The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham dh University Community Since 1918 Volume 97, Issue 13
FordhamRam.com
September 16, 2015
After Hiatus, Fordham Falls Nightly News To No. 66 on to Return to Air U.S. News List By ERIN SHANAHAN
By YASMIN MERCHANT
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR
STAFF WRITER
After a rocky start to the semester, Fordham’s student TV station Fordham Nightly News (FNN) is slated to be back up and running in the coming weeks. Last week, the station’s future appeared uncertain as the program was put on an “indefinite hiatus,” as FNN’s student coordinator Dan Grbic, FRCH ’16, called it. That potential hiatus was due to a reported “retooling” to better accommodate a new journalism major, which would start next fall, according to Rose Hill professor Mat Schottenfeld. But now, it seems, that plan has changed. Tuesday night, Grbic sent out a celebratory email alerting students involved in FNN that the program would return with in the coming weeks. This good news, Grbic said,
Fordham University’s ranking took a dive in U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges. The list, released Wednesday morning, shows Fordham falling to 66th in the national universities category with an overall score of 54 out of 100. The ranking is shared with Brigham Young University and the University of Pittsburgh. This is a relatively large decline from the 58th place ranking the university held last year. This is the second consecutive year the university’s ratings have dropped; in the 2014 edition it was ranked number 57 and in the 2013 edition it was at number 52. “Fordham shares the disappointment of our students, faculty, alumni and staff with the U.S. News & World Report undergraduate rankings, in which Fordham declined this year from 58 to 66,” said Bob Howe, spokesman for the university, in a statement.
SEE FNN PAGE 5
SEE RANKINGS, PAGE 2
FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES
On Sunday, Sept. 13, a freshman student reported a racial slur was scratched into his door Lalande Hall.
Alleged ‘Bias Crime’ in Residence Hall Spurs Investigation, and Campus Dialogue By LAURA SANICOLA NEWS EDITOR
The New York Police Department is currently investigating a reported racial “bias crime” that occurred on Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus Sunday
afternoon. An email sent to the Fordham community at 8:16 p.m. Sunday evening stated that at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, “an African-American student notified a resident assistant, who in turn notified Fordham Public
Safety, that a racial slur had been scratched into the door of his room in Lalande Hall.” According to the email, it is unclear when exactly the door was defaced, as the room’s residents had not been present for most of the day. SEE BIAS, PAGE 6
Protesting Wages, Fordham Adjuncts Fast By KATIE MEYER MANAGING EDITOR
ZACK MIKLOS/ THE FORDHAM RAM
Fordham students gathered together to comemorate the lives lost on 9/11 at a service organized by USG.
University Honors 9/11 Victims During Campus Memorial By CHRISTIAN ZOMBEK CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Friday marked the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. That day of tragedy devastated the nation and changed countless lives in New York and beyond. 2,977 people died in the attacks, including family, friends, and faculty of the university back in 2001. Fordham joined in as the nation mourned; an inter-
faith ceremony, which took place on campus at 1 p.m., and honored the memory of all who were killed, especially the 39 members of the Fordham community who were lost. A soft wave of footsteps followed two lead bagpipers as a group of over 70 students and faculty walked with candles lit to the Finlay Garden Memorial. Two Campus Security Vehicles guarded the procession along the walk down
campus roads, with one in front and one following behind. The ceremony began outside the McGinley Center as the message to “Let your light shine as a beacon for others in times of darkness” was shared as candles were being distributed. At the memorial site, the group gathered in front of a podium. Prayers and readings were offered from five religions, SEE MEMORIAL, PAGE 5
On Tuesday, a handful of Rose Hill’s adjunct professors spent the day without food. Their cause? As longtime anthropology adjunct Alan Trevithick explained it, the fast was part of an ongoing campaign that aims to “make visible the poor working conditions, low pay, and non-existent benefits of adjunct…faculty.” These professors, Trevithick noted, commonly work multiple jobs with minimal security and benefits. And yet they make up a clear “majority of higher-ed faculty in almost all colleges and universities in the U.S., including Fordham.” At Fordham alone, there are about 650 adjuncts. These professors are part-time (at Fordham they are only allowed to teach a maximum of two courses, or 18 hours per week). They are also, by definition, untenured and must renegotiate their contracts at the end of each academic year. They do not receive benefits. Trevithick and many of the rest of the participants in the Fast for Faculty movement tweeted pictures of themselves throughout the day holding up signs expressing solidarity and hashtagging #FastForFaculty. And they say the conditions they are fighting against constitute a crisis. “The pay is extremely low… less than one third per class of what full-time faculty receive to teach the same class. And there
are no benefits. There’s no job security,” Trevithick said. “Basically it is part time employees without benefits who are de facto fulltime employees.” And, he said, the problems are not limited to any single school or type of college or university. Although Fast for Faculty is a movement specific to Jesuit institutions, it is just one offshoot of a more general movement called Faculty Forward which, in turn, is organized under the umbrella of the Service Employees International Union. All things considered, it is a large movement. Even the specifically Jesuit offshoot that encompasses Tuesday’s fast stretches across the nation, with chapters popping up everywhere from Chicago Loyola to St. Louis UniSEE FAST, PAGE 6
in this issue
Opinion
Page 7
Does Fordham Accept Too Many Students?
Culture
Page 13
Fordham Fall Fashion
Sports
Page 24 Football Falls to No. 2 Villanova
NEWS
Page 2
PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS
September 16, 2015
Steep Drop in Rankings was ‘Anticipated’
Journal From Abroad
FROM RANKING, PAGE 1
Sept. 8 Fordham Rd. & Hoffman Ave. 6:50 p.m. A student was walking eastbound on Fordham Road early in the evening. She received a call and answered her phone. While she was talking, a male snatched her phone from her hand. The young male ran south on Hoffman, accompanied by another male. She notified the guard at the Terranova House who then notified Public Safety and the NYPD. NYPD is still looking for the second individual. Sept. 8 Finlay Hall 9:25 p.m. A water pipe broke in a Finlay dorm room late in the evening. Minor flooding occured. The water seeped down from second floor to the first floor. Public Safety responded to the scene with facilities. The water was turned off and custodial cleaned up the mess. The pipe was then repaired. Sept. 12 Hoffman Avenue 1:30 a.m. - 10:40 a.m. Early in the morning, a Fordham student saw two other Fordham students playing with an American flag on her balcony. The owner of the American flag told the students to leave the balcony. The two students complied and left the balcony. Around 10:40 a.m. the same day, the student reported to public safety that the flag was missing. The student did not report to the police. Public Safety is now investigating. Sept. 12 Fordham Public Safety 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. A student came to Public Safety and reported several unauthorized charges made on his credit card. These transactions were made to China as well as Uber. The student lost a total of $200 in American Currency. NYPD were notified and responded to the student. -Compiled by Erin Shanahan, Assistant News Editor
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COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS
The German government, along with many European nations, is facing an influx of refugees from the Middle East.
Berliners Respond to Growing Tensions of Refugee Crisis in Europe By NICHOLAS GIAMPICCOLO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BERLIN — Many young people view Berlin as the party capital of Europe. Thoughts of Berlin evoke images of world-famous clubs like Berghain or rooms smaller than Dagger John’s, hidden three courtyards deep into an apartment building in Kreuzberg. One might think of Checkpoint Charlie and the wall that divided East and West Berlin (a divide that is still evident today). Maybe one would even remember the remnants of National Socialism that constantly hide behind every prewar structure, haunting German history like a scar that will never go away. And these correlations are not wrong — those places very much exist, and they are some of the most fun, interesting and reflection-inspiring times I have ever had in Berlin. But Berlin, the city that is described as “always ‘becoming’ and never ‘is’” because of the constant destruction and change it has faced within the last 113 years, faces another issue. Hundreds
of thousands of refugees from the Middle East are pouring into Germany from its southern borders. The German government expects 800,000 refugees to arrive by December 2015. Berlin, with the largest Turkish population of any city outside of Turkey, is already a diverse coalition of cultures; however, many people have conflicting views on the German government’s high tolerance for refugees. Many say that Berlin has nowhere to house these refugees, and some groups, like Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) feel the presence of Islam as well as Islamic population in Germany, is harmful in and of itself. Government officials in opposition to the tolerance say that the paperwork (pro-tip: Germans LOVE paperwork) for the number of people seeking asylum is impossible to do in a timely manner. My experience, however, has been the exact opposite. On the day I am writing this, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015, there have been German citizens lined up for days at the Berlin Hauptbahnhof wel-
coming refugees as they arrive at their destination. Yesterday, I was part of a parade of people from all races, religions and nationalities walking with refugees down Unter den Linden (Berlin’s most famous street) in solidarity and support. I walked past people giving food, clothing and supplies to refugees sleeping on the streets, and even Berliners sleeping right next to them to keep them company. The main symbol of Berlin is the Brandenburg Gate, the remnants of the main entrance into the city. For many, Berlin is a city of passage — entering through its gates means what could be a chance at a new start, a different life and a safe haven. Berliners understand that, having suffered though Russian-Allied division for fifty years. Berliners know more than anyone that people who need help deserve it regardless of their background. Some might try to tell you that germans, Berliners in particular, are a tough bunch. After being here, I have realized that tough can be a good thing. You have to be tough to persevere throughout history.
Despite its disappointment, the drop in rankings did not come as a surprise to administration. “The University anticipated a decline, since in several categories we knew our numbers were not as strong in 2014 as they had been in 2013.” He noted factors such as alumni donations, class size and SAT scores. According to Howe, Fordham has already begun to outline and put into place “corrective action in the areas which most effect the learning experience, over which Fordham has the most control and which are the most heavily weighted.” Such areas include alumni participation, class size and graduation rates. Howe cited lower endowment numbers as reasons for the university’s decline. “It takes sizeable investments to effect small changes in rankings, and positive results are not necessarily a given,” he said. “Endowment, it turns out, matters, and matters greatly. If one were to rank national universities by the size of their endowments, the list would look very much like the U.S. News rankings—which is why one sees most of the changes from year to year in the middle of the pack.” Princeton University once again took the top ranking, followed by Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Stanford and the University of Chicago. The statistics state Fordham’s tuition as $45,623, the total enrollment of 15,231, the 2014 fall acceptance rate as 48.1 percent, a freshmen retention rate as 89 percent and the six year graduation rate as 80 percent. Fordham faces a lower ranking than its Catholic rivals: Notre Dame is ranked 18, Georgetown University ranked 21 and Boston College ranked 30. The university has had a sporadic ride through the rankings in recent years. Fordham jumped 31 places from a ranking of 84 in 2002 to 53 in 2011, when it was tied with Boston University. Since then, the ranking has stagnated and then entered into a decline. The U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” list is arguably the most referenced and popular of all college rankings. According to its website, “77.5 percent of a school’s ranking in the National Universities, National Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities and Regional Colleges categories is based on a formula that uses objective measures of academic quality, such as graduation rates, faculty information and admissions data.”
This Week at Fordham Thursday Sept. 17 Fordham Cinevents! Presents Insurgent Keating 1st 9 p.m. Campus Activities Board will be screening The Divergent Series: Insurgent. The movie is the second installment in the Divergent trilogy and is based on the young adult science fiction novels of the same name.
Friday Sept. 18 The President’s Ball Lombardi Fieldhouse 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.
The annual President’s Ball will take place the Friday evening of Homecoming Weekend. All students are invited for dancing, food and fun at the Lombardi Fieldhouse. The event is free and open to all students.
Saturday Sept. 19
Saturday Sept. 19
Fourth Annual 5K Ram Run
Homecoming Football Game
McGinley Center 9 a.m.
Coffey Field 1 p.m.
The Annual 5K Ram Run is back! Registration begins at 8 a.m. the day of the race, but students can also register online. Fordham College of Rose Hill’s Dean Mast will start the race at 9 a.m. All students are welcome to join in.
The Rams will return to Jack Coffey Field on Saturday for this year’s Homecoming Game where they will take on the Columbia University Lions in the Liberty Cup. Kickoff starts at 1 p.m. Senior and alumni tent opens at 11 a.m. on Eddie’s.
For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com
Tuesday Sept. 22 September Open Mic Rodrigues’ Coffee House 8 p.m.
Rodrigues’ will host their first open mic night of the semester to showcase student talent. Head to Rodrigues’ by 7:30 p.m. to sign up to perform. It will be first come, first serve, but all students and all talents are welcome to perform.
NEWS
September 16, 2015
Page 3
Clubs Weather Fall Budget Allocation Process By JOE VITALE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Last April, at the tail end of one of the most attended Student Life Council meetings of the year, United Student Government’s Budget Committee released its recommendations for the allocations for this semester. The semester budget, recommended by Budget Committee’s chair and eight student members, was swiftly approved, allocating $433,435 to various clubs and organizations across campus. Overall, 77 clubs requested
more than $531,000 (up from $470,000 from the prior semester). The vast majority of clubs faired in the process. Thirty clubs received 100 percent of their requested funding, while 30 more clubs received at least 90 percent of requested funds. Only a handful of clubs received zero percent of total allocations, for reasons detailed in official Budget Committee documents. This list of unsuccessful clubs includes Academia Hispania (which requested $6,867), Economics Society ($200), Fordham Flava
FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES
The vast majority of clubs re ceived over 90 percent of their budget.
($2,069), Inseieme Italian Cultural Society ($1,299), Pet Advocacy for Underprivileged Survivors ($1,350) and Images ($220). Several clubs received sanctions as well, though most were under five percent. Active Minds, a new club on campus, received a sanction of 15 percent and Polish Cultural Exchange received a sanction of nine percent. Deutscher Studenten Club and Students for Fair Trade both received sanctions of 7.5 percent. Budget Committee detailed several reasons for sanctioning in the committee’s presentation. For example, eight clubs were sanctioned for not submitting an operations packet and 19 clubs were sanctioned for not providing backup documentation for specific line items. The funds the committee was able to allocate drew from the Student Activities Fee, a $135 fee that every student pays. To arrive at the amount of total requests, the committee multiplied the fee by the number of students who contribute to the fund (around 5,500,) yielding $742,500. From the start, 30 percent of that number was allotted to the Office of Student Involvement. Then, money was taken off for club copy cards ($2,340 this semester), club sports ($33,000), senior week ($15,000) and other costs to the Office of Student Involvement ($8,000). From there, the Committee had $460,000 to allocate. Before general club requests were yielded, just less than $300,000, or nearly 68 percent of the remaining funds, went direct-
ly to referendum clubs, which are clubs that have a consistent need for funds each semester and have “proven responsible with their allocated funding.” This semester, $296,285 went to Rose Hill’s 11 referendum clubs. The committee allocated $174,000 to Campus Activities Board, which programs’ events such as Spring Weekend and Welcome Week. Other referendum clubs include Fordham University Emergency Medical Services ($25,000) Global Outreach ($16,110), Mimes and Mummers ($15,000) and Peer Educators ($20,000). The newest referendum club, Fordham Experimental Theatre, received $3,615. USG, also a referendum club, received three percent of the funds allocated to referendum clubs, receiving $8,000. Of the total allocation of funds to general clubs that do not have referendum status, The Fordham Ram, College Democrats and Mock Trial received the largest allocation amounts. The Ram received $20,000, and College Democrats received $20,826 in funding (College Republicans received 85 percent of its requested, receiving $3,347.) Specific breakdowns of individual club requests were detailed in a document posted on USG’s website, which shows the line-byline approval and denial of funds. The committee also detailed reasons for event denials. Eleven clubs, for example, were denied appeals because the event “demonstrated exclusivity.” This reason was cited mostly for club gear, including items like t-shirts.
Computing Science Society, Fordham Fanatics and Fordham Marketing Association were all denied certain lines items such as pins, business cards, t-shirts and stress balls because they “demonstrated exclusivity.” According to the committee’s handbook, which details rules on prizes, university speakers, outside speakers, food and refreshments and bake sales, the committee “may only fund t-shirts or other appear for sales, fundraisers, costumers or cause awareness campaigns. Clubs must explain the purpose of the t-shirts in their requests.” Budget Committee, which allows for appeals and votes on new requests weekly, began the fall semester with a remainder of $27,000. Several clubs — including Smart Woman Securities and Muslim Students Association — have already requested and been approved additional funds following formal appeals, according to the committee’s records. Grito de Lareas, which requested $12,000 for the Latino Heritage Month Kick Off Dinner at the committee’s first meeting on Sept. 2, received the full amount following an unanimous vote by the committee. With the remaining funds, Budget committee currently has more than $8,000 to allocate for the fall semester. Funds remaining from last semester’s allocations will be added when the final amount is confirmed. The Committee meets next on Sept. 16 at 2:30 in Bepler Commons, and on Sept. 23 at 2:30 in McGinley 234.
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NEWS
Page 4
September 16, 2015
Fordham In The Bronx
Jazz Night in the Bronx By MICHAEL DOBUSKI BRONX CORRESPONDENT
A woman in an orange dress behind me is telling me a story about how she was stuck in traffic on the way here, trying to give her tickets to passersby. She was convinced that she and her husband were going to be late. The thing was, though, every person she offered her tickets already had them. “It’s never like this,” she said. “It’s all because of Wynton Marsalis. We love Wynton Marsalis.” Maybe this requires a bit more of an explanation. It is Saturday night, almost 8 p.m., and I am skirting around a fenced-off collection of buildings on Goulden Avenue and 195th Street. It is dark out, there is a drizzle and my dress shoes are beginning to dig into my Achilles tendon. Worryingly, none of the buildings that make up Lehman College appear to be open or, for that matter, inhabited. And then, mercifully, out of the rain, a crowd of people cross the street and enter the campus through a security gate. I was about to hop the fence. Grateful that was not the night I discovered if The Fordham Ram’s budget could afford bailing its Bronx correspondent out of pris-
on, I enter. The lobby of Lehman College’s concert hall is teeming with people, despite the fact that the show they are all there to see was supposed to have started five minutes ago. Once in my seat, someone on the PA system apologizes for the delay, thanks us all for our patience and assures us that the show will begin shortly. After a beat, a rumble of laughter from the crowd becomes a surge of skeptical applause. We wait some more. Then, at long last, the lights dim and a silence sweeps over the ambient chatter. As it does, I go from jazz-illiterate to fully fledged, first-time concert attendee. Carlos Henriques has always loved music. From a young age, he played the guitar, attended Julliard programs for young musicians and was enrolled in the LaGuardia High School of Music and Performing Arts. He has played in the LaGuardia Concert Jazz Ensemble, the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, where he had the opportunity to play in concerts around the world and work with artist such as Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder. He is also Nuyorican, a mixture of New York and Puerto Rican heri-
tage, a legacy that greatly influences his body of work. We were treated to a taste of his music on this rainy, Saturday night — jazz is at its best in the rain, after all — in the opening of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 2015-16 season. The show was called Carlos Henriques: Back in the Bronx. It was a fitting title because, while many great jazz artists hail from places like New Orleans, or, if we reach further back, Africa and Europe, Henriques is from here: Mott Haven, to be specific. To him, “Back in the Bronx,” really means “back home.” “It’s good to be back in the Bronx,” he begins, “for those of you asking, I never really left.” The concert is composed of two sets of five songs with a leisurely intermission separating them. The music is interspersed with Henriques telling stories from his childhood and stories about the influence of his mentors, including Dizzy Gillespie and, of course, Wynton Marsalis. Henriques speaks at length about his three children, each of whom have a song named after them. He occasionally lapses into Spanish when remembering the Bronx in the 1980s and at one point the greasy deliciousness of a Cuchifrito. What made this all so special was
MICHAEL DOBUSKI/ THE FORDHAM RAM
Carlos Henriques, a jazz artist and Bronx native, performed at Lehman College’s Concert Hall last Saturday night.
CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM
ASILI Hosts Discussion on Race Ameer Vincent, FCRH `15, pictured above, at an open dialogue hosted by ASILI: The Black Student Alliance on race the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 15. The discussion followed an incident regarding a racial slur written on a door in a freshmen residence hall. not what was happening onstage, however, but the relationship that the performers built with their audience. People cheered at the Cuchifrito reference, and every time Wynton Marsalis slid into a solo the crowd waved their hands in the air, danced in their seats and even danced in the aisles as well. It was two and a half hours of laughter, noise, conversation, thanksgiving, commemoration and joy. And again, this was a jazz concert. One populated mainly by older Bronx natives. I honestly did not expect to be so swept up in the occasion and electricity of it all, but I was: helpless and joyous in equal measure. The Bronx has long been bookmarked as hip-hop music’s place of origin, what with DJ Kool Herc and The Sugarhill Gang. While jazz may not have been born in the Bronx, it has definitely lived here for some time. There was an infectious energy to Carlos Hen-
riques. The audience was as much a part of the show as the music was. Maybe it is the link that jazz and hip-hop share, as many forms of music do, of having tumultuous and often misunderstood beginnings. Both genres endured the general public’s disdain, misleading associations with illegality and eventually, commercialism. As with anything, there remain a proud few who remember a turntable on Sedgewick Avenue or a saxophone in the French Quarter. The show ended. As the audience dispersed back to their cars, the subway or, like me, walked, I caught sight of one of the performers exiting through the front doors. He shook a few hands, nodding and smiling as he did so. Then he bummed a cigarette off a younger audience member, lit it and walked off into the misty, street-lit night.
Campus Briefs & Bites Freshmen Give Back to the Community
As many freshmen arrived at Fordham for the first time, over 100 students were introduced to their new home by immersing themselves in the community and doing community service. The Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice sponsored the Urban Plunge program, which held events at nine locations across Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn. Each team visited two service sites and worked with larger organizations to help those in need. Service projects ranged from work with local youth, the elderly, the homeless and the environment. Many students canvassed for tenant rights with the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition. Others visited residential buildings to talk to residents about advocating for their rights as rent payers. Other students worked with the organization The Bronx is Blooming to beautify and rejuvenate forgotten parks and gardens.
Fordham Prepares for the Pope’s Visit to NYC
To prepare for the Pope’s visit, Fordham is making arrangements to get the university community as involved as possible. First, there will be two Masses of Anticipation: one will take place in the University Church on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. and at 7 p.m. in the Pope Auditorium at Lincoln Center. In addition, students will be able to watch the Pope as he travels from D.C. to New York on a live stream in the McGinley Center lobby at Rose Hill, the Lowenstein 2nd floor plaza at Lincoln Center and Room 228 at Westchester. Pope Francis’ morning address to the U. S. Congress will be live streamed beginning at 9:20 a.m., as will his, address to the United Nations, which takes place Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 a.m., will also be live streamed from these locations. Finally, students can attend the evening’s Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden by entering into a lottery to win a ticket. The lottery can be found in the student tab on each student’s online account.
Students Present STEM Research at Rose Hill
Fifty high school students from across New York City gathered at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus on Aug. 13 to present their summer projects as part of a new research mentorship program. These students were selected from over 350 applicants as part of the first cohort of Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology). Project TRUE aims to grow interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers in underrepresented populations. The program, a collaboration between Fordham and the Wildlife Conservation Society, is part of a five-year study to test the effectiveness of mentorship in helping students get accepted into college and enter careers in the STEM fields. Funded by the National Science Foundation grant, the project connects high school students with university graduate and undergraduate students. Students studied at four New York City zoos, and presented their research at the Rose Hill event.
New Vets Affairs CoChair Named
Athletic Director David Roach was announced as the co-chair of the University Veterans Affairs. Roach will be joining the current co-chair, Isabelle Frank, PhD. Currently, Roach is the dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS). The majority of veterans, nearly 400 undergraduates, are registered in this school. Roach, being a veteran himself,served in the Marine Corps from 1972 to 1975. As a result, he has has a soft spot for those who have served in the military as well. Roach will most likely be part of a new plan to create more housing for vets. Right now, veterans cannot enjoy the Rose Hill campus. They currently live in Fordham’s new office at 45 Columbus Avenue. Due to a $9,000 grant from the Student Veterans of America’s VetCenter Initiative, the new space will be furnished with new furnishings from Home Depot. - Compiled by Cailin McKenna and Erin Shanahan, Assistant News Editors
NEWS
September 16, 2015
Page 5
How Residential Life Deals with Room Damage By ROB PALAZZOLO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It is a common phenomenon for Fordham students. A few weeks after turning in their keys, walking out the door of their residential hall, getting in their parents car and driving home for a long summer of barbecues and sunburns, they see an email pop up in their inbox with the subject line “Damage Billing Status.” When they open the email, the bewildered students find what can be a substantial bill—maybe even hundreds of dollars. Blake Christy, FCRH ’17, was one of those students this summer. This was the damage report he received: “Room Damages Found: Command hook on inside of door; wire hook in wall three; three wire hooks in wall 4; blue stick tack residue on wall 4; two small holes in wall four. Room Damage Charges: $125. Christy said he was not pleased to read this email and he felt a $125 dollar fine was out of proportion with the damage inflicted. But more than anything, he felt confused. “I think the student body feels out of the loop when it comes to how the administration charges residents,” Christy said. Megan Czachor, FCRH ’18, shared a similar experience. She was billed $50 for two paint chips in her freshman dorm. “I thought the damage fees were a little excessive. I specifically thought this because the room was not in great condition when we moved in, and the paint chips that did occur from myself were no bigger than the size of a quarter,” said Czachor. In the standard damage billing email, a postscript the end of the message lists the reasoning for damage fees. “Furthermore, rooms need to be repaired and unclean conditions rectified in order to ensure Fordham is maintaining a healthy, safe and enjoyable environment for its residents. Damages that residents are fined for are outside
of the scope of normal wear and tear and are not included in a resident’s room and board charges. For this reason we must collect fines for damages to offset the cost of maintaining satisfactory residence halls.” Barbara Almeida, graduate assistant for Damage Billing, said that there are many factors that go into the pricing of damage fees, more than simply applying spackle to a dinged wall. To use the example of Czachor’s fee — which would be classified as a $50 “Wall Mark” in the standard billing system — Almeida said that dollar amount represents more than just the amount of paint needed to cover the quarter-sized mark. “It’s a combo of Facilities, Housing Ops and that’s the number they came up with, given the time for turn-arounds. A lot of the times they have to go hire people to paint, because the turn-around for rooms has to be so quick,” Almeida said. Justin Muzzi, assistant director of Residential Life for Leadership, Development and Training, elaborated. “Painters, carpenters and tradespeople — all of those people are parts of unions, so I think there are those fees, and I think the prices are as fair as they can be for the people that do have to do it, as well as the supplies.” “Unfortunately that’s not just a housing decision [what the fines should be] — it’s a larger decision, and it comes from facilities, campus operations and housing operations. We try to make it so it is fair, and so that the university is not losing money when we have to repaint or buy furniture again,” said Muzzi. But some students argue that their less-than-stellar room condition upon moving in make it seem less reasonable to pay for hefty repair fees. Czachor said she was unimpressed with the condition of her dorm when she moved in. “If the room was in prime condition when we moved in, I would be more understanding of the prices. For what we already pay
FROM MEMORIAL, PAGE 1
FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES
A residence in Martry’s Court, where freshmen live during the academic year.
for room and board, I do not think it should cost $50 to touch up two small paint clips,” Czachor said. That leads to the question: Where is the damage fee money going? Muzzi said the sheer quantity of repairs needed, and the time needed to make said repairs, necessitates a rotating schedule of dorm rehabilitation. He said outside of major repairs (for example, a baseball-sized hole in the wall) it would be a sheer impossibility to do the touch-ups to all 13 residence halls each summer. “So your $50 this year might not be used to repaint your entire wall, but in the year when they decide to repaint all of that, that 50 dollars is going to be used,” said Muzzi. So, according to Muzzi, the damage fee money charged corresponds to the cost of repairing said damage, and will always go towards that function — even if it is not always immediate. This delay would help explain why some students feel that their fees are not actually paying for the stated repairs, because it may take while for the money collected on damage fees to be spent for that purpose. Almeida acknowledged that, as Christy expressed, many students are unaware of how the system works. She said she believes this confusion is what is driving much of the anger — and that she would like to clear it up.
“I don’t think students are so much upset about the charges, rather, they are upset that they don’t understand the process... they just want to know,” said Almeida. “So a part of my goal moving forward is what we can do to better communicate to them,” she added. Almeida, who is responsible for judging damage fee appeals, also encouraged students who feel wronged by the system to file an appeal and explain why. She said this past summer, a large portion of the appeals went through successfully, and many charges were subsequently dropped or decreased. Almeida said they give students the benefit of the doubt on damage appeals — if she cannot find explicit, photographic proof that the damage is exactly as indicated on the damage report, she said she drops the fine. She and Muzzi also said they encourage students to do regular checkout rather than express, in order to try to ensure accurate damage reports. Almeida said, above all, she does not want Fordham students to think that no one is listening to their frustrations. “I think it’s important to know, that there is a person behind the appeal, that you are writing, a lot of people forget that I am human, I can be understanding, and I try to, because that is part of the process.”
FNN To Air On Partial Schedule After Break FROM FNN, PAGE 1
came about through the hard work of Fordham’s Communications department, in particular Dr. Reich and Dr. Knobel. Although the program will return, it will not be in its full, previous capacity. Shows will air only three days a week now, where last semester, the program ran four days a week. “However, everybody on and off-air will still have the same opportunity to be involved as before,” Grbic explained in his email to the staff. Grbic also detailed more information about training and times FNN’s new airtimes. He said further information about Fordham Mornings and Overtime will be provided soon. The initial announcement over the summer that FNN would be undergoing major changes came as a shock to Grbic, and later, to the rest of the staff, as they had not been directly informed of the overhaul prior to the start of the
semester. Coming back to school this semester, student coordinators learned they had no access to the TV studios or the station’s email accounts. In the resulting confusion over the organization’s status, FNN was not represented with a club fair table to welcome freshman applicants, as it normally would. Despite these setbacks, and despite the downsized studio time they are being allotted, FNN participants say they are excited to return to informing and entertaining the student body through their newly announced future programs. Grbic, for his part, said he is just happy FNN seems to finally be out of the woods. “I know this has been a tumultuous time for us all, starting a new year on top of not knowing the future for FNN,” he said. “However, now we have an opportunity to prove how important this club is to all of us and I expect us all to be ready and excited when we get the ball rolling soon.”
Campus Ceremony Honors 9/11 Victims
COURTSEY OF FORDHAM MORNINGS
FNN’s semester got off to a rocky start when students were told that programming would be on indefinite hiatus.
followed by a moment of silence and a choral rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Afterward, the names of the Fordham community members whose lives were lost in the attacks were read aloud and yellow roses were placed in front of the memorial stone, one for each individual that Fordham community lost that day. Other group members offered the names of those they knew who perished as well. The depth of the tragedy was present, as multiple names were spoken. “The wound is too fresh to forget. It is important to recognize where we are in the world, as the political climate is still feeling the repercussions,” stated Sofia LaBella, FCRH ’18. Remembrance. That was the main message of the prayers, knowing we have the memory of those dear to us. We take time to remember them, to honor them. Throughout our lives, they are with us in memory. Father Lito, in his second month as Executive Director of Campus Ministry (following Fr. Florio, S.J.), was at Rose Hill at the time of the attacks. “Memory shapes who we are as people, including our religious identity,” he said. “Memory expresses silently the strivings of the spirit. When we remember people we love, we make them present to us even in their absence. In remembering 9/11, we reach back to love. By reaching back to love — and God is love we allow God to participate in — our present. Divine mercy and forgiveness are an offer to us to bring into our future. Religion, in symbol, ritual and prayer, facilitates this event of healing to happen.” The prayers also emphasized the importance of peace, both on earth and within ourselves; to have compassion for our brothers and sisters and to live in humility. As a cool breeze gently brushed by in the quiet afternoon, students and faculty listened to and took in the prayers and readings. “Coming together in an interfaith way was great, to come reflect and remember as one community,” Siobhan Loughran, FCRH ’18 said. The group stood solemnly with bowed heads, and as the emotions came, support and hugs came too. Upon the conclusion of the event students slowly trickled away, returning to the normalcy and peace this Sept. 11, 2015 held. The tragic events from 14 years ago will continue to stay with us, for we remember them. The ceremony was a joint effort of Joan Cavanagh (director of Interfaith Ministry), the Office of Campus Ministry, USG, Jewish Student Organizaiton, Fordham Christian Fellowship and the Dorothy Day Center for Social Justice.
NEWS
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Students Show Support to Bias Crime Victim FROM BIAS, PAGE 1
University officials have said that that the slur in question was the “n-word.” The door has since been painted over and the word is no longer visible. The email regarding the recent incident also states that Residential Life staff and officers from Public Safety were among those who responded to the room and notified NYPD. For Fordham staff, this incident brings back memories of 2012, when a series of racial slurs were found on university property. That occurrence, as well as the university’s response, received national media attention. “Building a culture of civility and respect for the dignity of others requires ongoing and persistent work at all levels from everyone in our community — and there will be some setbacks,” said Christopher Rodgers, dean of students, in a statement. “Our staffs in Residential Life, Student Involvement, Multicultural Affairs, Public Safety, Campus Ministry, Counseling Center and the dean's office have been meeting and coordinating response with colleagues from around the University since this report was received. While we share a tremendous sense of revulsion at the weekend's report from this freshman hall, we are mindful that the campus is not a bubble-we are not isolated from the continuous struggle against racism in our larger communities. We are committed, however, to continuing this work with our students, student governments and student organizations and through bodies like the Bias Incident Resource Group.” This statement echoes that on the Fordham University website on bias-related incidents and/or hate crimes, which reads, “After consultation with the al-
leged victim/complainant and sensitive consideration of the facts of the case, an investigation of the incident will be conducted by the Department of Public Safety and/ or the Dean of Students so that appropriate student judicial action may be taken. When an incident involves a university employee as a perpetrator or a victim, the Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance/Title IX Coordinator will be notified and participate in the investigation with other appropriate University officials. Internal proceedings do not supersede, and will not interfere with, an individual’s right to pursue other legal remedies, including criminal prosecution. The Department of Public Safety maintains a cooperative relationship with local police precincts and will assist any victim in every possible way through the process of reporting, investigation, and resolution of any criminal proceedings.” That sentiment was reiterated in the email sent to students after this week’s incident. “It goes without saying that such behavior is antithetical to the values of Jesuit education. Such slurs injure not only their intended targets, but the entire Fordham community,” read the email. “If the person who committed the act is identified, he or she will face University disciplinary proceedings in addition to whatever criminal charges are filed.” A resident assistant in Lalande Hall confirmed swift action was being taken by residential life staff. “The floor that it occurred on had a floor meeting last night to discuss it, and each of us has reached out to our residents as resources ourselves if they want to talk or to direct them to the other resources available on campus,” the RA said. “Our main goals
September 16, 2015
United Student Government Updates Special Elections: Sophomore Senator Seat Four candidates stepped forward for election: Kayla Straub, Brian Reardon, Abigail Kedik and Matthew Santucci. Each candidate gave a speech regarding their potential goals as USG Sophomore Senator. Following the candidates speeches, USG deliberated and then casted a vote for the position. Kayla Straub, a past USG member from Long Island, NY, was voted in as the Sophomore Senator. Straub worked on both the house committee and sustainability committee within USG. In addition, she is also a part of a plethora of other campus organizations such as Campus ministry, Rose Hill Society, Global Transition, Leadership Initiatives Committee, Model UN and Generation Citizen.
Bronx Youth Leadership and Faith Day: An initiative was discussed to invite children from the Bronx to Fordham for a day of activities and fun. Vote Approved for USG Sponsorship.
are to find out any information about the person who committed the hate crime, and to be there as support for all the residents in the building to try to build our community back up.” Since the Fordham community was notified about the incident, social media has seen an outpouring of support for the affected student. Several Fordham students and community members have made posts condemning the slur, as has the FCLC Black Students Alliance‘s Facebook page. Students also rallied their support outside of the McGinley Center Sunday evening. “When I saw [the email] I was really horrified and upset,” said Monica Cruz, FCRH ’16, who lead the speak-out. “I thought about how scared and confused I'd feel if I were a freshman and only two weeks into my first year of college when a racist crime like this occurred on my campus. I think it
Rock the Vote Campaign: VP Cocchiaro and Senator Albrecht discussed a campaign to increase Fordham Student voter registration and turnout. The body motioned to table this campaign.
Upcoming Events: Class of 2019 Elections
is important that students know that their classmates are willing to stand up and speak out when an act of hate is done against them. Hans Lueders, FCRH ’16 and president of the Black Student Alliance at Fordham (ASILI), said, “I only hope the student who was targeted knows that there is a safe haven for him in ASILI, and I’d stress to him that he’s not alone.” “As a black student, I wish I were more surprised that this type of thing was happening in 2015, but I can only say the U.S. has a long way to go if at one of the most respected universities in the supposedly post-racial northeast, a student can be made to feel unwelcome because of the color of his skin, or gender, ethnicity, religion, etc,” Lueders said. Dr. Mark Chapman, associate professor for African American studies, said he had similar feelings about the situation. “Unfortunately, these incidents
don’t surprise me as they have happened in the past, and I express my concern for the victim in this matter. That the injury done would not leave a lasting impact on his experience at Fordham University,” Chapman said in an email. “And finally, I hope that students will rally behind the individual and wholeheartedly condemn such acts.” The Office of Public Safety is encouraging anyone with any knowledge of the incident to contact the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force at (646) 610-8763, or the Office of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222, and ask to speak to the Duty Supervisor, as well as to contact their resident assistants, commuter assistants, Office of Multicultural Affairs staff, resident ministers and student life staff “If they have anything to report, or if they simply want to discuss the incident and its effect on them and the community.”
