Volume 97 issue 5 by The Fordham Ram

The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 Volume 97, Issue 5

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Admin Responds to Budget Breakdown

SAGES Launches Sexual Health Network

By LAURA SANICOLA NEWS EDITOR

In analyzing Spring 2015 budget allocations, the numbers speak for themselves. Almost. $413,890 — the amount of money that Fordham’s budget committee had available to distribute for the Spring 2015 semester. Seventy Seven — the number of clubs requesting funding for that semester. Zero — the number of political speakers funded by the budget committee. Zero is also the amount of funds that referendum clubs are required to make transparent. Among the 10 clubs with referendum status is Fordham’s Campus Activities Board. CAB takes up 42 percent of the available club funds. It is student run, but the club also works closely with Alanna Nolan, assistant dean of student leadership and community development. “CAB is held to a high standard by the department, and they simultaneously hold themselves and each other to important goals, deadlines, and accountability,” said Nolan. “While the group greatly contributes to regular programming, a lot of their behind the scenes work and effort may go unnoticed.” The behind-the-scenes work largely stays that way due to the fact that CAB, along with every other referendum club, is not required to provide a breakdown of its budget each semester. “I have no doubt that the work done by CAB is extraordinary and they are far and away one of the most important organizations on campus,” said Michael Billotti, president of College Democrats and a member of the budget committee. “They do hold themselves to high standards and I think the university benefits greatly from their hard work. However, I still have issues regarding the lack of transparency with their budget.” When asked if CAB would consider making their budget transparent, Nolan declined to comment. The Campus Activities Board is the primary programming entity on the Rose Hill campus and an extension of the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development. SEE BUDGET, PAGE 7

in this issue

Opinion

Page 9

Career Services Failing Students

Culture

Page 13

Major Changes Coming to the ‘Daily Show’

Sports

Page 19 Softball Wins Big at Florida Tournament

February F b 18 18, 2015

CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Coffee is among a number of fair trade products available on campus.

Students Continue Push for Fair Trade Status ByJOE VITALE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Fair trade — the movement that strives to foster economic development through equitable trading partnerships — has steadily established itself as a part of life at Fordham Students for Fair Trade (SFT) is a campus organization that works with artisans to provide a Western market for their products. Along with a number of courses on fair trade, fair trade products are available for purchase at every retailer on campus. Fair trade products are also available at many university events and eating establishments. Still, according to Fair Trade Campaigns, an organization that works to educate consumers about socially responsible business practices, Fordham is not officially a fair trade university. Fordham has already met four of the five requirements, according to SFT. The requirements include having a fair trade team, the involvement of campus outlets and fair trade products at events and meet-

ings on campus. The fourth requirement is a commitment to fair trade education, which the group says has been met by some courses offered by the Gabelli School of Business. The final step — a resolution passed through by the Board of Trustees or the President’s office — has not been completed. Many in the community, including students and professors, continue to press for a resolution by the university. The issue was one of several initiatives discussed during January’s Student Life Council Meeting. There, SFT’s President, Tiffany Melillo, GSB ’15 and Vice President, Michael Billotti, both GSB ’15, appealed for the university to make a statement committing to fair trade. “It’s a sustainable way to fight poverty,” Melillo said of fair trade. “Instead of just putting a band-aid on the problem where you’re giving out food, it’s coming from the bottom.” SLC voted in support of the initiative, echoing a similar step SEE FAIR TRADE, PAGE 6

USG Unveils Open Forum for Student Discussion

By ERIN SHANAHAN

By JOE VITALE

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Last Fall, the Fordham SAGES (Students for Sex and Gender Equality and Safety), won the attention of the university by publically displaying its demands on campus. The group has resurfaced for the first time this semester and will be hosting an information session about its new sexual health network, “The-Just-a-Friend-Network.” SAGES not only deals with sex related issues, such as a lack of contraceptives on campus, but also works to enforce freedom of speech, combat women centered issues and address LGBT concerns. Last September, members of SAGES were seen distributing condoms at President's Ball. Then, on Nov. 3, the group officially brought its grievances to the university in the form of a petition and demanded reform. In addition to placing the petition and demands on the door of Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, the group then organized a demonstration near Dealy Hall.

A month after releasing its midyear report, United Student Government (USG) has announced a new series of events for students to voice specific concerns and ideas about a range of topics concerning the Fordham community. The series, called Center Stage, will open with a discussion about free speech — a perennial issue on college campuses which was not directly addressed USG’s student mid-year report. The discussion, scheduled for Monday Feb. 23, will address current concerns fielded by students regarding speech and expression at Fordham. “The ‘Center Stage’ series is based on the idea that students should have a safe forum to voice their concerns and ideas in regard to any topic,” said Nevin Kulangara, GSB ’15, executive president of USG. “While the Internet has provided a place for student to express their frustrations and worries, these concerns often become lost throughout various social media platforms.”

SEE SAGES, PAGE 3

SEE USG PAGE 2

JOSHUA KIM/THE FORDHAM RAM

Spring Sports Settle Into New Season In the next few weeks, Fordham’s spring season teams will begin league play. Check out our full preview of each team in a special insert inside.

Pride Clubs Provide Safe Space for All Students By ASHLEY KATUSA STAFF WRITER

Over the years, Fordham has made continued efforts to be inclusive towards all, and one way it does so is by promoting clubs to help raise awareness for those of all sexualities and all genders. Kathe Rockelein, FCRH ’17, spoke as a member of the Pride Alliance. Rockelein refers to it as an

all-inclusive environment that helps many students feel safe and at home at Fordham. The Pride Alliance hosts many events, such as the Vigil for Change and Coming Out Week. These events are supported not only by those belonging to the LGBT community, but also by cisgender and heterosexual students interested in learning more about other genders and identities and supporting those who

are a part of the LGBT community. Aside from the Pride Alliance, Fordham also has a Women’s Empowerment club. Although the name may sound misleading, this club welcomes and encourages all genders to join, and strives to recognize the fluidity of gender, often thought of as a very rigid term. The club also uses very deliberate language, meant to reiterate this fluidity.

“Though this may seem small, intentional things like language and representation are at the core of Women’s Empowerment and strengthen our commitment to recognizing the intricacies of gender and sexual orientation,” said Rachel Dougherty, FCRH ’15. Regarding gender identity, Dougherty identifies as genderqueer. Genderqueer, a term that SEE LGBT, PAGE 3

NEWS

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PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS Feb. 11 RamFit Center 3:30 p.m. A female student left her phone and other personal property in a locker. When she returned, she found that her iPhone 6 was missing. None of her other property was missing. She reported the theft to Public Safety. Public Safety is investigating, and the student did not file a report with the NYPD. Feb. 12 2484 Arthur Ave. 11:05 a.m. FDNY responded to a fire alarm at an off-campus apartment. Residents were evacuated from the building. FDNY found no fire or smoke and reset the alarm. The cause for the alarm is unknown. Feb. 12 2486 Hoffman St. 1:30 p.m. A student reported a missing iPhone. He had last seen his phone on Thursday night, prior to a Senior Night event in the McGinley Center. After leaving the event, the student returned to his off-campus apartment. A few days later, he reported the missing iPhone to Public Safety. Public Safety investigated with no results, and the student refused to file a report with the NYPD. Feb. 16 Walsh Hall 5:05 p.m. Public Safety responded to a fire alarm and discovered smoke on the 8th floor. The smoke had been caused by food that had burned on the stove. There was no damage, and no injuries were reported from the smoke.

—Compiled by Cailin McKenna, Assistant News Editor

February 18, 2015

Journal From Abroad

Putting Politics Aside in Scotland By NICK MAKAROV CONTRIBUTING WRITER

EDINBURGH — Part of the allure of studying abroad lies outside of your host country. Much of the small talk with my peers in London revolves around upcoming weekend trips. My first such trip was to Edinburgh, Scotland. Prior to my departure I did not know much about the city. I knew that there was a castle, a cafe in which Harry Potter was born and a loch containing a sea monster a couple hours north. At the end of the day, I decided to travel to Edinburgh because it came highly recommended by my mom, who made sure that I pronounced it “EdinBRUH” rather than an Americanized pronunciation similar to “Pittsburgh.” With the knowledge necessary to avoid ostracism, I felt confident tackling England’s northern neighbor. We arrived on a Thursday night so we could get a head start on the town in the morning. Around 9 a.m., I set out to explore with seven other students. After about an hour of trying to decide where to go, we decided to scale Calton Hill. In Edinburgh there are two hills that tower above the rest of the city: Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle. If you Google search “Edinburgh” many of the pictures would come from the top of Calton Hill. The views from the top of the monument-infested miniature mountain certainly give Edinburgh a personality. The most visible landmark was a bridge dividing Old Edinburgh and New Edinburgh. From my point of view, beautiful Old Edinburgh rested to the left of the bridge, while the bustling banks and H&Ms of New Edinburgh were to the right. The stunning view of Scotland’s capital perfectly exemplified the country’s rocky transition toward independence. Last September, there was a referendum for Scottish independence that did not pass. Talks of independence have yet to cease. There are now many interest groups funding each side of the debate. While I was only in Edinburgh for a couple days, everyone I met was relaxed and friendly. They all seemed to have a “whatever happens, happens” attitude. Hostility and aggression were ab-

USG Forum Tries to Give Voice To Students FROM USG, PAGE 1

MICHAEL DOBUSKI/ THE FORDHAM RAM

In the UK, close proximity and low costs make travel easy for students abroad.

sent from the Royal Mile (Old Edinburgh) and Princes Street (New Edinburgh) alike. It was almost as if the Scots knew they had nothing to prove. Often you find that citizens of a nearly-independent country have a need to prove a distinct identity, but in Edinburgh the Scots clutch onto reliable norms and traditions in the midst of potential political upheaval. Debates between the Labour Party and the Scottish National Party continue, with fracking and parliamentary power being two main points of conversation. Fracking is also called “Hydraulic Fracturing,” and it consists of sending a mixture of water, sand and chemicals into the earth with the goal of extracting oil and gas. Supporters of fracking emphasize benefits such as cheaper energy and more jobs. Opponents draw attention to the environmental annihilation and the community health hazards that often come paired with hydraulic fracturing, including poisoning of local water. The Scottish National Party recently implemented a ban on fracking, while the Labour Party hopes to instate tighter regulations on the practice. Scottish politicians and I are similar in the fact that we want to preserve Instagram-worthy views. The Scottish people are proud. They ooze pride to the point of putting a kilt store on every cor-

ner. Scottish people have a clear identity, and they cannot say for certain whether independence is the right move. They just happen to have a stronger, more powerful big brother in England. Cutting immediate ties with them could prove to be detrimental to the country’s infrastructure. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops within the next year, especially because it is an election year. Politics aside, I would recommend visiting Scotland. The entire town of Edinburgh is coated in various types of dark stone, which gives off a spooky Winterfell vibe that will have you transfi xed at what could be around the corner. I wandered alone the city for about three hours (even though I totally have friends) with no agenda. I walked past vibrant street art and cozy family-owned pubs and ended up on top of Arthur’s Seat for another breathtaking view. I would also like to stress how easy it is to travel out of London. I spent around £80 round-trip on the flights, and the Airbnb cost was negligible. Not once did I feel unsafe, worried or stressed as I was parading around Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace or the William Wallace monument. Our Airbnb hostess Eleanor was extremely kind and I felt that the entire city of Edinburgh was completely hospitable to us first-time Scottish travelers.

Along with current concerns, the first event will also touch on the Maroon Square Proposal and the Report on Speech & Expression — two documents released by USG that explored free speech issues on campus. The Speech and Expression Report, published in 2013, used student experiences to assess the ability of student organizations to host events, advertise and contribute to the “intellectual vibrancy” of student life at Fordham. The document followed the Fall 2012 decision by the College Republicans to rescind its invitation to Ann Coulter to speak at Rose Hill. Relying on testimonial from students, including those from Campus Activities Board, Fordham Experimental Theatre, Mimes and Mummers, Expressions Dance Alliance, Fordham Flava, Progressive Students for Justice, Ramblers and Pride Alliance, the forty five page report also provides a number of recommendations to administrators. The Maroon Square Report, released four years earlier and signed by John Tully Gordon, then executive president of USG and chair of USG’s Commission on Speech and Expression, assessed Fordham’s demonstration policy. The document suggested a free speech zone — a confined campus location where students would “be free to express themselves and demonstrate” — as a solution. The report listed the demonstration policy as cause for concern, calling it “an unnecessary impediment that often intimidates students and denies them the opportunity to stage a demonstration or express themselves in other ways, on short notice, in response to any immediate action or issue.” The report also suggested possible locations as well as potential guidelines for a free speech zone. It did acknowledge that there had been no record of any “duly registered” protest being denied between 2006-2009. The first Center Stage event is set to take place in Campbell Commons.

This Week at Fordham Thursday Feb. 19

Friday Feb. 20

FET Presents: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Ice Skating at Bryant Park

Baked Goods with Lizard Pizza

Up ‘til Dawn Spring Event

Walsh Library 5:15 p.m.

Alumni House 8:00 pm

Blackbox Theater 8 p.m. This rendition of Shakespeare’s play is directed by Christopher Pedro and Jonathan O’Neill. The play will also be performed Friday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. as well as Saturday at 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Commuter Assistants of CSS, Commuter Student Association are organizing a trip to Bryant Park for an evening of skating. Skate rentals are $15 for all students. All are welcome to join.

Rodrigue’s Coffee House hosts two bands: Baked Goods, a five piece jam band featuring a combination of jazz, funk, and rock and roll, and Lizard Pizza, a local Fordham band. Admission is free.

McGinley 2nd 10:00 p.m. Support the fight against childhood cancer this Friday night with Fordham’s St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn Organization. The night long event will include free food, such as Domino’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, music, Expressions Dance Alliance and others. Participants must register online.

For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com

Saturday Feb. 21 Italian Night: Carnevale McGinley 2nd 7:00 p.m. Insieme Italian Cultural Society is hosting a night of dinner and dancing at their first annual Carnevale! To participate in this night of Italian Culture, be sure to purchase tickets in McGinley Lobby or online. Student tickets are $15 pre-sale, $25 at the door.

NEWS

February 18, 2015

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Students Enjoy Resources Provided by Pride Clubs FROM LGBT, PAGE 1

is synonymous with non-binary, refers to any gender identity that is neither woman nor man. This consequently lies outside the realm of the gender-binary terms “man” and “woman.” Women’s Empowerment strives to be inclusive to everyone, and with their fights against prejudice nearly everyone in the group has been inadvertently taught this lesson. “We have a set of community standards that foster a safe and accepting environment, such as confidentiality, respect, honesty and various other guidelines for discussion in our meetings,” said Nadine Santoro, FCRH ’18. Santoro understands that some people may not be well-versed in some terms used during these meetings, and if someone happens to use cisnormative or heteronormative language, they are respectfully corrected and their mistake is turned into a learning opportunity for all. While groups like the PRIDE Alliance and Women’s Empowerment are safe havens for people to be open about their gender and sexuality, there are still situations in which people may feel uncomfortable. Santoro believes that simple things, such as changes to our everyday language, are things everyone should work on. This language is even promoted in the classroom, where Santoro said, “many professors will not accept papers which use singular ‘they’ instead of terms like ‘he or she,’ even though many people who do not accept the gender binary use pronouns such as

‘they’ to refer to themselves.” Rockelein also refers to the issue of Fordham’s lack of housing policy for transgender students, Many of Rockelein’s transgender friends have moved off-campus, as they were uncomfortable with how they were placed. However, Rockelein believes that, overall, Fordham does an outstanding job of creating a safe, inclusive environment for everyone. PRISM, a LGBT spirituality retreat, is an incredibly popular event. Over the years, Fordham has incorporated sexual orientation and gender identity into diversity activities that are related to leadership on campus. Fordham also has many individuals trained in LGBT sensitivity and acceptance. Aside from the gender binary and heteronormative language, queer individuals hope to break down more stereotypes. Rockelein states, “the biggest misunderstanding of LGBT people that bleeds into the LGBT community sometimes too is the assumption that everyone is super liberal.” Quite the contrary: Just like cisgender and heterosexual people, queer individuals come in all shapes and sizes. They also represent a range of political ideologies. Santoro stresses the inaccuracy of stereotypes attributed to bisexual individuals: “They are not ‘greedy,’ ‘indecisive’ or ‘more likely to cheat.’” “Overall,” Santoro said, “if students and professors alike work together to educate themselves on diversity, we can soon foster a more empowering home for all.”

COURTESY OF ABBY ROGERS

SAGES Coalition has been a part of many rallies to promote access to contraceptives on campuses.

SAGES Returns with Sexual Health Network FROM SAGES, PAGE 1

On Nov. 20, the group attended a rally organized by Women Organized to Resist and Defend in Manhattan with community activists to show their disapproval of Fordham’s policy, which denies students access to prescriptions for contraceptives on campus. Since their last rally, SAGES left the public eye for some time, but the organization kept busy within their ranks. “We recognized that students went into finals mode,” said Rachel Fields, FCRH ’15, “When students go into finals mode, they're a lot less likely to come out and be active. So we took advantage of this time and worked to build ourselves up.” For the past few months, SAGES has been working to recruit new members and teach new skills to the younger members. “Right now, some of our most active members are graduating, and we want the rest

of our group to have the ability and capacity to keep moving without us,” Fields said. In addition to increasing and empowering their membership, SAGES is also working on launching a sexual health network. “We’ve come to the conclusion that the administration is not going to budge whatsoever on these initiatives,” Fields said, “so we are going to have to create them ourselves.” SAGES is building a health group called “The-Just-a-FriendNetwork.” This group will be a loose collection of students, friends and peers who desire to offer safe sex materials, such as contraceptives, to their friends. SAGES has been building connections around the city over the past few months to help orchestrate the new network. The organization has also met with many of Fordham’s deans over the past few months.

“Basically, nothing has come of these meetings,” Fields said, “Not a single reform, not a single change.” SAGES asked Dean Rogers about the installment of a list of OBGYNs available to the student body. Although Rodgers told SAGES that he would “get back to them” about this request, Fields said the organization still awaits his response. Although SAGES is finding it difficult to get administration to budge on these policies, they have seen improvement in other regards, such as the movement of ideas. “I think at Lincoln Center, the SAGES conversation has sparked the development of another group of students there,” Fields said. “This group has made a lot of progress with the gender neutral bathroom initiative.” SAGES will be holding an information session about their SexualHealth network Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in Dealy Hall, room

Fordham In The Bronx

CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

This ex-prison will be transformed into the Fulton Economic Development and Community Reentry Center.

