isn’t necessarily the most professional choice for outside your home, especially if you were to consider how students would dress in the 1950s and earlier.
During that time, you’d typically find men wearing suits to class and slacks for leisure. Women typically wore blouses, skirts and jackets. By all means, the view of how students dressed in the postWorld War II era is seen today as retro, classy and chic.
Fast-forward to today, and you have much more variability. More personalized statements of who you are, what you do and how you want others to perceive you are exemplified in what you wear. You might go to class in athletic wear so you can go straight after to the gym, a dress shirt and khakis because you came to class from your internship or job or maybe you wear an expensive watch or vintage t-shirt you thrifted to make a statement about your taste.
More often than not, when you get dressed in the morning, you typically do it with a purpose. Whether it’s to be presentable for an interview, relaxed so you can get through your 8:30 a.m. or to hone into a style that gives you pride and makes you feel comfortable in your own skin; that first decision you make says a lot about
who you are. At the very least, it says who you are on a given day.
But everyone has mornings when they’re running late and don’t have time to put together an outfit or think about whether or not colors match. On those days, what you wear doesn’t exactly match you. This, and other factors, could explain why that guy in the back of your class is wearing Christmasthemed pajama bottoms to your afternoon theology class in April.
Sometimes students just enjoy the no-nonsense approach of not thinking much about what they’re wearing and copy what they see other people wearing on campus. It makes their day and life easier and it works for them.
These instances and rationales highlight how the way you dress ties into concepts of uniformity and variability, both being things that college is all about.
However, some students might not be actively conscious of why these concepts tie into how they dress because they’re dressing similarly to how they did before they came to college.
The concept of having worn a uniform to middle or high school might have an impact on how your friends dress in college. The National Center for Education Statistics determined that for the 2019-20 school year, 18.8% of public schools required students to
wear uniforms. But the rationale for uniform standards goes deeper than the student view that they’re in place to make school feel more like a prison.
The California Learning Resource Network has made arguments in favor of policies that require students to wear uniforms when attending school. One of the group’s main arguments is that when students focus less on what they or their peers are wearing, they focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals has also stated on its website that in a survey of principals in the United States, uniform codes have positively impacted student success. The survey reported that “Sixty-four percent of principals said uniforms positively impacted student achievement at their school, and 77 percent said uniforms helped boost school pride.”
But, wearing uniforms to class isn’t an American concept, especially since other countries value the practice. For instance, Japanese students who have been required to wear uniforms experienced positive impacts like visible economic differences among students being eliminated, promotion of inclusivity and comfort and students feeling more unified with one another.
Simply put, some students might dress similarly in college to how they did before
because they recognize value in it. But if Fordham University administrators were to ever decide that students should be required to wear uniforms because of potential benefits it may have, there would be outrage. After all, part of the argument for going to college is to grow and thrive as a person, and part of that is finding your individuality. This ties into how you dress.
In 2012, Forbes recognized the individuality of dress when it reported on a book by clinical psychologist Jennifer Baumgartner, Ph.D., who coined the term “psychology of dress.” Baumgartner made the case for how our fashion sense comes from the deeper meaning of who we are. “Shopping and spending behaviors often come from internal motivations such as emotions, experiences and culture,” Baumgartner wrote. This means that when you’re scrolling through Depop or searching through a rack at Nordstrom, you’re doing it because you are uniquely you.
This doesn’t mean that
Student Leader Op-Ed | Colleen Sherry, Chief Emeritus of FUEMS
From the Frontlines of Finding Purpose
you’re better than people you see around campus because you exclusively wear Brunello Cucinelli cardigans or Ralph Lauren dress shirts. It also doesn’t mean you’re beneath other people because you strictly wear ripped jeans or enjoy wearing clashing colors. What you wear tells the world more about where you’ve come from. There are people who wake up and thank God they don’t have to wear a uniform like they did before college, and put on the first shirt, pair of pants and shoes their hands touch. There are also people who plan out how they’ll dress every day of the week because they want to stay organized in their fashion.
The point is that regardless if you look like you just wrapped a GQ photoshoot, a much-needed nap or an afternoon at tea, what you wear is a reflection of your experiences, your current point of life and your personality.
In my four years of working for Fordham University Emergency Medical Services (FUEMS) I have never been able to deliver a straight answer when someone asks me why I do it. There have been variations containing glimpses of the truth — that I value public service, that I find medicine interesting and engaging, that I want to be a part of something bigger than myself on campus — but these are my own platitudes that fall short of conveying the whole story.
Like the rest of my class, my arrival at Fordham coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic in a true ode to the meaning of a transition period. I had seen the only world I knew be upended not only in terms of sheer loss of life but in the revelation that the institutions I had previously thought of as immutable could fragment like a shattered hip under pressure. Hospitals weren’t havens, some lives couldn’t be saved and too many times, the right people cared about the wrong things. I will always be grateful that my life wasn’t impacted in the way I knew others were. But the lurking haunt of apathy followed me into college and left me feeling stranded, unsure and disinvested in life without any real passion for activities or pursuits that I
now felt were only transient. I started college as uncertain about my purpose as I had been four years earlier. I’m sure other people handled it differently, better even. I’ve never handled change well. But I can only personally attest to what was on my own mind when I first joined FUEMS.
FUEMS is a student-run, volunteer ambulance agency that has been servicing the Fordham community since 1977. I started out with no clinical experience or pre-medical intent, becoming a licensed New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in June 2022, and worked my way up to becoming a Field Supervisor, Training Coordinator, then Lieutenant and eventually the Chief of Medical Operations. In my tenure as Chief, I was privileged to oversee an organization comprised of the best people Fordham has to offer. Which was vital considering that, too often, I saw others at their worst. FUEMS responds to everything from broken bones to high fevers, panic attacks and overdoses. I’ve given medications, splinted limbs, raced through the darkened streets of Belmont in the early recesses of dawn and held the hands of people I knew who had suffered more than I could ever
understand. It was never easy, but it was never hard, either. The very first lesson you will learn in EMT school is on the importance of body substance isolation precautions and scene safety. If you really want to talk about platitudes, the all-too-familiar “you can’t save anyone if you become a patient” lecture is sure to occupy a loving spot in any first responder’s playbook. But they tell you this first for a reason. As an EMT, you have a purpose to help people. Becoming sick or injured interferes with your ability to carry out this purpose. So the most important lesson you’ll learn is not how to save someone else’s life — or even how to parallel park — but how to save your own.
FUEMS became a “North Star” for me during my time at Fordham. It was pivotal in shaping the trajectory of my career in public health and helped me forge relationships with people I am lucky enough to call friends today — people that I might not have met otherwise. I won’t oversentimentalize and say that it taught me how to be an empathetic listener or how to be a leader. Working for FUEMS simply gave me back a sense of purpose. In a world where I was struggling to feel passionate about anything
during a difficult transition to college, my decision to throw myself into something new was my decision to leave behind the apathy and self-pity I had entertained for far too long throughout high school. I needed something to build on. Something that helped me realize what really mattered and a community that showed me the furthest corners of human kindness in return. To simply say my life would have been different without it is to do a profound disservice to the way FUEMS has fundamentally shaped the lives of myself and so many others.
Of course, purpose is only half the equation. I have always been endlessly supported by the people closest to me. All of it would have felt pointless without them.
With my time in FUEMS rapidly coming to a close, all I can ever say to everyone is
thank you. Being in FUEMS is one of the greatest opportunities I have ever been afforded because I found purpose in getting to protect and serve those who made my college experience worth it. The work is often thankless and raw. However, it has been an enduringly human way to spend the past four years giving back to the place in which I have been privileged enough to spend my time as an undergraduate. So — in hopes of illuminating my final call to action — I implore you to trust us. To call us for help. To have faith in our unwavering loyalty to the health and dignity of our fellow Rams. Because this commitment is built on the stories of people like me who owe everything to their time here at Fordham. Because Fordham would be nothing without the people who make it what it is today, it will always be enough.
Michael Duke, GSB ’26, is a business administration major from Scottsdale, Arizona.
COURTESY OF FORDHAM NOW
Opinions differ on what is appropriate attire for a classroom.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
CULTURE
‘Operation Mincemeat’: A WWII Mission Revealed on Broadway
By MAKENZIE SMITH STAFF WRITER
One of Broadway’s newest sensations casts a spotlight on the daring tale of World War II British military scheme dubbed “Operation Mincemeat.” The idea for this Olivier-winning musical came from the minds of the U.K. comedy group SplitLip, which consists of Natasha Hodgson, David Cumming, Zoë Roberts and Felix Hagan. After running for six years on various stages, the musical eventually leaped to the West End and then to Broadway’s John Golden Theatre, bringing its engaging and hilarious take on such a brilliant operation to life.
Operation Mincemeat was a puzzling plan made by the U.K.’s Military Intelligence, Section 5 (MI5), born from the brains of intelligence officers Charles Cholmondeley (Cumming) and Ewen Montagu (Hodgson) with the assistance of Colonel Johnny Bevan (Roberts) and the secretary assistants Jean Leslie (Claire Marie Hall) and Hester Leggatt (Jak Malone). A plan so intricate that it entails a random corpse with a made-up identity, a fake plane crash in the ocean, a submarine near Spain and a fabricated military correspondence, all with the purpose of steering German attention away from an Allied Powers’ invasion of Sicily. A plan so bizarre, with too many holes and potential for mishap it surely could not work … but it did. Despite there only being five
By ANNA GAYTON CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Adulthood is often marked by uncertainty, with each transition bringing new challenges that can leave young people feeling adrift — or, as singer/ songwriter mxmtoon describes it, “being suspended in the unknown.”