Adjuncts Take on Multiple Jobs to Make Ends Meet
COURTESY OF ALAN TREVETHICK
Several Fordham adjuncts tweeted pictures hashtagged #fastforfordhamfaculty to raise awareness for their campaign. FROM FAST, PAGE 1
versity to Georgetown. But breadth aside, the movement has seen some difficulty, particularly with organization. At Fordham, although the 650 or
so adjuncts currently employed by the school make up a significant percentage of the faculty, you would be hard-pressed to tell based on Tuesday’s fast. When asked how many participated, Trevithick (who is one of Ford-
ham’s more active adjunct-rights activists) said he wasn’t completely sure. “I really have no idea, actually,” he said. “Maybe five or six, maybe more.” But, he explained, that low number has less to do with disinterest in protesting, and more with the challenges of consolidating a fragmented group like adjunct faculty. “One of the big problems with adjuncts, certainly, is that they’re hard to organize because they have so many different schedules,” he said. “They’re often on campus at many different times, and then they’ll have to go another job, or another campus or something like that.” That is not the only difficulty, however. Another Rose Hill adjunct who participated in Tuesday’s fast said one of her primary concerns is the lack of security that comes with an adjunct position. Though she has taught at Fordham for over five years, she said she is often reluctant to speak up about poor adjunct treatment. For this article, she declined to
share her name or department because she feared any negative remarks may put her job at stake. But, she said, that does not mean she accepts the current state of affairs for adjuncts around the country. “The problems involved — it’s financial, but it’s also time. Being a good professor takes preparation, she said.” That’s important. And you can’t give it your best if you’re working multiple other jobs, because there just isn’t time.” She herself has four different jobs, including her two-day-aweek Fordham contract. But she said she’s actually more fortunate than a lot of her colleagues. “My field has a good number of practical applications, so if I can’t find a job in academia for a while, there are other options,” she explained. “Not everyone has that.” Sometimes obvious that people are struggling, she said. She has known some professors who have routinely come to school hungry and food stamps, she noted, are fairly common. And she says it’s this level of poverty in the academic community that disconcerts her the
most. “I knew I wouldn’t be wealthy when I went into academia. But I’m going to work until I die… and that’s terrifying,” she said. “There’s no savings.” Trevithick agreed with those sentiments. “This is a situation that has building to its present crisis for forty years,” he said. “It's changed higher ed very much and it's very bad not just for faculty, but for students as well.” He remains fairly hopeful however, particularly with this Jesuitbased approach to adjunct rights gaining some traction. Jesuits in particular, he reasoned, might be a little more receptive to arguments for higher pay and better benefits. “They should have a kind of moral motivation to take us seriously,” he said. “It’s a pretty straightforward set of ideas we’re trying to get across. You know, it’s just a set of notions about social justice and job equality and so forth.” The anonymous professor, for her part, said she and many others would happily settle for just a decent livelihood.
September 16, 2015
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September 16, 2015
A SOLDIER OF FAITH Captain Lukasz Willenberg, a Catholic chaplain with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, knew from a young age that he had been called to a life of service in the Church. But it was only recently that he felt called to serve within the U.S. Army. While it was a change for him, he still values the new way he’s exercising his calling by serving Soldiers. “I feel blessed and possess this overwhelming peace and joy, which reassures me that I am doing what God wants me to.“
FILLING A GREAT NEED In recent years the civilian priestly ministry has been facing a human resource shortage, which directly impacts the ministry in the Army. With fewer qualified clergy to recruit, there are fewer Catholic priests to help serve the needs of Soldiers. It was this shortage that initially inspired Father Willenberg to consider the Army. “In 2010, I met [Maj.] Father Paul A. Halladay. He was the one who actually told me about working with the Soldiers and about the great need [for] chaplains in general, but especially Catholic priests. I always had a desire to serve where I am needed the most. After learning about [the] shortage, I took it as a sign as to where I should be.”
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE Although Father Willenberg has been serving as an Army chaplain for a short time, he has already distinguished himself by earning the Bronze Star, the third-highest recognition in the Army, for his contributions to his unit during his deployment in Afghanistan. But for Father Willenberg, the most important thing is the work he does with other Soldiers. One program that helps him make a positive impact is Strong Bonds, where Father Willenberg plans workshops for Soldiers, couples, and military families off base. During the workshops, he helps Soldiers tackle difficult life questions, strengthen their faith, reintegrate into civilian life, and more. “[Strong Bonds is] a wonderful resource for us as chaplains. … I love doing it. I have a chance to get to know the Soldiers, get to know the families during the workshops. And … going outside of post, going out to eat together — that’s where you build relationships with them.” Outside of workshops, he has organized several events for Soldiers in his unit and congregation. In fact, one of his greatest logistical undertakings was creating and organizing an officially
CAPT. LUKASZ WILLENBERG U.S. ARMY CHAPLAIN
sanctioned version of the Boston Marathon run in Afghanistan. But above all, he finds his best work is done by being a part of Soldiers’ lives. “The ministry of presence, that’s such a powerful tool. When you just spend time with Soldiers, doing physical training, going on road marches, when you eat with them at the dining facility … you experience what they experience and automatically you are one of them. That’s where the ministry happens. The Soldiers know that they can trust you, and that you are there for them. You build those relationships so then when they need you as a chaplain, they know where to go. [They] know that I’ll be there for them. That’s what I’m trying to do. That’s my ministry. My battalion commander, (Lt. Col.) Brian C. North, told me once to ‘just take care of my Soldiers.’ That’s what I try to do every day.”
THE JOYS OF SERVICE While focusing on being a part of the Soldiers’ everyday lives, Father Willenberg cherishes the bonds he’s made with his fellow servicemen and women. “You keep giving of yourself, but at the same time the ministry is so rewarding. [It’s in] those small things. Those small words of appreciation from the Soldiers mean much more to me than the formal recognition. From time to time, [a Soldier] says, ‘Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for your encouraging words.’ It’s the biggest reward that you can get.” If you’d like to know more about serving Soldiers as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, visit goarmy.com/au34
September 16, 2015
OPINION
Page 9
The Fordham Ram
Fixing Gender Gaps in Defunct Education By THERESA SCHLIEP CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The concept of equality is interestingly complex. While it seems like a simple equation, equality regarding sex and gender has become increasingly more difficult — especially in regard to education and equitable success in universities. Research has revealed that not only are women outnumbering the amount of men enrolled in college, but that they are also more likely to finish their education and obtain a degree. Some credit this to governmental programs which encourage women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Others claim that it could be social conditioning — men historically never had to compete with women in their education, and thus are slow to adapt to the changing landscape. Most likely, it is due to ignoring the inclinations of boys, who typically prefer to be active but instead are sedentary in desks for the majority of a school day. Superficially, one might believe that the results of these studies would antagonize gender relations and lead men to believe that education is built against them. Some insist that this is institutionalized misandry. In an effort to compensate for a lack in female success, governmental programs are instead inhibiting the success of men. Others may say that programs that encourage girls to achieve more are not discouraging boys
TESSA BLOECHL /THE FORDHAM RAM
New research reveals that females are doing better in school than their male counterparts.
from achieving the same amount. These programs never discourage boys, or try to bring them down in order to raise girls up. Instead, these programs focus on attempts to even the playing field. Amidst the arguments, one fact still stands: collegiate success does not always translate into occupational success. Men and women alike have the right to education and governmental programs that encourage learning. Institutionalized sexism has always discouraged women from
going to school, getting a degree and securing an occupation that allows for fiscal independence. However, today’s modern workplace does not guarantee equitable access to particular jobs or equal pay. White women earn 77 cents per every dollar white men earn. It is even fewer for minority women: black women earn 64 cents and Hispanic women earn 54 cents for every dollar. Despite receiving the same education as men, women are still stunted in the workplace.
The fact that surpassing men in college achievement does not correlate with financial and occupational success indicates that there are social norms that prohibit women from ever truly obtaining equality. While domestically, women are acquiring an unprecedented number of degrees — even surpassing men in some states — women abroad have different struggles. Voices of the movement that seeks to obtain equitable education standards between gen-
ders, such as the young Malala Yousafzai, are not fighting for just increased numbers of women who earn degrees. They are fighting for safer spaces in which women can learn. They are fighting for easier access to books. They are fighting for more allocation of their time devoted to learning than walking miles to get clean drinking water. It is a problem that educational success has never reached an equitable level. However, the true blemish of the system is that despite their achievements, women are still not as successful as men. Education is wonderful: it fuels the soul, ignites conversation and perpetuates humanism. But education does not fulfill one of its most important jobs — ensuring the economic success of both sexes — and inhibits the fiscal success of women. This problem needs fixing. Boys should be just as likely to graduate as girls, and men should continue to increase their enrollment in universities. Women are still not obtaining the fiscal wealth they deserve. This is the true Achilles’ heel of education in America. Female educational success in America does not reflect education in other countries. Some girls are still forced into leaving school to focus on domestic work. There needs to be a global discussion about education and action that encourages both sexes to hit the books. Theresa Schliep, FCRH ’19, is undecided in her major from Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. .
Is Fordham’s Acceptance Rate Holding Back Its Reputation? By MATTHEW CALHOUN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
In 2005 when the Board of Trustees launched the ambitious Towards 2016 Strategic Plan, Fordham saw about 16,000 applications for the class of 2009 with an acceptance rate just below 50 percent. This past year, Fordham saw a record breaking applicant pool of over 43,000 talented students, yet they accepted 48 percent of the applicants — a slight drop despite the immense and extensive rise in applications. In fact, Fordham has the fifth lowest percent yield rate (percentage of accepted students who enroll at Fordham) of schools in the “National Universities” category in the U.S. News Rankings. Despite the missing drop in Fordham’s acceptance rate that one would expect with such a rise in applications, Fordham has remained on track with its very gradual increase of the student body population. The class of 2019 welcomed 2,189 freshmen while the class of 2017 welcomed 1,963 freshmen selected from a pool of 36,000 ap-
plicants. The class of 2018, Fordham’s largest to date, saw 2,210 students enroll from a pool of just under 41,000 applicants. Although the university has seen a steady increase in applications over the past several years, the acceptance rate has hovered around 48 percent for quite some time. Fordham has made changes to avoid the growing pains that many comparable universities face when increasing their student bodies. This past year Fordham opened new freshman residence halls at both campuses and more than doubled the classroom and dining options at the Lincoln Center campus. Fordham has also made several other renovations, such as the upgrades to the seating and Astroturf at Jack Coffey Field. This fall, students were welcomed back to campus to see a newer and larger campus bookstore at Rose Hill inside O’Hare Hall where the O’Keefe Commons event space once was. Students also saw tremendous upgrades to Walsh Hall, the largest residence hall at Rose Hill. These upgrades do not come
without shortfalls. The most worrisome of growing pains that the school faces is the housing shortage at Rose Hill. While housing for freshmen has increased, upperclassman housing is falling short of demand. This August, the Office of Residential Life sent out an email to upperclassmen living on campus, which offered them a full refund of their housing deposits if they informed the school that they no longer planned to live on campus. In the past, students would not receive their deposit back and they would also face a fine for withdrawing from housing. Other concerns that have been voiced on campus and remain unaddressed are the lack of sufficient space at the RamFit and Lombardi Memorial gyms as well as overcrowding of the dining halls during common meal times. As more and more students are accepted, Fordham must match the growing student body with growing campus resources. Shortfalls of the university’s targeted endowment of $2 billion by 2016 mapped out in the Towards 2016 plan are likely to blame for these growing pains. The current
university endowment stands at just under $700 million, about 35 percent of the 2016 goal that was set a decade ago. The 2011 benchmark of $1 billion as stated in the plan is still yet to be reached. This huge, talented class from Fordham’s largest applicant pool in history comes at a time when the university suffers one of the biggest drops in U.S. News’ annual college rankings, falling eight spots to number 66. This is a 12 spot drop from the ranking of 52 Fordham received after welcoming the class of 2016 just four years ago. While it is unclear if the stagnation of Fordham’s acceptance rate despite the huge influx of applicants is a direct factor in Fordham’s drop in the rankings, many current and prospective students believe it is an indicator of Fordham’s reputation. Other tactics Fordham’s Office of Undergraduate Admission could use are to steer away from using the non-binding early action application that has been in use for the past 12 years and to use the binding early decision application used by schools like NYU and Columbia.
Early decision requires applicants to sign a binding contract when applying that if accepted to Fordham, the applicant must withdraw all applications to other universities and enroll in Fordham’s freshman class. Fordham will use both early decision and early action this coming application cycle, which will help to raise the school’s percent yield and lower the acceptance rate by having a set of accepted students that have confirmed they wish to enroll at Fordham before the deadline for regular decision applications occurs in January. While many schools have either early action or early decision, Fordham’s addition of early decision to the application process could signal a complete crossover to early decision in the coming years. The application cycle for the class of 2020 will be the first time Fordham has used early decision since 2003. It will be interesting to see how it affects Fordham’s acceptance rate and other statistics. Matthew Calhoun, GSB ’17, is a finance major from Springboro, Ohio.
OPINION
Page 10
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September 16, 2015
From the Desk | Drew Casey
Striving for More on Fordham’s Campus I’d like to think that we, the men and women of Fordham, are part of a wholly, intellectual community. However, time and time again I find myself rethinking that. The first example, which I will not exhaust because it is the same topic as this week’s editorial, revolves around Sunday afternoon’s racial bias incident on campus. While the incident is likely isolated to an individual or a small group, it still tears at the very root of the Fordham name and what we at Fordham stand for. It’s 2015. Racial bias is not acceptable and never should have been at any stage of history. Another example is related to the decision to suspend student participation at the video production studio in the Electronic Information Center (EIC) in the lower level of Walsh Library. I was under the impression that that was exactly the purpose of the studio: to have students participate and to help them develop their broadcast skills. Perhaps I’m just misinformed, but, I doubt that. “The Jesuit University of New York is committed to the discovery of Wisdom and the transmission
of Learning, through research and through undergraduate, graduate and professional education of the highest quality,” outlines Fordham’s mission statement. Furthermore, “a Fordham education at all levels is student-centered,” says the official Characteristics of the University. There is clearly a disconnect somewhere within the EIC. Education at this level is not at all studentcentered. What if science students could not use the lab facilities on campus? What if business students could not use the trading room? What if music and performing arts students could not use the various fine arts facilities at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center? Thankfully level heads have now seemed to prevail in this debacle. If it wasn’t for the urging of the communication and media studies department, though, I’m not sure that would be the case. I would like to have faith that a return in the “coming weeks” means before October, but until the doors are again opened to students, I will remain skeptical. Finish cutting the red tape already.
A third example that often makes me scratch my head is related to internships. “Internships are an incredibly valuable experience and provide tremendous opportunity for professional growth and development,” states Fordham’s website. “New York City offers endless opportunities across diverse fields.” There is absolutely nothing wrong with that statement, as New York City is absolutely one of Fordham’s best resources. The problem, though, lies with the financial burden of receiving academic credit for internships. It’s a situation many upperclassmen students can probably relate to. One receives an internship and finds out that they will not be paid for their work. While the circumstances are less than ideal, the experience of an internship is often thought to outweigh the lack of financial compensation. Additionally, to protect themselves against unfair labor claims, employers tend to require that internships count for credit, and there lies the issue. To receive academic credit, at least at Fordham, one must enroll in a class of some sorts, whether it be a seminar or a tutorial. As we all
know, we are being charged for that class in our tuition. In fact, some students even have to pay extra if they exceed a certain credit limit as an upperclassman. Essentially, it costs a substantial amount to receive academic credit for an internship at Fordham. Couple that with transportation and food costs related to an internship and you begin to wonder if it is even all worth it. I thought Fordham was “committed to the discovery of Wisdom and the transmission of Learning.” All in all, some things need to change. Stop making excuses. Excuses are just reasons and the nails that build the house of failure. Let’s not build that house. In fact, let’s knock it down. That goes for everyone.
Editorial | Campus Life
Responding to Bias Crimes at Rose Hill On Sunday, an African-American student returned to his residence in LaLande Hall to find that a racial slur had been scratched into his door, according to an email from Public Safety. “The room’s residents had not been present for most of the day, and it is unclear when the door was defaced,” Public Safety reported. The incident required the attention of Residential Life and mandated an investigation by the New York Police Department. News 12 Bronx, a local news station, reported on the issue and many students took to social media to voice criticism. A speak out was held outside the McGinley Center, and ASILI, the Black Student Alliance on campus, held an open-dialogue on race in direct response on Tuesday night. In a Facebook post, the group expressed solidarity with the victim, writing: “For anyone at either Fordham campus who ever feels victimized because of their race, we offer ourselves to you as a place of support, comfort, and healing.” The post continued: “To the students of Fordham, we urge you to understand the severity of what has truly happened and to understand that to remain silent on this matter is to insinuate this behavior is acceptable despite going against the Jesuit tenants we so stand for here.” Fordham Public Safety, in its university-wide email, also commented on the incident, which is being investigated as a bias crime. “It goes without saying that such behavior is antithetical to the values of Jesuit education. Such slurs injure not only their intended targets, but the entire Fordham community,” stated the email. “If the person who committed the act is identified, he or she
will face University disciplinary proceedings in addition to whatever criminal charges are filed.” There are rarely bias crimes on campus, but there is a recent precedent. In 2012, The Fordham Ram broke the story that a Resident Assistant found a racial slur on her door, sparking claims that the university tried to hide the incident. “Not all students were aware of the incident, because the facilities staff removed the offensive graffiti immediately and school officials did not inform the student body about what happened,” stated the article. Student outcry ensued, citing Fordham’s silence as “unacceptable and offensive,” according to one student quoted in The Fordham Ram. The response by Public Safety, student groups, the police and others on campus has suggested a departure from any alleged neglect. While the student who decided to do this was just as wrong as the student in 2012 was, administrators of Fordham acted in a responsible manner, moving toward transparency and even editorializing in its Public Safety notification. Student groups, including ASILI, have mobilized to encourage forward-thinking discussion rather than blame administrators. In some ways, much has happened since the incident in 2012. The rise of Black Lives Matter following the outcry over incidents of police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri, Staten Island, New York, Baltimore, Maryland, and other cities have brought a great deal of media coverage to the issues surrounding race in America. As more black voices have emerged into the mainstream media, the discussion has certainly
changed and become more nuanced in discussing race relations. Institutions, including colleges and universities, have become more aggressive in responding to similar issues as hell. If anything has emerged from this most recent incident, it is that silence is not a solution. Rather, openness and dialogue is necessary and students must outwardly address issues of insensitivity on campus. It was, for this reason, in the best interest of students that Public Safety commented on Fordham’s values following this incident. It is in the best interest of students and student clubs (especially multicultural groups) to lend a voice, and it is in the best interest of the community that there is an open dialogue to con-
front this issue, rather than cower from discussion. When The Fordham Ram reported the 2012 incident, students were shocked that the incident occurred, and that Fordham neglected to address it. Now, the shock lies in that a hateful member of our community would stoop to such a low level, and that an innocent member of our community now has to go on with his or her freshman year with this incident in the back of his or her mind. As Public Safety noted, it goes without saying that this behavior is entirely antithetical to the values of Jesuit education. It also goes without saying that students must respond swiftly and with great authority in discussing how to move forward as a campus.