Former Bronx Prison Gets Face Lift By YASMIN MERCHANT STAFF WRITER

In the criminal justice system, the corrections branch is meant to punish and rehabilitate those who have violated the law. Unfortunately, it often falls short on the latter. People who are released from prison are encouraged to start anew, yet they are given few

resources to do so. It is difficult for ex-prisoners to reintegrate into society when they often have very little education, money, connections and job experience. Having a conviction on one’s records makes it even harder to find housing and jobs. Without any resources to help them reintegrate into society, it is more likely that they will end up back in

prison. The Osborne Association is hoping to combat this issue by transforming a shuttered Bronx prison into a re-entry center. The Osborne Association, a nonprofit that operates in correctional facilities across the state, has received $657,000 from Bronx Borough president Ruben Diaz, Jr. to convert Fulton Correctional Facility into Fulton Economic

Development and Community Reentry Center. It will provide job training, education and housing for former prisoners. The Fulton building has gone through several transformations. Prior to being a prison, it served as a community center, a synagogue and a nursing home. The Osborne Association aims to return the building to its community roots. Their ultimate goal is “turning this former prison into a beacon of hope and possibility in the Bronx,” said Osborne Executive Director Elizabeth Gaynes. This could become the city’s largest re-entry center. The Bronx is arguably where it is most needed. “We know, and work to show the world, that the Bronx is a place where people prosper, where they are offered meaningful opportunities to succeed, to realize their potential and to transcend their past to become productive members of their community,” Diaz Jr. said. According to the 2011 data from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, 4,700 Bronx residents are on parole and 10,000 are on probation. Crime has been declining in the borough, but it still has the highest number of incarcerated or paroled residents in the city. Since many city prisons were closed, prisoners who reside in the boroughs are often sent to correc-

tional facilities far upstate. This practice has been condemned for prioritizing punishment over rehabilitation. Displacing people from their communities makes it even more difficult to reintegrate. After being displaced, “so many inmates come back to the Bronx and without programs like the ones Osborne offer, they wouldn’t have the skills they need to get back into society,” state Senator Gustavo Rivera says. Approximately 60 percent of the state’s prison population comes from the city. Nearly 11,000 inmates are released back to the Bronx each year from state prisons. The 2013 New York recidivism rate was slightly under 40 percent. Bronx officials overwhelmingly support this endeavor. Nearly all Bronx officials co-signed the letter of support from Senator Rivera and Diaz. “The transformed Fulton Correctional Facility will address the needs of our citizens, men and women who are returning home, by offering them interim housing, workforce development through job training, job creation and job placement and supportive services,” the president said. Rivera said that the Fulton building could have been sold to a developer, but they opted to give it to Osborne because “we are turning this building into a symbol of renewal and perseverance, just like the Bronx.”

NEWS

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February 18, 2015

New to Campus, Transfer Students Adjust to Life at Fordham By MALIHA GUL CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Every year, Fordham accepts an average of 4 percent of transfer student applicants, and 7 percent of international student applicants. Transferring into a new school can be tough. Along with the difference in curriculum, one must adjust to a new environment. There are many things to worry about: new place, new classes, new professors and a new beginning. Ricky Flamio, FCRH ’16, who transferred to Fordham from Cornell University during his sophomore year, had no major qualms about the transfer process. “It was easy,” he said. “They gave me a fair amount of core credits when I transferred.” Ricky, who lives in Eastchester, transferred to Fordham to take advantage of its proximity to the Bronx Zoo. “I’m at the zoo now, so I just think it worked better with what I want to do,” he said. “Right now I’m doing my senior thesis with the zoo and with the school, so it makes a lot more sense for what I want to do in my career.” Chris Spinelli, FCRH ’15, who transferred from Quinnipiac University, and shares Ricky’s sentiments. “The paperwork wasn’t difficult at all,” he said. “ I got the maximum amount of transfer credits ... The process itself was easy, but transitioning

into the whole Fordham community was a little bit more difficult, especially being commuters.” For Flamio, fitting into the Fordham community was not a problem at all. “I had gone to high school only 10 minutes away, and I knew a lot of people that already went here,” he said. “Also I just made friends with people in class and through clubs and just sitting in the commuter lounge.” Flamio, who is part of the Pre-Vet club and spends his time volunteering at the Bronx Zoo, shared his love for the commuter lounge. “I love the commuter lounge. I think everyone in the Commuter Students Association is very nice.” “I just really talked to people in my classes,” said Spinelli, who transferred to Fordham as a junior. Since Spinelli also lives nearby in Westchester, he was not overly concerned about making friends. “I wasn’t too worried about making friends because I’ve got a few at home who don’t go away for school.” In terms of advice to transfer students, Spinelli says, “Fordham’s a great school. Don’t be shy, and get involved.” And if you’re a commuter, “Don’t take a.m. classes!” The advice Flamio gave was similar: “Everyone’s really nice so don’t be scared or nervous. Everyone is really willing to help.” For exchange students and international students, it may be harder

CASEY CHUN/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Transfer stduent Ricky Flamio works at the Bronx Zoo to advance his career.

to navigate the waters. “So far, it’s nice, but the only thing that’s troubling me is the load of assignments compared to my school is too much,” said Christine Lee, FCRH ’17, an English literature major who arrived early this spring as part of a foreign exchange program from Sogang University in her native South Korea. Since she has grown up learning English in school, conversation is not a problem. The problem, however, was the difference in workload. Although her conversational English is perfect, and she understands her classes, it is a different experience to be having all her classes in English and writing papers in the language. “I used to go to International School when I was in middle school and high school, so English literature classes that I took in Korea were quite okay for me because I had experience in international schools, but here the difficulty is quite different, the load of assignments they expect,” she said. “For one of my classes, the assignment is to finish a book within one week, and compared to Korea, that’s something unbelievable.” At first, it was even hard to make friends. Lee blames this mostly on the rigor of her classes. “There wasn’t really a chance to make [friends]” she said. “I’m still taking time to get used to how the classes are formatted.” Lee said that she considered many things about Fordham before finally deciding to attend. “Before I chose the school, I had a wide variety of schools that I could go to,” Lee commented, “I found out that Fordham was one of the highly-ranked schools in America. Secondly, I considered the location, and then, since it was located in the city, like not in the middle of the city, but it was near Manhattan, that’s why I chose it.” Lee only wished that Fordham had given her more chances to get involved. “My friends who choose to go to different school’s, their schools have a lot of programs for exchange students,” she said. “But then here, they expect you to find everything by yourself and then get involved by yourself... Compared to other school that I know of. Fordham doesn’t really have any programs that involve international students with programs that they have within the school.” Although she admitted that the Global Transition Program and the New Student Orientation (NSO) were helpful, neither offered the

KELLYN SIMPKINS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fashion Week Flair New York’s semi-annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has taken over midtown this week. This event is an opportunity for international fashion designers to show their collections to buyers, the press and general public. Since 2010, the event has been held at the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts.

guidance she had been hoping to receive as an exchange student. However, things are not all bad for Lee, who returns to South Korea after the spring term is over. “I didn’t know how to specifically get involved, but I went to the club fair and I got involved in the Korean Student Association,” Lee said. Lee has one piece of advice for future exchange students. “Fall semester is the start of the year for America, but for Korea, spring semester is the start.” She said. “If you want to make friends and get involved in a lot of activities, I recommend them to come in the Fall semester.” Paola Jaoquin Rosso, FCRH ’15, who, along with three other students, plans and conducts all new student orientations, says that the most important thing for transfer students to do is to make themselves feel at home. “My recommendation would be, because this is what made me feel at home, getting involved and being open to trying anything new, like seeing there’s a sports game and then going to the sports game,” she said.

NSO holds orientations both in the summer and just before classes begin. An additional orientation is held in January for transfer students, just before the spring semester. However, the orientation leaders that conduct the January orientation for transfer students are not always transfer students themselves. Jaoquin, who is a commuter herself, says she partly understands the struggles of transfer students. “For me since I was a commuter I felt like I was disadvantaged when I first started because I knew that it was going to be harder to get involved on campus, so I kind of understand.” However, she does not think that being a transfer student, or an international student can stop you from making the most of your experience. “Honestly, everything’s what you make of it. I know a lot of transfer students who feel right at home because they’ve made it their home,” she said. “Just make sure that you feel comfortable in whatever you are doing and that you have confidence that you are going to somehow be a part of this community.”

Campus Briefs & Bites Fordham Fulbright Scholars Fordham University was recently named on the Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of top Fulbright-scholar-producing institutions for the fifth time in the university’s history. The Fulbright Program is known for providing opportunities to international students to compete for merit-based grants. The program was founded founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. Many U.S. citezens may become eligable for scholarships as well. These scholarships are used for citizens to study and learn abroad. Due to Fordham’s 11 Fulbright scholarship recipients, the university was placed fifteenth on The Chronicals annual list of top producers. This list, released Feb. 12, showed that Fordham tied with Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University and the University of Southern California. Each of these universities also produced 11 Fulbright scholarship recipients. From Fordham, the 11

recipients came from a group of 54 recipients. This is a yield rate of 20 percent for the award. This year’s winners included, Pedro Cameselle, GSAS ’16, Molly Clemens, FCLC ’14, Daniel Davies, LAW ’14, Henrique DeAgular Valim, FCLC ’14, Mary Hamilton, FCRH ’14, Taylor Jacob, FCRH ’14, Alexander Levine, FCRH ’14, Leila Nabizadeh, GSE ’14, Catherine Paul, FCRH ’13, Kyle Shook, GSE ’17, and Matthew Sinise GSB ’14.

Lee Grant Visits Fordham Theater Program On Feb. 11, the Fordham Theater Program engaged in a freewheeling question and answer session with actress Lee Grant. After a 12 year hiatus from the silver screen, Grant won two Academy Awards. Grant was questioned about many different subjects, but the conversation focused mostly on her blacklist experience in the 1950s when she was asked to testify against her husband and refused.

Although that was a tough time in her life, Grant had a very positive on the situation and acknowledged the benefits of a situation like that at a young age. From that time, she has beat her opposition. Not only has she won two Academy Awards, but she has also transitioned to directing. Her 1986 film, Down and Out in America, won an Academy award for Best Documentary Feature.

Professor Leads Research on Disease Detection After years of data collection about human cells and an early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases, a Fordham professor has found a new, universal way to decode the complicated nature of individual human cells. Dr. Henry Han, associate professor in the department of Computer and Information Sciences, has developed a revolutionary method of identifying the genetic activity unique to complex diseases such as cancer. A

new technology known as RNA-Seq offers a solution by analyzing greater amounts of data about genes and RNA in cells. Along with researchers from Columbia University and the University of California in San Diego, Han has devised an algorithm that relies on wavelets, which sets apart different pieces of genetic information and eliminates misleading or irrelevant information. Han and other researchers applied his algorithm to RNA-Seq data and found three common denominator genetic markers in several cases of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Han’s research is supported by the National Institutes of Health grants, and he is looking for further funding to work with other members of the medical profession in order to catch cancer and other diseases sooner. - Compiled by Cailin McKenna and Erin Shanahan, Assisitant News Editors

NEWS

February 18, 2015

Page 5

Fordham Student Holdings Makes Strides Toward USG Approval By ANDREW MORSE STAFF WRITER

Nevin Kulungara, GSB ’15, has been working for three years to get Fordham Student Holdings (FSH) up and running. His hard work paid off this past Wednesday, as FSH was approved by the operations committee and has official club status. FSH still has to go through OSLCD and Dean of Students Christopher Rogers and be approved by United Student Government, but Kulungara is optimistic that the process will be complete in approximately one month. FSH will serve as the infrastructure and support system for Fordham students to create their own businesses. “It is a platform for student- run businesses on campus, because right now there is no platform for them,” said Kulungara. FSH will be a holdings company with each student run business serving as a brand underneath it. All of the funds from each business will flow up to Fordham Student Holdings and the executive board will determine how to allocate those funds. The club’s first business will be an air mattress rental company for students with guests on campus. Students will be able to rent out an air mattress for a few dollars a night. Ku-

lungara believes the business model should be successful, mainly because there is nothing like it on campus. “It does not represent a repetitive need. We have run the logistics of the potential business by Dean Russell and Dean Rogers, and neither of them have any issue with it,” Kulungara said. FSH will be organized and structured like all the other clubs on campus but with a more business-like spin. Instead of having a president, vice president and secretary, the FSH Executive Board will have a chief executive officer, a chief operations officer, a chief financial officer and a chief marketing officer. The club will also have a board of directors which will consist of five faculty members. The faculty members will come from both Fordham College Rose Hill and Gabelli School of Business with no more than three teachers coming from either school at any point in time. This will ensure that FSH does not become too synonymous with either school. The board will serve in an advisory capacity but will not have any decision-making power in how the businesses operate. They will collect applications for e-board positions and select the most qualified candidates to move on to the general elec-

tion process. “One important role for the board of directors is to make sure that the e-board is as qualified and competent as possible,” said Kulungara. There are two main challenges to FSH that Kulungara is working on right now. The first is working out whether students can be compensated for their work through the club. The majority of clubs on campus have self-generating accounts, and they can fund themselves. For example, Mimes and Mummers charges admission and this money goes toward funding the club. There is no precedent for students being able to directly profit from club participation; however, not making a personal profit from starting a business is a little counterintuitive. “There are plenty of reasons to be involved in the club besides the money, but it would add an extra layer of incentive to participate,” said Kulungara. The second is the challenge to find a group of underclassmen to take over the responsibilities and leadership roles within the organization. As a senior set to graduate at the end of the spring semester, Nevin Kulungara will not be on campus for the club’s first year of operation. He is looking forward to starting the process of finding younger Fordham students who share his interests and

CHRISTIAN WILOEJO/ THE FORDHAM RAM

After three years, Nevin Kulungara’s FSH is in the final stage of approval.

want to get involved in the club. “We are looking at clubs like Compass Fellowship and the Entrepreneurship Society. We are really looking for motivated student leaders and students who have an interest in marketing and finance.” Kulungara is excited to see how FSH grows and develops moving

forward. “I don’t have a plan for it in terms of a business portfolio,” said Kulungara. “I just want to be able to look back as an alumnus and say, ‘Wow, I didn’t even think of this’ It can really go in any direction. I hope there is trial and error and that they learn from their mistakes.”

Campus Ministry Prepares for Lent Summer Intensive: By EDDIE MIKUS STAFF WRITER

Along with the rest of the world’s Catholic institutions, Fordham University is preparing to commemorate the season of Lent, which this year begins on Feb. 18. The season of Lent consists of the time between Ash Wednesday and the Easter Triduum. The season is meant to commemorate the time Jesus spent in the desert prior to the start of his ministry. Father Philip Florio, S.J., vice president of Campus Ministry, offered some further insights into the meaning of Lent. “Lent, in one word, is renewal,” said Florio. “Renewing the spirit, renewing the commitment to care for others, one’s prayer life and relationship with God, renewing one’s attitude towards spiritual living, renewing. That should be happening all the time, but Lent is a special period of 40 days to renew for the great celebration of Easter. Florio said that the university’s Lenten program this year would emphasize the Corporal Works of Mercy, which are deeds that one performs in order to meet the material needs of others. “We’re focusing on the physical works of mercy, especially care for the poor,” Florio said. The university’s Lenten focus will expand upon its Lenten celebration from last year, which revolved around a statement from Pope Francis: “The world tells us to seek success, power and money; God tells us to seek humility, service and love.” The university’s Lent program will kick off with a celebration of Mardi Gras, a traditional French festival that takes place the day before the season begins. Additionally, Campus Ministry is offering several Masses and ash distribution services at all three Fordham campuses on Ash Wednesday, the day which marks the actual start

of Lent. “We’re going to have Stations of the Cross, which will be a display in the McGinley lobby, something new this year,” Florio said. “We’re having Bible Study, Praise and Worship, all the usual stuff. We will have Introduction to Centering Prayer. We’re going to do something really neat, which is the Hunger Banquet, which we started last year,” said Florio. Another highlight of the university’s Lent celebration will be a prayer walk throughout the Bronx. “We’re going to have a pilgrimage through the Bronx again, Camino del Bronx,” Florio said. “Students will leave Fordham and walk through the Bronx and go to different sites and we’ll end up at a parish to do some service.” Additionally, the university plans to conduct a daylong celebration of the sacrament of Reconciliation in order to honor the penitential aspects of Lent. “Lent is a penitential season, and the Church encourages its sons and daughters to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation,” Florio said. “We will have priests all day available in the Church on Monday, March 30.”

The university’s Lent celebration will culminate on Palm Sunday with a dramatization of the Passion of Jesus Christ directed by Fordham student Philip Reilly, FCRH’ 15. Florio said that he expects students to respond positively to the Lenten activities. “I hope that they will react the way they have in the past, which is positively,” Florio said when asked about his expectations for how students would receive the Lenten programs. “We see a big increase in the number of students attending our Masses and our programs and activities and spiritual programs, especially. So, in the past, it’s been very successful, and I would hope that they would continue to realize how important it is to continue to take this time to renew their spirit. I’ve been here five years, and it’s been consistently wellreceived.” While Lent is most commonly considered a Catholic celebration, Florio said that Campus Ministry would acknowledge other faith traditions during the season. “We also will acknowledge the Orthodox Christian Lent,” Florio said. “We always do. We acknowledge other traditions as well.”

ERIC GAY/ AP

Ash Wednesday services marked the beginning of the Lenten season.