Maia, professionally known as mxmtoon, is a 24-year-old California-native who has been making music for nearly eight years. Her career began on YouTube, where she would post simple covers of her singing and playing the ukulele. After years of steady growth, mxmtoon released her third studio album “Liminal Space” last year.
Before attending the concert, I had only heard two of mxmtoon’s songs, “prom dress” and “Falling for U.” Meanwhile, for better or for worse, those songs instantly took me back to 2020 when I was a dorky high school firstyear and, just like everyone else, had way too much time on their hands. I remember how “prom dress” was relatable to a lot of the Gen-Z population because it hit the key
actors who mainly played the figures mentioned above, the musical has dozens of characters, from sailors and doctors to Nazis and bar patrons. As the actors switched roles, they flipped hats on and off, changed accents left and right and portrayed both men and women, no matter their own gender. Even with the constant role switches, at no point was I confused about who was who or questioned when a new character came on stage. I thought the choice to have a smaller cast play many characters added to the show’s comedic and chaotic atmosphere.
Speaking of comedy, one may think creating a comedic musical surrounding the heavy topic of war to be a very bold and inappropriate choice. I even caught myself wondering in the midst of my laughter if I should be doing such a thing. The actors would actually break the fourth wall in a horrified manner to stunningly ask us, “Really?” at our outbursts of laughter from things like a Nazis hip-hop break-dancing number. However, I am all for comedy being a medium in which people choose or happen to learn about important historical events. Despite going into this musical blind, I learned so much about a scheme that helped the Allied Powers gain ground in what is considered the largest war in history.
There is a lot of heart and emotional depth displayed on stage that was dealt with in
a very respectful manner. My laughter was equally matched with a heavy heart for the people and situations at hand. The musical depicted the struggle women had in being taken seriously when they were finally able to enter the workforce after men went to war. There were outbursts about treating soldiers’ lives seriously instead of just pieces on a chessboard. Hester’s ballad, “Dear Bill,” in which Malone drew a well-deserved ovation, made me shed tears on the harsh reality of war and the heartache loved ones feel being separated from their sons, brothers and husbands in the trenches.
The most controversial aspect of the story, however, came from a real aspect of Operation Mincemeat. The plan circulated around obtaining a body to pose as a member of the armed forces. It was all fun and well “Making a Man” and naming him Major William Martin, but snatching a body from the streets, deeming him a nobody that won’t be missed and using him as a prop poses a huge moral dilemma. The persona Major Martin was created in the shadow of “the man who never was,” Glyndwr Michael, who died on the street from rat poison. He did not get proper recognition until 50 years after the operation.
The musical gave this subject matter proper respect and treated Michael with the human dignity he deserved.
There was a glitzy, classic Broadway musical finale, but “Operation Mincemeat” decided not to stop there. The five actors broke the fourth wall one last time to provide further facts and pay proper homage to Michael. The stage gradually darkened until a single spotlight illuminated a service cap to remind us that without Michael’s unwilling sacrifice, we would not have this musical, nor the success of Operation Mincemeat or even the course of World War II as we know it.
“Operation Mincemeat” is good for a laugh, a historical lesson and a tear jerker all wrapped up in one show. Thanks to Montagu himself, we have the book “The Man Who Never Was” which was turned into a movie that turned into this absolutely outstanding musical performance. I recommend anyone looking for a classic yet unique New York City experience to turn their sights toward “Operation Mincemeat” which has been officially running since March 20.
A Night with mxmtoon
notes on how hard being an adolescent is, especially when you had days on end to ponder about yourself.
Even with little knowledge of mxmtoon before the show, I was still super excited to see her perform. Brooklyn’s music scene is arguably one of the most unique. I mean, there’s only a few places I could name where you can catch an indie pop concert inside a bowling alley. The concert opened with Katherine Li, an up and coming Toronto-based singer who definitely brought some good vibes to the crowd with her hopelessly romantic ballads.
The set began with two fun and upbeat hits that immediately captivated the crowd and my favorite of the two was called “i hate texas.” Even without knowing the song, it was clear from the moment she stepped on stage how deeply she connected with her music and her audience. Her performance radiated joy, and I could truly tell she loves performing for others. Watching her light up while performing and seeing the crowd engage was heartwarming. She followed those with “prom
dress” and a rock revamp of “seasonal depression.”
She opened up a lot about the background behind her lyrics, like in “rain,” which talks about her mixed-race identity and being a queer woman. She spoke candidly about her desire to collaborate exclusively with women, highlighting the empowerment behind that choice and brought moments of levity through her selfaware humor and relatability.
Throughout the night, she reminded the audience that her songs are not just hers, but theirs too. That honesty resonated with me and seeing her fans in awe made me so happy. It is clear that many of her supporters have grown up alongside her music, navigating similar milestones. Her lyrics follow numerous themes, some which I personally resonate with like the uncertainty of adulthood,
the fear of choosing the “right” path, the chaos of moving to a new city and the pressure of defining one’s future.
The show ended on a high note with a fan favorite, “dance (end of the world),” which was a bittersweet end to an amazing performance. By the end of the night, I left not only feeling like I heard some great music, but I also felt seen as another twenty-something figuring things out.
After the release of her upcoming album “Liminal Space” Mxmtoon performed at the Brooklyn Bowl.
MAKENZIE SMITH FOR THE FORDHAM RAM Operation Mincemeat centers a World War II British military scheme.
ANNA GAYTON FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
CULTURE
Editor’s Pick | Music
‘hoax’: The Most Underrated Taylor Swift Song of All Time
By MOLLY O’CONNOR DIGITAL PRODUCER
On July 23, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., I sat on the floor of my empty bedroom, all packed up for vacation, patiently awaiting the release of Taylor Swift’s surprise new album, “folklore.”
When the clock struck midnight, I repeatedly refreshed my Apple Music with no luck, so I turned to the simultaneously released lyric videos on YouTube. I clicked the first song that came up — “hoax” — and immersed myself in the beautiful world of “folklore.”
“My only one, my smoking gun, my eclipsed sun, this has broken me down.”
I listened to the soft piano, watching the deep blue waves crash into the rocky cliff while the lyrics flooded my earbuds and washed over me in ways I had never felt before.
“Stood on the cliffside screaming ‘Give me a reason.’ Your faithless love’s the only hoax I believe in.”
It wasn’t the first song on the album, actually it was the last, but I couldn’t even bring myself to care about the order. The delicate yet heart-shattering poetry had me captivated, and I’ve been entranced by it ever since. Every metaphor cuts like a knife, but I still just want to keep listening to it over and over again.
The relationship she sings about is one that hurts so much to be in but feels too hard to let go of. This love is faithless, not godly or pure or true, but even knowing all of this, she still believes in it because they are trapped in a cycle.
“Don’t want no other shade of blue but you, no other sadness in the world would do.”
She isn’t happy in this relationship, but she still chooses this sadness over going somewhere new because it is familiar. Who she is with this person
might not be who she wants to be, but it’s who she has become comfortable being.
“My best laid plan, your sleight of hand, my barren land, I am ash from your fire.”
This second verse is particularly gut-wrenching to me. She laid everything out and every time she thought she knew what she was doing, they swept the rug out from under her. As their relationship seems to reach its final moments, she feels like a shell of who she once was. They burned through every ounce of her and left her in a pile of ashes, not knowing how to put herself back together.
“You knew the password, so I let you in the door. You knew
you won, so what’s the point of keeping score?”
Coming around to the bridge, Swift asks a number of questions and speaks to this person directly and boldly. They knew her deeply enough to understand how to get through to her, so she let them in and they took advantage of that. She realized she shouldn’t have done that, but they still flaunted this “victory” and abused their power.
“You knew it still hurt underneath my scars, from when they pulled me apart, but what you did was just as dark.”
They knew where she was hurting from everything else she had faced and still chose to hurt her more. The pain of the relationship was enough to
match the pain she felt from other relationships and the public.
“My only one, my kingdom come undone, my broken drum, you have beaten my heart.”
This line comes back to the idea that this love is not godly but instead faithless. “My kingdom come” is in reference to the Christian Lord’s Prayer, but Swift adds “undone” at the end to again show how this has collapsed her faith and made her lose her trust in everything she once knew (while also stabbing me in the heart a thousand times). Her broken drum symbolizes how the way she acts and the fabric of her being, or the beat of her drum, have
been broken by this relationship. The drumsticks once used to carry her through life have been taken and used to beat her down instead.
I will truly never understand why this song is so underappreciated. Perhaps when “the lakes” was added as a bonus track at the end of the album, “hoax” became more overlooked. But if people would give it a chance, I know they would love the simple and delicate production, beautiful metaphors and poetry almost as much as I do (but I will always be the number one fan). Sit in an empty room and devote three minutes and 40 seconds to listening to this poetic masterpiece, and your life will be changed forever.
Ariana Grande’s ‘Brighter Days Ahead’- Deluxe Album
By MALGORZATA GORSKA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
This past year, many fans have been wondering why Ariana Grande hasn’t released much music. Since February of 2024, when the original “Eternal Sunshine” album came out, we haven’t gotten anything new — but she’s definitely been busy. Almost all of her 2024 calendar year was taken over by promotion for “Wicked,” in which she played Glinda Upland next to Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the musical movie adaptation (which earned her an Oscar nomination!). What we didn’t know was that Grande was secretly working on a deluxe version of the album.