Editor’s Note Readers of The Fordham Ram may have been wondering why our coverage last week did not extend to the Fordham University student who was the target of cyber-bullying following an article published by Cosmopolitan. The student, who was not and will not be named in The Ram, was the target of extensive online bullying and harassment for an article concerning unwanted attention, catcalling and other topics. We decided not to publish a news story in order to protect this person’s privacy, and for the reason that our coverage would not add anything valuable to this story. In this week’s issue, however we have decided to publish student
opinions on some of the larger issues at play, namely personal image, bullying, gender discrimination and other pressing problems that pervade our culture. Our hope is that students think critically about these topics and their effects in the real world. This situation, which was dragged out by a relentless media and unforgiving social media users, does not exist in a vacuum, and the student is not the first person to have their privacy violated in this way. For this reason, we deem it worthy of genuine conversation, but not of invasive news coverage. We welcome any contribution on this topic in the form of letters to the editor.
OPINION
September 16, 2015
Page 11
Debating the Burden of Beauty Lately, there has been an increase in focus on women’s experiences with street harrassment and discrimination. Two recent articles about these topics have come from the points of view of women who classify themselves as attractive, one published by the Daily Mail and written by Samantha Brick, and the other published by Cosmopolitan and written by a Fordham student who will remain unnamed (see Editor’s Note). Below, four students debate how each author handled these issues.
Distorted Perspectives Detract From Valid Points A Fordham student who authored the Cosmopolitan article, “People Judge Me Because I’m Pretty,” received a largely negative reaction among Fordham students and readers alike. While this piece provoked venom online, in person I have heard things like, “I see where she’s coming from,” and “She has a point.” I get it: some of us naturally strive to give people the benefit of the doubt. But does this article really warrant any ink? Can we address the elephant in the room and agree that this does not appear to be a devastating social issue that requires this
much attention? Ironically, the author chose to approach an article in which she demands to be taken seriously with a laundry list of her aesthetically pleasing characteristics. She self-identifies as a “girly-girl with blonde hair, big hazel eyes, 34DDs and toned calves.” Perhaps an alternate approach should have been employed, one that is not so clearly counterproductive to the point she is trying to make. Her exaggerations hover on the threshold of comedic. The author claims she is “at all hours of the day” catcalled and her attractiveness is
“so magnetic.” In overestimating her physical magnetism, she has perhaps objectified herself even more than the accused have. She has managed to lose her message in her overly enthusiastic attempt to describe her beauty, and thus fails to elicit any sympathy from the reader. I have no doubt that there is “more to [her] than [her] looks.” I am sure that the author is a beautiful person inside with a strong conviction and good intention. However, it concerns me that something as trifling as a comment aimlessly directed at her from a stranger can have such a
negative impact on her life. I would agree that it is unsettling to hear rude comments from complete strangers, but to the point that it alters how you feel about yourself? People with intelligence and confidence should know better than to “dull themselves down” as a result of a poorly intentioned comment. In an article entitled, “Why Women Hate Me For Being Beautiful,” Samantha Brick approaches this same topic with a much more humble approach. The issues she faces seem to have a negative impact on both her personal relationships, as well as her
professional advancement, despite her attempt to avoid such situations. Her story elicits sympathy rather than judgment, and the reader can connect with her plight. There is no doubt that catcalling and publicly demeaning women is an issue in society that needs to be addressed. But no one would feel bad for a rich person who complained about having too much money. The author of the Cosmopolitan article was approached with a distorted perspective, articulated with a pompous voice and posted with bad taste. — Jessica Mannino, FCRH ’17
Women Continue to be Their Own Worst Critics In this past month a Fordham student earned herself unprecedented Internet infamy for an article published in Cosmopolitan titled “People Judge Me Because I’m Pretty.” The piece, although clearly self-explanatory, details the difficult life the author leads as a result of being seen as “beautiful,” and has harkened back to another writer, Samantha Brick, who found her fifteen minutes of fame following the publication of her article “There are downsides to looking this pretty: Why women hate me for being beautiful” in the UK’s Daily Mail. Both women found eerily similar online recognition — and re-
ceived vicious backlash — for the way in which they presented their arguments. Professional critics denounced the articles as catty and infantile; anonymous commentators took it upon themselves to say far worse. The articles have, whether intentionally or not, opened up the Pandora’s box of modesty culture, the blurred lines between arrogance and confidence, and how society responds when a woman declares just how much she loves herself — even if only for her looks. Simultaneously, the reaction from the online community has unveiled a far more sinister truth: For as much as we preach ac-
ceptance, we women continue to be our own worst enemy. Samantha Brick is undoubtedly a tremendously disillusioned woman: the conceited tone in which she writes, coupled with her sophomoric accusations that women hate her for no reason other than her selfdescribed “lovely looks.” Angry comments reveal that Brick was proven correct. Rather than focus on the article itself, female commenters began attacking Brick’s photos vigorously. Many would argue that Brick does not boast confidence, but exudes arrogance. But the same cannot be said for the author of the Cosmopolitan
article. Her article may not be professional (her introduction begins with a less-than-subtle description of her “blonde hair, big hazel eyes, 34DDs, and toned calves”), and her conclusion that her perceived beauty is the motive behind being catcalled is astonishingly flawed, but it most certainly did not warrant the following commentary from fellow women: It is no secret that women endure quite a hefty amount of criticism in 2015. Why, then, do we attack our fellow women so viciously? There is no doubt that Brick is pompous and that the Fordham student is an inexperienced writer who needs to do her
research on the actual causes of street harassment. We should never be as haughty as Brick, nor as naive as the author of the Cosmopolitan article, but we should not be so modest, either. Would the apocalypse ensue if a young girl saw herself in the mirror, and not all of her infinitesimal flaws? How would society respond if every woman woke up in the morning, brazen, confident and unabashedly herself? What would our world look like if a woman granted herself the pleasure of receiving a compliment, and actually believing it? — Olivia Balsamo, FCRH ’18
Difficult Topic Highlighted by Poorly Executed Articles A first impression is one of the most foundational opinions you formulate when you meet someone new. The only first impression I have of the writer of the Cosmopolitan article “People Judge Me Because I’m Pretty,” are the opening words of her article: “I’m a girly girl. I’m 5-foot-5 with blonde hair, big hazel eyes, 34DD’s, and toned calves.” She seems pretty, athletic and maybe a little too enamored of her body. However, read the rest of the article and you will realize you just fell into the exact trap the author was setting for you — judging her as a person
based upon her looks. It is apparent that the message the author wants to convey is to get people to take her seriously as a sophisticated, intelligent and ambitious woman. However, she goes about it in a way that does not appeal to any reader’s sympathy. Maybe inserts like “Imagine how it feels to have heads turn and all eyes on you” and “coming to terms with being perceived as ‘beautiful’ wasn’t easy,” are too conceited to evoke sympathy. Being judged by your appearance happens to everyone. There is no discrimination when it comes to being judged on
the way you look. It can be positive and it can also be negative. Specifically for attractive people, it is hard to complain about everyone thinking you are pretty without sounding whiny and full of yourself. For unattractive people, it is hard to write about the topic without getting a plethora of people responding, “it only matters what is on the inside,” or “do not care about what other people say.” Another article written on the same topic, “There are downsides to looking this pretty: Why women hate me for being beautiful” was written by Samantha Brick.
Brick retells a few incidents where she experienced being treated in a specific way because of her looks. However, Brick focuses more on the woman-to-woman relationship, which is harder to deny true. She writes: “[Women] hate me for no other reason than my lovely looks”. It is something relatable, so even though essentially what Brick is saying is that she cannot help that she is prettier than other women, I can see that she feels that the aspect of competition between women is unruly. Brick concludes her article by writing: “Perhaps then the sister-
hood will finally stop judging me so harshly on what I look like, and instead accept me for who I am.” When I read that line, I mentally fist pumped into the air and gave one big “Yeah!” for the end to all cattiness. While I do not think either of the two articles will cause revelation and put a stop to what they advocate against, it is a good lesson to the rest of us on how to approach such a topic. As for any future writers on the topic of being judged by your appearance, good luck. —Haley Hughes, FCRH ’19
Article Backlash Does Not Negate Important Messages Recently, a Fordham undergraduate wrote an article for Cosmopolitan discussing the downsides of being pretty. The article centered on how her good looks detract from her personality and intellect. It quickly went viral and received much backlash from the internet. The comments on the article tended to be negative and some were openly derogatory. Comments such as, “Is it just me or is she really not that pretty?,” littered the comment section of the article. Many criticized Cosmopolitan for publishing the article, claiming that they should have known that a topic like this would receive backlash.
This article is doing nothing for their brand and is setting up a young girl for humiliation. Not all comments were negative. Some were sympathetic to the author and her argument. “These reactions make me sad. She wrote an article on how she has been judged throughout her life for her appearance, and all she receives are more judgements,” one commenter posted. The question of whether or not “conventionally attractive” women can write about this topic is a tricky one. No matter the tone, it is hard for an article such as this to come off as anything other than narcissis-
tic to the general audience. Though this is true, it does not necessarily mean that these assumptions of the author’s characters are true. In a time when the objectification of women is such a widely discussed topic, you would think that articles about this subject would be considered with more open-mindedness. The article brings up valid concerns that women deal with on a daily basis. The author directs attention towards harassment that many women experience while walking through New York City. An organization, Stop Street Harassment, conducted a survey last year that found that 65
percent of women have experienced street harassment. Our generation is focused on self-love and positive body image, but when a girl comes out and talks about a struggle she has with her looks, those same people are jumping down her throat. Another article regarding the same topic as the Cosmopolitan article, written by Samantha Brick, brings up the judgments that she received throughout her life due to her looks. Brick expresses relief when thinking of her aging, saying that she “can’t wait for the wrinkles and grey hair” saying that, “Perhaps then the
sisterhood will finally stop judging me so harshly on what I look like, and instead accept me for who I am.” No matter the reason, most of us have been unfairly judged by our outer appearance and doing the same thing to others’ is just perpetuating a problem that so many are trying to correct. Whether or not you had a positive reaction to the Fordham student’s article, her point still stands. There is much more to a person than their looks and we should make a conscious effort to stop ourselves from making quick judgments. — Jaclyn Weiner, FCRH ’18
OPINION
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Kathryn Wolper Dissecting Etsy’s Commercialization According to The New York Times, Etsy, a website that allows artisans to sell their handmade goods all over the world, is testing a program that pairs creators with manufacturers. This new program carries with it many challenges as Etsy strives to maintain its hallmark commitment to the integrity of small-businessowning artisans and their handmade goods. The risk that Etsy runs in such an endeavor is to alienate smaller businesses by allowing those who pair with manufacturers to dominate the market. In approving the partnerships between artisans and manufacturers, Etsy could show preference for shops that already dominate the market, thus allowing them to increase their lead over competing shops. Furthermore, the jump from entirely handmade goods to manufactured goods could compromise Etsy’s goals and alienate customers who shop with the intention of buying strictly handmade goods. Etsy demonstrates its commitment to the artisans who make it successful through strict measures of ethics. The online application for artisans who want to work with manufacturers emphasizes three principles that must support partnerships between artisans and manufacturers: authorship, responsibility and transparency. In this situation, lower ethical standards could lead to bigger companies dominating Etsy, which would presumably be profitable for the website. However, artisans and small business owners who rely primarily on Etsy to do business should feel encouraged by the site’s commitment to integrity and craftsmanship. While inconvenient for some, the nuanced and thorough process of applying for a manufacturing partnership through Etsy seems to ultimately give successful Etsy artisans the opportunity to grow, become more profitable and focus more energy on creativity of design. The process seems to empower creators and encourage symbiosis between manufacturers and creators. The creators can pour more energy into expanding the line of products they offer and focusing on creative details, while the manufacturers can rely on retaining steady business. Etsy’s careful consideration of the possible pitfalls of introducing manufacturing into its marketplace for handmade goods is evident in the language used in the application for a partnership between a manufacturer and an artisan. Etsy lists its ethical expectations for manufacturers, which include fair working conditions, non-discrimination and sustainability. In a refreshingly ethical business move, Etsy seems more focused on fostering a positive relationship between creator, producer and consumer than making exorbitant amounts of money. Although the economic implications of these new partnerships are bound to be relatively small, the ethical precedent set by Etsy, a powerhouse of an online marketplace, is encouraging.
September 16, 2015
An Open Letter to the Racial Bias Victim I do not know who you are and that is a good thing. You should not have to deal with this. You should not have these things occur in your life. You are two weeks into college. This should be far from your mind but unfortunately that is not the case. I do not know you but I need to tell you some things. I understand that you must be afraid right now. What happened to you is a scary thing. In a place that is supposed to be welcoming and enlightening, you have been targeted in the basest way. This is not the way it was supposed to be, but it is the way it is. You should not have to have this fear, but you do. It is not fair one bit. I cannot make that fear go away. There are pieces of this world that are terrible and you encountered them. I also want you to know all the love that is coming your way right now. We want to be there for you, but we do not know how. What happened is wrong and For more information about this recent incident, see “Alleged ‘Bias Crime’ in Residence Hall Spurs Investigation, and Campus Dialogue.” Page 1
the rest of the Fordham community knows that. We are all ashamed. We hope that you are surrounded by love and support. We do not want this to represent the Fordham community to you. We are imperfect; everyone is. We are aghast, we are sorry and we know that does not make up for this. But we are here for you. What I really want to do is take away the fear that you are experiencing. You fear that you are nontrivially devalued by others for the trivial reality of your skin color. I want that more than I can explain, but I cannot do that. To do that would be to invalidate what has happened. I am going to promise you something, though. We want to be better. That is my promise. We are imperfect like so many people and we have no excuses. But this does not represent us as a community and we are trying to be better every day. That is what I want to promise you and I know it is not enough. But I want you to know at least that. I hope that this fear will not dominate your life. I want your life here to be filled with love. It should be love, because you de-
serve that. Also please know this: you owe us nothing and we owe you everything. Take that as you will. I have been in a similar position where I felt betrayed by the community I thought loved me. For me it was small but hateful aggressions. It shook me to my core all the same. I was terrified on a level I could not at the time begin to verbalize. I could not process that hate for what I am could exist so strongly in a community I loved, even if it only took root in a few people. I stuffed it down and blew up later. Let it out. I was paranoid and I withdrew. I was worried that the same feelings of hate I had encountered in a few existed in everyone. What got me through it were the people who without reason cared for me. Especially those at Fordham who cared for me long after an “incident,” those that tended the accumulated wounds. That kind of love is something I will always live in awe of. I hope you have that here, too. You are beautiful, you are wonderful, and you deserve so much more. — Anonymous
We welcome letters and comments Send them to fordhamramletters@gmail.com Commentaries are printed on a space available basis.
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Michael Byrne Adulthood in Neutral Did you know that 1.3 million people die every year from car accidents? Did you also know that cars are one of the largest emitters of carbon monoxide, the major air pollutant? Did you also know that the United States spends roughly $60 billion on foreign oil, much of that black gold going toward fueling our destructive automobiles? No? Well that’s fine, because I didn’t either until I googled it. In high school, I reconciled the fact that I didn’t drive with the probability that I wasn’t going to have a girlfriend to take anywhere. There were 270 episodes of Cheers that I planned on watching, and nothing as insignificant as dating was going to keep me from them. But when I met a girl whom I felt was worth putting my binging of bygone pop culture on hiatus, I was put in a peculiar situation. I played off not having the ability to drive as one of my many endearing quirks, and subtly implied that she would be taking care of all the transportation. When I explain to people why I never learned how to drive, I usually shrug and say, “I’ve got a really nice Schwinn.” This explanation almost always elicits a blank stare or an awkward chuckle. I like to think I don’t drive as a form of protest with the facts stated above to support my decision. But the truth is, it was not a decision at all. I would love to know how to drive but I failed the written exam twice and am now too embarrassed to take it a third time. It is not that I think the employees at the DMV are going to roll their eyes upon my entrance and whisper, “There’s the kid who can’t pass the easiest part of the test” to each other. It’s more internal. I am currently a college student, but for some reason I can’t remember that you have to park at least ten feet away from a fire hydrant. Or is it fifteen? Twenty? But hey, now I’m a student in a metropolis, which means I won’t need to know how to drive for at least the next four years. So it all worked out, right? My attitude toward driving is not unlike my attitude toward most responsibilities — lackadaisical until it become absolutely necessary that I undertake the responsibility. I did not put much effort into high school academics until I realized that no decent college was going to accept me with the grades I was getting. I did not quit my Netflix benders until I realized I was missing out on forming valuable relationships. And now, I have started to let a basic rite of passage into adulthood slip by. I will not let this one get away though. I will learn to drive, and I will acknowledge that if I want to start actually growing up I need to start getting a hold of the steering wheel earlier.