Crash Course in Business By AKASH BHATIA STAFF TRAIN

Registration for Fordham’s fiveweek summer business intensive begins this month. The program is a course designed specifically for students pursuing a liberal arts major or business minor. The course begins May 26 and concludes on June 25. Students will be provided the opportunity to learn business skills and the ability to think like an entrepreneur in the most important financial city in the world. Dean Kavros started the program, which is in its inaugural year. “I was an English major myself. I went to an intensive business course at UCLA in the summer, and that’s how I transitioned into business. We want to offer the same sort of experience to Fordham liberal arts undergrads,” Kavros added. Participants in the program will be able to separate themselves from fellow liberal arts students in a competitive job market, as the business skills they develop will make them more appealing to potential employers. “It is a great experience for students who want to explore a liberal arts major during their four years here but want to have some business experience that will get their foot in the door for an interview or job,” Kavros said. The program is similar to taking two courses during Summer Session. The first course is accounting and the second is an entrepreneurship elective. Several business fields, such as finance and technology, will be represented in both courses. Three mornings a week are dedicated to the basics of accounting principles. The other two mornings are spent improving job search skills. Stu-

dents will also visit financial houses and marketing firms. In the afternoon, participants learn about marketing, consumer behavior, budgeting, spreadsheet analysis and more. “The course includes trips to the city to visit business sites such as the Federal Reserve and trading floors,” Kavros said. In addition, the program emphasizes skills that are useful regardless of what career one pursues. “We have info sessions by career advisors in which they teach students about interviewing, cover letters, networking and more,” Kavros said. Students have the opportunity to learn a lot about how businesses plan for their futures. They can discover how corporations raise money, track their expenses and earnings and assess their own performance. Moreover, the program ends with two culminating experiences. The first is a business plan written in teams and the second is a business simulation exercise. “This is an intensive introduction to business for students who are not in the business college. All liberal arts students and business minors are welcome,” Kavros said of the course. At the same time, Kavros knew many students might not be ready to commit to a five-week course. “For students who just want to get their feet wet, I would encourage them to get involved with the entrepreneurship society. Also, if you have a new venture idea, you’re welcome to join the Fordham Foundry,” Kavros advised. Through the program, students can earn six credits towards their undergraduate degree. This allows students with a business minor to fulfill their entrepreneurship elective and principles of financial accounting requirement.

NEWS

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February 18, 2015

Sock Saturday: Recovered, and Growing by the Day

KATIE MEYER/ THE FORDHAM RAM

Every month, Fordham volunteers take time out of their weekends to distribute socks to those in need around the Manhattan in an event dubbed Sock Saturday.

By KATIE MEYER MANAGING EDITOR

Right now, around 60,000 homeless people sleep in New York City shelters every night. It is estimated that thousands more sleep on the streets (though it is difficult to gauge exactly how many), according to the most recent statistics from New York’s Coalition for the Homeless. It is a large problem for a large city. But undaunted by these numbers, a group of Fordham students has set out to prove that it is possible to make a difference, even one person at a time. These students are participants in a program called Sock Saturday. They meet up one Saturday every month and, as the organization’s name suggests, head into Manhattan armed with white tube socks, ready to hand them out to any homeless people they happen to find on the street. It is a simple program, but the thinking behind it is not. Whenever they give a pair of socks to

someone, Sock Saturday volunteers make an effort to make a personal connection. They smile, ask his or her name and ask how they are doing. Sometimes they sit together, and if the person wants to, they talk for a while. Dan Krug, GSB ’14, originally started the program, and says making a connection with people is one of the most important parts of the initiative. “Having a conversation with someone on the street just seems like a very human and natural interaction,” he said. “Just saying someone's name and asking them how they're doing can go a really long way.” In some cases, Krug says the impact of this interaction can be profound. “One gentleman told me no one had said his name in over a year and that it just felt good to be acknowledged as a human being,” Krug said. That does not mean the socks themselves are not important. As Krug explains, it is hard to grasp the importance of socks until you

do not have any. “Anyone who has ever spent time on their feet knows feet get sweaty. Wearing the same pair of socks can cause trench foot, fungal infection and are also just generally unpleasant.” Krug first came across the idea of Sock Saturday while he was still in high school. He found a blog called Invisible People, which was run by a formerly homeless man named Mark Horvath. Krug eventually met Horvath, and decided he would hand out socks, as Horvath had been. He kept it up as he entered his freshman year at Fordham, and said he “guilt tripped” his friends into going along with him. After joining the Global Outreach Board as a sophomore, he started an official program with GO!’s support. He was also able to set up a steady sock supply through donations from family members and old high school, and the program ran steadily until Krug’s graduation last year. After he left Fordham, Krug was unsure if the program could last.

That is where Sock Saturday’s current leaders come in. Christa Ceconi and Dayna Ryan, both GSB ’17, and Emma Kilroy, FCRH ’17, all heard about Sock Saturday during their freshman years and got involved. At the end of the spring semester Ceconi, who had heard Krug was graduating, expressed interest in taking over the program after his departure. However, the renewed Sock Saturday program did not really take off until Ryan and Kilroy looked into resurrecting Sock Saturday themselves. They found out Ceconi was also interested, and the three joined forces. It was a “happy coincidence,” Kilroy said. And it is a coincidence that has led to a strong partnership among the three. They held two sessions last semester, and so far have held one this year. They plan to have about one every month with Krug’s family and school still providing sock donations, they have steady support. The leaders estimate they get

around 20 to 30 participants for every session. A lot of those participants come courtesy of the Residence Hall Association — RAs have begun attending Sock Saturday as programs with their residents. Many of the participants are underclassmen, but Ceconi says they also get several interested juniors and seniors. Sessions generally follow the same blueprint Krug used when he ran the program: the leaders and volunteers all meet up on Saturday morning outside of the GO! offices and go over what to expect. Ceconi, Ryan and Kilroy explain the rationale behind the program, and the importance of forming a connection with the homeless people they meet. As Kilroy explained, it is a different kind of service than, for example, working at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Newcomers to the program often do not know what to expect. “People who tend to come into homeless shelters and soup kitchens, their eyes are often downcast…they’re very embarrassed to have to come into a shelter and get food,” she said. “The difference with Sock Saturday is that you’re picking someone out and being like, ‘I’m here to help you, just you.’ Not to do this general thing, this ‘good deed’ for the day.” The students who have gotten involved have been receptive to Sock Saturday’s message and mission, Ryan said. The program’s leaders hope their work does not end there. They are currently working on expanding the organization even further, with initiatives like sponsoring speakers, doing workshops with volunteers, handing out sandwiches along with socks and possibly getting involved with the Hope Count. Eventually, they want to become an official club, a process they have just started. “We’ve just been having brainstorms…I feel like there’s so much more we could do,” Kilroy said.

Students Urge University to Pass Free Trade Resolution FROM FAIR TRADE, PAGE 6

taken by United Student Government, which passed a resolution in support of the initiative in Nov. 2013. “The Council had a brief but very helpful conversation with the student Fair Trade group at the January Student Life Council Meeting,” said dean of students Christopher Rodgers. “Like others who were a part of the discussion, I was grateful to learn more about this effort and happy to hear that we are already meeting most or all of the standards in the proposal.” “Of course, the values and goals articulated in the document are important — it’s no surprise that they would resonate with students at a Jesuit Catholic university like ours,” Rodgers added, before saying: “With this in mind, we will work with and advise the students leading the effort as they look into what Fordham is already doing in this area and how other various goals in the proposal might be approached.” While the university has not denied the possibility, some stu-

dents argue that it would be a honorable distinction for Fordham. Plus, students of SFT say, Fordham has already met the standards required by Fair Trade Campaign. “Nothing would change because we already have qualified,” said Mellilo. “We already qualify. It’s a matter of accepting a designation that is already there.” Katherine Combellick, an associate professor of communication and media management, teaches all three of Fordham’s fair trade courses offered by Gabelli. One course, called “Fair Trade and Micro-Finance” examines the structure of fair trade as an alternative form of commerce which specifically expresses solidarity with the poor. The course, along with the other fair trade courses, offers a study tour to India, which allows students to meet the partners whose products are sold at Fordham. Combellick says there is a misconception about the costs of being designated a fair trade university. “It is making a statement about where our priorities are,” said

CASEY CHUN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Despite the supply of fair trade goods in several campus eateries, Fordham is not yet a fair trade university.

Combellick. “There are no costs: It is a designation, not a contractual agreement.” Students enrolled in fair trade courses have taken similar stances on making Fordham a fair trade university. “If Fordham was entitled a fair trade university, not only would it recognize the progress students on campus have made for the artisans, but it would also increase support for the movement itself,” said Kinza Mian, GSB ’18, a student who takes one of the fair trade courses. “Connecting our school's name with this movement can reflect very well on our community,” said Kathryn Roberts, GSB ’18, another student enrolled in a fair trade course. “Being a Jesuit university, Fordham focuses on caring for the community around them and helping those that are living in poor conditions.” “We may not see the people oppressed by unfair business practices,” Roberts said, “but they are still there, and our Jesuit values encourage us to act with compassion towards those that suffer.”

NEWS

February 18, 2015

Page 7

Looking for Answers in Spring Club Budget Allocations FROM BUDGET, PAGE 1

Shannon Driscoll, assistant director for student organizations and programing, serves as its advisor. She is also an advisor of the budget committee. CAB consists of nine committees, each of which handles specific areas of programming, which include American Age, Cinevents!, Comedy Committee, Cultural Affairs, Publicity, Rodrigue's Coffee House, Special Events, Weekend Activities Committee (WAC) and General Board. The club’s mission is “to provide high quality social, cultural, educational and informational programming that appeals to all interests within the student community.” Due to its unique nature as an organization, CAB finds itself under scrutiny from other clubs that not only receive significantly less funding than CAB does, but also have to abide by somewhat more nuanced rules. For example, the budget committee does not allow funding to be allocated to anything exclusive in nature, such as club outer gear. However, CAB is allowed to use a portion of its funding to buy sweatshirts for its members, which has sparked criticism from members of some clubs. “[Sweatshirts] are not simply ‘swag…’ they are needed for the week of programming that is actually Spring Weekend,” Nolan said. “Attendance at these events during the weekend can range from 3,000 to upwards of 5,000 attendees…this allows for clear identification during high-volume, fast-paced events with thousands of people.” “This is similar to how the community will see many Fordham em-

RAM ARCHIVES

CAB hosts many events during the year, including Spring Weekend, for which it hires musical groups to perform.

ployees working that weekend wearing maroon polo shirts for the same reason,” Nolan added. Such strict guidelines are necessary, as there are only limited resources to share among all the clubs on campus. Fortunately for some, not all allocated funds are utilized by the end of the semester. According to Nolan, funds that are not used by a club are rolled over back to the Budget Committee Student Activities Fee portion of the budget at the beginning of each semester — not including funding that is fund-raised or selfgenerated. However, when asked whether CAB rolls over its unused money, Nolan once more declined to comment. At first glance, the final budget numbers allocated to clubs can ap-

pear deceptive. This year saw an increase in money available to clubs coupled with significant budget cuts for many, most notably the College Democrats and Republicans. USG voted on an increase for the student activities fee from $120 to $135 effective this academic year, which is the fund from which the budget committee uses to distribute funding for clubs and other OSLCD activities. “If one is only looking at the amount of money allocated on Budget Day, one might think there is less money allocated to clubs…this is not true,” Nolan said in an e-mail. “A portion goes to the Budget Committee for Budget Day, and once the enrollment number is finalized in the semester, the remaining funds are provided to the Budget Committee during the semester.”

These numbers are currently not reported on the USG website, where the budget allocations for the semester are reported. “We recommend…to make the number given to the Budget Committee during the semester be more public than the e-mail that goes out to the club leaders notifying them,” Nolan added. “We plan to work with USG on this endeavor.” Nolan states that the flow of funding in the beginning of the semester allows for clubs that made errors in budget packets to apply again for funding, as well as allow funding to be available to new clubs that develop throughout the year and new programs that clubs might want to start after Budget Day has passed. This year, that list included ten clubs including Flipside, Fordham Experimental Theatre, Fordham Fla-

va, Fordham University South Asian Entity, Images, Operation Dreamcatcher, Polish Cultural Exchange, Project Sunshine, Sláinte: Fordham Irish Dance and the Satin Dolls. On Budget Day this past December, the budget committee, headed by chair-person Kara Norton, FCRH ’15, made executive decisions on which clubs should receive what amount of the budget allocated, including decisions for acrossthe-board cuts. Norton did not return e-mails sent by The Fordham Ram regarding the most recent budget allocations. Such cuts resulted in the absence of financing for political speakers on campus and the withholding of all funding for certain organizations. Clubs receive 70 percent of all the funding garnered by the student activities fee. The remaining 30 percent goes to student leadership programs such as Leadership Weekend, Fordham University Emerging Leaders program. In part, it enables students to attend national conferences, such as the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference and the National Association for Campus Activities conference, and funds institutional events, such as Family Weekend, Spring Weekend, Senior Week. It is also allocated to operate OrgSync, the online content management system, buy general supplies and resources for student organizations and fund part of the Readership Program, which provides newspapers on campus. Lastly, certain staff positions within Student Life are paid for with the remaining thirty percent.

The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation and The B+ Heroes thank CJ Cacace, Maria Buck, RHA and all of the students and staff who danced, cheered, and raised $41,522.02 to help The B+ Foundation fight childhood cancer.

ADS

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February 18, 2015

fordhamram.com

THE FORDHAM RAM

February 18, 2015

OPINION

Page 9

The Fordham Ram

Are Fordham Students Prepared for the Future? By CLAIRE CONNACHER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A recent study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) found that employers of recent college graduates are less than impressed with employee skill levels. Polling both employers and graduates, the study indicated that while employees rated themselves relatively high, their employers consistently rated them much lower. Another study called Collegiate Learning Assessment, which measures students’ skill gains in college, found that the difference in skill levels between freshmen and seniors was small. College, it seems, is not preparing us for the outside world. The skills employers want seem simple, such as critical thinking, time management, the ability to prioritize and decision making. Why does college not seem to be fostering these skills? The vice president of talent and acquisition at Enterprise RentA-Car, Marie Artim, said that our generation “has been ‘syllabused’ through” our lives. Decisions about course materials, timing of tasks and assignments have all been predetermined, leaving students with little decision-making responsibility. However, president of Wesleyan University Michael Roth said that college can still prepare students for the job market as long as they rigorously apply themselves in college and demonstrates the

“capacity to do other things.” How does this relate to the rising cost of education? According to the National Center for Education Statistics, costs across the country for tuition, room and board for undergraduates at public institutions rose 40 percent between 2001-02 and 2011-12, and rose 28 percent at private institutions. Despite this, parents and students still seem to want to pay for an undergraduate education because the idea that it will guarantee a better job is still alive and well. This, of course, means that colleges have an even higher obligation than ever before to prepare their students for the job market. According to Bloomberg, the Gabelli School of Business has a 76 percent rate of student job offers out of school. However, that rate is lower for Rose Hill students. Career Services is offered as a resource for finding what job will suit a student best, but do they really help? Tim Wasgatt, FCRH ’15, said that he “didn’t find them particularly helpful” to his job search. While Career Services is extremely helpful to those who would like to pursue business, teaching or public relations, it can be difficult to take advantage of their services if you do not yet feel passionate about a career. Especially in today’s economy, in which the cost of college and all expenses are high and growing, undergraduate institutions have a responsibility to prepare students

TESSA VAN BERGEN FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

Students will need more than the occasional Career Fair in order to land a good job after graduation.

for their futures. While it is certainly the job of students to take advantage of what Fordham has to offer in order to prepare them, the high cost of attendance, which is $66,578, including fees, room and board. This means that Career Services needs to help students navigate the ever-changing job market. Skills that employers are looking for, such as time management and critical thinking, can really only be foster ed by the students themselves.

The question is once a student has fostered those skills, how does he or she show an employer this? Speaking from experience as a senior, I still have little idea how to convey to a potential employer that I have time management or critical thinking skills through a cover letter. According to the recent AAC&U study, a liberal arts education is still extremely valuable for its ability to foster basic but important skills, but this does not necessarily lead to good employ-

ment. The study also found that the unemployment rate for recent liberal arts graduates is at 5.2 percent, while the rate for liberal arts graduates in the 41-50 age range is just 3.5 percent. Fordham should find ways to bridge this gap and help students find jobs they are both passionate about and jobs that will provide

Claire Connacher, FCRH ’15, is a political science and history major from Alameda, California.

ROTC Students Mesh College with Responsibility By SHEA REDWINE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When I graduate from college at the tender age of 22, I will be a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, on active duty and immediately responsible for the welfare of a division of sailors. Yes, I do find this prospect a bit daunting. I am in the Navy ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps), and have put countless hours into preparing for how real my life is going to be when I graduate. We live in a volatile world, which becomes particularly relevant when you are going to be an officer in the military. Every update about what ISIS is up to in the Middle East that scrolls across the screens in the cafeteria is not just news; it is a reminder of why I am a Middle East Studies major, of why I wake up twice a week at 4:50 a.m. to work out and why I take two extra classes every semester. I may be a normal eighteenyear-old college girl who enjoys wrapping up a night out with Pugsley’s just like everyone else, but I am also constantly preparing to be responsible for people’s lives. ROTC is a challenge, but it is

absolutely worth it. While most students are asleep in their beds in the early morning, we ROTC students are up rigorously working out at Physical Training (PT) sessions. Navy ROTC commutes to SUNY Maritime for PT from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., and consequently the Midshipmen are up by 4:50 a.m. in order to make it on time to PT on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Army ROTC is up three mornings per week engaging in intensive workouts. “For the most part, PT always includes some sort of running, either sprints or long distance,” said William Conticello, FCRH ’18. “It will also focus on upper body endurance (focusing on push-ups) as well as abdominal endurance (situps) since our PT test is focused on running, pushups and sit-ups.” Though PT is difficult, it is immensely rewarding and fosters a strong sense of community. “I find that working out with my fellow midshipmen pushes me to my limits and keeps me going rather than giving up in the middle,” said Jingyi Huang, FCRH ’18. On Wednesdays, when many students have the day off from classes, we carefully steam and iron our uniforms, polish our

shoes and attend two military specific classes. Both Army and Navy ROTC have one “lab” and one academic class. The lab includes active duty guest speakers, briefs on current events and leadership training. The academic classes vary according to how far into the ROTC program you are, and cover an assortment of topics ranging from Introduction to Naval Science (for Navy ROTC) to Weapons Systems, to Leadership and Ethics. Of course it is difficult to juggle all of the normal classes, two additional ROTC classes, study halls, and other various ROTC commitments. Most of us spend anywhere from seven to eighteen hours per week on ROTC activities. Additionally, as future leaders, we are expected to maintain an above-average GPA. This puts further pressure on our already stressful schedules and gives us another set of expectations to live up to. “Time management is definitely the most challenging aspect of ROTC. Sure, PT can be tough when we have to wake up at 5:00 a.m. and exercise in the cold, but it is having to devote time to physical fitness, as well as maintain a high standing academically while having a healthy social life, that

makes it tough. But ultimately, it is worth it,” said Huang. Most of ROTC students agree that wrapping our minds around the immense responsibility we will assume right when we graduate is another challenging aspect of the program. “By the end of our four years in college, we will be commissioned officers, and receive a salute (a traditional sign of respect) from enlisted men and women who have been serving our country for years,” said Aaron Banasiewicz, FCRH ’18. “It’s important to know, understand and respect the community we will be stepping into, and the people we will be leading.” There are many reasons people join ROTC. For many the military is a family tradition handed down through the generations. “My dad jokes that the first letters he taught me were R, O, T and C. He was a career Navy officer, and I have always wanted to do what he did for many years,” said James Holland, FCRH ’18. For other ROTC students, like myself, military service is a great way to pay for college, gain invaluable leadership experience and travel the world, all while fulfilling what they view as their patriotic duty.