That’s why the release of “Eternal Sunshine: Brighter Days Ahead” on Friday, March 28, came as a surprise. Especially since when Grande was
asked about her music career back in December, she said she wanted to focus more on theater. But we were wrong. The deluxe album came out so unexpectedly, including six extra tracks — some extended versions and some completely new songs that dig even deeper into the emotions of the original. She also dropped a 30-minute short video on YouTube to support the release.
Grande’s original version of “Eternal Sunshine,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2024 and stayed there for nearly two weeks, showed a more personal and emotional side of Grande. The lyrics felt real and raw, with many songs inspired by events in her life, like her divorce from Dalton Gomez (especially in the song “We Can’t Be Friends,” which was nominated for Best Video
at the 2024 VMAs), the loss of her former boyfriend Mac Miller and her journey back to herself.
Now, with “Brighter Days Ahead,” she continues that story — this time focusing more on healing, reflection and moving forward.
Two of my favorite songs from the deluxe edition are “Twilight Zone” and “Past Life.” They’re emotional and powerful, and they add something new to the narrative. “Twilight Zone” is a dreamy, mid-tempo track that talks about dealing with old memories. The layered vocals and moody vibe make it one of the most unique songs on the album. “Past Life” is a soft, sad reflection on a love that wasn’t meant to last and how the person we once loved might become a total stranger to us. With lyrics about fate and second chances, it
is a song about goodbyes and new beginnings.
So, you may be asking, are the new songs worth a listen? Definitely. I’ve had this album on repeat since it dropped, the lyricism in these deluxe tracks is both heart-touching and amazing when it comes to storytelling. I can’t wait to see what Ariana has in store for us next — whether it’s her new theater project, “Wicked: For Good” this November or more music. One thing’s for sure: it’s only bright days ahead for her.
After a four year hiatus, Grande’s “Brighter Days Ahead” has six new tracks.
Taylor Swift’s “hoax” from her album “folklore” is a delicate masterpiece of vulnerability and emotional depth that lingers long after the song is over.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
‘Rushmere’: A Quiet Return to Mumford & Sons’ Roots
By LUSA HOLMSTROM
ASST. OPINION EDITOR EMERITUS
As New York came to a quiet lull between a wild winter and the blooms of spring, Mumford & Sons released their first album in nearly seven years just in time to fit the mood. “Rushmere,” which is their fifth studio album, is named after a pub in Wimbledon Common where they first decided to form a band. For band members Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, this is their first release as a trio; the lead guitarist Winston Marshall left the band in 2021 following a controversy related to his social media presence and support for a right-wing journalist.
The 10 tracks in their album, “Rushmere” encapsulate themes of growing up, appreciating life and learning from experience. In a post on Instagram announcing the release of the title track, the band shared that they “have a lot of songs to share with you … and it all begins where we started, really, with ‘Rushmere.’” The
By KAILEY SIGODA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Over the last 30 years, Donatella Versace has brought glamour, luxury and her unapologetic attitude to the fashion world. However, effective April 1, she has officially stepped down as Versace’s Chief Creative Officer (CCO) to be replaced by Miu Miu design and image director, Dario Vitale.
Donatella, referred to here by her first name for clarity, first took leadership over Versace in 1997 after the sudden passing of her brother and Versace founder, Gianni Versace. Since then, she has transformed the family company into her own and made it the fashion powerhouse it is today. Even with economic challenges and potential bankruptcy in the early 2000s, Donatella successfully navigated these obstacles to dominate the industry as she has. As CCO, she has created memorable celebrity appearances, runway collections and exclusive collaborations. As an icon of the fashion world, she has left a lasting impression on the industry, raising concern for what the future of Versace looks like without its fearless leader.
Donatella is one of the few designers who have left such an impact on a fashion house. After taking over at Versace, she not only preserved the brand’s signature style but accentuated its luxury for the new generation entering the 2000s. Versace had an unmistakable aesthetic, often including loud prints, snug
album lets the voices of the three bandmates speak for themselves, literally and metaphorically. Most of the tracks are vocals-forward and rely on mellifluous harmonies that blend from one song into the next.
The album opens with “Malibu,” which starts as a slow-strummed guitar piece and morphs into an all-out belter of a ballad, inviting in banjo and piano lines that build the song to its peak with Mumford’s swelling vocals at the forefront. “Malibu” sets the tone of the record as an introspective, moving collection of songs that strike a chord for many listeners. Much of the album feels like a true return to the folk-rock style that Mumford & Sons have been strumming for decades on songs like “I Will Wait,” which transport many of us back to 2012 radio hits in the backseat of our parents’ cars.
Though four of the ten tracks are reminiscent of the boot-stomping, banjopicking tunes of Mumford & Sons’ past, “Rushmere” is
heavy on slower, harmonyforward songs. On “Where It Belongs,” the song’s texture emerges through the low timber of piano and acoustic guitar, though the soft harmony of their vocals takes the lead. The listener is asked, “When you speak, do you think you could do it kindly? / Or does your anger overwhelm?” The refrain continues, “When you’re weak, do you ever think of living wildly / and let your anger go to hell / where it belongs.”
More than anything, “Where It Belongs” serves as a reminder of the impact of our words on ourselves and the people around us and offers a peaceful alternative to speaking rashly or holding onto anger.
On track seven, “Anchor,” a lover takes responsibility, reflecting on mistakes for which they blame themself: “Well maybe I was wrong but baby, I was only young / I was trying to burn a hole in you with someone else’s sun / but now I’ve got to know myself, know I’m the one that needed help.” Later, on
top of a simple guitar line, they construct a vivid image and liken themself to the thing dragging them down, preventing them from saving their relationship in time, “I can’t say I’m sorry if I’m always on the run, from the anchor.”
“Rushmere” boasts one featured artist on its penultimate track, “Blood on the Page.” Madison Cunningham, who has recently been featured on albums of countless artists like Jacob Collier, Lake Street Dive and Lucius, nev-
er stands alone on a verse but rather blends in beautifully with Mumford in yet another harmony-driven number. From the top to the bottom, “Rushmere” welcomes listeners into a world of self-reflection and growth. For lifelong Mumford & Sons fans, the album works as a display of their notorious stomp-and-clap style while highlighting their vocal strength; for those who are new to the band, “Rushmere” serves as a delicate introduction to a powerful group.
Donatella Versace’s Final Bow
silhouettes and gold accents, all of which Donatella intensified through her mix of glamour and contemporary taste. After Donatella became acquainted with her role and the company gained momentum, Versace was quickly established as a powerful force on the red carpet. Google searches for Jennifer Lopez’s Grammy Awards dress in 2000 were so common that they pushed Google to invent its image search engine. This jungle print dress with a plunging neckline took hold of the internet and even led to Lopez re-wearing the memorable look in a 2019 runway show.
At the same time, Donatella further expanded Versace’s influence in pop culture. Versace has dressed notable celebrities like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian. Beyoncé has frequently worn Versace over the years, from her green dress at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards to her custom westernstyle design at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. She proudly sported the iconic Versace Medusa symbol to accept the 2024 Innovator Award.
While Versace was adored by the entertainment industry, its tried and true home was the runway. From the start, Versace kept supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss at the forefront to maintain the sensuality and high status of the brand. Even as other fashion houses transitioned towards minimalism in the early 2000s, Donatella kept Versace maximalist and bold.
In 2018, Versace’s Spring Collection was a tribute to
Gianni, marking 20 years since his death. Donatella recreated some of his most famous designs, including patterns and pop art inspired looks. The show ended with a nostalgic finale, a lineup of supermodels Cindy Crawford, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen as well as Claudia Schiffer, reuniting on the runway for this tribune. This was a special moment for the company and for Donatella to honor her brother and his lasting influence.
Shortly after, Versace organized one of the biggest fashion crossovers in recent history. The 2021 Fendance Collaboration with Fendi was unexpected but extremely successful. The two companies essentially swapped roles, Fendi redesigning Versace with their personal aesthetic, and Donatella creating Fendi pieces with Versace influence, like Medusa heads and busy prints. This special collection showed how companies can execute collaborations that merge identities rather than
only simply co-branding.
Recently, her Spring and Summer 2023 Collection showed Versace’s versatility as the fashion industry evolves. This collection held a gothic meets glam aesthetic, pushing an edgier side of the brand.
Nonetheless, Donatella ensured that Versace stayed true to its roots through structured tailoring and finishing touches.
So, after 30 years of wellexecuted leadership, why now?
In short, Donatella’s departure may not have been entirely self-decided. In 2018, Versace was acquired by Capri Holdings for over $2 billion. Since then, the company has been experimenting with various internal shifts, most likely leading to this “thoughtful succession plan.” However, there is talk that the Prada Group, the parent company of Dario Vitale’s previous employer MiuMiu, is interested in buying Versace from Capri Holdings, which may have influenced this decision.
As Vitale takes over, there is a
risk of change in aesthetics and branding of Versace. Vitale may approach the brand aesthetic differently, modifying classic silhouettes, colors or logos with a modern perspective. Additionally, where Donatella was known for celebrity-focused marketing and red-carpet features, Vitale could take a different direction depending on his vision for the brand. Until we hear more about his strategy moving forward, the future for Versace is still unclear.
Luckily, Donatella is not entirely leaving Versace. She will be entering the role of Chief Brand Ambassador, a philanthropic position where she can still play a role in the brand’s identity.
In her announcement she assured that she will continue to support Versace. “Versace is in my DNA and always in my heart,” she added.
