SUMMER HOUSING IN MARTYRS’- PAGE 9
SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW-SPECIAL INSERT
SERVING THE FORDHAM UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY FOR OVER 90 YEARS
1918-2011
MARCH 9, 2011
VOLUME 93, ISSUE 6
Fordham Mourns ‘Abundant’ Levels of Mold Loss of LC Junior Spores Found in O’Hare By CONNIE KIM NEWS EDITOR
Shortly after the tragic death of a student at the Rose Hill campus in the beginning of school year, the Fordham community mourned the loss of another student, Hayden Hartnett, FCLC ’12, who was found unconscious in her room and later announced deceased, at the Lincoln Center campus on the morning of Feb. 20. According to Bob Howe, University director of communications, at about 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 18, two days before the actual incident, a student, who was concerned about a phone conversation he had with Hartnett, called 9-1-1. The New York Police Department responded to McMahon, but found Hayden had left her room. A Fordham security supervisor tracked Hartnett down and asked her to come to McMahon from off-campus, so he could evaluate her condition. At 12:40 p.m. on the same day, Hartnett returned to McMahon, and the supervisor interviewed her. She appeared to be coherent, lucid and in good physical condition. Hartnett said that she was not in need of any medical attention. The supervisor informed her of the availability of the counseling center in McMahon Hall and suggested that she contact her psychiatrist, which Hartnett said she would do. Two days later, Feb. 20, at approximately 6 a.m., a security supervisor went to Hartnett’s McMahon Hall room in response to a 9-1-1 call reporting an unconscious female. The supervisor arrived at about the same time as the New York City Emergency Medical Services, where he found Hartnett on the bedroom floor, face
up, unconscious and unresponsive. Paramedics began the CPR and continued it while transporting her to St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 7 a.m. “The entire University community is deeply shaken by Hayden’s death,” Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University, said in a press release. “We are heartbroken to lose someone so young and full of promise, and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones as they grieve for her. I know the entire Fordham family will keep Hayden, her family and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.” The cause of her death is still unknown. The University is waiting on the Medical Examiner’s report. According to Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill, there were no significant changes made after the death of the late Jacob Miller, FCRH ’14, in terms of dealing with students. “Our experience is that our approach works,” Rodgers said. “We are very successful with getting students to the Counseling Office and other places.” According to Rodgers, the annual surveys of the Fordham student body indicate that there is a higherthan-average percentage of students aware of Counseling Services compared to the national average percentage of students. Also, the vast majority of the student body knows that resident directors and resident assistants are there to help. In addition, there are mandatory programs for both commuter and resident students during the freshman orientation to educate them with mental health problems and SEE HARTNETT ON PAGE 3
Lab Results Confirm Presence of Mold Spores, Facilities Plans ‘Heavy Maintenance’ for Break
PHOTO BY STEPHEN MOCCIA/THE RAM
An air quality sample, taken by exposing the test solution to the environment in question, resulted in a culture abundant with mold colonies. The sample was sent to an independent laboratory, which confirmed the presence of mold.
By STEPHEN MOCCIA DESIGN EDITOR
Separate laboratory reports confirm the presence of several types of mold spores in O’Hare Hall. A combination of direct tape lifts and air quality samples sent by The Ram to two independent labs veri-
While watching a documentary on the life of Thomas Merton, a 20th century Trappist monk, he became interested in the religious life. He admitted that, before speaking to his parish priest, he had little-tono knowledge of the Jesuit order. It was only after speaking to a psychologist at G.E. that he realized that he was being called to the Jesuit order. The psychologist asked Martin what he would do if he could do anything he wanted. “Well that’s easy, become a Jesuit priest,” Martin responded. “Then become a Jesuit priest,” he was told. The speech seemed to be wellreceived by those of all faiths.
the health center, facilities workers wearing surgical masks eventually responded to the situation and supposedly resolved the issue. However, recent testing conducted by The Ram – prompted by student complaints – finds that mold is still an issue in the building, even in that same room supposedly cleaned earlier this year. “I consistently wake up with headaches, a scratchy throat or itchy eyes,” Rachel Malinowski, FCRH ’12 and roommate of the aforementioned Ram staffer, said. “When I’m home I have no issues, but as soon as I return to school, the problems return. Even if friends from other dorms come over to visit or study for as little as an hour, they sometimes show symptoms too.” Malinowski noted that, because of her roommate’s issues and the article earlier in the semester, their room was recently serviced. Despite that fact, both continue to show signs of an allergic reaction. “Clearly the fundamental cause or problem has not been addressed,” she said. An air quality test, conducted by exposing a test solution to the environment in question for the hour, resulted in 21 mold colonies. The sample was sent to a laboratory in Weston, Fla., for analysis. The laboratory reported that the mold culture consisted of four different varieties: Clasosporium, Penicillium, Pithomyces and yeast. While all four types are fairly common molds, the report indicates that they can still cause respiratory and other health difficulties, such as headaches, runny nose, wa-
SEE MARTIN ON PAGE 2
SEE MOLD ON PAGE 3
fied residents’ belief that mold is the underlying cause of their allergy-like symptoms. One Ram staffer who lives in O’Hare reported her problems with mold in an article last fall [“From the Desk of,” Volume 92, Issue 20]. After a severe allergic reaction that prompted a visit to
PHOTO BY STEPHEN MOCCIA/THE RAM
Mold growth is visible on the surface of vents and ceiling tiles both in residents’ rooms, in addition to in public lounges and common areas.
Jesuit Guide Author Speaks at Fordham
PHOTO BY STEPHEN MOCCIA/THE RAM
James Martin, S.J., gave advice to students at Campbell Hall Commons.
By CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY STAFF WRITER
“Do what your best self would do.” This was among many pieces of advice given by the Rev. James Martin, S.J., the author of My Life with the Saints, and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, his most recent book. In his speech, held March 2 and sponsored jointly by the Office of Campus Ministry
and the Office of Residential Life, he discussed Ignatian spirituality, Catholic church teaching and the importance of joy and humor in faith, the subject of his next book. His discussion on Ignatian spirituality, however, was in no way limited itself to Catholicism. In fact, he explained that he decided to publish with a nonreligious company so his book would not be seen as being only for Catholics. His advice in the book, he said, was for anyone
“who has ever had to make a major decision.” The first half of his talk, which left Campbell Hall Commons with standing room only, was largely built around his own biography, interspersed with guidance on how to live a fulfilling life. Martin grew up in a Catholic household in Philadelphia, although he described it as “not very religious.” Because he was unsure what he wanted to do with his life as a teenager, he enrolled in the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, later working at General Electric in New York City and in Connecticut. He explained that, although he was making lots of money, he gradually became disenchanted with his job.
INSIDE Sports PAGE 24
Opinions PAGE 7
Culture PAGE 13
Men’s basketball snaps 41-game A-10 losing streak against UMass.
Guns should not be allowed on campus.
How to have an exciting spring break.