“I can answer this in a very patriotic way and explain how much I love America or something. But in short, ROTC allowed me to go to a great school like Fordham because of the ROTC scholarship I was awarded. But I also always dreamed of being an army officer, and ROTC gave me the opportunity to get my college degree and reach my dream,” said Conticello. Personally, I have always planned to serve my country, as well as go away for college, and ROTC was a great way to accomplish both. Additionally, the experience I will gain in the Navy will be invaluable regardless of the career I choose to focus on next. Though it is not an easy path, it is the right one for myself and my fellow ROTC students. Even though being in ROTC is strenuous, and signing the next decade of my life over to the United States military was definitely intimidating, I love it. When I graduate, I will travel the world and do incredible things with incredible people when I am barely in my 20s — and I cannot wait. Shea Redwine, FCRH ’18, is a international political economy and Middle East studies major from

OPINION

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R Serving Fordham University campus and community since 1918 The Fordham Ram is the University journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published and distributed free of charge every Wednesday during the academic year to the Rose Hill, Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses with a readership of over 10,000. The Fordham Ram office is located in the basement of the McGinley Center, room B-52.

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Editor-in-Chief Joe Vitale Managing Editor Katie Meyer Copy Chief Robert Frerich Assistant Copy Chief Sydney Keen Executive Copy Editors Katie Nolan Max Prinz Michael Cavanaugh Canton Winer Kelly Kultys News Editor Laura Sanicola Assistant News Editors Erin Shanahan Cailin McKenna Opinion Editor Margarita Artoglou Assistant Opinion Editor Kristen Santer Culture Editors Nicole Horton & Amanda Giglio Sports Editor Anthony Pucik Assistant Sports Editors Sam Belden & Drew Casey Photo Editor Casey Chun Assistant Photo Editors Kellyn Simpkins Christian Wiloejo Layout Editor Mae Drucker Digital Editors Blaine Kaniewski Anna Carey Amanda Maile Business Director Mike Krzysko Business Staff Ryan Chand Faculty Advisor Dr. Beth Knobel Editorial Page Policy The Fordham Ram’s editorial and ramblings topics are selected on a weekly basis and reflect the editorial board’s view on a campus issue. Opinions Policy The Fordham Ram appreciates submissions to fordhamramletters@ gmail.com. Commentaries are printed on a space available basis. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to reject any submission for any reason, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. The Fordham Ram reserves the right to edit any submissions. The opinions in The Fordham Ram’s editorials are those of the editorial board; those expressed in articles, letters, commentaries, cartoons or graphics are those of the individual author. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

February 18, 2015

From the Desk | Nicole Horton

Obama Tailors Agenda to Engage a Younger Generation In a video produced by BuzzFeed and posted on Facebook, President Barack Obama looks to perfect the art of selfies. The video, entitled “Things Everyone Does But Doesn’t Talk About,” had been shared approximately 600,000 times and amassed more than 21 million views less than a day after it was posted. Obama poses in front of his bathroom mirror, switching it up with different facial expressions and aviator sunglasses. Then, he attempts to maneuver the new selfie stick in order to capture different selfie angles in his office. Another particularly humorous moment is when the president’s cookie cannot fit into his glass of milk, so he says, “Thanks, Obama.” Obama has effectively utilized social media in his presidential campaigns and throughout his administration to mobilize voters and put forth his agenda. In addition, he did not abandon mainstream media, frequently appearing on talk shows like “Ellen,” “The View” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.” For quite a while, many Americans have been sarcastically remarking, “Thanks, Obama.” Is

Obama looking to find another way to relate to the public outside from his political agenda by coming across relaxed and able to poke fun at media perceptions of himself? However, while the president is getting ready in front of the mirror, he says, “The deadline for signing up for health insurance is Feb. 15. In many cases you can get health insurance for less than $100 a month. Just go to healthcare.gov to figure out how to sign up.” Some of the comments on this video were positive, giving Obama credit for being self-deprecating and promoting his agenda in a fun, cool way. There were also plenty attacking Obama, criticizing him for his healthcare policy, for taking time to do the video while there are other issues for the president of the U.S. to address and even for having a slightly dirty mirror in the White House (I mean, even college students would break out Windex if someone was shooting a video in their bathrooms). “Fox & Friends” host Elisabeth Hasselbeck said that while “the world is exploding all over ... [and] on the very day Kayla Mueller is

confirmed to be dead at the hands of terrorism, how does our president respond? ‘YOLO.’” The selfie stick, which gained popularity in Asia before spreading to the U.S. and Europe, has capitalized on social media practices. “We have received a large amount of Customer Care e-mails and ‘In-store Pickup’ requests for this item in the past day,” Roger Quesada of Ricky’s NYC told The Washington Post by e-mail on Friday. “We expect this news to have a very positive effect on sales in the coming weeks.” Obama has been criticized for his social media habits before, like when he posed for a selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt at Nelson Mandela’s funeral. After the photo, it appeared that neither Michelle Obama (based on her facial expression) nor the rest of the American public were impressed. Meanwhile, other politicians have failed at trying to be social media savvy, such as former New York Senator Anthony Weiner who unintentionally tweeted an explicit photo rather than privately messaging it.

I think that this video is an excellent formula for other politicians and political groups to follow because Obama quickly and effectively promoted his initiative using humor without taking away from the video’s entertainment value. The video also features BuzzFeed’s Andrew Ilnyckyk, an online-video favorite who helps appeal to the target audience. Obama’s team also makes him appear culturally relevant by having the president use the new selfie stick. However, I think that Obama’s advisors should be more conscientious about the timing of fun appearances and videos such as this.

Editorial | USG

USG Lets Free Speech Take Center Stage Earlier this week, United Student Government announced that it would begin a new series called “Center Stage,” where students could voice concerns in an open, safe environment. Its purpose, we gather, is for student opinion to transcend an angry tweet or a Change.org petition and assume the form of critical contributions to the campus discussion. In a press release regarding the event, USG president Nevin Kulangara, GSB ’15, suggests that all students, however passionate, attend the event. Kulangara’s advice should be heard loudly by students. Whether students are club leaders on campus or not, students should attend and voice their concerns. The first event is scheduled to address an issue many students on campus feel passionate about: freedom of speech and expression. The event will touch on the Report on Free Speech as well as the Maroon

Square Report. If the event goes as intended, students who attend will not only come with valuable questions and concerns, but leave with a better understanding of Fordham’s various speech-related policies. The announcement comes after USG’s mid-year report, which illustrates the group’s focus on issues such as sexual misconduct on campus, environmental sustainability, student businesses and a handful of other campus initiatives. It cannot be said that one discussion will be a catalyst for change. For all we know, the meeting may not so much lead to unified ideas but an array of more ideas. “Center Stage,” hopefully, will be a place for students to discuss these issues — and more. We, at The Fordham Ram, support USG’s initiative as we believe it will serve as an important platform to voice student questions and concerns. We have much faith in “Cen-

ter Stage” and its ability to create a dialogue within the Fordham community at all levels. Based on current details, this series of talks is poised to play an important role in campus community development. If this initiative goes as planned — and we believe it will — The Fordham Ram fully supports USG’s intentions in this endeavor. In recent years, many students have noted a severe lack of platforms in which they can freely discuss ideas and concerns, and we feel “Center Stage” is a fitting answer. As well, the first in the series of “Center Stage” events will begin with a refresher on previous campus events regarding free speech and expression on campus. We feel many students may not be aware of every initiative taken prior and that this short presentation will lend itself to a richer and more informed discussion during the event. This may also encourage students who

Corrections

Ramblings In light of the controversy surrounding the suspension of NBC’s beloved nighttime news anchor, Brian Williams, critics have been discussing the entire concept of news anchors and whether or not they still hold an important place in society. While it was Williams’ embellished stories that got him in trouble, it seems that news anchors in general are falling out of style. The way news is consumed is changing along with the evolution of technology. People do not need to wait for the nightly news to come on to see the day’s top stories — the

are not informed to attend this important dialogue, which will increase attendance and enrich the conversation. “Center Stage” can also serve as a source of answers and clarification for the student body. Sometimes students can be misinformed or unaware of important details regarding Fordham policy, but “Center Stage” will serve as a source to clear up misconceptions. “If you are unaware of the current policies in this area, concerned about the rights of Fordham students to free expression, or passionate about igniting change, please consider attending this event,” said Kulangara. Participation is key to the success of such an event. This is an opportunity that Fordham students should not waste. We hope and encourage our community to use Kulangara’s platform to its utmost and wish this initiative success.

majority of people have most likely been updated by the Internet already. In an attempt to make up for this, most networks have begun trying to fit as many sensational stories into their allotted time as possible. Viewers of the nightly news could plausibly see stories about the weather, a wild animal crossing the highway and budget cuts within the span of two minutes. Perhaps this is the reason why Williams felt compelled to tell tall tales about his own experiences. By inserting himself into stories, they were personalized. Viewers

could hear a sensationalized story adorned with fake details and feel they were getting a first-hand account, something few online articles could proclaim. The lies of a formerly respected news anchor may be a signal to news networks that it is time to change the format of their broadcasts if they wish to retain audiences. Instead of trying to be a million places at once, newscasters could spend more time developing stories. After all, it was this kind of television journalism that gained news broadcasts their viewers in the first place.

An article on club budgeting in last week’s issue incorrectly stated that Councilman James Vacca spoke at a College Democrats event last year. The councilman canceled his appearance shortly beforehand. The article also it was indicated that Michael Billotti, GSB ’15 suggested cutting political speakers from the budget, though he did not. In the article, it was stated that Campus Activities Board received more money in Spring 2015 semester than Fall 2014, though the club actually received the same amount of money. An article about the Fordham Dance Marathon, incorrectly identified Nick Sawicki, FCRH ‘16 as Vice President of USG. He is the VP of FCRH. Sarah Skrobala, GSB ‘15, is VP of USG.

OPINION

February 18, 2015

Page 11

Fordham’s AP Policy Hinders Students’ Ability to Explore

James Demetriades Alabama’s Rocky Transition to Same-Sex Marriage

PATRICK SEMANSKY/AP

Several students will study and prepare for multiple AP tests, only to discover that their hard earned credits will not be counted toward their major or the core.

By ANGELICA DiIORIO STAFF WRITER

Throughout our years in high school, we studied and crammed for the daunting Advanced Placement tests that gave us “test fever” instead of spring fever. Although they were difficult and demanded many hours of our free time, we assumed it would all be worth it when we received college credit and became exempt from annoying freshman remedial courses. However, when we got to Fordham, it seemed that all this effort had gone to waste. That AP United States History test did not transfer credits toward the core, and neither did that AP World History test. We now have to take what is basically the same class as high school under a name that sounds slightly more college-appropriate, such as “Understanding Historical Change” instead of AP European History. Fortunately, the credits from these tests are not neglected completely, since Fordham will give students credit for AP scores of four or five. However, only some courses exempt students from taking the introduction classes to a major, such as psychology. Fordham accepts most humanities AP tests as elective credits, which cannot count toward a major or the core. It is nice that our numerous credits coming into college allow us to pick our classes earlier than our peers, but many of us feel slighted and believe that we are forced to take the same class again in college as we did in high school. Fordham wastes our time and money by attempting to teach us skills and knowledge that we already know. The classes students who did not have the ability or liberty to take these courses in high school, but Fordham should not hold back students who could be spending that time furthering their education. There are many on the Fordham staff who are responsible for this decision regarding the AP policy, one of them being Dr. Robert Parmach, the freshman dean

at Rose Hill. Naturally, Fordham is willing to defend its current policy by reiterating the values of the core. Dean Parmach spoke of the rigor of the core and justified its importance by explaining that the core is not only the “heart of your education, the center... but also a Fordham-branded Jesuit education which qualifies the rigors of our degree.” The core offers a level of standardization for all Fordham students, bringing their knowledge in all academic areas to the collegiate level. The university wants to guarantee that all its students have taken classes taught within the proper methodology, content and rigor upon graduation. Parmach believes that the core would be diluted if the university granted

seems that a test correlates with a Fordham course, those AP credits may be accepted that year. Fordham is correct to give AP credit, and to give credit only to higher scores on these tests, but it should reconsider its placement of credit. It would be more beneficial for the university and the students if Fordham accepted all AP tests credits towards the core. Simply put, more exemptions from required classes allow more space for elective courses. Granting more credits toward core classes will leave room for a student to take more elective classes, exposing students to different fields, different professors and different ideas. The secondary level of core classes taken

‘Giving AP credit for all tests to the core would free up space in the schedules of those who currently have no room to adventure.’ too many exemptions based in AP credit. A diluted core would take away from the university’s central goal of instilling a high level of academic capability in its students. The policy for the core curriculum has the capability to change over time. A few years ago, the university decreased the core’s size to allow students more room to fit classes of their choosing into their schedules. For example, in the older core, there were three required English classes as opposed to the two in the current core. Also, the AP credits that do count toward the core and majors are accepted because their content correlates with a Fordham course. An AP test only earns a student an elective credit because there is nothing in the university that includes the same content. Since the College Board varies tests from year to year, Fordham reevaluates the tests as well. If it

mostly by sophomore allows students to further develop their talents in a more specialized class, unlike the rudimentary introductory freshmen courses. Another issue is that the extent of the curriculum differs between students, lending some to receive the benefits of a liberal arts core more than others. Some majors neglect departments that are usually perceived to be too disconnected from the student’s track. For example, those who are on the pre-med or pre-health tracks do not have language requirements. The classes currently devoted to each respective major are exceptionally intense and extensive, and there is little time to experiment in other fields. However, according to the passionate statement by Dean Parmach, the opportunity to learn about varied topics is necessary and valuable. Giving AP credit for all tests to

the core would free up space in the schedules of those who currently have no room to adventure. Imagine someone who took AP tests for European history and music theory in high school. Right now, Fordham would only count those courses as an elective credit. However, if the policy were to accept these credits toward the core, this student would now have three extra class spaces for other interests, as they would not have to take the introductory history and social sciences courses. Utilizing these three openings, one could be halfway to completing a new language. Even though a major is intended to concentrate students’ interests, it should not limit them by constricting their areas of study too intently. Fordham’s rationale for not accepting certain AP credits is that the content does not correlate with the core. However, Fordham ought to give credit for similar class content, even if it is not an exact match. There is no point in making a student sit through a whole semester of a class only to learn a couple new bits of information. It is only going to make the students resentful and less likely to actively engage in the class. The extensive core is already a turn-off to prospective or potential students, who will be further disinterested when they learn that their hard work in achieving fours and fives on the AP tests will be seemingly irrelevant. Hopefully, Fordham will continue to make adjustments to the core curriculum without compromising its purpose as a Jesuit institution. Although educating its students is Fordham’s main priority and long-term goal, it cannot ignore the demands and wishes of the student body. This is not a recent development; it has been present since the inception of AP classes in high schools. Fordham should adjust its curriculum to the changing times.

Angelica DiIorio, FCRH ’18, is an international studies and French major from White Plains, NY.

Last Monday, Alabama became the 37th state — plus the district of Columbia — where gay people can legally wed. Citing the equal protection and due process clause of the 14th Amendment, US District Judge Callie Grande ordered that counties begin issuing marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. However, as of Friday, Feb. 13, only 43 of the 67 state counties are issuing those licenses. That number was in the midto-low 20s for most of last week. The controversy sparked from Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore, who told the county judges that the federal decision did not apply to them, cited the action as an example of “judicial tyranny.” Furthermore, he claimed that this was a violation of the state’s right to define marriage as it deems fit. In his argument, Moore cited that the state’s constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage was approved by 81 percent of state voters, giving legitimacy to the state’s laws and authority to ignore federal rulings. The argument of state court independence from federal court decisions is a dangerous one. Many, including myself, see a parallel to the 1958 decision allowing for desegregation of the schools in Little Rock, Arkansas or to the desegregation fights of Alabama’s own governor George Wallace. The prevailing rhetoric of Justice Moore relies on the same arguments that Wallace purported: a measure has popular state support and the federal government has no right to intrude on state’s actions. This could not be further from the truth. Brown v. Board of Education, in addition to desegregating schools, demonstrated the supremacy of federal law over state law. President Eisenhower had National Guard members escort the Little Rock Nine to the Little Rock Central High. Since then, there has been a very clear understanding that states must adhere to the authority of high federal court’s interpretation of the constitution. Alabama’s rocky transition into allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed represents the deep cultural rift between court decisions and prevailing local opinions. The best way to clarify this disunity and confusion would be a Supreme Court ruling settling the issue once and for all. In April, it has the opportunity to do just that. Justice Moore admits that “state courts are bound by the rulings of the United States Supreme Court.” Despite the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals’ urging, Moore asserts there is no law right now that overcomes the Alabama Constitutional ban. What is needed now is clarity, and the only way to achieve it is clear federal court language that, hopefully, will extend marriage equality to all 50 states.