It is strange to picture the brand without Donatella at its head. There is still hope that her influence will remain, even if the vision evolves.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Donatella Versace has been the creative director of Versace since 1997 following the death of her brother Gianni Versace.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Mumford & Sons return with ‘Rushmere,’ blending introspection and harmony.
CULTURE
Mimes Captivate the Audience in ‘The Children’s Hour’
By EMMA LEONARDI
EXECUTIVE COPY EDITOR
Tick, tick, tick …
Despite seeing the Mimes and Mummers’ production of “The Children’s Hour” days ago, the sound of the ticks still remains with me, symbolizing the impact of this excellent performance and its lasting impression on the audience.
“The Children’s Hour” is a dark cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulating the truth to achieve an outcome suitable to you. The play opens with an excellent dance number by the “children” of the cast, and the actresses are shown playing normal juvenile games, while one specific child is in a sort of exile. That child turns out to be Mary, a spoiled but troubled kid who is the main antagonist. Throughout the first act, Mary bullies the other children into doing what she wants while constantly deceivings and rebelling against Karen and Martha, the founders and teachers of the school which Mary attends — Wright Dobie School for Girls.
It is later revealed that Mary’s father killed himself, in a scene that shows rare genuine emotion from the child. Mary’s ultimate goal is to return and remain with her grandmother, the one person she seems to actually care for. She even goes so far as to run away from school and back to her grandmother’s house.
However, upon arriving, her grandmother tells her that she must return to school and can only stay for dinner. In an attempt to convince her grandmother to let her stay, Mary spins a tidbit of gossip into a full-blown lie, accusing Karen and Martha of acts of
By JOHANNA BROOSLIN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Based on the science fiction novel “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton, “Mickey 17” follows the titular character, played by Robert Pattinson, as he signs up to be an “expendable” for a space expedition colonizing an ice planet. In an attempt to escape his financial troubles on Earth, Mickey Barnes unintentionally volunteers to die over and over and over again, only to be resurrected with his memories and body intact. But when the 17th version of Mickey survives after what should have been a fatal fall, he returns to the spaceship only to find Mickey 18 has taken his place. In the near future, in a clone-printing world, duplicates of expendables are absolutely forbidden, and naturally, chaos ensues. Pattinson’s performance is brilliantly absurd. Sporting a squeaky voice and awkward physicality, Pattinson dives
lesbianism in the presence of children. Her grandmother calls the parents of the other children at the school, resulting in Karen and Martha’s expulsion and the closure of the Wright-Dobie School. Karen and her fiancé (who is also Mary’s uncle, Joe), along with Martha, confront the grandmother and sue her for defamation. In an offstage cut, Martha and Karen lose the lawsuit and descend into their new roles as social pariahs. Karen breaks off her engagement with Joe, and Martha has a crisis regarding her sexuality. The play ends with Martha proclaiming her love to Karen, apologizing for ruining their lives and taking her own life.
The story itself is very captivating, but what made it so impactful were the choices made by the actors and the production team.
Raine Rodriguez, FCRH ’28, who plays Mary, was unrecognizable as a college student. The force with which Rodriguez imitated child-like antics and behavior enhanced her role as a child. Rodriguez noted that “to convey the age of my character to the audience, I tried to fidget a lot and swing my legs/feet a lot during conversations … I’ve worked with kids for about 4 years, and I’ve noticed that young girls do that a lot.” When asked if it was a challenge to portray a child, Rodriguez shared that “it wasn’t difficult playing a child, due to the experience I have with kids, specifically young girls. I tried to emulate the mannerisms and behaviors I have witnessed for years.”
When Martha commits suicide at the end of the play, the last thing the audience sees
before the stage goes dark is Mary, shocked and sobbing at the realization of what she has caused. When asked if Mary had spread the information maliciously, Rodriguez said that she didn’t think so.
“Although the lie ruins lives, at the end of the show, you can see how she truly regrets what she has done and did not understand that making up lies such as the one she spread, could have serious consequences,” she said. Rodriguez’s talent is put on full display during this scene, as she leaves the audience feeling bad for Mary, despite all that she had done.
Another standout performance was by Sofia Rava, FCRH ’28, who portrayed Martha. Rava channeled true female rage through her performance, a rage so impactful that it was felt by the audience alongside her. “Female rage for me comes from a deep frustration with the feeling of powerlessness,” she said. “And honestly, in the times we are currently in, I just have to allow myself to feel the things that I’m pushing down all day,” she described, saying that she lets go of the barrier she keeps up to feel all of Martha’s anger and hopelessness” like it is her own. “It’s quite cathartic to be able to scream it all out on stage,” she added. Rava is not alone in that hopeless feeling, and although that current connection prompted the audience to align with her rage, it was truly her performance that allowed the audience to feel that way in the first place.
Lilah Spedding, GSB ’27, who stood opposite Rava as Karen, was anything but overshadowed. Despite Martha’s dominance in the plotline of
the play, Spedding made Karen an equivalent character through her sheer talent on the stage. Spedding captivated the audience with her animated facial expressions and ability to switch from a kind, sweet teacher (with a voice that reminded me of Miss Honey from “Matilda”) to an angry, depressed woman as the plot caused her character’s world to crumble. And her scream. I have not experienced a sound quite like it ever before; the hairraising, goosebump-inducing sound shocked me to my core.
“The first rehearsal with the scream, I wasn’t entirely sure what was going to come out … I was already crying and was feeling a lot of the weight Karen was feeling which definitely helped to make the scream so powerful,” Spedding said. “I tried to stay in character until I finished the scene, so much so that every night, Sofia and I would be backstage wiping our tears before going out to bow, keeping in character until the last blackout,” she continued. The professionalism of Spedding’s performance
was obvious even before her statement, and it feels evident that despite Spedding’s marketing track, she could make it in the acting world. This review would not be complete without the mention of the impactful choices of the production team, led by publicity manager Ian Colton, GSB ’27. From the reusing of couches to the 3D puzzle that actually conveyed the breaking of a vase, Colton and his team created a whole world with just a few set pieces and careful arrangements, one that didn’t feel like it was occurring on a university stage. It was an experience that set the viewer directly in the world, so much so that the plot felt like it was happening in real life.
If you didn’t get to see “The Children’s Hour,” take this review as a sign to never miss another production ever again. It’s like seeing a professional Broadway show for next to nothing, and it supports your fellow students. As your time at Fordham University ticks away, it is never a waste to see a Mimes and Mummers show.
Inside the Madness of ‘Mickey 17’
headfirst into the hilarious, existential nature of the role.
Every iteration of Mickey Barnes has a slightly different personality than the others, allowing Pattinson to have fun creating distinct individuals out of the same character. And you can tell he’s having a blast. Pattinson fully commits to the chaos through a cartoonish yet poignant performance, as his commitment to the role carries the bulk of the film.
Supporting actors Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette’s performances, characterized by overacting, fall flat; Ruffalo plays Kenneth Marshall, the leader of the expedition, while Collette portrays his wife, Ylfa. The Kenneth Marshall character was a not-so-subtle caricature of Donald Trump, and unfortunately, Ruffalo leans too heavily into impersonation instead of creating his own character. Collette’s character is initially framed as the brains behind Kenneth
Marshall, but around halfway through the film, a switch happens, and they both devolve into eccentric, one-note characters.
“Mickey 17” lost $75 million, and after watching the film, it is not difficult to see why. The sci-fi political satire is complicated and tries to tackle too many issues at once, leading to a surface-level treatment of each theme. And like Ruffalo’s performance, the film’s messaging is heavy-handed to the point of distraction. Director Bong Joon Ho has never been one for subtlety, but the film tries to juggle all of these themes — capitalism, wealth inequality, white supremacy, colonization, environmental collapse and more — without giving them the proper time and nuance they deserve.
Despite these problems, the film was incredibly fun to watch. There is a wild, frenetic energy coursing through each scene, and Pattinson’s offbeat performance gives the
story a hard-to-resist charm. The plot is also unique and fresh, something that feels increasingly rare in the current Hollywood landscape of reboots and sequels. At the heart of the film lies a surprisingly touching love story between Mickey and his girlfriend, Nasha (played by the fantastic Naomi Ackie). Their relationship is the driving force of the film, grounded in warmth and quiet strength
to perfectly act as the film’s emotional anchor.
“Mickey 17” is an ambitious film that does not always succeed in storytelling, yet still, there’s something about the film that makes it worth watching. It’s messy but also bold, weird and never boring. For all of the heavy-handedness, “Mickey 17” still manages to entertain, creating an imperfect but no doubt exhilarating movie-watching experience.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM Mimes and Mummers wow the audience with their new show.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Robert Pattinson stars in the new sci-fi/thriller “Mickey 17.”
CULTURE
Who’s That Kid? | Gabriella Chinnici FCRH ’27
Gabby Chinnici’s Gift of Music: From Piano to Accordion
By ABIGAIL ADAMS ASST. OPINION EDITOR
“I got an accordion for Christmas.” I audibly gasped when I received this text from Gabriella “Gabby” Chinnici, FCRH ’27. However, after this initial reaction, I became aware that it was quite obvious that Chinnici would be the person to receive a gift as fascinatingly unique as an accordion. Chinnici is an eclectic and vibrant soul, someone who is always willing to lend a hand — or an AirPod.