September 16, 2015
CULTURE
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The Fordham Ram
Fall Fashion Descends On Rose Hill Campus By BAILEY BARNETT CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It is getting to be that time of year again. Classes are back in session (and you are actually doing work, not just reading syllabi), you are trading your iced coffee for a warm pumpkin spice latte and the changing leaves all over campus can even make the walk to an 8:30 a.m. class in FMH seem bearable. Fall is here, and while it may be tempting to throw on a nice warm quarter-zip or oversized sweatshirt, breaking routine and getting a little more dressed up (at least every once in a while) does not have to be hard. In fact, some of fall’s trendiest outfits can be just as easy to put together as your favorite lazy day attire. One trend that is especially big this season is denim on denim. Note: this does not mean to copy Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears’s look from the 2001 AMAs. The key to the denim on denim look is to keep it simple: a denim shirt, jeans, some cute shoes and jewelry and you have got a trendy look that is easy to pull off and even easier to put together! Another look inspired by ce-
REYNA WANG/THE FORDHAM RAM
Kat Napoli, Charles Carver, and Hana Kurihana show off their trendiest fall looks.
lebrity trends is fringe. Serena Williams and Amy Schumer were spotted rocking fringe skirts during New York Fashion Week 2015. As it gets colder and you want to avoid baring your legs, a top with fringe on the bottom paired with jeans is a great combination. A look that is gaining popularity this season is lacy ruffle dresses. Though many of these frocks that hit the runway gave off a distinctly Victorian vibe, feel free to approach the trend with a more
bohemian look to make it feel less dressy for class. Kat Napoli, FCRH ’18, said she loves this bohemian look for fall. “It’s a great way to look cute and still be comfy! I also wear a lot of dresses because I feel like you can never go wrong with a dress. They’re classic but can also be trendy,” she said. Layering is also a big trend on the runways, as male models adorned stacks of knit sweaters. While this may not be the most comfortable way to stay warm, rea-
sonable amounts of layering can be a great way to transition summer wardrobes into fall. Charles Carver, FCRH ’18, said that he tries to push summer as late as he can by wearing shorts so as the weather is permits. Even when it becomes too cold for that, his summer wardrobe still benefits him. “Most of my summer shirts can be layered underneath some type of outerwear for fall,” he says. Whether it be with jackets, vests or cardigans, layering is a chic
(and cheap!) look for this season. If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative to the classic leather jacket, guys can try sweaters with a faux leather trim. Girls should consider a leather skirt. Even if you do not feel like revamping your wardrobe with fall’s newest looks, you can always turn to accessories to shed some new light on your looks. Sparkly jewelry frequented the fall runways, and skinny scarves seem to have gained popularity as part of the whole bohemian fashion trend. A crowd favorite for fall, however, happens to be booties (short boots with a smaller heel). Booties go perfectly with jeans or a dress with patterned leggings. As Hana Kurihara, FCRH ’18, said, “I really like booties because they are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on how you style them.” All in all, when it comes to trends for this fall, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are looking to be comfortable or dressy, whether or not you choose to accessorize and whether you are ready to splurge on a new wardrobe or work with what you have, there are so many options to choose from that make it easy to rock a look you love.
Comment
Controversial Classes Generate Debate at Universities By ELIZABETH SMISLOVA STAFF WRITER
Nothing binds a nation together more than shared tragedy — millions of hearts breaking thousands of miles apart for the same calamitous reason. September 11, 2001 is the nightmare that all Americans wish never happened. Unfortunately, it did, and now we are forced to make some sense out of the devastation thrust upon us. America erected a higher building in honor of the two that were cruelly and suddenly demolished, which quickly became an international symbol of survival and bravery. Fourteen years later, many have voiced their objections to American colleges teaching classes with terrorist sympathies at their cores. According to Paul Sperry, writer for The New York Post, the University of North Carolina has a course that is “brainwash[ing] students into believing 9/11 was our fault.” The class is taught by Neel Ahuja, the UNC associate English professor, who says “Abu Zubaydah’s torture may be interpreted as simply one more example of the necropower of U.S. imperialism, the power to coerce and kill targeted populations.” UNC has stood out in the media for such a perceived antipatriotic class, but it is certainly not alone in its unique, new addition to its curriculum. Through literature several other new col-
AP/ALEJANDRA VILLA
The course material for a UNC class about 9/11 has been both disparaged and defended.
lege courses teach students compassion towards the same Islamic terrorists responsible for 9/11. By reading documents such as “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” professors portray terrorism as an enigma to understand, not mourn or judge. Interestingly, the syllabi rarely contain a set time to delve into the experiences of the over 3,000 Americans murdered in the attacks, their loved ones and those who bravely responded to the attacks. If schools have a newfound quest for diversity of perspectives in their curriculums, it does not make sense to talk about the attacker without also considering the victims. This brings up a new point, though, that perhaps neither side is without both blame
and scars. In response to the conversation of different stances, Nicholas Tampio, Associate Professor of Political Science at Fordham University, commented that “for strategic and ethical reasons, it is important to understand one’s enemy’s thinking. The military calls this intelligence. The best way to learn the thinking of one’s enemies is to read primary sources. So it is perfectly appropriate for institutions of higher education to offer courses, for example, on Sayyd Qutb, the Islamic author who inspired al Qaeda. Wouldn’t it have been good for more intelligence agents to have read Signposts, Qutb’s influential manifesto, before 9/11?” Certainly, it is incredibly ben-
eficial to grasp all positions of an issue, but some still argue that perhaps it is the commiseration with the terrorists that makes the courses contentious. The protests also make the argument that students in college now were so young in 2001 that they will not understand what it was like to experience such horror firsthand. Therefore, the students might be too quick to find compassion for those who may not deserve it in this increasingly liberal society. In another light, a wave of interest in new viewpoints of an incredible monument in America’s history could further proclaim this country’s battle cry for freedom and understanding. These new courses present controversies new to this generation because they contain stories of personal ties and a level of grief that creates a barrier of hurt to forgiveness. As a disclaimer, many college students were indeed young at the time of 9/11, and though they may not have fully comprehended what was happening at the time, they do have memories of the event. They also do not remember boarding a plane without taking off their shoes or attending professional sporting events without having their bags checked. The world of college students has always contained the fear of another attack. They know that as they take the subway or attend a public gathering, their freedom, once
treated as a right, now a privilege, is at risk. We are a generation that wants to understand the risks as we balance our independence against the requirements of security precautions. Though the media may present these classes themselves as a problem, their popularity might sway people to think they are not. Kelly Heyboer, writer for NJ Advance Media, wrote that these courses include “everything from the origin of the World Trade Center to the history of terrorism and the reasons behind the war in Iraq.” Examples include “The Contemporary American: The 10th Anniversary of 9/11,” an American Studies class at Rutgers University and “Conflict and Terrorism in the Modern Middle East” at Princeton University. Fairleigh Dickinson University teaches students to fight terrorism in an eighteen credit certificate in Homeland Security Studies. Such classes fill up fast because they cover a modern issue to which some students are personally attracted. Both students and teachers go into the course knowing the difficulty and weight of the subject. Despite the debate over the classes’ apparent patriotism, one point reigns true. It is impressive that young people are so eager to learn about their history and take it upon themselves to genuinely understand what took place. This generation may be many things, but it is not afraid.
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September 16, 2015
Fall In Love With Fall Festivals In New York City By KATHERINE KELLY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As the season of swimsuits, surf, sand and ice cream comes to a close, the season of sweaters, school, multicolored leaves and cider emerges. Fall offers not only a refreshing atmosphere with a crisp breeze, but many outdoor activities as well. Whether you prefer food and art, pumpkin and apple-picking or apple cider and hot cocoa, fall in New York City has fairs, parades and festivals for all. The world’s melting pot has unique events during this special time of year that invite families and friends to come together to enjoy food and fun. So if you want to stuff your face with savory dishes during the Feast of San Gennaro, grab a sweeter treat from the Honey Festival or want the best of both worlds from Smorgasborg, New York City’s fall festivals are perfect ways to take a break from studying or recover from your favorite football team’s loss. Here are some featured festivals to attend this fall: If you missed the Fordham favorite Ferragosto on Arthur Ave on Sept. 13 and want to compete with those Instagrams from your friends studying abroad in Rome, travel to Little Italy in Manhattan where you
CAROLINE LEBRANTI/THE RAM
Ferragosto, on Arthur Avenue, featured a pig roast and other delicious Italian food.
can get a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and culture at the Feast of San Genarro Festival. Although typically a religious holiday, Little Italy makes this feast a week and a half-
long celebration welcoming all New Yorkers. The best restaurants dish out delicious food, giving visitors a taste of Italy. The aromas of pasta, sausage and pastries make it hard to
stay away. If that is not enough of an incentive, live music serenades visitors as they stroll the streets all day and night from Sept. 10 to Sept. 20. The New York City Wine and Food Festival is another foodie favorite. This festival, running from Oct. 15 to Oct. 18 is presented by Food and Wine. It is not only a tasty event, but also for a good cause, as all proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry and Food Bank for New York City. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the final days of summer, take a trip to Coney Island to enjoy some great films under the stars. The Coney Island Film Festival is Sept. 18 to Sept. 20. A more upbeat and celebratory option, the annual German-inspired holiday, Oktoberfest, and the Steuben Day Parade come to town. Make sure you have your lederhosen clean to celebrate in Central Park on Sept. 19. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time for this day filled with authentic German beer and music. For a more traditional day of Autumn activities, head to Rockaway Beach and enjoy a pumpkin patch and hayride on Oct. 19. The annual Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village takes place on Halloween night. Ghosts and goblins are encouraged to stay home this year, as the parade’s
theme is “Garden of Earthly Delights.” So dress up as Mother Earth and make your way downtown for this New York City classic event. After the pumpkin-picking and haunted houses come to an end, it is time to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos! Celebrate Mexican culture on Dia de Los Muertos from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1 in the beautiful Botanical Gardens, just across the street from Fordham. The celebration of life will take place within the special Frida Kahlo exhibit in the garden. Kids are encouraged to design and paint masks to wear for the festivities. These next two months are your chance to try one of those famous Smorgasborg ramen burgers that everyone has seen on Instagram. A New York City must-do, Smorgasburg in Brooklyn is open from April to October. You will not regret taking the time to pay a visit, enjoy cuisine from the tastiest vendors and shop around looking at trendy antiques. There are many opportunities to embrace all the city has to offer this fall. Whether you choose to stay close to campus or travel all the way downtown, you are guaranteed to have a great time. So put those books aside, turn off that Netflix, go outside and fall in love with fall at one of New York City’s festivals.
Editor’s Pick | Shakespeare & Co.
Theater Time| Claire Del Sorbo
Hedwig and the Angry Inch An American in Paris: Bookstore Edittion From March 2014 to September 2015, Michael Mayer’s revival of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” played for over 1,000 performances at the Belasco Theater. The musical, which closed this past weekend, starred a notable array of performers in the eponymous role: Neil Patrick Harris, “Dexter” star Michael C. Hall, Andrew Rannells, original “Hedwig” actor and librettist John Cameron Mitchell and “Glee” star Darren Criss. Upon hearing of its closing, I thought, “I have to see it again before it closes. There’s no other option.” In the titular role this time was “Private Practice” and “Rent” star, Taye Diggs. Despite having seen the show twice already, I had no idea what to expect. I sat in the small velvet chair and, for the next hour, enjoyed one of the most unique theatrical experiences of my life. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” is a rock musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask, and a libretto by John Cameron Mitchell. Performed entirely in monologue, the musical tells the story of the glamorous and hapless genderqueer East German rock singer, Hedwig, and her band, the Angry Inch. Hedwig, formerly Hansel, assumed her identity after a botched sex-change operation enabled her to leave communist East Germany to marry an American man. Her story is a string of heartbreaks and tragedies that lead her to where she currently stands, performing a “one-night only” concert at the Belasco. Taye Diggs’ singing was not superb, but the dark side he brought to such a glamorous character really shocked me in the best way possible. The show is largely built upon improvisational humor, so I knew that I should expect some off-color jokes. I was not expecting, however,
for Diggs to poke fun at his nonAryan origin as Hedwig. He even started the show by announcing to the audience, “You heard right… the bitch is black!” His other improvised jokes discussed topics such as Donald Trump, “Orange is the New Black,” Caitlyn Jenner and even a Frozen joke, in which Diggs poked fun at his ex-wife Idina Menzel. “Hedwig” may come off as a campy show, but Diggs’ take on the material made it very edgy. Not only did it make the audience visibly uncomfortable, but it also forced them to think about sexuality and gender, especially of gay black men and black trans women, who too often are fetishized and commodified by today’s society. While Diggs’ performance was commendable, I firmly believe the star of the show was Rebecca Naomi Jones as Yitzhak, Hedwig’s mistreated husband/backup singer. Though Yitzhak was quiet for most of the show, I was enthralled when I heard the powerhouse that is Jones come out of a timid man’s body. Jones’s performance of Yitzhak’s solo, “The Long Grift,” was a dynamic and passionate portrayal of Hedwig’s grievances. It’s quite ironic that a subdued character could give the most emotionally stirring performance of the show. The entire production of the show, from its visuals to its musical arrangements, was simply raunchy fun. Hedwig is a character that the audience laughs with, sympathizes with and in the end cheers for. Her story is one that all of us experience at some juncture in our lives: learning to feel comfortable in one’s own skin, carrying the ubiquitous theme of self-acceptance. If we all emulate her triumph, perhaps everybody can learn to love their inner Hedwig.
By AMANDA GIGLIO CULTURE EDITOR
When in France, do as the French do — or at least that is what I told myself during my trip to France this summer. This included eating crepes and croissants every day, stopping at a cafe for aperitifs and espresso and going to all of the French-affiliated hangouts, excluding one bookstore in particular: Shakespeare and Company. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I took an American Modernist Writers in Paris course, consisting of autobiographical novels of some of America’s favorite expatriates, including Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Baldwin. It was so interesting to learn about some of my favorite writers and their experiences in one of my favorite cities. What struck me most wasn’t a writer, but a bookstore owner. Sylvia Beach, an American, founded the first Shakespeare and Company: an English shop that was half-bookstore and half-lending library that many of the great writers frequented. The bookstore served as a meeting place for French and American writers and also helped publish modern literature like James Joyce’s “Ulysses” in 1922. Shakespeare and Company is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River in the heart of SaintGermain. The original bookstore was closed in the 1940’s due to German occupation in France during World War II. Ten years later, another English-language bookstore opened by American George Whitman, under the name of Le Mistral, serving as the new hub of literary culture in bohemian Paris. The shop was modeled after Beach’s bookshop and was eventually given the original name.
AMANDA GIGLIO/THE RAM
Located on the Left Bank of Paris, Shakespeare and Company is rich in history and books.
Whitman founded the bookstore with the motto “be not inhospitable to strangers lest they be angels in disguise.” This motto paved the way for longterm guests, known as tumbleweeds, to come and go as they pleased as long as they read a book a day, helped out at the store and wrote a single-page autobiography for the store archives. The shop continued to grow, holding beds for housing upstairs and hosting the Paris Voices headquarters. To this day, the store is still run in a similar manner by Whitman’s daughter, Sylvia Beach Whitman, named after the original owner. This extenisve bookstore was the first on my list, besides the Eiffel Tower, when I visited Paris. From the outside, it looks unassuming, but once inside, this quaint, historical shop is filled to the brim with books
of all types. The shop holds activities, like Sunday tea, poetry readings, writers’ meetings and a place for young writers to stay. Upstairs, one could find antique furniture and typewriters, with old books lining the wall and the main window overlooking the Seine River. If you think I was anything but calm when entering this store, you would be sadly mistaken. My innerEnglish nerd came out as I spent an hour and a half scrounging the store for any traces of the American writers I learned about. In the midst of buying a book, poster and bag, I also managed to take a selfie with the store itself. Shakespeare and Company may not have been inherently French, but the history behind it and its influence on American writers is enough to warrant a freakout…or at least a visit when in Paris.
CULTURE
September 16, 2015
Heavy Sound and Notable Rappers Marks Scott’s Album
Travis Scott’s newest album, Rodeo, features many well-knowned artists.
By ALVIN HALIMWIDJAYA CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The first real piece of news I read about Travis Scott was from when he lashed out at a fan who called him A$AP Rocky a week or two ago. The day after, I decided to buy his debut album, Rodeo, and I am glad I did. After helping Kanye on his album, Yeezus and winning Best Mixtape at the 2013 BET Awards, Travis Scott has successfully introduced his unique sound to the world. One feature that draws a larger audience to Rodeo is the range of artists featured on the album. In “90210,” we are introduced to Kacy Hill, a fairly obscure pop artist with a talented voice, who acts as a muted, yet ideal counterpart to Scott’s vocals. Scott also recruits some heavyweights
throughout the album, with Future and 2 Chainz lending verses in “3500” and The Weeknd contributing to “Pray 4 Love.” In addition, he collaborates with single members of rap groups in a few tracks, such as Swae Lee of Rae Sremmurd in “Nightcrawler” and Quavo of Migos in “Oh My Dis Side.” “Maria I’m Drunk” embodies the heavy yet laid-back sound this album is trying to present. It also features one of the most interesting collaborations, with Young Thug being the main collaborator, and Justin Bieber, in another attempted reinvention with an understated yet solid verse. The whole album has a heavy sound, differing from other notable rap artists. Recently released albums, like Dr. Dre’s Compton and Meek Mill’s Dreams Worth More Than Money, are very aggressive;
however, instead of trying to knock you off your feet, Rodeo is the kind of atmosphere that you want to drown yourself in. While songs like “P*ss on Your Grave” obviously carry a more aggressive tone, this album is something you can listen to whether you are throwing a party or just chilling with your friends in your room at 1 a.m. Though it is not necessarily the kind of music you would want to listen to when trying to go to sleep, Travis Scott’s generous dashes of autotune, heavy beats and balance between upbeat and laid-back sounds produce the kind of music that you would zone out to with both headphones in. Rodeo has something for every mood, whether you are getting hyped or just going for a walk.
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Dining Out | Allison Russo
Best of Brunch Jack’s Wife Freda Where: Nolita and Greenwich Village What to order: Rosewater Waffle, which comes topped with berries, thick yogurt and a dusting of powdered sugar. If you are brunching for the Instagram, this is the place to eat. Everything, from the custom “Jack <3’s Freda” sugar packets to the striped awning, is endlessly photogenic and aesthetically adorable, and though portions are small, the food does not fail to satisfy. Drinks are overpriced, so stick to coffee and tea. The outdoor tables are nice in warm weather, though the Nolita location is on the corner in a high pedestrian traffic area. Annoyingly, this trendy spot does not take reservations so plan to wait at least a half an hour to be seated. Jacob’s Pickles Where: Upper West Side What to order: Croque Madame (fried chicken, black forest ham, gruyere cheese and a sunny side up egg on a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit served with fries) While the pickles are fantastic and of many flavors, the true star of this Upper West Side eatery is their brunch menu. They specialize in revamped comfort food like “chicken and pancakes” and “biscuits french toast.” Hop on the Ram Van and stroll up to 84th Street and Amsterdam for a truly unique brunching experience. You can walk off that fried chicken afterwards in Central Park. Cafe Mocha Where: East Village What to order: Persian Croissant, a luxe breakfast sandwich filled with caramelized onions and potatoes, feta cheese and raisins. This popular spot by NYU is a brunch cafe by day and wine bar by
night. Serving standard breakfast fare as well as more adventurous dishes, nearly everything on the menu is under $10. Grab a cappuccino (or dark hot chocolate) and sit outside before the warm weather disappears for a lovely view of 2nd Avenue and guaranteed people-watching entertainment. Alice’s Tea Cup Where: Upper East Side & Upper West Side What to order: Pumpkin Pancakes, a literal combination of buttermilk pancakes and pumpkin pie; Alice’s Curious French Toast, which features brandy-infused baked brioche served with vanilla creme and berries. Alice’s Tea Cup has three locations, all of which have varying menus. The whimsical decor and creative menu give a nod to the restaurant’s namesake, Alice in Wonderland. There is a seemingly endless variety of tea, so if you’re not currently a tea-drinker, you will be after having brunch here. If you’re looking for a more traditional brunching experience, a fixed price tea service is available on the weekends starting at $27. The Little Owl Where: Greenwich Village What to order: Poached Organic Eggs, which are served on cheesy fontina biscuits. The brunch menu at The Little Owl has everything from tacos to pancakes. However, you absolutely must order the beignettes. These small doughnuts come filled with raspberry or nutella, and are covered with sugar. They have new breakfast specials every day and portions are generous and reasonably priced. For any “Friends” fans, The Little Owl is on the first floor of Monica and Rachel’s apartment building — definitely a candidate for a present-day Central Perk.