OPINION

Page 12

February 18, 2015

Marcelle Meyer ‘Fifty Shades’ Disguises Domestic Abuse as Devotion

CASEY CHUN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Filling out tax forms is just one of the daunting tasks students are faced with after graduation.

Lessons Not Learned: College Students Need Life Skills Courses By AINSLEY KILPATRICK CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A college education provides students with much of the knowledge that they will need to succeed in life after graduation. However, many life skills are left in the world of “education through experience.” Students graduate without knowing how to file their taxes or apply for bank loans. College students who do not have the opportunity to learn through experience are often left unaware when they encounter situations regarding these life skills. Colleges currently offer no courses on important information for life after college. Students who are not majoring in accounting or finance are often caught unaware. As a Jesuit Liberal Arts institution, Fordham University provides education in pursuit of the Jesuit principle, cura personalis. This includes the intention and drive to educate the entire individual in an attempt to make him or her well rounded. This is reflected in the core requirements, which require the exposure to many fields of study. However, because Fordham does not pro-

vide its student body with a course covering the basic skills necessary for success in the real world after graduation, it is failing in this mission. Without these skills, a student cannot develop into an independent adult who does not need to rely heavily on others for support. The cost of a college education has grown exponentially in recent years. This, in combination with the fact that a graduate degree has become a prerequisite for many professional positions, means that students are accumulating significant debt in the form of student loans. When students attend college, it is like entering into a contract in which students pay for an education that will prepare them to be successful in the future. Many students are forced into taking on incredible debt because merit scholarships and financial aid do not always cover enough of the cost of college. Because students are pressed into this fragile situation by the financial obligations of this contract, it becomes the burden of the university to provide them with the tools they will need to deal with these loans in the future.

There are serious repercussions from the lack of this knowledge. Student loans are categorized as unsecured loans. If a person defaults on his or her loan, it is within the lender’s rights to sue for a portion of his or her income until the loan has been repaid. Many students are unaware of this as they enter into contracts and encounter no opportunities in college to receive reliable information. As it stands, students must rely on mentors and guardians for lessons in real world matters. If a student does not have a familial support system in place, the only other reliable source of information is for costly classes through companies such as H&R Block. As a college student with a limited budget, it is unrealistic to pay for these classes. The lack of these life-skill courses persists in universities across the country and is a problem. It is imperative that universities adapt with the times and realize the significant need for the courses. They must recognize the needs of their students in this matter. Basic courses on finances do not need to be a part of the core curriculum, and they need not be

required. It is inarguable, however, that these courses need to be offered to provide students with the well rounded education they need to become independent adults. Fordham provides students with several classes and services in order to send them into the real world with as much knowledge and preparation as possible. However, without classes about how to handle adult responsibilities (things that are not self-explanatory, like taxes or taking out a mortgage), students go into the beginning of their professional lives feeling nervous and overwhelmed. If Fordham began offering extra classes or information sessions about these topics, it would boost the confidence of young adults living on their own for the first time and give them the practical skills they need to organize their lives. This is not a suggestion that is limited to Fordham. College students everywhere would benefit if their universities paid more attention to life skills.

Ainsley Kilpatrick, FCRH ’17, is an anthropology and philosophy major from East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Do opinions run through your veins? Call a doctor, and then email fordhamramopinions@gmail.com to sign up as a writer.

There is nothing more ironic than the fact that Fifty Shades of Grey premiered on Valentine’s Day. Is there a better way to say “I love you” than the glorification of non-consensual sex? BDSM is a part of modern sexual culture, and there is nothing wrong with it. It is also important to represent sexual preferences in the media, and it is certainly good that sex is becoming less taboo in society. However, the portrayal of BDSM in Fifty Shades of Grey sacrifices important parts of sex that should be put front and center — like clear consent and communication — for drama and “exciting” sexual tension. The problem with Fifty Shades of Grey in particular is how viral it has gone; whether or not you see the movie or read the book, you will undoubtedly know most of the plot points. Most people have heard about the infamous “contract” that spells out the couple’s agreement. Why is this contract so harmful? Because sex in the real world requires consent every single time, regardless of previous agreements. Things that might look exciting in the upcoming movie are not necessarily acceptable in real sexual interactions. The worst part is that all of the tension, fear and coercion—things that are not part of healthy, consensual sex— are glorified as being exciting and interesting. It is not difficult to see the influence that media portrayals have on our society. Societal standards for women’s bodies can be traced throughout modern history using advertisements and movies. These same advertisements and movies can affect how people view their own lives, creating a standard for the ideal life that everyone ought to desire. And, of course, the roles given to women in movies are often overly-sexualized and less than empowering, to say the least. In a world so heavily influenced by what we see, hear and read in all public media outlets, why do we not show more concern about how something as important as a sexual relationship is portrayed? Many people have called Fifty Shades of Grey empowering because it represents a set of sexual preferences that are not accepted. However, Hollywood’s portrayal of this set of preferences does far more harm than good. In fact, Fifty Shades of Grey is an incorrect portrayal of BDSM relationships. The books and movie that have been so popular and supposedly invite discussion about the lifestyle is actually an unhealthy representation of it. There were many better ways to spend your Valentine’s Day (or any other date nights), for that matter, than watching a movie that contributes to the misconceptions about sexual consent in society.

February 18, 2015

CULTURE

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The Fordham Ram

Stewart’s Retirement Cues Buzz of Successor By NICOLE PIERI STAFF WRITER

On Tuesday, Feb. 10, Jon Stewart announced to his “Daily Show” audience that he will be stepping down as the longtime host of the groundbreaking late-night Comedy Central show later this year. This was not necessarily shocking or unexpected. Stewart spent the summer of 2013 in Iran shooting his film Rosewater, which established the comedian and anchor as a serious director. Upon the release of Rosewater, Stewart began hinting at his inevitable exit, saying in a November interview with Fresh Air, “Maybe it’s time for some discomfort.” Additionally, Stewart’s most successful mentee Stephen Colbert left the “Colbert Report” desk in December 2014 to become the first successor of “The Late Show.” The timing of the announcement made perfect sense. Nevertheless, this news came as a huge blow to fans everywhere. Over the past 16 years, Stewart has become one of America’s most beloved — and even trusted — news anchors and comedians. For the millennial generation, Stewart has been an iconic figure in learning about government and politics. His abil-

ity to simultaneously enlighten and entertain his audience started a revolution in late-night television that inspired the style of political humor that is so popular today. While many are mourning the coming loss, many more are speculating about which comedian should fill in for the legend if the show is to continue. The options are seemingly endless, as there is never a shortage of unique, comedic voices hoping to step into the satirical-news anchor role. Yet, there are two particular comedians who are leading the race. Jessica Williams, currently a correspondent for Stewart on “The Daily Show,” is by far the frontrunner. At only twenty-five-years-old, Williams has made quite a name for herself, appearing on the covers of magazines with featured articles and has being named by Time as a black leader who is making a difference in the country. Not only are her segments some of the most hilarious and insightful on the show, but the fact that Williams is a woman of color also sets her apart from her white male counterparts who typically dominate the latenight comedy scene. Despite Williams herself claiming that she is not prepared to helm “The Daily Show,” many believe that she

COURTESY OF FLICKR

Jon Stewart’s exit from “The Daily Show” is the latest in late-night television changes.

would be the perfect replacement for Stewart. Englishman, John Oliver, is another comedian whom fans of “The Daily Show” would like to see take over. Oliver already has plenty of experience: he is a former correspondent for Stewart and even filled in for the host for the summer of 2013 during the filming of Rosewater. Currently, Oliver is hosting the criticallyacclaimed “Last Week Tonight,” a program on HBO that shares the same format as “The Daily Show” but airs weekly on Sunday nights. His commentaries on the Miss America pageant and the state of America’s prisons have reached millions of views on his YouTube channel. It is not too far-fetched to think Oliver and “Last Week Tonight” could move to basic cable. Stewart told his studio audience that, as of now, his only specific plans post-“Daily Show” include having “dinner on a school night with my family.” A date for his last episode has yet to be set. Whether Williams, Oliver or another funny, politicallyinclined comedian will take over is still a mystery, but it will most definitely be the media’s main focus of Stewart’s departure for the foreseeable future.

Visual Arts Emphasizes Creativity and Looks to Grow

NICOLE HORTON/THE FORDHAM RAM

Visual arts students have both classes and workshops in the studio area, where professors can teach and assist them.

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

Fordham Rose Hill’s visual arts program, based in Keating’s basement, has a large, well-lit studio space with skylights for painting and drawing, along with a stateof-the-art computer lab. With all of the variety in the department, the program offers many opportunities. Many students have seen various sketches, photos, digital images, and other works on display in the basement from ongoing studio art classes. There are also floor and building plans from the pre-architecture program that is

based at Lincoln Center and offers classes at Rose Hill. “We unofficially started using the walls that run through the visual arts complex and Keating basement,” said Professor David Storey, co-director of the visual arts program. “We started using the walls as exhibition spaces for current student work, and this is what we’ve been doing ever since. Now it’s become part of our program, and we’re very excited and proud about seeing the work from all of the various classes.” Storey stresses to his students the importance of cultivating intellectual and visual aspects, and technique inevitably follows stu-

dents’ interests. “At the top of my list would be the ability to see things intelligently and be able to generate ideas from visual experience — those are the basic tools of making visual art and they’re not mechanical tools,” said Storey. “They’re about ways of seeing the world and being able to respond to what you see in a purely visual way that generates insightful ideas about whatever it is that concerns you as an individual.” For visual arts major Liz Saco, FCRH ’16, one of her favorite projects from Drawing II was drawing six different sections from Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux’s sculp-

ture “Ugolino and His Sons” using pastels and charcoal. “I focused on the concept of anatomy and how it translates differently from a three-dimensional sculpture to a two-dimensional drawing on paper,” said Saco. “This project really stood out as one of my favorites because the process didn’t feel like work at all. I could spend five or more hours in the studio each day and not even notice the time because I was so into the project.” Visual arts minors can also embrace their creative sides without fearing that they lack the experience and techniques that visual arts majors have acquired. “I’m a marketing major so I like that creative side of things, and by picking up a visual arts minor I felt like I could still explore that creativity while still being in the business school,” said Alex Rainone, GSB ’16. “The teachers at Fordham really make you feel comfortable if you don’t have that basic skill level, and really work with each student where they are.” Ian Bennett, FCRH ’16, became a visual arts major after transferring from the University of New Hampshire. In addition to taking advantage of New York City’s many artistic resources and influences, Bennett has also embraced Fordham’s liberal arts core. “Something interesting about the visual arts program here is that you can really pair it well with the strong liberal studies that Fordham has compared to the other schools where it’s really

focused on art,” said Bennett. “I think that by doing visual arts as a major but then still having other strong core classes, you can really develop a stronger sense of yourself that can transfer or translate out of the artwork that you do.” It is apparent that the visual arts department embraces the motto, “New York is my campus. Fordham is my school.” For instance, the current digital photography display features many photos taken in both the Bronx and Manhattan. Storey believes that there should be more resources for Fordham visual arts students to see work to aspire to, like from young working artists living and working in New York. “We’re in the heart of New York City, which is the global capital of the art world,” said Storey. “We should have an exhibition facility that fits our position. Rose Hill, in and of itself as a university campus, is probably unusual in that it doesn’t have a dedicated, professionally run gallery space.” Storey hopes that the visual arts program will continue to expand, which will create more opportunities for students and the chance to engage in works that inspire them. “There is a long-term plan for a new student center, and hopefully there will be a visual arts facility in there, a gallery space with a serious, professional exhibition schedule of contemporary art,” said Storey. “We’ve had several discussions about this in the past but nothing in the recent past — again, it’s long-term planning.”

CULTURE

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February 18, 2015

Spruce Up Your Room This Spring With New Decor By ELIZABETH SMISLOVA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It is said that a clear desk equals a clear mind, a state hard to come by with a stressful college life. Do not underestimate the power of spring cleaning and decorating. The places we live in, albeit small and less than homey, inspire and comfort us. Organizing and sprucing up on a Ramen Noodle budget can seem impossible, so indulge your inner Martha Stewart and try to see your cramped space with a new perspective. First, meet your new best friend: removable wall hooks. Not only will they leave the paint or wood flawless, but also they can hold a surprising load. Put some by the front door to hang your backpack or keys for when you’re trying to make your 8:30 a.m. in FMH. Hang necklaces, bracelets or hats on smaller hooks both to add personality and organize. They can also hold winter gear, such as scarves and hats, to make it that much easier to stay warm in what feels like Siberia. Besides functionality, hooks are also a great way to display art by Fordham’s very own Picasso: you! Even if you find the idea of drawing stick figures intimidating, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects provide an outlet for your creativity and are like an adult version of putting assignments you are proud of on the refrigerator. Since spring is approaching fast and those New Year’s resolutions are quickly

CASEY CHUN/ THE RAM

Hanging lights and ornate tapestries can add color and space to a boring dorm room, while posters bring character.

disappearing in the rearview mirror, try making an inspiration board. Cut out words and pictures from magazines, or use ones that you have taken, and create a piece of art that costs close to nothing and that you can be proud of. Old picture frames or bulletin boards work great for this — try using colorful duct tape or spray paint to personalize your masterpiece even more. If you cannot get a certain expensive picture or piece of art out of your head, try to come up with a way to make it yourself. Even if it

might not be an exact replica, it will be empowering and you will have more cash to spend at Tino’s. An even simpler way to motivate yourself when summer seems years away is writing quotes on sticky notes and putting them on your mirror, closet doors or wall. Pinterest and Tumblr have good quotes, and when written on colorful notes, they can brighten both your room and mind. The colder the air gets, the warmer and more inviting our beds become in the morning. So give your crib

some TLC: adding a throw at the end of your bed instantly adds an element of warmth and color (there are some good cheap ones across the street at TJ Maxx). Also, decorative pillows add character and make your bed look like it came from a Home and Gardens magazine. You can also make DIY pillows with old t-shirts or fabric; look up videos on YouTube for some easy tutorials. If one of your resolutions was to be a better student, then organization is key. Use functional under-bed stor-

age to organize school books. Try using a crate or box, which you might already have. This clears space on your desk to further clear your mind. Colorful calendars visually order your life and can double as decoration when color coded or when made with colored paper. This is another time when sticky notes do more than you might have originally thought. Place them on the wall above your desk and assemble them to look like a calendar. Dry erase boards, cork boards and chalkboards also give the same results. Chalkboard paint — yes, it is an actual thing — can transform any canvas or old frame into a piece of practical art. Since your desk should also be a place where you look forward to working, adding living things can literally add life to that boring macro homework. Plants can be expensive to buy every week, but fake flowers give off the same springtime vibe. Also, if you’re bored with the same old picture displays, try using sticky putty to arrange your pictures in a certain shape to make your room more unique. The final touch to any room is lighting. String lights add ambience and give an effect of candlelight that will not get you in trouble with your RA. The combination of a clean space, wall art, lighting and an inviting bed together equal a dorm room worthy of being pinned on Pinterest. Grab your glue gun and Clorox wipes and get ready for the rest of the semester!

Trending Now | Natalie Sturgeon

Editor’s Pick | Fresh Off the Boat

Foodie Secrets

ABC Brings ‘Fresh’ Faces to Primetime

New York City is legendary for its hidden gems and small corner restaurants that turn out to be the best eateries in town. For foodies everywhere, New York City is a playground. It’s an expensive playground, but an adventure nonetheless. To take the costliness out of the experience, I have found four hidden gems that won’t break the bank. First on our list is a personal favorite of mine, La Esquina. Located on the corner of Kenmare Street in the Bowery, La Esquina serves the most authentic Mexican tacos in Manhattan. This discreet corner booth establishment has all of the classics, from carne asada to carnitas, and even stretches to unique combinations such as a vegetarian taco with mushroom, cilantro, tomato and chipotle sauce. Each taco has a price range of $3.25 to $4.00 and they are served in a classic old-school diner setting. With an amazing price range and delicacies that any Mexican food worshiper can appreciate, La Esquina is a place tailor-made for the foodie inside everyone. Moving on down to our next restaurant in Brooklyn, we arrive at Zenkichi. Located in Williamsburg, Zenkichi is quite literally a hidden gem. The restaurant is located behind a wooden door with the number 77 above it. Although you may not notice it upon walking by, once you get inside it is impossible to forget. The layout is very intimate, and each booth or table is lined with bamboo strips hanging from the ceiling to offer one of the coziest dining experiences one can find in a big city. With seafood treasures and

simple Japanese traditional cuisine, Zenkichi is a one-of-a-kind experience that is worth the subway trip to Brooklyn. Shifting to the West Village, our next posh place is a brunch spot Hudson Clearwater. Marked by a green door on Morton Street, Hudson Clearwater provides an airy and urban spin on brunch. The main dining room is lined with ivy and lights and sprinkled with tasteful patio furniture to create a relaxing aura. On their brunch menu, the most highly recommended plate is the brioche French toast with apples, pecan and cinnamon. Putting a spin on all different classic brunch plates, Hudson Clearwater redefines an early afternoon dining experience. Last, and most definitely not least, is one of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn, Tripoli. Tripoli is an amazing little restaurant located on Atlantic Ave that serves authentic Lebanese food. Any foodie looking for lebni with cucumbers or the best bowl of hummus you’ve ever had has come to the right place. Combining a remarkable Mediterranean atmosphere with servers who care about your experience as much as you do, Tripoli does Lebanese hospitality just right. Getting a big bowl of hummus and stuffing yourself with pita bread is a rite of passage at this restaurant, and it is all done without draining your checking account. All of these restaurants have their own specialties and their own atmospheres, but the one thing that these restaurants can agree on is that there is no reason to overcharge a foodie in search of an adventure.