Her journey with music began even before she was born. Chinnici’s great-grandparents came from Italy, bringing their inherited admiration for music with them. Chinnici grew up hearing immigrant songs that her great-grandparents had written on their journeys to America. Her grandfather had a particular passion for music, serving as a guest conductor for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
It was only natural that Chinnici continued this family tradition. When her older sister, Bella, chose piano, “her parents had already invested,” so it was piano for Chinnici as well. She had her first lesson when she was three years old.
With moving several times around the Chicago area, the piano was a constant presence in her life. Throughout all of this, she still took lessons with the same teacher. It was this teacher of hers who also fueled her love of music, giving her a book each month to read. Because of
this, Chinnici has read “over a hundred books on Russian classical music.” The piano was more than an instrument — it both fueled her intellectual pursuits and satisfied her emotional curiosity.
Her musical ventures expanded as she grew up, deepening her love of the art. She performed all over the country with her high school’s show choir — an art beloved in the Midwest and sadly forgotten elsewhere. She learned to play a plethora of other instruments as well. These include the acoustic guitar, recorder, harmonica, kalimba, stylophone and pedal steel slide — half of which now occupy space in my search history. Chinnici has an aboveaverage knowledge of niche musical subjects.
This admiration of music has even taken her on international adventures, such as a trip to Europe with her choir during her senior year of high school. One of their many performances was to Austrian nursing home residents. These elderly persons had not seen visitors since 2020. The choir’s performance touched the residents, and Chinnici shared that “most of the people in the retirement home were crying after we had finished.” While Chinnici had initially considered stepping away from music in college, this experience gave her a glimpse into the “uniting power of music.” It became a priority for her to continue to explore this passion.
Now at Fordham University, her musical journey continues
in a myriad of ways. She is an alto singer for the Praise and Worship choir and writes blogs for the RELISH magazine. She continues to take piano lessons at Fordham and even teaches others as well. Chinnici FaceTimes her younger cousins from the practice room to give them their own lessons. The familial love of music lives on.
For Chinnici, music symbolizes all the various journeys through life. While she was anxious about playing the piano around family as a child, she has become much more “comfortable with music that is for others.” This
has grown in experiences like choir, where music is naturally a shared experience. In more ordinary ways, Chinnici loves bonding with people over music by inviting them to her favorite musical acts around the city — such as the New York Arabic Orchestra — or even just keeping her friends up to date with her song recommendations on the app “Airbuds Widget.”
Chinnici still treasures the personal impact that music provides her, as “the piano is the most profound instrument.” She elaborated on the various benefits of listening to music: “classical music is
really helpful for the heart” ... who knew!
While she still treasures music as the most meaningful medium in her life, she strays from viewing it as a career opportunity. She “doesn’t want music to become too commodified and too stressful.” She prefers the casual yet profound experience of music, whether listening to the New York Philharmonic or her new favorite genre, Samba-jazz, on her AirPods. For Chinnici, her life would be absent without music, as the sign that is hung up inside her apartment says: “No Vinyl, No Life.”
GABRIELLA CHINNICI FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Chinnici’s musical journey continues with a Christmas accordion gift, marking the next step in her relationship with music.
Baseball’s Win Streak Reaches Five
By NOAH HOFFMAN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR EMERITUS
Fordham Baseball’s win streak reached five this past week, the team’s longest winning streak since March 2023.
The Rams started off the weekend with a one-game series defeating Monmouth University 5-2 at home. The story of the game was graduate student Zach Karson, who tossed a career-high seven shutout innings, allowing only three hits, striking out four and walking one. Fordham started the scoring in the second inning. Sophomore Carson Chavez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded before freshman Tommy Markey drove in two with a single, giving the Rams an early 3-0 lead. In the third, Fordham extended the lead with a twoout RBI double off the bat of freshman Chase Hanawalt. The score would remain 4-0 until the seventh inning when junior Daniel Bucciero tacked on a fifth run with a single. Monmouth recorded two runs in the eighth inning, but added nothing more as the Rams cruised to a 5-2 win.
Next up was a weekend Atlantic 10 series sweep at the hands of Davidson College
in the Bronx. With rainy weather in the forecast, the weekend began with Fordham dropping both games of a Friday doubleheader, first 10-5 and then 17-6.
Game one started off well for the Rams, as they jumped out to a 3-0 lead after two innings. In the first, Bucciero launched a tworun shot to right, his third home run of the season.
Fordham added to the lead in the second when sophomore Matt Dieguez hit a single, stole second and eventually scored on a fielder’s choice by junior Tommy McAndrews.
The Wildcats quickly responded, scoring one in the third and three more in the fifth, highlighted by a tworun single to pull ahead 4-3. The Rams regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth after Markey led off with a solo home run, his second of the year and Bucciero walked, stole second, then advanced to third on a throwing error and scored on a wild pitch. However, the lead was short-lived, as Davidson tied it in the sixth with a solo homer, before the Wildcats added two in the seventh and
three more in the ninth on a three-run blast to seal the 10-5 win. Fordham starter, sophomore Aidan Dowd, threw 4.2 innings and tied a career-high with eight strikeouts.
The second game was all Davidson from the start.
The Wildcats stormed out to an 8-0 lead by the sixth inning. Fordham got on the board with a sac fly from graduate student Andrew Kanellis, but the game slipped further out of reach in the seventh when the Wildcats added five more runs, including a grand
slam. The Rams scored four in the seventh and one in the eighth, but the deficit proved too much in the 17-6 loss.
Game three was more of the same as Davidson completed the series sweep with a 12-1 win. The Rams looked threatened early, after loading the bases with no outs in the bottom of the first on two infield singles and a walk, but back-to-back strikeouts and a pop-out followed. A four-run second inning gave the Wildcats the lead for good. Fordham got one run back in the bottom half on a sacrifice fly from freshman Taylor Kirk that scored McAndrews, who had reached on an error. Davidson added two more runs in the third to push the lead to 6-1. A six-run eighth inning broke the game wide open and triggered the 10run rule, ending the game early at 12-1.
The 1-3 week drops the Rams back below .500 to 1517 on the season and 7-5 in conference play. They’ll next host Columbia University for a middle of the week matinee, before another three-game A-10 series, this time at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
RECYCLE e Ram
COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Fordham baseball freshman Taylor Kirk makes solid contact on a swing.
By EMILY PADEGIMAS STAFF WRITER
April showers certainly came as the calendar changed, but conditions did not stop the Fordham Softball team from a sweep in their seven-game homestand and establishing a nine-game winning streak this past week.
The Rams picked up their sixth straight win with a non-conference victory over the Stony Brook University Seawolves. Fordham University struck early, scoring six runs over the first two innings. Two came in the first with the bases loaded for clean-up hitter junior Nicki Sudall. A single down the right field line scored junior Neleh Nogay and senior Sydney Wells for an early lead. The second inning saw a similar story. The Rams loaded the bases for Wells, who brought in senior Allie Clark on a sacrifice fly. With Sudall back at the plate, one came home on her double to left field. Junior Kate McGuire capped off the inning with a two-run single to center field, extending Fordham’s lead to 6-0.
The Seawolves got on the board with a solo home run in the top of the third, but Wells responded in the bottom of the fourth with one of her own to make it 7-1. After holding Stony Brook to just one run over six innings, Fordham sophomore starter Olivia Simcoe got into trouble in the top of the seventh. With two outs, Simcoe put two on before giving up a three-run homer. That was all she allowed,
Softball Sweeps Homestand
holding onto the Rams’ lead and securing her third win on the season.
Then, in a rearranged, rainy series versus the George Mason University Patriots, Fordham was able to persevere and earn another Atlantic 10 sweep.
In a narrow, 2-1 first game on Friday, Sudall provided the Rams with all the offense needed to win while junior Holly Beeman dazzled in the circle. Nogay picked up her first of seven hits on the weekend to lead off the bottom of the first. Continuing to demonstrate her speed on the bases, a stolen base and wild pitch allowed Nogay to reach third. Sudall knocked a single up the middle to score the speedster for a 1-0 lead.
George Mason tied the game in the fourth when they pushed across one on an RBI single.
Athletes of the Week
Junior sprinter Liam Volz was an essential piece to Fordham University’s first-place effort at the Metropolitan Outdoor Track and Field Championship on Friday. Volz was a part of the schoolrecord-setting 4x100 relay team, who took first place with a time of 41.32 seconds, breaking the record from 2023 of 41.44 seconds. He also won the 100-meter dash in 10.99 seconds for his second win of the day.
Junior pitcher Holly Beeman had two stellar performances to help her Rams sweep their weekend series with George Mason University. In Game
One of Friday’s doubleheader, Beeman threw her 11th complete game of the season, allowing only one run in eight innings pitched. On Saturday, Beeman threw yet another complete game for Fordham University, with four strikeouts and seven hits allowed. It was her tenth victory of the season and the Rams’ ninth straight victory.
Fordham’s response was not immediate, but when they did respond it came in the form of a solo blast by Sudall in the sixth, securing the Rams’ victory. Beeman earned the win, allowing just five hits and the one run over seven innings. Game two on Friday ended with a 7-3 win for the Rams. This time, the Patriots struck first, scoring one run on a pair of hits and a groundout to start the game. Fordham answered in the bottom of the inning with four. With the top of the lineup loading the bases on a pair of singles and a walk, the middle of the lineup put the ball in play and forced errors to take the lead. McGuire earned one RBI and sophomore Erin Hoppe earned two on their batted balls, which produced errors.