Does mistakes in The Ram bother you? Copy edit for us! Email fordhamramcopy@gmail.com about how to get started!
CULTURE
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The Ramantic Love at Fordham Each year at Fordham, new freshmen arrive and the process of starting relationships begins for them. Freshman must navigate platonic or romantic relationships with not only other freshman but also upperclassmen. In the wake of current events, including the arrival of the new students, it is important to call upon and reconnect with the Fordham mission and Fordham’s Jesuit values. It is important to remember that “development of the whole person” is part of the Fordham mission. I believe that development of the whole person includes developing the ability to love and be loved. For freshmen, the development of the whole person in college might be something that is newly on their minds. Hopefully, they will remember that part of the mission at Fordham is to “recognize the dignity and uniqueness of each person” when making new friends or exploring romantic options. But even beyond the relationships they will form, hopefully the new students will apply these two concepts from the mission statement to every single person they interact with in the Fordham community, including fellow students but also faculty and staff. Yes, freshmen have just been introduced to the Fordham community and are smiling and trying their hardest to forge new relationships, but upperclassmen also need to reflect on their past years at Fordham. Acknowledge all the love you have felt from the fellow community members throughout your time at Fordham. Whether you have been in a relationship in the past and felt passionate love from another Fordham student, or if you have found some of the best friendships of your life at Fordham, the common thread is the Fordham community. The love throughout the Fordham community can sometimes seem absent. When another student you have talked to before directly ignores you or when you are pushed aside by someone because they believe their destination is more important than yours, it is easy to question the love. It is important to remember across this campus, and anywhere you go, that if love seems absent, you should bring it yourself. When walking across campus or hanging out with other Fordham students on Arthur Avenue, be the one who is loving, caring and inclusive. Be your “whole person” and “recognize the dignity and uniqueness of each person” with LOVE.
FORDHAM RAM ARCHIVES
September 16, 2015
Who’s That Kid? | Brian Reynolds
A Student Leader and Entertainer By SAM BELDEN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Anyone who has ever been to a Fordham basketball or football game is aware of the fact that hosting a sporting event is a complicated and multi-layered process. The players, who practice relentlessly during the season, must be outfitted with the proper uniforms. The cheerleaders need to be ready to pump up the crowd. The facilities must be clean and ready to accommodate thousands of supporters. Crucially, all of these facets of the game must be carried out just right, with the right leader at the helm and with the right level of expertise. Brian Reynolds, FCRH ’17, is one of those leaders who helps game day unfold without incident. As student director of the Fordham pep band, helping to support the school’s athletic programs is just as important as making melodies. “It’s great,” said Brian. “Everyone in the pep band, we get really involved with the teams...The women’s basketball team and the pep band, in particular, have a great relationship. We love supporting each other.” Given the women’s team’s 11-5 record at home from last season, it seems that Brian, a music and economics double major from East Northport, N.Y., and the approximately 30 student-musicians that he directs are accomplishing their chief goal — that is, contributing to the pro-Fordham atmosphere designed to give the Rams an advantage at home. The band is also an integral part of the Fordham following on the road, accompanying the football and basketball teams on vital away games and even supporting them in tournaments like the WNIT in 2015 and the Women’s NCAA Tournament in 2014. However, Brian does not work as hard as he does just because he is a Fordham fanatic — he does so because he is also a skilled musician. A percussionist, Brian started
COURTESY OF BRIAN REYNOLDS
Brian is known not only for his musicality but for his school spirit.
on the drums at the age of 10 and has not stopped yet. Being selected for his high school’s symphonic winds ensemble as a freshman afforded him an excellent opportunity to hone his craft, and he now serves as president of the Fordham University band and orchestra on top of his duties as pep band director. When asked about his favorite piece for band or orchestra, Brian hemmed and hawed for a while before finally settling on a response. “You always want to play 1812,” he answered, referring to Tchaikovsky’s famous overture. “That’s just going middle-of-theroad. A real classic.” Additionally, Brian is a trained rock drummer, citing Neil Peart of Rush and Phil Collins of Genesis as his chief influences. Of course, it is not just nonstop music for Brian. Ever the workhorse, he can often be found working his weekly shifts as a driver and dispatcher for the Department of Transportation’s intercampus shuttle service, better known as the Ram Van. Reyn-
olds relishes this role, saying that while he enjoys the tasks and the compensation, it is the camaraderie between him and his coworkers that makes the job such an ideal fit. “Work is defined by who you get to go see,” Brian said. “It’s such a fun and dynamic crowd of people that work at Ram Van. I actually find myself excited to go to work sometimes, just because I get to see, y’know, some of my best friends.” Although Brian has no idea what life after college will have in store, he does have an idea of where it might take him or, perhaps more accurately, not take him. “I’d love to spend more time in New York,” he said. “It’s where I’m from, where I grew up. I’d like to spend some more time in the city.” For now, Reynolds still has approximately half of his college career in ahead of him. You can bet that much of what remaining will be spent making music and entertaining his fellow Rams.
Review | Music
Halsey’s Honest Lyrics Make For a Memorable Pop Debut By SAMANTHA FRANCO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Debuting in the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200, Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, better known by her stage name Halsey, has already created a strong presence for herself in the alternative music world. Her first full-length album, Badlands, sounds like a mix of Lorde, Lana Del Rey and Taylor Swift. The New Jersey-born singer is the second biggest female artist to debut in 2015, following Meghan Trainor. “Control,” “Hold Me Down” and “Hurricane” explore Halsey’s experience living with bipolar
disorder. In “Control,” she sings, “I’m bigger than my body / I’m colder than this home / I’m meaner than my demons / I’m bigger than these bones,” clearly depicting her struggle in dealing with her inner emotions. “Hold Me Down,” the first song released off of her album, describes the singer’s overtly sexual, self-destructive love affair with lines such as: “I sold my soul to a three-piece / And he told me I was holy / He’s got me down on both knees / But it’s the devil that’s tryna hold me down.” In “New Americana,” Halsey describes the influences that have shaped her and her generation. Because she is biracial, her songs
are often influenced by both alternative and rap music which her mother and father, respectively, would listen to when she was a child. She sings “We are the new americana / High on legal marijuana / Raised on Biggie and Nirvana / We are the new americana.” Badlands has ensured that Halsey will not be dropping off the radar any time soon. Even before the debut of her album, Halsey was named the most-mentioned artist on Twitter at SXSW earlier this year. Her popularity has only skyrocketed since her album was released, and it was revealed that she is touring with The Weeknd later this year. Halsey is here to stay.
AP/RICH FURY
Halsey’s rising popularity has made her one of the top new females to watch in pop.
September 16, 2015
SPORTS
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The Fordham Ram
Men’s Soccer Moves in the Right Direction By TARA CANGIALOSI STAFF WRITER
The Fordham Men’s Soccer team is still looking for its first win of the 2015 season. Saturday’s contest at Lafayette College ended in a frustrating 0-0 tie, where the Rams, again, could not connect in the final third. Rain soaked the field and players as the game got underway, prompting fast-paced play at Oaks Stadium. Fordham started a similar lineup in its first two matches with only a slight change. Senior captain Ryan Cupolo moved from his position at center back into the center midfield. Sophomore Matthew Lewis and graduate student Lars Zimmerman moved into Cupolo’s vacated spot, with junior Andy Hickey and sophomore Chris Bazzini on the flanks. The Rams started the game on the right foot, controlling the majority of play in the first half. The team outshot the Cougars 5 to 1, but Lafayette’s keeper Brad Seeber made three clutch saves in a row. Both Fordham freshman Janos Loebe and junior Ole Sandess had shots on net that were blocked by the sophomore goalie. In the 24th minute, the Rams almost grabbed the lead on a header from redshirt senior Andres Penfold. Streaking down the field, Penfold got his head on the ball and directed it into the back of the net. Moments later, however, the goal was taken back, as Penfold was ruled offsides by the official. Following the break at halftime, play became extremely physical between the two sides. Though he only recently returned
ZACH MIKLOS/ THE FORDHAM RAM
After starting the season 0-3, the Fordham men’s soccer team has tied its previous two matches to move to 0-3-2.
to the field, Hickey slide tackled Lafayette’s Eric West, earning him a yellow card. Dangerously, West retaliated by kicking Hickey while he was on the ground. The referee issued an immediate red card, sending West to the bench and leaving the Cougars down a man. A mere five minutes later, Hickey argued a call and was given a second yellow card, evening the game at 10 men per side. Following the ejections, neither side generated many opportunities offensively, and the game went into overtime. The same occurred in the extra periods, as both sides remained defensively sound and offensively quiet.
The only notable action in extra time occurred with 1:13 left in the second overtime period. Fordham’s freshman goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu was issued a red card, and was replaced by fellow freshman Dan Miklos. “As soon as we get more in sync (and) finish in the final third, I think we will be where we need to be,” Cupolo said of the performance. Both Hickey and Nuhu were required to sit out for the Rams’ next game against Army West Point on Sept. 15. Though the game held plenty of exciting moments, the final score was 1-1 after two additional periods. The first half was full of action on both sides. Early on, Janos Loebe
took a through ball down the left side for a breakaway. Cutting in, he slapped a shot on net but it was saved by Army West Point’s keeper. Fordham continued to maintain a lot of the possession, but had lulls in intensity. The need to be consistent has been a struggle for the Rams this season, as stressed by both Coach McElderry and Cupolo. In the 28th minute, Janos Loebe again intercepted in the ball in the middle on Army’s end. With his left foot, he sent it wide to his brother, Jannik Loebe. The older Loebe brother then crossed the ball into the center, where Cupolo was waiting. With his right foot, he placed a strong pass into the back of the net, putting the Rams ahead 1-0.
During the final five minutes, Army West Point had its best scoring opportunity of the half. A wing player took the ball down the left side and managed to get behind Miklos in net. Luckily for the Rams, Zimmerman was back and saved the shot from inside the 18-yard line. Army came out strong in the second half, pressuring Fordham’s defense into its own zone. The Rams held strong, and did not let up any goals at first. Although Fordham picked up the intensity and lasted almost the entirety of the game, Army West Point finally broke through in the 82nd minute. The Black Knights sent a corner kick into the center of Fordham’s 18. Off a corner kick, Tommy Jaeger touched it to his teammate Shaban Abousaud, who headed it past Miklos for the 1-1 tie. The score would remain the same until the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime. The most exciting moment came five minutes into the first overtime. Janos Loebe nearly bent a corner kick into the top right portion of the net, but the ball knocked off the cross bar and post, and the rest of the Rams could not finish it. The game ending in a tie was a misrepresentation of Fordham’s efforts and late intensity. However, the team’s pressure in the final third needed to be more consistent throughout the match, and they needed to finish scoring opportunities. The tie brings Fordham’s record to 0-3-2 on the season, while Army is now 1-3-1. The Rams will next be in action on Sept. 19, as they travel to face the Stags in Fairfield at 7 p.m.
Ram Golfers Finish Fourth to Start Season By SAM BELDEN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Fordham Golf’s Fall season began with a strong start this past weekend at the Ryan Lee Memorial Tournament. Despite losing three seniors in the class of 2015, the Rams turned in one of their strongest performances in recent memory, standing strong in a tie for second after the first day and ending up in a tie for fourth on the week. The host course, Tumble Brook Country Club, is a well-regarded par 72 located in Bloomfield, Connecticut. The Rams burst out of the gate on Saturday. Their team score of 292 was just five behind Bryant, the first round leader, and ahead of all others but Rhode Island, who matched Fordham’s score. On Sunday, however, the other teams took some steps in order to go lower. While Fordham’s closing 294 did not constitute much of a step backward, five teams shot 290 or better on the second day — a far cry from just one on the first. “We gave ourselves the opportunity,” said sophomore Joseph Trim. “That’s all we could ask for after the first round.” Sophomore Matt Schiller led the way for Fordham. After opening with a 72, the Ohio native closed with a stirring 70 to tie for fourth and finished just one stroke out of sharing
SHEA/FLICKR
In the first of five fall tournaments, the Fordham golf team started off strong, finishing in a tie for fourth out of 12 teams.
medalist honors. Trim, to his credit, shot rounds of 72 and 73 to tie for 16th, just four strokes behind the lead. “This event really showed how much of a putting contest college golf can actually be. Had Matt or I made a couple of more putts either day, we could have won the individual title,” Trim said. “It’s tournaments like these that drive us to get back out and practice and prepare for our next
event.” Fordham’s other players did not fare as well. Sophomore James Mongey started solidly with a 73 but blew up to a 78 on the final day. Junior Fernando Morrett’s week followed a similar path, with rounds of 75 and 79 in that order. Freshman Tommy Hayes got his collegiate golf career off to a nightmare start with an opening 82, but he quickly regrouped and finished the week with a strong 73.
“I was a little nervous for my first couple holes, because it was my first event,” said Hayes. “By the end of the weekend, I began to feel a lot more comfortable.” Junior Oscar Cabanas, competing as an individual, shot rounds of 86 and 76. His score was not counted as one of Fordham’s five. After closing with an outstanding 6-under 282, Rhode Island came away with the tournament. Its top
player, Joseph Leavitt, shot rounds of 72 and 69 and wound up as one of three co-medalists. Shane Crampton of Saint Francis and Joe Walp of Bryant were the others. All in all, this event was the setting for a huge step forward for Fordham. Not only did the team register its best finish in almost a year, but it also did so with a brand new starting lineup, one without three seniors that played a huge role on the team, in terms of both golf and camaraderie. In any event, the team members appear to be confident and ready to usher in a new era of Fordham golf — perhaps, even, a new era of winning. “It is a big stepping stone for the rest of the year,” said Trim of the team’s finish. “We’re all good friends and want to see each other play well, but we also have the competitive drive to be the best. If we can continue with our solid play and feed off of each other, I don’t see any reason why we cannot continue with our great play.” Fordham golf will see its next action on Monday, Sept. 21, at the Hartford Hawks Invitational. Building off of last week’s strong result will be the team’s main focus. “Our performance this week was a great way to start the fall season,” said Hayes. “We’ll definitely take that momentum and confidence into our next event in Hartford.”
SPORTS
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Drew Casey
September 16, 2015
Pat Costello
Senior Profile | Phazahn Odom By ANTHONY PUCIK SPORTS EDITOR
The Future of the NFL The National Football League has gone through its fair share of changes in the offseason. An extra point is now 33-yds as opposed to 20-yds, defenses can now score two points on failed point-after-attempts and a safety on an extra point is now worth one point. Some of these rules might seem a bit tedious, but in 20 years they might not even matter. While I’d like to think our kids will be able to enjoy America’s most watched professional sport, some logical reasoning points to the contrary. Football will likely not exist as we know it in 2035, and that might not be a bad thing for our species. For most sane individuals, health and well-being are top priorities. With that in mind, some would reason that football players are not acting within their best interest by playing the game that they love. Former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland would probably agree with that to a degree. Borland retired from football this offseason at just 24 years old because of concerns about the long-term effects of repetitive head trauma. He consulted with concussion researchers and studies to come to the decision, recognizing some of the debilitating conditions that retired players are currently experiencing. Of course, Borland might be a bit of an extreme in this case, because there are plenty of football players who are doing just fine in their retirement from the field. Just take any former player who is now coaching or broadcasting as an example. However, I bring this issue up at the beginning of the NFL and college football season for a specific reason. Every year, athletes, especially football players, seem to get stronger and stronger with the help of modern training techniques. Subsequently, it also seems that we see worse and worse injuries every year. Let’s take an example from Fordham’s own football conference, the Patriot League. In Georgetown’s first game of the season on Sept. 5, junior running back Ty Williams suffered a severe neck injury and as he recovers, it is not known for certain if he will be able to walk again. Similarly, former Rutgers player Eric LeGrand continues to work toward walking again without assistance to this day in a similar accident. One could also relate this to Sunday’s New York Jets vs Cleveland Browns season opener. The most serious injury in the game was to Jets rookie linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, who was knocked unconscious in the fourth quarter on what seemed to be a low-contact play. Mauldin was carefully cared for on the field and then immediately shuttled off into a waiting ambulance to a nearby hospital with head and neck injuries. Luckily for Mauldin, he was awake on Sunday night with feeling in his extremities and had only suffered a concussion. For those watching live, it was certainly a scary moment. Enjoy the gridiron while you can. It’s becoming tougher and tougher for me.
Phazahn Odom is a six-foot-eightinch, 245 pound tight end out of Barnwell, South Carolina. He was sidelined during his freshman season due to an injury and played backup to Dan Light in his sophomore and junior years, but this year he is atop the depth chart at the tight end position. He amassed 90-yds in the first game of the season against Army West Point. The Fordham Ram: When did you start playing football? Phazahn Odom: I started playing football my junior year of high school. I was always a basketball guy, and [the new head football coach at my high school] saw me and really wanted me to play, and it was something I was interested in doing. TFR: Were you always a tight end? PO: In high school, I was a wide receiver my junior year. Then my senior year I was kind of doing tight end and wide receiver, and when I got here I just became a tight end. TFR: What made you want to come to Fordham? PO: It was the first school that really saw anything in me, because since I started playing late, a lot of schools got to me late, and once I met coach Moorhead I really bought into his philosophy. The campus is lovely; it’s a great school. TFR: How difficult was it for you to sit out your first season due to injury? PO: It was very difficult just because I felt like I had the chance to get a lot of playing time that year. To just sit out your first year in college is not the [most fun] thing, but it gave me an extra year, so although it sucked then, it benefits me now. TFR: What was it like playing with Dan Light the past two seasons? PO: Dan Light’s a great guy. Just starting to play football my junior year I didn’t have that savviness and that much knowledge of the game,
A-Rod: Comeback Player of the Year
MIKE GROLL: AP
After two years as a backup, Odom is getting first team reps this sesaon.
but he’s a guy who knows so much about football, and playing under him and learning from him helped me out a lot. TFR: The team went 6-5 in your freshman season. Did you guys have the feeling that you were going to turn the program around and have as much success as you’ve had the past couple of seasons this quickly? PO: Definitely. Right after that 6-5 season going into the offseason we could tell there was a different glow in the team. We all were pretty happy with everything. We could definitely tell there was going to be an immediate turnaround. TFR: What did it mean for you guys to win the Patriot League last season? PO: It was a great feeling. It was very surreal, but it was just awesome. TFR: How did it feel to beat Army West Point this year after losing to them at the end of the regular season last year? PO: Oh that was great. Revenge is always sweet.