By CASEY CHUN PHOTO EDITOR

As a child, I grew up watching sitcoms like “George Lopez” and “Family Matters.” Back then, I noticed that they were different on two levels. I realized that they were not the typical “Dick and Jane” type of characters. Yet, they were different from me. Growing up, I and other AsianAmericans had limited roles in media and entertainment — we didn’t have anyone with whom we could identify. This was after Margaret Cho’s controversial “All-American Girl” series and some Jackie Chan films here and there. At the same time, this was before the rise of actors like John Cho, Lucy Liu and Steven Yuen. The attempt at casting an AsianAmerican romantic lead in “Selfie” was all but half a promise after it was canceled after a mere 13 episodes. Still, 2015 looks bright with the premiere of “Fresh Off the Boat” and rumors of Ken Jeong getting his own show. Though hailed as a groundbreaking moment for Asian in media, the show has faced negativity from many people. To make matters worse, the show faced criticism from Eddie Huang, whose life served as “inspiration” for the show. I, too, met this show with skepticism. After all, Asian-American characters have limited roles on screen that do not fall within stereotypical — often racist — parameters. However, as I watched the show, it evoked nostalgic warmth within me. The warmth was not completely pleasant: it was a mix of empathetic

COURTESY OF ABC

“Fresh off the Boat” is based on the real experiences of an Asian-American family.

memories and heated anger. That was the charm of the show. The show effectively and subtly captures the real issues that first-generation Chinese-American children face. The producer’s attention to detail captures the many understated aspects of Chinese-American life: eating hearty Chinese breakfasts, navigating grocery store shopping and bearing through the dreaded Chinese Learning Center. Though the show was peppered with some good laughs, it also delved into some harder issues. The overall theme of the show is the difficulty of acclimating to American culture. Randall Park plays a father who struggles with maintaining a risky business. This presents itself not only as a situational issue, but also a cultural one; wealth is a symbol of fortune and well-being, and as such becomes a competition between the siblings. Constance Wu’s character is portrayed as a “tiger mom,” whose strict upbringing aims to rear children prepared for the macabre of the American world. Her stern nature

acts as a facade for her maternal love. “I love you” is rarely uttered in a Chinese household. Actions take place of the worlds. Simple gestures like an extra piece of chicken at dinner and gentle pushes are signs of a Chinese parent’s love. The children struggle with their identities. Rooted in the complex and confrontational Asian-American identity, they learn to navigate American culture through trial and error. Similarly, that is how AsianAmericans in this generation learned to grow up. To see a story about this experience on the screen speaks volumes of how far Asian-Americans have come, but this is not enough. “Fresh Off the Boat” might be a promise, but to survive on screen is another challenge. I only hope that this generation will be able to watch this show and have something to relate to. Hudson Yang, who portrays a young Eddie Huang, said in the first episode, “if you were an outsider, hip was your anthem.” That was the case in 1995, but perhaps this series will be the anthem in 2015.

CULTURE

February 18, 2015

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Brian Williams: No Longer America’s News Anchor By DELANEY BENISON STAFF WRITER

After years of watching newscaster Brian Williams, arguably the most popular evening news anchor in America, many have come to be shocked, angered and disappointed by a man they had come to respect and trust as a reporter. The “NBC Nightly News” anchor was initially reported as saying he was following a helicopter that went down in Iraq in 2003, only for the story to evolve and change over the next 12 years into a harrowing story of courage under fire. This is Brian Williams’ initial report from that day in 2003 recalling the events in the helicopter: “On the ground, we learned the Chinook ahead of us was almost blown out of the sky. That hole was made by a rocket propelled grenade or RPG, fired from the ground. It punched cleanly through the skin of the ship but amazingly it didn’t detonate.” Reasonable enough. The Chinook that Williams was in had to land because the one ahead of him was shot down. They landed for safety purposes. This, however, is the tale he decided to tell on the Letterman show in 2013: “Two of our four helicopters were hit by ground fire, including

the one I was in, by RPG and AK47.” This was followed by Letterman asking, “What happens the minute everyone realizes you’ve been hit?” Williams responds, “We figure out how to land safely, and we did. We landed very quickly and hard. And we put down and we were stuck four birds in the middle of the desert and we were north out ahead of the other Americans.” Williams almost sticks to his story, with the exception of being hit with RPG’s and AK-47’s. The question really is why did Williams do this? He is the most watched news anchor on television, averaging 9.3 million viewers a night. This being the case, it seems surprising that someone so popular would need to exaggerate not only a news report, but a war experience. Was it a play for stardom? Was he trying to outshine his predecessor Tom Brokaw? , was he fighting to stay relevant at the time and attract a bigger audience? These are all questions that a reporter thought to be one of the most trusted men in America will probably never answer. Once it came time for Williams to face the music, his apology was very singular to the report he’d done the previous week, trying to reach out to the veteran that helped him in 2003. While he did apologize to the men and women who serve and relayed his respect for them, he did

MARK DUNCAN/ AP

The controversy with Brian Williams has affected his career and public images, making it tough for him to regain trust.

not make it abundantly clear for what he was apologizing. During his apology, he did clarify the story about his helicopter and he said he made a mistake in recalling events of 12 years ago. This, however, seems to be an

Review | Theater

‘Beautiful’ Celebrates Renowned Talent By DELANEY BENISON

apology for misspeaking, rather than for increasing his lie over the past 12 years. As for as Williams’ future,

one thing has been determined. NBC has suspended him for six months without pay. Due to the recent findings, other reports by Williams are being investigated, including some of his coverage of Hurricane Katrina. All of this will only lead to more trust issues between Williams and his audience. So, what will this mean for Williams? Will it be a cooling off period during which watchers will forgive and forget? Or will this turn into a life sentence, leaving him off-air forever? It will be tough for Brian Williams to regain the trust of an audience after he reported a story about himself, knew the truth, but exploited a false story anyway. There was no way, in this day in age, a story like this could be buried. It is possible Williams will be looking at a very similar fate to Dan Rather, who reported a false story on President Bush in 2004, ultimately forcing him to step down from CBS as its evening news anchor. NBC is a business and, as such, I am sure they intend on putting someone at the desk that will drive up ratings, while instilling an honest and trusting relationship with its viewers. This is a task in which Williams is no longer equipped to handle.

Culture Shock | Claire Kim

Strong Vocals and Simple Tones

STAFF WRITER

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a celebration of talent that crossed decades and music that has stood the test of time. It is a story following the rise of Carol King’s musical career and the ups and downs of her life. The show opens with 16-yearold King, a Brooklyn native, bright eyed and dreaming of becoming a professional song writer. She attends college, where she meets Gerry Goffin, who will become not only her writing partner but her husband. The play follows the amazing story of Goffin and king’s balanced talent with music and lyrics. It shows the harsh reality of their marriage and how their art suffered at times as a result. The story reveals the power of the music business and the relationships that are built among like-minded artists looking for the next great sound. The show, of course, would be nothing without its music. Some of the most popular songs of the ‘60s were showcased, just to name a few: “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?,” “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” were written by Goffin and King and their close friends, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The songs are performed with such energy and charisma you can feel the glimmer of their accomplishments and the heartbreak of songs that inspired and have lasted as classics for the last 50 years. As the show develops, so does

COURTESY OF JUNIPER STREET PRODUCTIONS

Beautiful showcases great talent and amazing music, depicting King’s life.

King. Her grace in the midst of adversity shows her admirable efforts to become the voice of a generation. She spends most of her young life trying to overcome self-doubt and her shy and goofy demeanor. While clearly the most talented amongst her peers, she is also the most shaken in her confidence. She comes to recognize her own talent and takes her pain, emotion and creativity and throws it into her music. Jessie Mueller, who plays the

young King, has captured the essence of the rock star in her youth. The great supporting cast of Annika Larsen as Weil, Jarrod Spector as Mann and Jake Epstein as Goffin creates a funny, energetic show that reveals the struggle and beauty of the music at that time. Well-written and amazingly choreographed, the musical aptly depicts the life of King and the talent that was found in the most unexpected of places.

Swedish recording artist and songwriter Seinabo Sey has finally released her long-awaited EP, “For Madeline.” The twenty-three-yearold success story from Stockholm, Sweden first wowed critics in 2013 with her single, “Younger.” Her solo debut topped charts in Sweden and Norway, as well as going to number one on U.S. Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Playlist. The song repeats the infectious warning that “you aren’t getting any younger,” which is matched with Seinabo Sey’s dark and sultry vocals. The spliced synths and bobbing percussion builds, drops, then builds again, leaving the listener wanting more. After two years, Sey’s audience has finally been given new material. In early 2015, the six-song EP, dedicated to her mother, was shared on iTunes, Spotify and Soundcloud. The EP opens with “Hard Time,” a dramatic show-stopper. It is definitely one of the darker songs on the EP. The lyrics talk about her failing relationship, in which she feels her time and emotional stability has been robbed of her. Despite the difficult subject, the clapping in the background, the steadfast and sure tempo and the aloof tone sends an alternative message of hope for the future. The song is angry, but not broken. It plays as a warning or promise to become stronger and not to let negative experience stain a whole person. “Pistols at Dawn” begins with a full composition, but is soon left with only vocals. Sey’s memorable

voice is deep and luscious, merging with the instrumentals in the background. Her inky voice and the subtle electronic beats of the background reunite with the piano towards the end of the song, creating an emotional and rewarding experience. This song unites the simplicity of using only vocals with the complexity of the lyrics. It is at once powerful and vulnerable and sultry and innocent, a mesmerizing paradox in one song. “You” is comfortable, neutralizing and safe. It feels like a fluttering heartbeat anticipating only good things. The many vocal tracks, whether they are layered in the main song or humming in the background, give the song a full sense of completion. The chorus is where her voice takes off, and the listener is left in complete awe. The mixture of layered then un-layered and altered then unaltered voice is collaborated perfectly. The final song of the EP, “River,” combines all of Sey’s artistry into one song. The deep voice we have become accustomed to is now met with sharp, piercing, high notes that excite and energize the listener. The entire song feels like a sprint: exhilarating, fast-pace and overwhelming. Her intricately crafted and refreshing combination of pop, hip hop and soul truly shines in “River.” With the release of “For Madeline,” Sey has made a place for herself in the music world, proving that she is not a one-hit-wonder and making sure that listeners anticipate her next release.

CULTURE

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Who’s That Kid? | Stanley J. Stilwell III

Embracing the Arts, Nature and Community By ERIN SHANAHAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Those who meet Stanley J. Stilwell III today meet a charming, clean cut and well-dressed twenty-one-yearold Gabelli student who enjoys his many responsibilities, including his job as an RA and Senate position on USG, as well as his upcoming job at Deloitte Consulting next year. This astute and successful character has been “in the works” for several years. As long as Stanley could remember, he has been planning for the future. An introspective and contemplative person, Stanley created a life timeline, outlining all his major life activities that he desired to work toward. “I love to look forward to the next adventure and the potential in each opportunity excites me because it is just another door opening and I never know what I am going to find on the other side,” he said. Stanley’s desire to plan ahead developed at a young age, specifically while attending Keewaydin, an allboys summer camp. It offers a two month sleepaway camp experience for boys in Salisbury, Vermont. “My time with Keewaydin has given me respect for the simplicities in life; having the ability to go for an extended hike, enjoy nature, get away from technology and true values in friendship,” he said. Through Keewaydin, Stanley had several amazing experiences such as an 18-day camping trip where he traveled 250 miles via canoe running river-to-river and hopping from lake to lake through the La Verendyre wildlife preserve in Canada. Stanley attended Keewaydin in order to take a break from life in New York City during the summer months. Growing up in Manhattan, he attended Wagner Middle School and Fiorello H. LaGuardia Arts High School for the Performing Arts. At LaGuardia, Stanley became versed in many different forms of performing arts; however, he specialized in the tuba and performed at some impressive locations such as Carnegie Hall, Rockefeller Center and Avery Fischer Hall.

February 18, 2015

The Ramantic In the last year we’ve seen technological advancements like the release of the iPhone 6 and the rise in popularity and function of drones. The dating world evolves in tandem with technology like Google Glass and innovations like Tinder, for example. Obviously today you can no longer call someone’s house phone and talk to him or her for a half-hour a day and say you are dating. In today’s world you need to become Facebook official with a person and communicate regularly — but not too regularly — in order to be doing it right. The following list contains some key pointers for knowing how to use technology to your romantic advantage.

1. Use, but do not abuse, texting. Texting is a great and easy way to let someone know you are interested. A simple “Hey, how was your day?” or a “How was your vacation?” when you return from break can be great conversation-starters and show that you care. Things really change once a relationship has begun. Texting a person daily is something that is very normal in a relationship. A good morning text can mean more than asking someone out on a date. On the opposite end of the spectrum, texting too much can ruin a relationship. Not only can incessant texts become annoying, they can also take the place of face to face interaction. Texting may be just fine, but it should never replace actually spending time together. So what do you do if your significant other fights with you when you text too much but gets mad at you when you do not text back? A simple text that explains that you are too busy and will text him or her later or that you are overwhelmed could save a relationship. And if all else fails, a good old-fashioned conversation could save the day. COURTESY OF STANLEY STILWELL

Stanley enjoys the respite of the Botanical Gardens, like his experience at Keewaydin.

After LaGuardia, Stanley’s next move in his life plan was to attend an amazing college and become a business major. “I chose Fordham because of its proximity to the capital of the world, New York City, and the clear ‘a-ha’ moment that most students get once they walk onto our Rose Hill campus,” he said. At the Gabelli School of Business, Stanley majors in finance, minors in economics and specializes in alternative investments. Stanley commuted his first semester of freshman year, while rowing for the mens’ crew team. In order to commute to Fordham in time for morning practice, Stanley woke up every day at 4:45 a.m. to be ready for 6 a.m. practice. “One of my most enjoyable experiences to this day has been my time bonding with the team over the fact that we were up before the sun, and there is nothing comparable to the moment when the sun first rises as you are driving down Fordham Road and getting on the water for a mornings’ row,”

he said. During his sophomore year, Stanley became an RA in Queens Court, then Alumni Court South his junior year and finally, as a senior, he is an RA in Loyola Hall. He also has been a part of the Fordham Band and Orchestra, Budget Committee, Operations Committee, Fordham Career Ambassador, Alternative Investments Club and Finance Society. Stanley also enjoys taking classes when he has free time to try something new and interesting. He has taken classes for Krav Maga, a form of self-defense developed for the Israeli military and recently taught to CIA agents and Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dancing, acrobatics and music. In addition he has taken gymnastics due to his desire to replicate moves from Bring It On as well as hip-hop and ballet classes. Stanley also hopes — in about five years, according to his life timeline — to work for the Peace Corps in Africa as a business advisory volunteer.

2. The Internet is a magnificent resource for planning dates. With useful websites such as BuzzFeed, Mashable, Thrillist, Urbanspoon, Trip Advisor, and Yelp (to name a few), finding a restaurant with great reviews and planning a date that is foolproof as possible is easier than ever. Beyond finding a great restaurant, you can also use the Internet to create ideas for dates that involve more than just eating. Hopefully, ideas that include but are not limited to the classics can keep the fifteenth date just as exciting as the first.

3. Technology can be used to snag a date in the first place. I will not argue that Internet dating is a taboo subject. However, the Internet and technology have never had such a large role in everyday life. Our smartphones-in-hand generation should use the resources available to us to get what we want. Asking for a number when meeting someone can foster the idea of a date. At the same time, popular dating apps can be fun even if you don’t take them seriously. Give dating apps a chance if meeting people in person is not working out for you. If you are not looking for just a hook-up, make it clear on the app and see what happens.

4. Becoming Facebook Official does not have to be an issue. Many people are friends with relatives and exes on Facebook. At the same time, many relationships today exist peacefully in non-official limbo. To avoid any complications or awkward moments related to becoming Facebook official, take your relationship status down from your Facebook now, even if you are nowhere near being in a relationship. It is that simple.

Review | Movie

Chasing the American Dream By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

McFarland, USA tells the real life story of Jim White, a cross country coach in a small California town who transforms a group of students into athletes and eventually championship contenders. Kevin Costner portrays Coach White, who created an ongoing successful program in the agriculture driven town. “It means an awful lot to the community of McFarland, myself included,” Jim White told The Fordham Ram and other college publications in a phone call. “The boys, we just got out of question and answer things and they’re

elated that they’re part of it.” He also details how the city logo changed from “Heartbeat of Agriculture” to a silhouette of a runner racing through the field and underneath it says, “Tradition, Unity and Excellence.” Costner certainly has a connection to this story. He went to high school in Visalia, and he played McFarland in baseball. Years prior to reading the script, he read a story about Coach White and McFarland in Sports Illustrated. “It’s funny how this story I read a long time ago, I suddenly was in the movie and then I realized, my God, I’ve actually played against this community,” said Costner. “So it’s a big full circle for me and for Jim. I think I met Jim a couple

of days before we started filming but we would, Jim would often come to the set and we would have a time to either talk with him or his wife and just walk around.” Audience members will respect the very realistic portrayal of White and his family as they adjust to life in McFarland, in regards to both the change in lifestyle and as racial minorities. As White spends long hours practicing with the team, he must learn to balance his responsibilities as a coach, teacher and father. “So at its very core, this is not a movie about running,” said Costner. “It’s not about cross country. This movie is really about the American Dream and the American Dream in McFarland is alive

and well. There’s nothing more American than a parent trying to make their life better for their children.” In addition, viewers will see the team train for long hours — running around the town and over the hills in the fields to learn how to maintain speed on rough terrain. As they trained, Coach White, who had no experience coaching cross country, must learn the intricacies of the sport and how to get the best out of his team. “But the fact that it was real gave the people who wanted to make this film, they wanted to go, well how could that happen?” asked Costner. “And what it is, it’s a combination of young men and

a man with a level of wisdom, a level of desire to come together with one goal in mind and — and through work, they achieved it.” Carlos Pratt, who played White’s top runner Thomas, brings great emotion and toughness to his role. He and Costner complement each other well in several powerful scenes. This is not just a movie for sports fans — audiences will be happy to see as the students embrace running, they gain confidence and plan for the future. Whether it is the speedy Thomas, smooth-talking Johnny or the team’s anchor, Danny, you cannot help but root for them to succeed in both the race and their future endeavors.