The Rams added a fifth run in the second on a groundout
by Sudall, scoring Nogay. Both teams added a run in the third, George Mason on a pair of doubles and Fordham on a pair of singles to center by Hoppe and Nogay. The sixth inning saw a similar situation: the Patriots pushed one across in the top of the inning just for the Rams to respond in the bottom half with an RBI single by Hoppe, ending the scoring at 7-3. Hoppe went 2-for-3 in the victory with three RBIs. Senior Emilee Watkins earned the win — her sixth of the season — allowing three runs and nine hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Fordham completed a sweep of George Mason with a raindelayed, extra-inning, walk-off win on Saturday. Starting at 11 a.m., the game took four hours and 29 minutes to complete as the Rams pushed through the rainy conditions.
The Patriots started the scoring in the first when they scored two runs on two hits. George Mason maintained the lead until Fordham responded in the fourth. Nogay and Wells scored on an error, put in play by junior Eva Koratsis. The Patriots retook the lead on an RBI double in the sixth. Then, with two outs in the seventh, Fordham was able to push one across on a wild pitch to send the already extended game to extra innings.
George Mason put two on with one out in the eighth. Beeman in the circle, however, locked down the Patriot offense, striking out a pair to send it to the bottom of the inning. The Rams struck quickly to secure the 4-3 victory, with Wells and Koratsis both knocking doubles down the right field line to walk it off. Beeman earned her tenth win on the season.
Although scoring fewer runs than in their series versus the St. Bonaventure University Bonnies, the Rams’ offense continues to produce — especially at the top of the lineup with Nogay leading off — when they need to.
Improving to 20-16 on the season and 10-2 in conference play, the Rams look to maintain their strength as the team embarks on a fivegame road trip. They will take on two A-10 opponents in the Saint Joseph’s University Hawks in a doubleheader this Wednesday, April 9 and the George Washington University Revolutionaries in a weekend series beginning on April 12.
Varsity Calendar
Men’s Golf
Men’s Tennis
Women’s Tennis
Liam Volz Junior Track & Field
Holly Beeman Junior Softball
Fordham Softball looks to continue its nine-game win streak this week against conference opponents. COURTESY OF FORDHAM ATHLETICS
Mets Lose One, Claim Two Series to Start Season
By EMMA LEONARDI EXECUTIVE COPY EDITOR
The New York Mets started the regular season by losing their first series. However, in true Mets fashion, they bounced back to win two out of three games against the Miami Marlins and then swept the Toronto Blue Jays in their third series of the season.
The Mets began the season on Thursday, March 27, in an away affair against the Houston Astros. They lost their first game 3-1, falling short to the Astros pitching with just a few lackluster hits, the only notable one being Francisco Lindor’s RBI to claim their sole run in the ninth inning. However, the Mets showed promise in their next game, bringing in two runs in the second via RBIs by Mark Vientos and Jesse Winker. Juan Soto recorded his first home run with the Mets in the third, helping secure the 3-1 win. Despite coming back in their second game, the Mets failed to capture their first series win, getting a single run once again as Jose Siri made it home in the sixth from a Soto RBI.
On March 31, the Mets started their second series in Florida against the Marlins by giving fans whiplash. In defiance of their performance in Houston, the Mets brought in a total of 10 runs to beat the Marlins’ four. Starling Marte countered the Marlins’ first run with a home run of his own, tying the game in the third. Siri showed his
By LYDIA PIRNER STAFF WRITER
Long Island—April 6, 2025. April 6, 2025 is a day that will forever be engraved in the record books for sports, as an impossible feat was accomplished.
With Wayne Gretzky, The Great One, in attendance, Alexander Ovechkin, “Ovi,” cut down the left side of the ice and rocketed one past Ilya Sorokin for goal number 895 — passing Gretzky’s nearly impossible record of 894. Ovechkin previously
worth in the fifth by doubling to allow Luisangel Acuña to score their second run. A strong fifth inning extended the Mets’ lead, beginning with a Pete Alonso grand slam. The fifth proved to be the Mets’ inning of the night, as a homer by Luis Torrens resulted in two more runs. The Mets’ hitting power continued and stalled out into the sixth, where their final two runs of the game were scored by a Nimmo homer, with Alonso obtaining his second run and the Mets claiming the first game. The Mets looked to continue their success in the second game, as another Nimmo homer in the second put the Mets on the board. Lindor tied the game 2-2 in the third with
a single, providing Acuña the opportunity to score. However, the Marlins added two more runs, and the Mets failed to equalize, tying the series at onea-piece. The Mets started the third game by bringing in the first run by an Alonso double in the first inning, giving Soto a chance to score. The Marlins scored two runs in the third, erasing the Mets lead. The game was quiet until the seventh, when the Marlins scored twice more. Then in the top of the eighth, Alonso showed his power once again with a homer, bringing the game to a 4-4 tie as Lindor and Soto scored. The game continued into extra innings, with Winker earning a walk while the bases were full
in the eleventh, allowing Soto to score his third run of the night. Then, Vientos reached on a fielding error by Marlins shortstop Xavier Edwards, allowing Alonso to score and give them the 6-4 lead. Danny Young started the bottom of the eleventh, allowing one unearned run and getting one out. He was replaced by Huascar Brazobán who got the last two outs and secured the game and series win for the Mets. The Mets returned to Citi Field for their home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, April 4. The first game of the series was eventful, but more relaxed than previous games for Mets fans, as the team brought home the
The Chase for Greatness Is Over
scored his record-tying goal on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks in his two-goal effort.
As the Blackhawks pulled their goaltender to try and find the equalizer, Washington Capitals Head Coach Spencer Carbery tapped Ovi to ask if he wanted to hit the ice to not just get the hat trick, but make history, and he told him he wanted to do it with a goalie. That’s the type of player Ovechkin is. He scores goals at an unprecedented rate and does not even feel the need to take the easy route out.
Ovechkin, 7:26 into period two, broke the record. Capitals fans, who had flooded UBS Arena, jumping out of their seats at what they had just witnessed, and New York Islanders fans putting their hands on their head and over their mouths, not knowing what to think other than they just witnessed the impossible. Wayne Gretzky, who will still be the undisputed “GOAT” of hockey, mentioned how “They say records are made to be broken, but I’m not sure who is going to get more goals than that.”
Gretzky, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and Ovechkin’s family all came to the ice to celebrate the moment midgame. A video with athletes such as Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Sidney Crosby, Simone Biles and more was played to congratulate Ovechkin, who has been choked up for many weeks talking about this record and did not want to talk about himself. He couldn’t stop thanking his teammates, his family, the fans and, oh yeah, Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin,
win 5-0. Alonso continued his home run streak in the first inning of the game, getting two runs as he scored Lindor. Lindor scored again in the sixth due to a Soto RBI double; the favor was returned as Soto himself scored the same inning during a Nimmo RBI double. Marte hit a sacrifice fly, making the game 5-0 with a Nimmo run.
The second game of the series was infinitely more tense for fans. The game started out slow but picked up in the fourth and fifth innings as the Blue Jays scored once in each. By the bottom of the eighth, Mets fans had lost all hope, but then Winker tripled, allowing Lindor and Soto to score and tie the game. Closer Edwin Diaz held the Blue Jays at bay during the top of the ninth, and a sacrifice fly by Lindor allowed Siri to run home in the bottom of the last inning, securing the 3-2 win for the Mets. The third game was also mostly uneventful hittingwise, with only a Hayden Senger run via an Alonso single and a Soto run by a Nimmo sacrifice fly, both in the third inning. The Blue Jays attempted to make a comeback by profiting off of pitcher David Peterson’s apparent illness by scoring a run off him in the fifth. Once Peterson was relieved by Max Kranick, the Blue Jays didn’t get another run in, allowing the Mets to win the third game and sweep the series.
The Mets continued their run at home against the Miami Marlins on Monday, April 7.
whom he finally got his first goal against. Ovechkin made sure to give his fellow countryman a shoutout in his speech: “Thank you to Sorokin to let me score 895. I love you, brother.” Sorokin responded postgame, laughing and saying “It’s okay, anytime!”
Alex Ovechkin — a simple man who eats Subway and Cheetos on off days, eats a huge dish of chicken parm before games, and will never say no to a cold one — is the greatest goal-scorer that hockey has ever seen. The chase for 900 is on.
Men’s Crew Faces Scare On Troubled Waters
By IAN NELSON & ELIZABETH COLLINS ASST. SPORTS EDITORS
On Saturday, April 5, the Fordham University men’s club crew team’s boat capsized on Eastchester Bay.
According to a statement issued by Fordham, the boat included “nine student-athletes, and [eight] additional students and two coaches who helped them.” They also cited a “sudden shift in weather conditions” as the cause. There were reportedly no injuries, and all of those who were rescued were taken to hospitals as soon as they came ashore due to beaching on city property at Rodman’s Neck. One of the rowing team’s boats
was said to have been lost in the mishap.
This statement, however, according to accounts given by multiple team members as well as Head Coach Jamie Copus, lacked veracity. Similar to the Fordham statement, multiple news outlets did not get the facts of the story completely correct, with Copus calling some “sensational statements” in an email sent on April 6, which was attained by The Fordham Ram. He noted one error in a reported “civilian boat” that came to the aid of team members, when in fact, he informs, “that boat was me.”
Adin Deljanin, a senior on the crew team, said via a Reddit post that there were
three boats on the water: first varsity (1V) and second varsity (2V) 8+’s (each boat contained eight rowers plus a coxswain), as well as the coaching launch (a small motor-powered boat used by the coaches to instruct the rowers on the water). This was later confirmed when The Fordham Ram reached out to senior Team Captain Sebastian Gwitt.