TFR: Did you happen to catch Jay Feely’s tweet to a scout to keep an eye on you and Chase Edmonds? PO: I did see that, yeah. TFR: Was that a humbling experience? PO: Very. Whenever you see stuff like that you try not to get too bigheaded, but yeah it was very humbling. Seeing stuff like that makes me want to keep working harder, just because I see that I have an opportunity that not too many other people have. TFR: Is that in your future plans, to make it to the NFL and play football professionally? PO: I mean if the opportunity presents itself, yes, but it’s not something that I’m banking on, though. TFR: Have you thought about any other options? PO: Well, right now I’m a psychology major with a minor in business, so I’m hoping to do something with that, but if the NFL comes calling, why not?
Women’s Tennis Picks Up Two Titles By VINCENT DeBELLIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Fordham Women’s Tennis team started the Fall 2015 season with a bang, taking home titles in both the A flight and the B flight at the Sacred Heart Doubles Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 12. The freshmen duo of Hannah Drayton and Mayu Soto impressed by going undefeated in the A flight, posting victories over Hartford’s Katherine Long and Skylar Schaar (6-3), Sacred Heart’s Katie DeRienzo and Sabrina Navarro (6-3), Quinnipiac’s Sophia Dzulynsky and Jennifer Lu (6-2), fellow Fordham Rams, freshman Lexi Zobiedah and sophomore Caroline Sa (7-6) in their toughest match of the day and capped off the tournament with a victory over Providence’s Alana Prinos and Emma Burgess (6-2). Zobiedah and Sa also finished with a victory in the A flight, with a win over Hartford’s Long and Schaar. They were defeated by Fordham’s Brayton and Soto (7-6), Quinnipiac’s Dzulynsky and Lu (64), Providence’s Prinos and Burgess (6-0) and Sacred Heart’s DeRienzo and Navarro (6-1). In the B flight, freshman Whitney Weisberg and sophomore Estelle Wong were incredibly sharp, going
5-0 en route to the title. They defeated Sacred Heart’s Lindsey Post and Taylor Gurda (6-2), Quinnipiac’s Proyfon Lohaphaisan and Rachel Horton, Providence’s Hannah Zangari and Nicole Zytarski (6-3), Ariel Haber and Meredith Heitland (7-5) and finished things off with a dominant 6-0 victory over Providence’s Jenn DeLuca and Amanda Pitocco. Freshman Gianna Insogna and junior Destiny Grunin were very successful at the C flight, finishing with a record of 4-1 for the tournament.
Their wins came against Providence’s Katie Marvin and Risa Takanaka (62), Providence’s Brooke Burnside and Grace Biaciunas (6-1), Quinnipiac’s Adrian Young and Alex Mircea (6-2) and Sacred Heart’s Tori Oates and Claudia Ruiz (6-1). Their lone defeat came at the hands of Sacred Heart’s Paige Olson and Olivia Podsiebierski (6-2). Overall, it was a very successful beginning for the Rams. Their next test will be the Army Invitational at West Point from Sept. 25-27.
SAM JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM
The women came back home with two titles in their opening weekend.
I hate Alex Rodriguez. Most people do. You can’t lie about taking PEDs for as long as he did and expect to be loved. The last decade of Rodriguez’s career has been permanently marred by his continued denial that he took steroids, only for us to later find out that he lied and was still juicing. After his historic suspension, which was 162 games and the longest non-lifetime ban ever, it was imperative for Rodriguez to come into the season firing on all cylinders. That’s exactly what he did. Rodriguez is having his best season since 2008. The 40 year old has already hit 31 home runs, including three in one game against Minnesota earlier this year. The homers weren’t cheap Yankee Stadium-short-porch homers either. Each one travelled at least 420 feet, the longest of which went 450 feet. This type of behavior has become almost daily for the grizzled veteran, who is rapidly approaching 700 career bombs. Normally a player’s’ bat speed slows down by the time they hit 40, but Rodriguez’s has seemingly gotten faster. The remarkable part is how consistent he has been this season. This is a case where his batting average, .255, just doesn’t tell enough of the story. He’s accumulated about 120 hits and 20 doubles, and has a slugging percentage of .500, which puts him in the top 25 in the league in that category. His plate discipline is a big part of what has allowed him to be so successful thus far. He has walked more times this year, 71, than in any season, in which he has participated over the past five years. These are fantastic numbers for most top tier players, let alone a declining 40 year old who didn’t play for an entire season. But what does all of this mean? Many would argue that he’s having an underwhelming season in the context of his whole career, or that none of this really matters because the Yankees won’t make the playoffs anyway, but I disagree. I think Rodriguez’s season is absolutely incredible, and has earned himself the Comeback Player of the Year Award. After spending the 2011-2013 seasons looking like a decrepit, old man, and 2014 on the couch, Rodriguez has certainly had a season to remember. I hate Alex Rodriguez. He’s a liar and a cheater who should never even sniff the Hall of Fame. He has thousands of detractors all over the country and still gets booed in many places. We, as fans, should never allow this man’s legacy to be one remembered in a positive light. But maybe I’ll make an exception for this season. Maybe Rodriguez has gained my respect, if only for this year. He has handled himself with class and dignity in a tough situation (albeit self-imposed), and has still managed a great statistical year. We can hate Alex Rodriguez later, because for one shining, comeback year, we can respect him again.
SPORTS
September 16, 2015
Alvin Halimwidjaya
Knicks Face an Uphill Battle The Knicks are quite the enigma in the NBA. The last time they made the playoffs was in 2012-13, and despite bringing in a Hall of Fame pedigree with Phil Jackson as their GM, not much seems to have changed. Sports Illustrated has projected the Knicks’ wins at 28, and the general consensus is that they will simply flounder to another lottery pick and give their fans yet another disappointing season. Rumors are floating around that the Knicks are looking to trade Carmelo Anthony; however, the Knicks’ problems have a solution. You just need to look hard enough. The Knicks had a promising summer ahead of them. Not only did they have their first top lottery pick since 2009, but they also were looking forward to hauling a prized free agent like LaMarcus Aldridge or Greg Monroe. However, not only did they pick up one of the most controversial picks with Kristaps Porzingis at No. 4, but they also failed to pick up any notable free agents. Instead of Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo, the Knicks picked up shooting guard Arron Afflalo and center Robin Lopez. While these are solid secondary pickups, they pale in comparison to what the Knicks could have gotten. Despite an underachieving summer, it’s not all bad news for the Knicks. They traded Tim Hardaway Jr., a solid wing player with a low ceiling, for Jerian Grant, a talented scorer from Notre Dame. He’ll probably slot in as the backup guard, but he has a lot of potential and is poised to be a solid, albeit undersized scorer in the NBA. Afflalo is a solid defender and third or fourth option on offense, and Robin Lopez will provide toughness and rebounding on the front line, which is definitely a step up from Andrea Bargnani and Amare Stoudemire. Sophomores Cleanthony Early and Langston Galloway have shown promise; it is probably due to the lack of options at the Knicks’ disposal, but it’s still something they can build on. One main problem the Knicks need to solve is Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is a proven scorer and is an excellent first option on offense. However, his downside is that he holds the ball for too long, which gums up the triangle offense the Knicks are trying to run. In addition, “Melo” is in desperate need of a championship, as he is the only one of the top five picks in the vaunted 2003 draft who has not reached at least reached the NBA Finals, and the Knicks should not be aiming for a championship. The Knicks are in an unenviable position not only in the present, but in the near future as well. Unless they pull off a couple of ridiculous trades, they should focus on rebuilding and grooming a core group for the future. Anthony has no place in that process, as he’s already 31 years old. The Knicks should focus on trading him for some picks or a couple of solid, young players. Right now, the future looks bleak for the New York Knicks. James Dolan has made bad decisions, and the Knicks have drafted poorly. However, if they focus on rebuilding slowly and patiently, waiting for young players to reach their potential, they could eventually turn into a solid team. As long as they don’t jump at every opportunity to snag a big player, the Knicks’ luck will turn for the better.
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Varsity Scores & Stats Football Villanova 7 7 0 0 37 Fordham 0 7 0 0 35 (VIL) Robertson 2 TDs (FOR) Anderson 85 yds, TD Women’s Tennis Fordham Sacred Heart
2 0
Men’s Cross Country Fordham Fiasco 1st/4 Women’s Cross Country Fordham Fiasco 2nd/4 Golf Ryan Lee Memorial
T-4th
Volleyball Fordham UMBC
0 3
Fordham Morgan State
1 3
Fordham Rider
3 0
Fordham Saint Peter’s
3 1
Water Polo Fordham Navy
8 12
Fordham Bucknell
1 10
Fordham Mercyhurst
Peter Valentino 12 7
Men’s Soccer Fordham Lafayette
Army West Point 1 Fordham 1 GOALS: Cupolo (FOR) 28’, Abousaud (ARMY) 82’ Women’s Soccer LIU Brooklyn 1 Fordham 2 GOALS: Widmann (FOR) 25’, Awad (LIU) 60’, Maksuti (FOR) 61’
Athletes of the Week Matt Schiller
Abigail Konovodoff
Sophomore
Senior
Golf
Volleyball
Schiller was in fine form at the Ryan Lee Memorial Tournament, shooting rounds of 72 and 70 en route to a tie for fourth. It was the best showing of any member of the golf team, which tied for fourth out of 11 schools for its best finish in almost a year.
Konovodoff was an integral part of volleyball’s win over Rider on Sunday. She wound up with 25 assists, 11 digs and three blocks, leading all players in the first two categories. It was her third double-digit assist game of the weekend.
Each week, The Fordham Ram’s Sports editors honor one male athlete and one female athlete for their on-field performances as their “Athletes of the Week.”
News & Notes • Women’s Soccer Moves to
No. 4 in Regional Rankings Fordham women’s soccer played just one game over the past week, but it was enough to move the team five spots up to No. 4 on the weekly NSCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Regional Rankings. William & Mary retained its top spot in the Mid-Atlantic Region, while Northeastern and Dartmouth are the other schools blocking Fordham from the No. 1 position. On the season, the Rams are 5-2-0 and will face off against two MidAtlantic foes this weekend: Columbia and Hofstra.
• Two Honored at Annual Fordham Gridiron Club Dinner Michael Walsh, GSB ’09, and John Lumelleau, FCRH ’74, were honored at last week’s annual Fordham Gridiron Club Dinner, held this year at the Yale Club in Manhattan. There, the former received the Mara Family Award, while the latter received the Walsh Award. Both are designed to honor members of the Fordham football family for their dedication and contributions to the program. Andrews recently started the SL Hudacek Fordham Mentoring Program, while Lumelleau was a member of the very first varsity football team at Fordham.
• Women’s Tennis Adds Ali and Uy to Coaching Staff On Tuesday, Fordham Women’s Tennis announced the hiring of two new coaches: Sarah Ali, FCRH ’15, and Kathleen Uy. They will serve as assistant coach and volunteer assistant coach, respectively. Ali finished up her Fordham tennis career after this year’s spring season 61 career singles wins and 72 in doubles, as well as three team MVPs and two First Team All-Atlantic 10 selections. Uy graduated from the University of Rhode Island, also in 2015.
•
0 0
Women’s Basketball Brings on Frasier On Tuesday, women’s basketball announced the hiring of Jessie Frasier, FCRH ’13, as its new assistant director of basketball operations. Frasier was on the team for two seasons during her time at Fordham but never saw the court due to injury. – Compiled by Sam Belden
What Defines Value in Baseball? For the majority of the regular season, Bryce Harper has been considered the front runner in the NL MVP race, with a short blip on the radar by Goldschmidt and a dark horse in Rizzo. Bryce deserves all the attention in the world for his performance this year, batting .333 with 36 homers and 85 RBIs. However, there should be a closer look into what it truly means to be the Most Valuable Player. While the Nationals have clearly not played their best baseball in August and September, going 18-24 since the trade deadline, Harper has not fallen off. In fact, he’s essentially carried the Nationals to mediocrity. The reason for the Nats’ terrible play is an underachieving starting rotation and a complete disaster of a bullpen, as seen in the last series with the division-leading New York Mets. The line-up has been decent, despite riddled with injury. The point is, Bryce Harper is the front runner for his season stats, yet he hasn’t exactly carried his team, as the Nats are currently in disarray. Meanwhile, a man in New York is slowly rising into the MVP discussion. Yoenis Cespedes came to New York from Detroit at the trade deadline in late July, and has since put on a laser light show of baseball spectacularity. In his 39 games with the Mets, he’s hitting .310 with 16 home runs and 29 extra base hits. He has fit perfectly into the offense and is a regular in the lineup, refusing to take days off. He has also helped a lineup that sat at the bottom of the NL in most batting categories in the months before his arrival. This boost immediately began talk of Cespedes being a possible MVP candidate. Many baseball experts have given it serious thought, while others have written it off. But how much substance is really behind this push for Cespedes to be MVP? Should he even be considered based on his short time in the NL? Obviously, MVP stands for “Most Valuable Player,” and since the MLB does not offer a clear explanation of the concept of a valuable player, the definition, for me at least, is, “a player who is vital to the team and its success.” When putting the two players to that definition, both fit the mold for different reasons. We’ve seen what the Mets are without Cespedes this season, and one can only imagine how far out of the standings the struggling Nationals would be without Harper. This poses the question of how important team success is to MVP voting. When Paul Goldschmidt entered the discussion for MVP, his team was on a hot streak and had entered the Wild Card race. While Arizona has been around .500 all year, an impressive feat considering they had the worst record in baseball last year, the NL Wild Card race turned into a runaway between the Pirates and Cubs, leading to a decrease in clamor for Goldy to be the one. Even Mike Trout’s MVP talk in the AL died due to his team’s performance as well as the drop in his production during the month of August. A player’s contribution to the success of the team should be the primary basis for MVP voting. Come voting time, there will be people who vote for Harper and people who vote for Cespedes. It may be close or it may be a runaway. It all depends on the voter’s idea of what an MVP is.
Page 20
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SPORTS
Page 22
September 16, 2015
Volleyball Picks Up Two Victories By DEVIN ADAMS STAFF WRITER
The Fordham volleyball team traveled across the Bronx on Sept. 8 to face the Manhattan College Jaspers. Fordham lost a tough first set 25-27 but won the next three sets 25-18, 25-22 and 25-23 to win the game 3-1. Freshman Natalie Martinez led the team with 10 kills as well as five aces, sophomore Sarah Skelton added 20 digs and senior Abigail Konovodoff contributed 38 assists. Olivia LaPorta also contributed five blocks to the Fordham victory. The Rams then traveled to Baltimore on Sept. 11-12 to take part in the Maddie Bingaman Memorial Tournament, hosted by University of Maryland, Baltimore County. The Rams’ first opponent was UMBC. The first set was a tough loss for the Rams as the two teams traded the lead throughout the entire set. UMBC led 8-3 early in the game, but the Rams fought back and even led 25-24. They could not close out the set, as UMBC went on a 3-0 run to win the first set 27-25. The second set was equally competitive with the Rams going on a 7-0 run to take the lead in the set 22-21, but once again failed to close out, and UMBC took the second set 25-23. The Rams
fought hard again in the third set, but UMBC took the set 25-20 and completed its sweep of the Rams. Konovodoff led the team in assists for the second straight game with 18, sophomore Clarissa Cartledge led the team with 12 digs and freshman Breanna Jones contributed 10 kills for the Rams. The Rams’ next opponent was the Morgan State Bears. The first set was a back and forth, with both teams trading the lead and having small scoring streaks. The Rams ultimately fell, 26-28. Fordham then began the second set by taking a 4-0 lead and never looked back, taking the second set 25-17. Then Morgan State came out to start the third set with a scoring streak of 4-0 and won the set 25-16. The fourth set was another hard fought battle, but Morgan State closed out the set on a 6-1 run to take the set 25-19 and the game 3-1. Cartledge once again led the team with 12 digs and sophomore Emily Fronk added 22 assists. LaPorta led the team in three categories with six blocks, three aces and nine kills. The final opponent for the Rams on the weekend was the Rider University Broncs. The Rams started the first set strong, going up as much as 7-3. After trading the lead yet again, the Rams closed out the set on a 5-0 run to take the
first set 25-20. The Rams came out just as fast on the second set again going up 7-3, but this time, instead of allowing the Broncs to catch up, the Rams ran away with the set by going on a 10-0 streak to close out the second set 25-10. The Rams continued to open up strong on the third set by taking a 5-0 lead and led by as much as 20-13. However, the Broncs rallied and were able to close the gap to bring the score to 22-21 Rams. The Rams were able to hold on and win the set 25-22, and complete the sweep 3-0, ending their weekend with a victory. Jones led the team with 11 kills, freshman Nicole Freely added four blocks and LaPorta added three aces. Konovodoff led the team with 25 assists as well as 11 digs. The Rams are now 5-7 on the year after a 3-1 victory over Saint Peter’s University on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Fordham took the first two sets 25-20 and 25-23, but St. Peter’s fought back in the third set with a 26-24 win. The Rams would not be denied in the fourth set, winning in convincing fashion 25-14. Martinez led the way for the Rams with 15 kills, Fronk added 20 assists and Jones had a teamhigh 11 digs in the contest. The team will now head to Loretto, Pennsylvania to take part in the Red Flash Classic from Sept. 18-19.
SAM JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM
Led by a strong group of young talent, the Fordham volleyball team is off to a 5-7 start after starting 0-12 last season.
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
The Rams cross country squad began its season with a pair of high finishes.