CULTURE

February 18, 2015

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Review | Movie

The DUFF Provides a Fresh, Humorous Take on High School Life By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

The DUFF, arriving to theaters Feb. 20, is a witty, entertaining take on traditional high school tribulations, cliques and the pitfalls of navigating the technology-driven social sphere. The marketing team for The DUFF certainly appeals to its target audience, young adults, by encouraging audience members prior to the screening to tweet or Instagram about the movie. Bianca (Mae Whitman, “Parenthood”) is a content high school senior whose world, including her sense of self, is shattered when she learns her fellow students recognize her as “The DUFF” (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) compared to her prettier, more popular friends Jess and Casey. Bianca enlists the help of her neighbor Wesley (Robbie Amell, “The Flash”), an attractive, popular jock, to reinvent herself and pursue her crush Toby, a seemingly sensitive guy who plays guitar. In addition, she must find the confidence to overthrow the school’s ruthless Regina-Georgewannabe Madison (Bella Thorne, “Red Band Society”), who makes Bianca feel inferior to her friends and is threatened by Bianca spending time with her on-againoff-again boyfriend Wesley.

COURTESY OF CBS FILMS

The DUFF combines the traditional high school experience and social media world.

Whitman, Amell and Thorne discussed the preparation and experiences they brought to their roles in a phone interview with

The Fordham Ram and other publications. “To be honest with you, the main preparation for me was just

hanging out with Mae and Bella, and the rest of the cast, and getting close to them,” said Amell. “So that you people would buy that we’re friends and actually liked each other.” “I watch Jaw Breaker [and] Jennifer’s Body,” said Thorne when asked about preparing for her role. “I feel like the lingo in Jennifer’s Body is exactly how it is in our film.” In addition, both Thorne and Whitman related to being bullied and stereotyped in high school. “I’ve never been to a high school,” said Thorne. “But I was bullied throughout school for being dyslexic. So that kind of drew me to this movie too.” “I definitely was bullied and called weird names, and stuff,” said Whitman. “So I wanted to, you know, use my experience to sort of maybe make people feel less alone, or like you know this is a real infrastructure at all because it’s definitely not. It gets better after school.” Bianca must deal with the harsh effects of cyberbullying, in the form of a viral video and mean comments, that many young adults encounter nowadays. It is definitely thought provoking in regards to the long-term effects and how anyone can view videos or comments. “Very John Hughes in Breakfast Club,” said Amell. “At the be-

ginning, everybody has got their stereotype and then you get to watch them go on this journey, and it’s fun to see what they you know, what they turn into at the end of the movie.” One feature of the movie that I did not like is how the plot culminates at the homecoming dance, which audiences have seen in countless teen movies. An aspect that I found refreshing is the way in which Wesley helps Bianca. He looks to build her confidence by how she interacts with others and presents herself, including talking to Toby and not resorting to oversized clothing. She has fun shopping with Wesley, dancing around and posing in various ensembles, as opposed to her awkwardness when she attended a party with her friends. Therefore, it is not a makeover for her peers to find her attractive or her fit in, like how some view Sandy’s bad girl makeover in Grease and Allison’s more feminine look in The Breakfast Club. Overall, I would say that this movie is a cross between Mean Girls and She’s All That, and the movie is both relatable and a lot of fun. Whether you chuckle while remembering your own awkward moments from high school, empathizing for Bianca or contemplating the validity of the term “The DUFF,” you will certainly have an enjoyable experience.

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February 18, 2015

SPORTS

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The Fordham Ram

Softball Goes 4-1 on Valentine’s Day Weekend By ANTHONY PUCIK SPORTS EDITOR

The 2-3 Fordham softball team traveled down to Tampa, Florida this past weekend to participate in the USF Presidents Day Weekend Tournament. The team’s first game was against the St. John’s University Red Storm on Friday, Feb. 13. The Rams drew first blood in the top of the first on an RBI ground out by senior catcher Kayla Lombardo off Red Storm starter Tori Free to go up 1-0, and that was all Fordham’s redshirt junior starter Rachel Gillen needed. Gillen pitched seven innings of three-hit shutout ball, striking out 11 and walking only one. The Rams added two more runs on senior designated hitter Michelle Daubman’s solo homerun in the top of the sixth and sophomore second baseman Amy Van Hoven’s RBI single in the seventh to win 3-0. Gillen picked up her third win of the season to improve to 3-1, while Free picked up her first loss of the season for St. John’s and dropped to 1-1. The Rams’ next game on Friday was against the Tennessee University Lady Volunteers. The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third, when RBI singles by Tennessee’s catcher Annie Aldrete and shortstop Meghan Gregg off Daubman put the Lady Vols up 2-0. The Lady Vols added a run in the fifth on pitcher and right fielder Rainey Gaffin’s solo homerun to make it 3-0. They scored two more in the bottom of the sixth on a solo homer from second baseman Megan Geer and an RBI ground out by center fielder Jessica Adell to make it 5-0. Fordham was only able to muster four hits off of the

MICHAEL REZIN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Softball combined good pitching with timely offense to beat all but one opponent last weekend.

pitching tandem of Gaffin and Gretchen Aucoin in its first loss of the weekend. Aucoin picked up her third win for Tennessee, while Daubman fell to 1-2 on the season. Fordham double dated on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, starting with the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles. The Eagles scored in the top of the first on an RBI single by second baseman Alexis Ross off the Rams’ Daubman to take an early 1-0 lead. The Rams countered in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single of their own by Lombardo to tie the score at one. Fordham erupted for six runs in the bottom of the second. Senior right fielder Cora Ianiro reached on an error to score Gillen, followed by a two-RBI double by center fielder Sydney Canessa to take a 3-1 lead. Sophomore third baseman Lindsay Mayer reached on a fielder’s

choice to score Van Hoven and Canessa, and left fielder Brianna Turgeon added an RBI single to put Forhdam up 6-1 after two. The Rams added four more in the bottom of the fourth on an RBI single by Mayer, a sacrifice fly by Lombardo and a solo homerun for Turgeon, making it 11-1 Fordham. Daubman was perfect after the first, pitching five innings of five-hit ball, striking out one and walking one, and led Fordham to the five-inning mercy win. Daubman evened up her record at 2-2 on the season, while Florida Gulf Coast starter Ashl Dobson fell to 1-1. The Rams’ next date was with the University of South Florida Bulls. Fordham had a very productive top of the first, scoring two runs on a Mayer RBI double and a Lombardo RBI single to take an early 2-0 lead. The Rams added another run in the top of

the second on a Canessa RBI single, but USF countered in the bottom of the inning with a sacrifice fly by pitcher Karla Claudio to make it 3-1 Fordham. The Bulls took a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the third on a two-RBI single by designated player Morgan Litchfield and a steal of home by catcher Lee Ann Spivey. The Rams scored a run each in the fourth and fifth innings to retake the lead 5-4, but the Bulls got the lead back in the bottom of the inning with a Litchfield RBI single and a fielder’s choice by right fielder Mia Fung to make it 6-5. Much like its game earlier in the day, Fordham had a big inning in the top of the sixth. Van Hoven started off with an RBI single, followed by RBI walks issued to Mayer, Lombardo and Turgeon. Gillen and junior shortstop Allie Bradian each added RBI singles, and Canessa chipped in a two-RBI

single to cap off an eight-run inning for the Rams to put them up 13-6. Fordham got another run in the top of the seventh when Lombardo scored on a wild pitch, and the Rams won 14-6. Gillen struggled after her last outing, giving up six runs in 4.2 innings pitched, but junior Patti Maloney came on in relief and pitched 2.1 innings of three-hit shutout ball to pick up her first victory of the season. USF reliever Erica Nunn earned the loss, giving up five runs in the sixth on two and a third innings pitched. The Rams’ final game of the tournament came on Sunday, Feb. 15 against the Detroit University Titans. Fordham once again scored on its first plate appearance in the bottom of the first on a Mayer RBI single and RBI walk to Turgeon to take a 2-0 lead. Detroit got a run back in the top of the second off Fordham’s sophomore starter Lauren Quense, but Fordham added two more in the bottom of the inning on a 2-RBI single by Mayer to make it 4-1 Fordham. Detroit cut the lead to one once again with two runs in the top of the fourth, but Turgeon’s solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth gave Fordham a 6-3 lead. The Tigers added another two runs in the top of the sixth off Daubman, who came on in relief in the fifth, but were not able to retie the game, giving Fordham the 6-5 victory. Quense evened her record to 1-1 on the season, while Detroit starter Christa McGahuey dropped to 0-3. The 6-4 Fordham Rams hit the road again this weekend for the Paladin Classic in Greensville, South Carolina. Their first game is Friday, Feb. 20 against Toledo at 11 a.m.

Fordham Falls Short in Battle of the Rams By MATT ROSENFELD STAFF WRITER

After a week without a game, the Fordham’s women’s basketball team fell to the University of Rhode Island in a conference matchup Sunday afternoon in Kingston, Rhode Island. In the first and only matchup between these two teams, it was the Rams from New England that would take the all-important Atlantic 10 win. Rhode Island jumped out to an early lead, gaining a 17-9 advantage in the first seven minutes of the game, led by 13 points from junior forward Samantha Tabakman. Fordham quickly responded with an 8-0 run of its own to tie the game at 17 midway through the first half. Freshman G’mrice Davis contributed five of the eight points in the run, helping the Bronx Rams stay in the contest. “[G’mrice] was our only bright spot off the bench [on Sunday],” said head coach Stephanie Gaitley. “She’s done that on a few occasions, so hopefully she can be-

SAMUEL JOSEPH/THE FORDHAM RAM

Women’s basketball will host Dayton on Wednesday night in its annual Play 4 Kay game.

come more of a producer down the stretch.” Fordham then took over the game for a stretch in the first, grabbing a seven point lead of its own with just over three minutes remaining until half. But Rhode Island would not let the game get out of hand, cutting Fordham’s lead to 32-28 at the break. Rhode Island came out of the

half on fire, scoring the first eight points and putting the road team down four not even two minutes into the second. The game remained close, with Rhode Island maintaining a three to five point lead for the first nine minutes of the second half. It was at the 11 minute mark that URI took over the game. Fordham’s deficit stretched

to 10, as it could not overcome turnovers and solid Rhode Island offense. The Rams of URI continually stretched their lead, gaining up to an 18 point lead with a minute left. The final buzzer went off as Rhode Island took the 7156 win. “We just weren’t focused,” Gaitley said. “We had the lead at halftime, but we just haven’t done a

terrific job of putting two halves together. That’s something that we need to figure out real quickly as we hit the final stretch.” URI’s Tabakman led all scorers with 22 points, while junior Samantha Clark had 16 to lead Fordham in scoring. Fordham’s 21 turnovers to Rhode Island’s 12 proved to be too much to overcome, as Fordham dropped to 17-8 overall, 9-3 in A-10 play. Fordham’s next game is Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. when it hosts Dayton in a critical A-10 matchup. Dayton sits in second at 10-2 in conference, while the Rams are tied for third with Duquesne. “It’s not that we have to play a perfect game [against Dayton],” Gaitley said. “But we have to play a hell of a lot better than we did against Rhode Island. We need to learn to put together a forty-minute game. There’s no way you can beat the top teams in your conference with a 20 to 24 minute game. It doesn’t mean you have to be perfect, but you certainly have to play a much more complete game to beat one of the top teams.”

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Anthony Pucik Another Yankee Remembered Josh Pettitte broke the news via Twitter on Sunday that his father, Andy, will have his number 46 retired by the Yankees this summer on Aug. 23. Pettitte will have his number and a plaque dedicated to him in Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park. A member of the Core Four, Pettitte joins teammate Mariano Rivera as the second member of the four to be enshrined in Monument Park. With so many great players on the Yankee teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s, it’s hard to find any that were more instrumental to their success than Andy Pettitte. In just his second season with the Yankees in 1996, the left-hander amassed 21 wins in what would be the first of many great seasons of his eighteen-year career. He also went 2-1 in the postseason that year, helping the Yankees win their first World Series since 1978. That was just the beginning. Pettitte earned double-digit victories for the next seven seasons and was a part of three more championships in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He was also a member of the Yankee World Series teams of 2001, earning American League Championship Series’ MVP, and 2003. Pettitte left the Yankees for three seasons, reaching the World Series with the Houston Astros in 2005 and earning double digit wins in two of those seasons, but returned to pinstripes in 2007. He earned another World Series championship with the Yankees in 2009, his fifth overall, and retired in 2011, only to come back and play another two years for the team in 2012 and 2013 before actually retiring for good. Pettitte’s numbers in the regular season don’t exactly jump out at you, but he was, without a doubt, above average. He ended his career 256153, never having a losing record and going .500 in only two seasons (2008 and 2013), with a 3.85 ERA and giving up a little more than a hit per inning pitched. However, his postseason numbers are absolutely absurd. His 19 wins are the most in postseason history, and in 44 games started and 276.2 innings pitched he had a 3.81 ERA and struck out 183 batters. He also had one of the most dangerous pickoff moves in the game, fooling even the best baserunners. Aside from his on-the-field accolades, though, Pettitte was also remembered for being brought up in the Mitchell Report for his use of performance enhancing drugs. Pettitte admitted to using human growth hormones twice to recover from an elbow injury in 2002, but apologized for it and said he did it only to heal faster and not enhance his performance. Rather than deny the allegations like many of his other baseball counterparts did at this time, Pettitte came right out and admitted to what he did and what he used the substance for. As a result, you don’t hear it brought up as much as other players who were also on the report. It was a thrill to watch Andy Pettitte while I was growing up in New York. His poise on the mound and composure in the toughest situations on the biggest stage of them all made him one of the greatest Yankees I have ever watched. Pettitte deserves his plaque in Monument Park, and probably in Cooperstown as well.

February 18, 2015

Senior Profile | Bryan Smith By MAX PRINZ STAFF WRITER

Over the past four years, Bryan Smith has become one of the more recognizable faces at the Rose Hill Gym. Smith has averaged more than 20 minutes per game over his career and has made 81 starts. He has played at four different positions, playing mostly forward last season in small-ball lineups, before transitioning back to the backcourt this year. As the lone senior on this year’s squad, Smith is counted on every game to provide veteran leadership. The Fordham Ram: What made you decide to come to Fordham? Bryan Smith: I felt like Fordham was the best place for [me] academically and athletically. We play in a good conference, [the]A-10 Conference, which is tough. Especially my freshman year, when we had Xavier and Temple. So, I felt like it would be a perfect school for me. TFR: How has your game changed and evolved over your four years? BS: I mean, in high school, I had to score. Coming here, I had to sit back and learn from the upperclassmen. During my first couple of years, I was known more as a shooter, just wait and let Branden [Frazier] create and play off of him. But, [in] my senior year, I [am] more of a leader. The ball is in my hands a lot more now and I can make plays off the dribble, too. TFR: Coach Pecora is always stressing the importance of veteran leadership this year. What do you try to do to provide that? BS: I just make sure that I have good chemistry with everybody on the team. Certain teams have their cliques. As a leader, I’m not letting that happen. I’m cool with everybody and everybody enjoys their time around me, both on and off the court. Also, my voice in the locker room helps a lot, too. TFR: One of the more interesting things about your career is that

The 2015 New York Mets

CHRISTIAN WILOEJO/THE FORDHAM RAM

Bryan Smith has played all over the court in his time at Fordham.

you’ve played so many different positions. Has that been difficult for you? Do you have a preference at all? BS: Honestly, I just do whatever the coach asks me to do. I just go play my game and play as hard as I can. Last year was obviously tough, playing against dudes that were five inches taller than me, 30 pounds, 40 pounds bigger than me. Some games it worked, some games it didn’t, but I made sure I played my hardest every night. TFR: Doing those little things all seems like your trademark. BS: The intangibles can win games. Loose balls, diving, talking— I feel like that’s my job on the court. TFR: The Rose Hill Gym is getting older every year. Do you like it? Have you enjoyed playing there? BS: I like it when it’s packed. When it’s packed it’s a great environment. Back in my freshman year, we played Harvard and it was packed. That was a great feeling, everybody cheering for you and helping you

beat a team like that. TFR: One of the main storylines for this season is how young the team is. What do you see in their future? BS: I see a lot of improvement. You’ve got Jon [Severe] and Christian [Sengfelder] and Eric [Paschall]. That’s a real nice core. And Mandell [Thomas] and [Ryan] Rhoomes [are] in their senior year, next year should be a great one. TFR: Do you have a favorite memory from your four years of basketball here? BS: It’s got to be when we beat Harvard and Georgia Tech [in] back-to-back games. That was one of the best feats, and I got Rookie of the Week that week, too. Definitely one of my best memories. TFR: Do you have any plans for after graduation? BS: I want to continue to play basketball. I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, so if I could continue, that would be a blessing for me.

Men’s Tennis Drops to 2-5 By DAVID BALICK STAFF WRITER

Fordham men’s tennis met a strong opponent in Davidson College, and was unable to rise to the occasion. The Rams lost all four of their finished matches against the Wildcats, dropping their record to 2-5. The Rams battled hard and kept many of the matches close, but the strength and condition of their counterparts was just too much on this day. “Davidson is a strong team, so I wouldn’t necessarily say anything went ‘wrong’,” said new head coach

Nicole Horton

Mike Sowter, “we just need to work on closing out sets and staying tough from start to finish.” The teams did not play any of the usual doubles matches, which may have hindered Fordham’s success, as players usually perform well in those competitions. Instead, the teams finished just four matches, with all four of those going to the Wildcats in straight sets. Senior J.J Tauil, playing in the number one seed for Fordham, lost to Davidson’s Shamael Chaudhry 6-0, 6-1. Senior Max Peara battled to keep it close in his first set, but fell 6-4. He then went on to fall in the second

PATRICK DOHERTY/THE FORDHAM RAM

Fordham was unable to withstand the A-10s newest addition, Davidson.

set, 6-2. Similarly, freshman Pol Giraldez, the three seed, was in contention and even winning at a time in his first set, but he too would go onto lose 7-5. From that point on, he was not able to get back in it, and lost the second set 6-3. Junior Pedro Alonzo kept both of his sets competitive and had victory within reach at a couple of points, but the end result was a 6-3, 6-4 loss in straight sets. “Max and Pol were both leading in the first set of their matches and Pedro had chances to even his second set so we had chances, we just need to capitalize on those opportunities,” Sowter said. Freshmen Joey Brander and Jospeh Kavaloski each started matches against Davidson, but neither of these matches were officially completed. With the win, Davidson improved its record to 3-3 on the season. The teams looks to be a strong contender in the A-10 this year. “It was a good eye opener for the team to see this type of competition and get a better grasp of what we need to improve,” added coach Sowter. Fordham will face off next against Concordia College this Saturday, Feb. 21, in Bronxville, NY.