Deljanin said on the way back to shore after completing practice, “the waves became much larger than anything we had ever seen before.” This sudden and unexpected change in the weather caused the 1V to submerge.
The coaching launch that
was with the 2V boat went to help the members of the 1V boat, immediately calling New York Police Harbor Rescue for assistance. They took half of the members of the crew safely ashore before quickly returning to grab the rest.
As for the 2V, Deljanin praised the quick thinking of the coxswain, saying they “smartly steered the boat to shore where they essentially wet docked on the beach.”
After they were taken to shore, they were immediately warmed up with blankets and heaters by the NYPD and the NYFD. Though there were no serious injuries, they were still transported to a local hospital due to
the aforesaid city policy and frigid water temperatures. Deljanin also cited the “disgusting nature of the water of the Eastchester Bay” as a reason for their hospital visit.
As per Copus, both boats were salvaged, with the 2V being “practically unscathed,” and the 1V “needing a number of repairs, but still very much in one piece.” The team expects both to be back in racing condition by the season’s end. They were back on the water the following day.
Going forward, the team plans to relocate their practice to a body of water that is more suitable for rowing in Overpeck, New Jersey.
COURTESY OF FOX SPORTS After getting swept in their opening series, the Mets quickly bounced back with two series victories.
The Yankees Might be Better Off Without Juan Soto
By LYDIA PIRNER STAFF WRITER
It’s a tale as old as time — let the top guys bail out a flawed playoff lineup, no matter the sport. I can think of a multitude of examples just here in New York. The Rangers relied on their top players (and their power play) way too heavily, and when they went cold, the team was nothing. The Knicks in the Pacers series with Jalen Brunson — once he went down, they had nothing. Josh Allen is carrying the Buffalo Bills year after year. I could go on and on.
This story does not exclude the 2024 Yankees. Despite being just a couple of wins shy of their 28th ring, the Yankees flaked out when their top guys couldn’t bail them out. Aaron Judge dropping the ball, Nestor Cortes giving up the home run, Juan Soto and Judge unable to always come up in big spots — the list goes on. Meanwhile, the Dodgers had continuity throughout their lineup. Tommy Edman and Max Muncy were not automatic outs, and that’s what made them so powerful.
The storyline surrounding the Yankees all summer was losing Soto. Soto was a phenomenal Yankee — there’s no sugarcoating it — and losing him wasn’t just gutwrenching, it was the manner in which they lost him. Hal Steinbrenner did what he had to do as the Yankees’ owner, but ultimately, Soto didn’t want to be a Yankee. And as Yankees fans, we only
want players who want to be here. With that in mind, I’m okay with losing him. At the end of the day, Soto is nice to have, but he is not a necessity. Why splurge on a designer bag when you can allegedly take the subway and buy a fake one that serves the exact same purpose? Maybe you can even get a couple to fill out your lineup of bags. The Yankees don’t need one superstar to carry them — they need a balanced, complete team.
Entering this season without Juan Soto, it almost felt like the Yankees had no given identity. But I think the uncertainty surrounding this franchise is a blessing in disguise. Without a set identity, they now have the opportunity to shape one for themselves, and it starts with the young players.
Soto’s abrupt departure has opened the door for emerging players to get a legitimate opportunity, win or lose. Among those names are Ben Rice, Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez and Austin Wells. The opening series with the Milwaukee Brewers was a microcosm of what those players can bring. Wells wasted no time showcasing his power, blasting a home run in his first at-bat on Opening Day — becoming the first catcher in MLB history to do so. Volpe got on the board with a home run, Domínguez put up some hits, and Rice — the least experienced of the group — had some great at-bats, putting the ball off the wall and out of the park. The Yankees seem to be rejuvenating their Baby Bombers era, and I don’t think Yankees
fans mind that at all.
While we’re talking about young talent, we also have players like Jazz Chisholm Jr., who hit three home runs in the opening series. When the Brewers elected not to pitch to the best player in baseball — who, by the way, is still on the Yankees — Chisholm took that personally and drove in both him and Judge. Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger, while maybe not in their prime, still give this team depth. Those are not players pitchers can afford to take lightly, because they will make you pay.
Soto’s departure has forced the Yankees to finally adopt a true team approach — starting with the top guys and trickling down the lineup. This team, while still holding high expectations, faces far less pressure than they
might be used to. Giving every hitter a clear-cut role will make them a tough team to play against. It’s great to see the young guys given a legitimate chance to develop into stars, which will ultimately help the Yankees establish long-term success — despite doubters claiming they can’t. Speaking of pressure, let’s talk about the Mets — because now, they have all of it. Soto choosing to go to the crosstown rival gave Mets fans the sense that he left because they are closer to winning a World Series. But that has only put immense pressure on the Mets — not just to perform but to outshine the Yankees in every metric. I hate to say it (no, I don’t), but it feels like a World Series or bust for the Mets, especially given how their fanbase has been flaunting that $765 million contract. By the way, I could never stomach Soto making almost double what Judge is making. That’s just asking for locker room tension. Judge is the face of the Yankees, and Soto couldn’t stand to be in the background.
Thanks to Soto, the Yankees now have no choice but to find a winning formula that utilizes their entire lineup. Despite Soto only wearing real pinstripes for one season, his departure has given the Yankees a rallying point and motivation. He essentially claimed that the Yankees’ players weren’t good enough.
Prove him wrong, New York. And yes — the Yankees are still New York’s team. Always have been, and always will be.
Torpedo Bats Take the Baseball World by Storm
By JAMES NESLON STAFF WRITER
The attention of baseball fans and social media were drawn to the oddlyshaped bats of several New York Yankees players during MLB’s opening week. The Yankees kicked off their 2025 season with a dominant three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Bronx Bombers tied an MLB record, hitting 15 home runs in the opening series. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe launched home runs using the now infamous “torpedo bats.”
The bats were developed by Aaron Leanhardt, the Field Coordinator for the Miami Marlins. Leanhardt earned his doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, spending his free time playing shortstop in a Boston amateur baseball league.
Before joining the Marlins, Leanhardt spent six years with the Yankees in various coaching and analytical roles. During his time as a Minor League Hitting Coordinator, he interacted with several players who expressed that they made contact closer to the middle of the bat,
rather than at the end. This prompted Leanhardt to craft a style of baseball bats that would eventually be used at the Major League level.
The typical baseball bat has a wider area of wood towards the end of the barrel, known as the “sweet spot.” A torpedo bat redistributes the wood so that the wider area of the barrel is located a few inches closer to the handle rather than the end. This small change allows players to make hard contact with the ball more frequently.
Early models of the torpedo bats were tested by minor
leaguers, with Leanhardt using their feedback to perfect his design. Data on where different players made the most contact allowed Leanhardt to personalize the bats and improve performance.
“There’s many different makes and models that have gone through this process, some of which never saw the field of play, and some of which are, obviously, hitting a lot of home runs right now,” Leanhardt said in an MLB. com interview.
When the torpedo bats began trending because of the
Yankees’ home run-heavy performances, many fans accused the Yankees of cheating and receiving special treatment from the league. However, torpedo bats comply with MLB regulations and have existed in the league for years.
Going into the 2025 season, it was reported that eight of the 30 Major League teams had players using torpedo bats. After the Yankees opening series showcase, all of the remaining teams had placed orders for the bats according to Bobby Hillerich, vice president of production
of Hillerich and Bradsby, a manufacturer of Louisville Slugger bats. “Every team started trying to get orders in,” Hillerich commented in an ESPN interview.
Some reactions saw fans call for the torpedo bats to be banned from baseball. Aside from increasing the home run totals in the first games of the season, the torpedo bats have also created a discussion that has outgrown the baseball community, bringing new eyes to the sport.
In a Q&A with the New York Times, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called the bats “absolutely good for baseball.” Manfred’s tenure as commissioner has been defined by changing the rules of baseball with the aim of making the sport more watchable. A pitch clock to make the games shorter, automatic baserunners on second base to start extra-innings, even a proposed “golden at-bat” in which a manager could override the lineup once per game and send up a batter of his choice. All of these concepts were spearheaded by Manfred. While the torpedo bat is an unexpected source of interest in baseball, Manfred has welcomed the discourse with open arms.
The new torpedo bats used by several MLB players have started a discourse surrounding their ethicality.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
Losing Juan Soto might have seemed like a big blow for the New York Yankees, but, in reality, they can thrive without him.
CRISTINA STEFANIZZI/THE FORDHAM RAM
In Case You Missed the Men’s Madness
By ELIZABETH COLLINS ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
This year’s March Madness tournament appeared to be all chalk; it seemed inevitable that Cooper Flagg would carry the title home to his Duke University Blue Devils before moving on to dominate in the NBA. While that consensus was playing out with little interruptions, it wouldn’t be March without any madness. Better late than never.
While credited as the two biggest upsets, 12-seed McNeese State University beating five-seed Clemson University, and 11-seed Drake University knocking sixseed University of Missouri, were not exactly unexpected. Nor were their eliminations in the subsequent round. The University of Arkansas did take out the University of Kansas on opening night, making for Kansas’ first loss in the starting round since 2006. This Kansas team initially looked incredible, with early season wins against eventual one-seed Duke and twoseed Michigan State University before going 14-13 the rest of the way. On the other hand, Arkansas was underwhelming early on but grew enough for a promising tournament run; their 79-72 win confirmed that.