Cross Country Starts Strong By ALEXANDRIA SEDLAK STAFF WRITER
The men’s and women’s cross country teams had a great start to their seasons at the 35th annual Fordham Fiasco/Ed Joyce Memorial Meet that took place at Van Cortlandt Park on Saturday, Sept. 12. The men’s team came in the number one spot with a combined team score of 16, while the women’s team finished in second place. This is a great achievement compared to last year, when the men’s team finished in second and the women’s team finished in third among the Division I programs. The men’s team had a long line of runners coming in almost one right after the other. Senior Jonathan Annelli was the first runner to cross the finish line of the five mile race with a time of 26:26.03. He was followed closely by seniors Quincy O’Connor and Michael Turi, who came in at 26:32.25 and 26:34.03, respectively. Sophomore Thomas Slattery also finished in the top five, with a time of 26:40.90. Finishing between first place and eighteenth place out of twenty nine, the Fordham men’s team held a 33 point lead over Rutgers University, the second place team. The women’s team also experienced a successful first meet. Their major competitor, Brown University, came in first. The first 19 spots were filled by the Brown and Fordham runners. Junior Brianne Roche, the first Ram to cross the finish line, came in tenth place with a time of 19:53.69. She was directly followed by sophomore Brynna Harum (20:02.68), and shortly after by sophomore Stephanie Leo finishing 13th (20:12.24), junior Shanna Heaney finishing 14th (20:32.69), senior Rachel Picard finishing 15th (21:02.21), junior Josephine JacobDolan finishing 17th (21:31.20) and sophomore Clare Bollnow finishing 18th (21:46.03). In the end, the Fordham women had a team score of 50, securing them a second place finish over the other teams.
“Our top five girls all finished within about a minute of each other which is pretty impressive for a cross country race,” Heaney said. Notably, the men’s cross country team enters this season ranked number 15 in the USTFCCCA preseason Northeast Regional Poll. The past year was highly successful for them, as they defended their IC4A University Division Championships and also received seven individual awards. The highest of these awards was Quincy O’Connor’s Division I National Athlete of the Week award received last October. This was the only time in Fordham history that a Ram achieved this recognition. At the NYC Metropolitan Championship, O’Connor glided into first place 20 seconds ahead of the rest, with Fordham’s Michael Turi finishing in second and Thomas Slattery in third. Fordham claimed the team title at this event for the first time in 50 years. With the incredible achievements the team had last year, this was a great way to start off the new season, but there is still more to come. “Overall, we were very pleased with the meet,” assistant coach Brian Horowitz said. “It was a solid season opener. Of course we were happy to get the win, but we are looking ahead to some bigger meets later this season.” The results of this meet show just how hard the team practices, but that does not mean that they can stop. The results also serve as motivation for the team to keep up their hard work and surpass their previous expectations. “While everyone was fairly happy with their races, now we have a better idea of what we need to work on for the future,” Roche said, “and we can tailor our workouts to include more hills and to work on finishing speed.” The team next travels to Bronxville, New York to take part in the LIU-Post Invitational on Saturday Sept. 19.
Water Polo Even Through Eight Matches By BRENDAN TAGUE CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Fordham water polo team was 2-2 heading into the Bison Invitational, with wins against Gannon and Salem International and losses to No. 15 Navy and Johns Hopkins. Over the weekend, the Rams dropped both of their Saturday games, facing Navy once again and No. 17 Bucknell. The Rams came to Lewisberg hoping to prove that they could
beat the No. 15 Midshipmen. However, despite playing Navy goal-for-goal for the first half, lack of capitalization on man-up opportunities proved to be the Rams’ downfall. Seniors Andrew Gonzalez, Landon Kern and Davis DeFontes each scored one goal along with freshman Ryan Guso, while freshmen Diego Delgado and Magnus Sims each assisted two scores in the contest. After swallowing yet another bitter loss to Navy, Fordham had a short rest before their next match
against the hosting team, Bucknell. A close first quarter ended in a 0-0 tie, but the Bison ran away with the lead, scoring 10 in the remaining three quarters. Fordham was only able to score one goal in the game, from DeFontes. “There were a lot of opportunities,” head coach Bill Harris stated. “We worked really hard on defense but we were just absolutely flat with our shooting and scoring.” A winless Saturday had the Rams discouraged, but by Sunday morning they were fired up
and ready to rebound as they took back-to-back wins against Mercyhurst and George Washington. After its weak offensive performance in Saturday’s final game, Fordham came out and scored a combined 24 goals for the day. In the first fixture, Fordham outscored Mercyhurst 12-7, featuring a hat trick from Delgado. Still, the team was unable to score on 6-on5, despite 22 ejections being called between the two teams. Later in the day, Fordham won a close game against George Washington and
improved to 4-4, which brought their record back up to .500. Junior R.J. Simmons scored five goals and the Rams won the game 12-8. Sophomore Alex Jahns started every game in goal, and was relieved by sophomore Bryce Charles and senior Patrick Harrigan. The 2-2 record on the weekend gives the team a 4-4 record overall this season. The Rams have a weekend off before they play their first game at home on Saturday, Sept. 26 against MIT at 2 p.m.
SPORTS
September 16, 2015
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Up and Cubbing By BRENDAN O’CONNELL CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After years of misery and virtual irrelevance, the Chicago Cubs may finally be turning their franchise around for the long haul. Then again, they are the Cubs, so do not hold your breath. 107 years into their World Series title drought, the Cubs have suffered through pain and agony only a Red Sox fan could remotely understand. In 2004, the Sox won their first title in 86 seasons, lifting the infamous “Curse of the Bambino,” and the Sox have won two more championships since. The Cubs will likely have a chance this postseason to raise their own trophy, as the team is currently in position to play in the National League Wild Card game. Regardless of how far the team can advance in the postseason, this season represents a new era of hope and possibility for Cubs fans. In 2011, general manager Theo Epstein, who helped bring Boston its 2004 and 2007 championships, was hired as the team’s President of Baseball Operations. In their first three seasons with Epstein at the helm, the Cubs finished in last place in the National League Central, with a combined 86 games under .500. So far this season, the Cubs are 21 games over .500 and comfortably lead the race for the National League’s second wildcard spot. So what is behind their resurgence? A couple of key factors come into play. It all starts with the skipper. This offseason, the Cubs signed former Tampa Bay Rays skipper Joe Maddon as the team manager. Maddon is a vivacious personality with a unique approach and has been quite successful in recent years, earning Manager of the Year honors twice in his decade-long career. Maddon has brought a winning attitude and a fun, free and fearless spirit to the team. Famous for bringing strange animals and DJs into the locker room to keep a loose and light atmosphere, as well as shifting unconventionally in the field, his philosophies are refreshing and different. Maddon is not affected by the pressure or challenges that he and the team are faced with. Instead, he has approached the situation with optimism. When he was introduced as manager, Maddon said, “The challenge
is so outstanding, how could you not want be in this? I do not know all the circumstances surrounding the last 107 years…but I’m way too optimistic to worry about things like that… Why would you not want to accept this challenge in this city, in that ballpark, under these circumstances, with this talent?” The talent Maddon speaks of has delivered encouraging results. An emergence of talented youngsters has propelled the team to success this season, and veteran pitching has provided a solid foundation for the operation as a whole. Boasting four of the NL’s top rookies (Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler), the Cubs have hit a jackpot in their farm system, which has fed the major league team in recent years. This jackpot was part of Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer’s plan to develop their youth and revive the franchise through a slow and steady progression. These talented up-and-comers join 25-year-old Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, also 25, and Dexter Fowler, 29, as part of a budding core in Chicago. This season, Rizzo ranks 4th in the NL in OPS and WAR, and 5th in Home Runs and RBIs and Fowler ranks 3rd in Runs. The big-splash signing in free agency this offseason was Jon Lester. He has been solid for most of the season, possessing a 9-10 record with a 3.59 ERA . Jake Arrieta has had the hot hand, making a case for the Cy Young Award with a stellar 19-6 record and 1.99 ERA and ranking second in both categories in the National League this season. A strong bullpen led by closer Hector Rondon and veteran Jason Motte has provided reliable support for the starters throughout the year. The Cubs have established a high-powered, yet balanced offensive attack, with a dependable pitching staff to complement it. The groundswell of prospects will continue to emerge and bolster the ballclub, making success finally on the horizon for the Cubs. For a franchise tormented by memories of the Steve Bartman incident and the “Billy Goat Curse,” this fresh management style and revitalized roster bring promise. If this type of progress continues, Wrigley Field may soon be home to the World Champions for the first time in the Cubs’ 99 year history with the ballpark.
By ANTHONY PUCIK SPORTS EDITOR
At the end of last semester, the status of New York sports was relatively uncertain. The Yankees and Mets were not off to the best starts in their respective seasons, the Knicks and Nets were out of the playoffs with their near future looking very bleak and both the Giants and Jets missed the playoffs in the winter. Aside from the Rangers and Islanders making the playoffs in the NHL, there was not much to be happy about as a sports fan in the Big Apple. Now, however, things are looking up. Both the Mets and the Yankees are in the playoffs, the Giants have a promising offense, the Jets have a lockdown defense and the Rangers and Islanders are both looking to advance towards the Stanley Cup. So, who will be the next team to win a championship in New York? The Yankees? The Mets? Actually, it’s neither of them, or any of the other above teams mentioned. Look no further than the New York Liberty. The team has clinched the Eastern Conference, has the best record in the WNBA, and is primed to win its first championship in the history of the franchise. Bill Laimbeer took over the team after a 15-19 season in 2012, and in the previous two years did not have a winning record. The team regressed to an 11-23 record in 2013 in his first season, then back to a 15-19 record last year, finishing fifth in the East both times. Despite two losing records, the team re-signed Laimbeer on Jan. 8, and also has made a few offseason moves that have paid huge dividends for them this season. The team added Tanisha Wright and Carolyn Swords to the roster, acquired Epiphany Prince from the Chicago Fire in exchange for Cappie Pondexter and re-signed Swin Cash. Prince ended up being the most important addition, posting the second highest points per game total behind center Tina Charles. Wright has also been the main reason for the team’s success, chipping in 7.4 points a game, while Swords has contributed 5.1
points per game. Cash has played in all of the Liberty’s contests this season, averaging 4.5 points per game. The offensive numbers for these women may not be flashy, but they still average the eighth most points in the league at 74.4. However, it’s on the defensive side of the ball where the Liberty really shine. They are first in rebounds per game (36.7) and points allowed in the league (71.1), while also posting an impressive 12-5 record at home and 11-6 record on the road. Down the stretch, the team hasn’t let up. It defeated the Minnesota Lynx, who finished first in the Western Conference, and topped the Connecticut Sun 7464 to clinch the conference and best overall record with two games to play. An 82-55 loss on Sept. 11 to the Washington Mystics would be a bit concerning, if the Liberty didn’t rest most of their starters in the second half. They also dropped their final game of the season 8176 on the road to Indiana, once again resting their stars. The Liberty will be heading into the playoffs with a rested team and home-court advantage. This is unfamiliar territory to most of the women, since their last postsea-
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
Led by Tina Charles (left), the Liberty had the best record in the WNBA.
Varsity Calendar HOME AWAY
Thursday Sept. 17
Friday Sept. 18
Saturday Sept. 19
Football
Columbia 1 p.m.
Men’s Soccer
Fairfield 7 p.m.
Women’s Soccer Cross Country Volleyball
Columbia 6 p.m.
Sunday Sept. 20
Tuesday Sept. 22
Hofstra 2 p.m. LIU-Post Invitational 11 a.m. Stony Brook 7 p.m.
Red Flash Classic
Hartford Hawks Invitational
Men’s Tennis
Siena 1 p.m.
Women’s Tennis
Quinnipiac Invitational
COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA
Monday Sept. 21
Wednesday Sept. 23
Columbia 7 p.m.
Golf
Anthony Rizzo is the young veteran around many talented Chicago rookies.
son appearance was a Conference Semifinals sweep to the Sun in 2012. In fact, since its existence in 1997, the Liberty is 0-3 in WNBA Finals, its last appearance occuring in 2002 against the Los Angeles Sparks. However, many believe that this could be the Liberty’s year. With Tina Charles leading the way, along with two other Connecticut women’s basketball alumni in Cash and Kiah Stokes, the Liberty will be led by a group of women who knows what it takes to win big games. If they maintain their defensive style throughout the playoffs and get the necessary scoring from Charles, Prince, Essence Carson and others, there very well could be a new banner hanging in the rafters at Madison Square Garden by October. Disappointments from sports teams around the city have cast a dark cloud over the city’s respective teams’ impatient fan bases. Fans who demand success it right away will not wait a few years for their teams to rebuild; they want results and they want them fast. While the Mets and the Yankees do bring some rays of hope, the Liberty could be the first team to return New York to its championship ways.
Rider 1:30 p.m.
SPORTS
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September 16, 2015
The Fordham Ram
Football Falls to Second Ranked Villanova By SAM BELDEN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
On a rainy Saturday evening in the Bronx, Fordham football was unable to recapture the magic from last week’s triumph over Army West Point. Instead, the team ran into a stingy Villanova defense, scoring just once in the game and losing 14-7. The highly anticipated showdown between the two nationally-ranked FCS squads turned out to be fairly slow-paced, with just three scores occurring during the 60 minutes of play. “We just couldn’t get anything going on offense against a very good defense,” said head coach Joe Moorhead. “I don’t believe in moral victories, but I was pleased to see they way we competed against the No. 2 team in the country coming off of a great win against an FBS school.” The Wildcats got on the board early by scoring on their first drive of the game. Their march down the field lasted around five minutes and culminated with a six-yd touchdown pass from quarterback and (reigning FCS Player of the Year) John Robertson to wide receiver Kevin Gulyas. On its next drive, the restless Villanova offense fumbled the ball after advancing 32 yards on just three plays. However, Fordham failed to take advantage of its good fortune, advancing a negligible distance and finishing the first quarter without any points to its name. Villanova wasted no time in the second quarter, charging down the field on a drive that included a 33yd pass from Robertson to wide
MIKE GROLL/ AP
The Fordham football team fell to Villanova 14-7 in its home opener on a rainy Saturday night at Jack Coffey Field.
receiver Aaron Wells to get within the red zone. From there, Robertson and running back Javon White combined to run it in for a touchdown, extending the lead to 14. After about a quarter-and-a-half, the Fordham offense finally got on the board. On the first down of their second drive of the second quarter, the Rams employed a trick play that involved freshman wide receiver Corey Caddle becoming the passer and finding senior wide receiver Tony Patrignelli for a 26yd gain. Regarding the unconventional play, Moorhead commented that
Villanova possesses “an extremely aggressive defense and we felt this play took advantage of their pursuit to the ball.” Fordham scored its first touchdown of the game when junior quarterback Kevin Anderson tossed a 20-yd bullet to Caddle, who was waiting in the end zone. On that drive, the Rams took advantage of good initial field position at the Villanova 43. From there, the teams’ defenses took over, refusing to allow a single point for the remainder of the game. Villanova managed to drive 70 yards down the field
during the third quarter, but the Rams caught another break when a second field goal attempt went wide. Meanwhile, Fordham did not return to the red zone for the rest of the game, with the new-look offense appearing to be overmatched against the opposition. The game’s final score was the same as its halftime score, 14-7 Villanova. Both teams now possess season records of 1-1. A major factor in the Wildcats’ win was their ability to control Fordham’s most important weapon, sophomore running back Chase Edmonds. Last week’s FCS
Player of the Week was held to just 74 rushing yards in the game, a far cry from his 126 yard, three touchdown performance at West Point. Anderson, starting only his second game since his senior year of high school, was unable to compensate for that drop-off, not when he completed just nine of his 22 passes, a success rate of just over 40 percent. The upside? Fordham’s new quarterback refrained from throwing an interception for the second consecutive week. “There is a very high standard for quarterback play in this offense,” said Moorhead. “Kevin has all of the tools to be very successful, just like his predecessors. He’s played pretty well in the first two games. We are all excited about his potential. He just needs to continue to improve on a weekly basis.” While it was not a banner night for the Fordham offense, several of the Rams’ defenders put up memorable performances. Junior defensive back Jihaad Pretlow led the team with 10 tackles, while sophomore safety Caleb Ham delivered on nine and sophomore linebacker Niko Thorpe had seven, including three sacks. The team will see its next action on Saturday afternoon at its annual homecoming game, this year against Columbia in the 23rd Liberty Cup. At the moment, Columbia leads the series 12-11, but Fordham has the home field advantage as it looks to win the equalizer. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. For the Lions, it will serve as their season opener.
Women’s Soccer Brings Success Back Home By LEIGHTON SCHNEIDER STAFF WRITER
The Fordham women’s soccer team took on LIU-Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon and walked away with a 2-1 victory. Graduate student midfielder Jessica Widmann scored her fifth goal of the year and fifth-year senior forward Kristina Maksuti got her second straight game-winning goal. Fordham controlled the pace for the majority of the game and put on an offensive clinic with 27 shots and 15 shots on goal during the game. One goal for the Rams in the first half was to high press LIU. The team ended up accomplishing this with 15 shots and six shots on goal in the first half. LIU-Brooklyn then changed their play in the second half and had seven shots, compared to zero in the first half. “The first half was terrific,” said head coach Jessica Clinton. “We were moving the ball, we were pressing it greatly. LIU played faster in the second half. They went direct to playing long ball to catch us and it certainly worked. We were exposed a little bit. ” The Rams had the first chance of the game in the 16th minute off of a corner kick. Junior midfielder Brianna Blunck took the corner and placed the ball just outside of the six-yd box. Junior defender Nicole Bates found herself wide open and headed the ball
SAM JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM
After improving to 5-2 on Sunday, the women’s soccer team is now ranked fourth in the Mid-Atlantic regional rankings.
off the crossbar. The ball fell to junior forward Nicol Natale who tried to head it into the goal, but the ball went past the left post. Fordham opened the scoring in the 25th minute with Widmann’s
goal. Freshman forward Lane Cronin crossed the ball from the right side of the field to the top of the 18-yd box, where Widmann scored off of the inside right post. The team got another chance just
a minute later. Graduate student forward Kate McDonnell found an open senior midfielder Ivana Lahcanski at the top of the 18-yd box. Lahcanski curled it towards the top left corner before LIU goalie Erin Harbison
punched it over the goal. LIU picked up their offense with six shots in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. The Blackbirds tied the game up in the 60th minute with a goal by freshman forward Marian Awad. Junior forward Tori Shinkowitz played a ball to the freshman and Fordham junior goalie Megan Fitzgerald tried to make a play on the ball, but lost the ball before Awad was able to shoot it in. Fordham would not let that goal slow them down though. Just over a minute later Natale moved the ball down the field and crossed the ball into the box to Maksuti. Maksuti was able to get a foot on the ball and fired it past the goalie. With the goal, she became just the sixth Ram to ever score 20 career goals, and moved into sixth place on Fordham’s all-time scoring list with 49 points. “I think it was a terrific response by the whole team to get in, and there was great composure by [Kristina],” said Clinton. “It was great to have that response so quickly and not let the minutes tick down and start to get or feel the pressure.” Fitzgerald made five saves for her fourth win of the season. Fordham improved to 5-2-0 on the season with its third straight win. The Rams play at Columbia next on Friday, Sept. 16.