The second night hosted one-seed University of Florida for their 95-69 blowout against 16-seed Norfolk State University. Though a monotonous game, Florida established themselves as a team with depth in all areas of the court and one championship-ready. Moreover, despite 15-seed Robert Morris University pushing the University of
Alabama, even taking the lead late in the second half, the twoseed broke through for the 90-81 win. Every one, two, three and four seed remained standing by the end of their first round, and those tense back-and-forth final minutes often associated with March Madness were so far a rare sight.
In a battle for a spot in the Sweet 16, Arkansas beat out Saint John’s University. Entering the tournament, Rick Pitinio’s St. John’s team, led by Big East Player of the Year RJ Luis Jr., was talked up to greatness. Against Arkansas, however, Luis went 3 of 17 from the field, and with 4:56 left in the second, Pitino benched him. Arkansas proceeded with an 11-4 run to end the game 75-66 in their favor. In the post-game interview, Pitino never directly answered why he took Luis out, only briefly mentioning his disappointing shooting performance. Many continue to question the unique decision; whatever the reasoning, it ended with St. John’s being knocked.
The first and long-awaited March Madness buzzer-beater took place on the second night of round two when University of Maryland’s center Derik Queen shot a three for the win over Colorado State University, getting them away 72-71. Later in the night, Florida also notably crushed the University of Connecticut’s search for a third consecutive title as they escaped 77-75.
In the Sweet 16, Florida had no problem clearing their way to the next round, taking Maryland out 87-71. Duke was similarly gliding past the University of Arizona, and despite valiant attempts from
fifth-year guard Caleb Love to keep Arizona in the game, Duke secured the 100-93 win.
Texas Tech University returned from a 16-point deficit against Arkansas, managing to tie the game late in the half and outscore their opponent in overtime to win 85-83. Houston also barely survived Purdue, but a last-minute bucket from junior guard Milos Uzan earned the one-seed a 62-60 win.
When it came to the Elite Eight, there was little to report besides the fact that the best teams won. (There’s that chalk again.) Duke ran away from Alabama, Florida outscored Texas Tech when it counted, Auburn University got by Michigan State and Houston blew out the University of Tennessee.
For the first time since 2008, all one seeds remained standing for a battle in the Final Four; Florida, Duke, Auburn and Houston were all chasing the title in an expected race. According to the AP poll and Ken Pomeroy’s efficiency rankings, each was one of the best teams the sport has ever seen — there had never been a stronger four opposing one another than this.
In the Southeastern Conference battle between Florida and Auburn (the tournament’s No.1 overall seed), by the end of the first, Auburn seemed to be one step closer to the final. They were up 46-35 at the half, and in 25 of their previous wins this season, they had a similar point advantage at the break. However, their star forward Johni Broome, who paved their way to San Antonio, suffered an elbow and ankle injury during their Elite Eight matchup.
Auburn needed him to play his best game, and though he did so in the first half, he struggled in the second. Florida peeled off a big run, and guard Walter Clayton Jr. once again shined for them (going 11 of 18 from the field and scoring 34 points). Because of Clayton — a player who can take and bank difficult shots — Florida had the best chance in that arena. They headed to the championship after their 79-73 win.
Later that night, Houston, 70. Duke, 67. How?
By the time Duke was up nine with 2:06 on the clock and six with 0:34, it was fated. I’m sure the blue and white and blue and orange confetti was being prepped for whatever Monday night brought; “Duke” was being written out next to “Florida” on each bracket in chalk. But Houston, in their classic fashion, refused to die. In the final 34 seconds, they managed a 9-0 run, ripping the win out of Duke’s hands as the Blue Devils simultaneously gave it away. Tyrese Proctor missed a one-and-one for Duke, as J’Wan Roberts banked two for Houston when it mattered most. In the final play, Flagg, against the greatest defense in the country, couldn’t find a good look to take the last-second lead. Houston was not as talented as Duke — almost no team ever has been (since Ken Pomeroy began tracking team efficiency in the 1996-97 season, this year’s Blue Devils were ranked the second-most efficient overall) — but Houston was older, with multiple players who have been on the team for years. Although that didn’t matter for the first 32 minutes of the game, it evidently caught up to Duke. Houston,
after pulling one of the craziest comebacks March Madness has ever seen, was moving on to the championship for the third time in their program’s history.
On Monday night in San Antonio, the nerves were high. The Florida Gators were looking for their first title since their consecutive 2006 and 2007 wins, and the Houston Cougars were a game away from their first ever. Florida struggled in the first half, as Houston’s defense dominated per usual; they forced nine turnovers on Florida and held Clayton to zero points. At the break, Houston was up 31-28. Despite the Cougars upping their lead to 12 early in the second, by 7:54 remaining, the Gators’ fresh experience of coming back from below helped them climb back to tie the score at 48 and make it a back-and-forth game. With a minute left, Houston held the 63-62 lead, but two trips to the free throw line earned Florida the two-point advantage, 65-63. In the last 19.7 seconds, the Gators contested an Emanuel Sharp three for the possible Houston lead, and time ran out with the ball in Florida’s hands.
In all 40 minutes, the Gators held the lead for just over a minute, with the majority being in those final plays. As Jay Wright was describing during the CBS post-game coverage, Florida succeeded in seemingly the only way one could give this Houston team and program another heartbreak, and that was by being just one play stronger. The Gators won 65-63. Blue and orange confetti, it was, and March Madness it turned out to be.
Overtime: How Did the Giants Get Here?
By GRACE MCCARRON SPORTS EDITOR
Two calendar years ago, the New York Giants were coming off a successful season. Yes, they suffered a difficult 38-7 defeat at the hands of their hated rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the divisional round. But all things considered, beating the favored Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round in Brian Daboll’s first year as head coach was a hopeful end result. It was their first playoff win since their Super Bowl XLVI victory in the 2011 season. Daboll was named 2022 NFL Coach of the Year, and anticipation began to build for what the team could become in future seasons.
It’s fair, as we look back a couple of years later, to wonder how on earth the Giants went from the joy of a playoff win to signing the quarterback that got them that playoff win to a long-term
extension, and releasing him not two years later. Now they have two new quarterbacks in Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson, and they are essentially starting over.
Let’s start with Daniel Jones. After that playoff appearance, he signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Giants on March 7, 2023. Later that year, he only started six games, due to neck and knee injuries that kept him out much of the season. In his six games in 2023, he had a record of 1-5 with 909 passing yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. Ultimately, it was a disappointing 6-11 season for Big Blue. Thirdstring rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito gave the team a sliver of hope, but it became clear that they would not make any playoff noise.
In 2024, things were of a similar vein. Jones started ten games, and the team had an abysmal 2-8 record in that span. He was benched on Nov. 18 for DeVito,
having recorded eight touchdown passes along with seven interceptions for 2,070 yards. Four days later, Jones requested release, and that was the end of the Jones era in East Rutherford. The Giants finished 2024 with a 3-14 record, their third-worst in franchise history. As someone who has loved the Giants her entire life, it even grew difficult for me to watch them week in and week out.
One bright spot in this recent madness was the emergence of wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers was one of few impressive performers on a Giants offense that made little noise in 2024. He broke the NFL record for most receptions by a rookie receiver with 109.
Overall, it feels as though the Giants have been on a downturn throughout much of the last decade. Since 2015, they’ve had two seasons ending in playoff appearances. There has been some degree of uncertainty surrounding the quarterback throughout much of this stretch. It was difficult for the franchise to move on from two-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Eli Manning, understandably so, and his replacement in Jones did not work out as they hoped. They’ve had five different head coaches since the beloved Tom Coughlin stepped down after the 2015 season. This kind of uncertainty does not feel like the norm for such a storied
franchise, one that has won eight league championships, including four Super Bowls.
Giants fans ought to wonder, year after year, when this pattern will be broken. When will they have a sure thing under center? When will they be able to legitimately compete with the extremely talented Philadelphia Eagles, the up-and-coming Washington Commanders and the seemingly always-hovering Dallas Cowboys for the National Football Conference (NFC) East title?
In my opinion, they are on the right track. First of all, it’s hard to get worse than a 3-14 season. Hopefully, they hit a low point in 2024 that they won’t return to for a long time, which included star running back Saquon Barkley signing with the rival Eagles and going on to win his first Super Bowl with them mere months later. In Winston and Wilson, the Giants signed two guys who can, at the very least, give the offense a chance, something they barely had last year. It remains to be seen what will happen in the draft at the end of April, but the Giants can plan for the future. With the third overall pick, they have options. If they draft a quarterback, they can have their two veterans in the quarterback room mentor him and prepare him to start, not necessarily throwing him out there immediately. If they go with someone like Colorado’s Travis Hunter
or Penn State’s Abdul Carter, they have someone who can immediately make a difference.
Overall, I think there are two things that are extremely important for the Giants’ future: draft well, and keep Nabers happy. Nabers, with the right quarterback throwing to him, can be even better than he was his rookie season, which obviously had a lot of turmoil. If I’m the Giants, I’m prioritizing keeping him around as long as possible, hopefully his entire career.
As for the “how did the Giants get here?” question, I implore Giants fans to remember that every franchise has its ups and downs. It is extremely difficult to be a constant contender. The quarterback who led Big Blue to two Super Bowl rings had to hang them up at some point. A lot of chances are taken in football. The highest draft picks don’t always pan out. Or they leave. All in all, nothing is guaranteed, but the best we can do is hope that the Giants one day return to the top. I don’t think anyone is anticipating that the Giants will be a big contender next year, and Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have a lot to prove within the next year, but fans can take some comfort in the fact that they have made moves to get some wins in 2025. At the end of the day, isn’t that what fans of a team in this position can ask for?