For New York Mets fans, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ adage “Wait ’Til Next Year” and Tug McGraw’s “Ya gotta believe” have been age-old rally cries in times of deep melancholy. Sandy Alderson repeatedly asserted that 2014 was the target year for the Mets to be competitive playoff contenders, after financially rebuilding as a result of Omar Minaya’s bad contracts. However, young players such as Travis d’Arnaud and Wilmer Flores did not live up to their potentials, Matt Harvey underwent Tommy John surgery, David Wright’s numbers suffered as he tried to play through an injury and Curtis Granderson was not the power bat the Mets had hoped for with only 20 HR and 66 RBI. There are a few uncertainties going into next season, but there are many aspects to look forward to as well. The team still does not possess a true power bat and the assessment of its minor league batters is overestimated. Has anyone considered looking into whether Carlos Delgado really needed to retire? The Mets’ PR team is pushing for positive stories about Wilmer Flores’ off-season improvements as he looks to compete against Ruben Tejada for the starting job. If Mets fans knew that the team would still be looking to fill the void left by the dynamic Jose Reyes, they would have pulled him away from the Miami Marlins by his brightly colored necklaces. Each off-season, there have been rumors about the Mets looking to acquire star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, but Sandy Alderson was reluctant to deal young talent like Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler. Speaking of Syndergaard and Wheeler, the Mets can potentially have one of the best pitching rotations in the league this year and for years to come. The San Francisco Giants have proved that pitching can win championships, and the Mets have certainly tried to follow that model. Due to Harvey’s injury, he and Zack Wheeler have never pitched a full season together, so it will be exciting to see them bring the heat in the same rotation. Meanwhile, Jacob deGrom has received a great deal of buzz, and Syndergaard is said to be very close to joining the team. Bartolo Colon is a sturdy option in the twilight of his career, and Jon Niese is reliable when healthy. They would make great third, fourth or even fifth starters depending on how the young arms perform. Veteran leadership from David Wright and Curtis Granderson will be aided by the addition of Michael Cuddyer, who is known for being a positive clubhouse influence. Daniel Murphy will be playing in a contract year and, though he has always been a scrappy contact hitter, he will be challenged to prove that he deserves the biggest payoff in his career. The anticipated training camp competitions between Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki, along with Flores and Tejada, show that the Mets are looking to solidify the roster and remove uncertainties. The team has the veteran presence and outstanding rotation needed to carry it into the playoffs. Now it’s just time for everyone to stay healthy and get on a hot streak.

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February 18, 2015

Varsity Scores & Stats

Matt McCormack

Race to the Stanley Cup Playoffs The NHL season seems to be moving at a breakneck pace; most teams have about 25 games left to play before either a trip to the playoffs or a trip to the golf courses. Normally, as the season winds down, playoff races start to heat up. While things are getting interesting out West this year, the East seems rather predictable in comparison. In the West, practically every team still has a decent-to-outside shot at making the playoffs; the only exceptions are the Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers. As of last Sunday, the Flames hold the last wild card spot with 65 points. Four different teams (Minnesota, Los Angeles, Dallas and Colorado) are within eight points of Calgary, so it is anybody’s guess as to which team will claim the final spot. Calgary was picked by many to finish near the bottom of the Pacific Division and compete in the McEichel sweepstakes. However, the team has defied the experts, managing to hold onto a playoff spot in the unforgiving West. Led by Norris trophy candidate Mark Giordano, the question now is: can this inexperienced team keep it up and make the playoffs? The Minnesota Wild, however, are following the opposite trajectory. They were a preseason favorite, picked by many to go far in the playoffs. They did not immediately live up to expectations, finding themselves in the bottom half of the conference for much of the season and even spending some time mired at the absolute bottom of the Central. They have turned it around recently, winning eight of their last 10 games and picking up points in all 10. Only two points behind Calgary, many wonder if Minnesota can live up to its preseason expectations and fight its way to a playoff spot. Finally, perhaps the most compelling storyline in the West is the downright mediocre performance of the Los Angeles Kings. The defending Stanley Cup champions currently have more losses than wins and have only collected seven road wins the entire season. Is it possible that the team that has won two of the past three Stanley Cups will miss the playoffs altogether? Compared to the playoff race in the West, the race in the East is rather mundane. Barring some collapse from one of the eight current playoff teams, it seems like it is just a matter of which teams obtain which seeds. In the Metropolitan Division, the Islanders, Penguins, Rangers and Capitals all seemed to have locked up playoff spots by now. In the Atlantic, the Canadiens, Lightning and Red Wings have separated themselves from the rest of the competition. That leaves one spot open, which now belongs to the Boston Bruins. A few games ago, it looked like the Bruins had taken hold of the eighth spot, threatening to advance farther up the ranks. However, they have lost four of their last five games, allowing the Florida Panthers to remain in shouting distance. Nevertheless, it will be tough for Florida to overtake Boston, as they too have struggled of late and face a tough remaining schedule. Even though the West definitely features the more dramatic storylines at the moment, the East will also include its share of intrigue and drama once the playoffs roll around. As a hockey fan, I, for one, am counting the days until they arrive.

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Men’s Basketball Fordham 29 42 71 Richmond 28 45 73 (FOR) E. Paschall 24 pts (RICH) A. Kendall 19 pts Saint Joseph’s 26 39 55 Fordham 31 38 69 (SJ) D. Bembry 18 pts (FOR) M. Thomas 20 pts Women’s Basketball Fordham 32 24 56 Rhode Island 28 43 71 (FOR) S. Clark 16 pts, 8 rebs (URI) S. Tabakman 22 pts

Men’s Track Valentine’s Day Classic 800m L. Taylor 6th- 1:49.65

Women’s Track Valentine’s Day Classic 500m M. Wright 17th- 1:15.87

Men’s Tennis Davidson Fordham

4 0

Women’s Tennis Fordham St. John’s

1 6

Softball Fordham St. John’s

3 0

Fordham Tennessee

0 5

Fordham Florida Gulf Coast

Fordham South Florida Fordham Detroit

Fordham 5 Georgia Tech 7 (FOR) M. Donadio 2-4, 3 RBI (GT) K. Johnson HR, 2 RBI

11 1

Luke Stampfl

Kayla Lombardo

Sophomore

Senior

Baseball

Softball Lombardo delivered at the USF President’s Day Weekend Tournament, registering an OBP of .411 and knocking in five runs over the course of five games. She helped fill two positions, splitting her time between catcher and third base.

News & Notes Gillen Honored for Second Consecutive Week Softball’s senior

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pitcher Rachel Gillen was named the Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Week for the second straight week. She pitched in two games, both at the USF President’s Day Weekend Tournament. She tossed a threehit complete game shutout against St. John’s, and she added four and two thirds innings against USF. In all, she posted a 1-0 record with a 3.60 ERA over the two starts.

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Taylor Breaks Own Record at Valentine’s Day Classic On Saturday’s Valentine’s Day Classic in Boston, senior Lester Taylor broke his own school record for the 800m. His new personal best time of 1:49.65 shaved almost a full second off of his previous record. That time qualifies him for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, which will take place this July.

Wright Named A-10 Women’s Track and Field Rookie of the Week On Tuesday, freshman Merissa Wright was named the A-10 Women’s Track and Field Rookie of the week. At the Valentine’s Day Classic, she posted an ECAC qualifying time of 1:15.87 in the 500m, good for 17th place. Additionally, she helped the 4x400m team set a new school record with a time of 3:47.45, which allowed them to finish fourth overall.

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6 5

Fordham 9 Georgia Tech 4 (FOR) L. Stampfl 2-5, 5 RBI (GT) B. Gold 2-3, RBI

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.”

•

14 6

Baseball Fordham 3 Georgia State 11 (FOR) L. Stampfl HR, 2 RBI (GSU) M. Rose 2 HR, 4 RBI

Athletes of the Week

Stampfl delivered a remarkable offensive performance at the Atlanta Challenge and was named A-10 Player of the Week. Over the course of three games, the shortstop had a .333 average, along with a home run and seven RBIs. He also had a perfect fielding percentage.

Matthew Michaels

Sengfelder is A-10 Rookie of the Week Basketball’s Christian Sengfelder was named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week for games played from Feb. 9-15. The freshman recorded a double double against Richmond and came alive with 15 points four days later against St. Joseph’s. This is Sengfelder’s fourth time winning this award and the sixth time that the honor has gone to a Ram this season. — Compiled by Sam Belden

The Future of Baseball’s ASG Last weekend, Rob Manfred, the new commissioner of MLB, announced that the 2017 All-Star Game will be played in Marlins Park. Alone, this news is not that groundbreaking; someone needs to host the Midsummer Classic. However, given that the 2016 game is being played in San Diego and this year’s in Cincinnati, Miami will make it three straight years of a National League team playing host. The All-Star game has typically been hosted by each league in alternating years. For example, the NL’s Mets hosted in 2013, and the AL’s Twins hosted last year. This tradition was only broken twice, first in 1951 so the Tigers could honor the 250th anniversary of Detroit’s founding, and then in 2008 so the old Yankee Stadium could see all of the game’s best for one final time in its last year. If two straight years is an abnormality, three consecutive games hosted by the same league is outrageous, especially so soon after Commissioner Emeritus Bud Selig said the league wanted to keep the alternating pattern. The reason for the break is simply that there are too many new NL parks that have not yet hosted the All-Star festivities. Great American Ballpark, the home of the Reds, opened its gates in 2003 and will be this year’s venue. The Padres’ Petco Park and Marlins Park, opened in 2004 and 2012 respectively, have been awarded upcoming games for their unique, beautiful ball fields. At this point, it is worth speculating what the league does for future games. Nationals Park, opened in 2008, and the Phillies’ Citizen Bank Park, constructed in 2004, are the other NL parks that have yet to host All-Star Games. The Braves will also be moving into a new stadium for the 2017 season. For the AL, Tropicana Field has been home to the Rays since their inaugural 1998 season, but the stadium is just too ugly and flawed to warrant national media attention that the All-Star Game brings. The only other park that hasn’t hosted is the new Yankee Stadium, opened in 2009. The problem here is that the Yankees hosted recently, in the aforementioned 2008 game before the new stadium was completed. The Mets also hosted in 2013 and the league doesn’t like the summer affair to be in the same geographic region within a few years. The MLB set precedent that it would have it in New York five years apart. The Orioles are making bids for future games, but the league will not reward it to them until they drop the lawsuit against the Nationals regarding television coverage. The Nationals will likely host first anyway because there hasn’t been an All-Star Game in the nation’s capital since 1969 and the Expos/Nationals franchise has only hosted one, back in 1982. The Phillies, who have not hosted since 1996, are pushing to have the 2026 All-Star game in Philadelphia for the 250th birthday of the country. Likewise, they hosted in 1976 to commemorate America’s bicentennial. By the time 2026 rolls around, the Phillies will be in their 23rd season in their home. No matter where the All-Star Game is played, the baseball action remains a constant. With so many options for host stadiums, the MidSummer Classic should endure for seasons to come.

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February 18, 2015

Track Breaks Two Records at Valentine’s Day Classic By BRYAN KIEL STAFF WRITER

The men’s and women’s track teams ran in the Valentine’s Day Classic in Boston this past weekend. It was the last meet before the Atlantic 10 competition, and both teams were in top form. The women’s team competed in seven total events, while the men’s team competed in nine, including two field events. Overall, Fordham posted two new school records and four IC4A qualifications. The women’s team was the first to compete on Friday, and began with a record-breaking relay performance. Senior captains Kristen Stuart and Titi Fagade, junior Danielle Rowe and freshman Merissa Wright combined their talents to finish fourth overall in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:47.50, .05 seconds below the record set last season. Fagade competed in the 800m as well, where she placed sixth overall with a time of 2:08.93, while Rowe and Higgins finished at 2:14.59 and 2:16.85, respectively. Stuart competed in the 400m run and finished in a season-best time of 57.79, backed up by freshmen Laura Jaeger and Kylie Farrell with times of 59.50 and 1:00.42, respectively. The women’s team continued the evening with some more impressive times in the middle and long distance events. Wright qualified for ECAC competition

JOSHUA KIM/THE FORDHAM RAM

Records continue to fall for the Rams this season, as they look to carry momentum into the A-10 Championship.

in the 500m run with a time of 1:15.87, 17th overall. Fordham featured four runners in a heavy field of competitors in the mile run. Senior Brianna Tevnan came out on top with a time of 5:06.16, with senior captain Sarah Glockenmeier and sophomores Ariana Bottalico and Brianne Roche all less than 20 seconds behind her. Senior Mara Lieberman finished 14th overall in the 1000m run with a time of 2:55.36. She was backed up by sophomore Shanna Heaney, who is competing for the first time since the spring of 2014.

She finished the 1000m in a time of 3:01.81, 50th overall. “I’ve had stress fractures in both legs that kept me out of most of my freshman year,” Heaney said. “Now in my second year I’m finally getting back into it, staying healthy and competing.” The men’s team had another great day, and it was once again led by senior captain Lester Taylor. Taylor, a native of the Bahamas, ran 12th overall in the 500m run with a time of 1:04.69 and broke his own 800m school record with a time of 1:49.65, good for sixth.

Taylor’s accomplishments were not over, however. His 800m time qualified him for the 2015 Pan American Games this July in Toronto. Joining Taylor in the 500m was freshman Louis Santelli, who ran a 1:05.08 for 19th place and qualified for IC4A competition in the process. Daniel Green ran in both the 500 and 800 events, and he finished with 1:07.37 and 1:58.87, respectively. Senior sprinter Ian Williams ran in both the 60m dash and 200m dash, with times of 7.08 and 22.44 seconds, respectively.

The final two IC4A runners of the day inclued freshman Thomas Slattery and senior Jon Annelli. Slattery placed 17th in the 1000m run with a time of 2:28.47, while Annelli took 37th in the mile with a time of 4:08.38, missing his personal best by two tenths of a second. The 4x400 team, consisting of Santelli, junior Yehia Fahmy, sophomore Devin Rocks and freshman Brian Cook took 44th overall with a time of 3:29.28. Finally, senior Austin Ruiz placed 24th in the shot put with a mark of 14.38m, while freshman Ryan Riviere tied for 30th in a very competitive pole vaulting field, reaching a height of 4.10m. With a few days left till the A-10 championship, the team is preparing to perform at its best. Besides a hard run at the beginning of the week, Roche said, “it will just be light distance and drills to stay fresh for the meet, as it is the most important meet of the season for most of us.” With many of Fordham’s top runners slimming down their times, the team has the potential to do very well at A-10s. “A-10s has all the potential to go very well for both the women’s and men’s teams,” Tevnan said. “If we perform as we have trained and run strategically and confidently then we could place pretty high.” The meet will begin at 9 a.m. this Saturday Feb. 21 at the University of Rhode Island.

Advanced and core classes in every discipline Intensive elective in Sports Business and Ethics Live and work on campus • Enjoy summer in the city

Learn more at fordham.edu / summer

Summer Session 2015 May 26-June 25 | June 30-August 4

SPORTS

February 18, 2015

Fordham’s Best Kept Secret: Club Hockey By KELLY KULTYS STAFF WRITER

The Rose Hill Gym. Jack Coffey Field. Houlihan Park. The Vince Lombardi Center. For years, one of the most successful Fordham Athletics teams has called none of these places home. Just a short ten-minute drive from the Rose Hill campus, the Fordham club hockey team plays at the Mount Vernon Ice Hutch, a rink that has not seen a losing season since 2003. “I like it. Fordham hockey [is] kinda Fordham’s best kept secret,” Rick Podpirka, a junior forward, said. His captain, senior center man Billy Lane, echoed his thoughts. “The hockey team, I would have to say, is one of the least recognized on campus,” Lane said. “I mean, last year, when we won, I think that might have been the first time people heard about the hockey team.” Last year was one of the best in the Fordham men’s hockey team’s history. The team finished 20-5-2-1 and captured the title. This year, the team came just short of repeating for back-to-back years. The 2014-2015 team went 15-62-2 and once again made the finals. It battled with Stevens Institute of Technology, tying the score at two after the third period. The teams took the game to overtime, but Stevens prevailed, scoring the gamewinning goal 18:26 into extra time. The club hockey team’s official Twitter, @FordhamHockey, said after the loss, “Hard fought game... disappointing outcome.. Stevens is a class act, if we couldn’t win it, I’m glad it was them.” Still, this season was successful in many ways both on and off the ice. On an individual level, Lane accomplished the goal of being a good captain. “Coming in freshmen year, I really looked up to the captains,” said Lane. “They helped, you know; coming to college isn’t the easiest transition for anybody, and, I mean, they helped me transition to college and to the hockey team. Just trying to do that

for the younger kids as well.” One of the guys he was able to help was freshman defenseman Nick Allardi. “The seniors have been really supportive of the freshmen coming in and it’s been a nice experience so far,” Allardi said. Despite the fact that not a lot of people know about the team’s success, that has not affected its performance on the ice. Five different players on the team have over 11 goals scored this year, and the team has been successful in recruiting young players like Allardi to join. “I actually went to the club fair and really wanted to play hockey, and that’s how I ended up here,” Allardi said. “I tried out; it was great. It’s a great group of guys, great program.” The club fair is actually the same way Lane got involved four years ago. “When I was a freshman, I first got involved through the club fair,” Lane said. “They had a huge table and I had been playing hockey my entire life, like pretty much the entire team. And then, I tried out for the team and the rest is history.” One of the keys to that history is the entire team’s desire to continue playing. “Being competitive in high school, you know, playing everyday, it’s nice to still be out here,” Podpirka said. “You know, thinking I was going to be 21 still playing hockey I wouldn’t believe it.” “But it’s great, you know, we still get to rep the Fordham colors,” Lane added. Although the guys did not accomplish their main goal of winning the title, young players like Allardi plan to continue the winning tradition into the future. “It’d be great to win a championship my first year here and continue that throughout my years at Fordham that’d be awesome,” Allardi said.

Page 23

By DREW CASEY ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

NBA All-Star Saturday is one of my favorite athletic events of each year. This year, it almost disappointed me. The NBA and commissioner Adam Silver should thank Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Timberwolves guard Zach LaVine for saving Brooklyn’s marquee Valentine’s Day event. Curry captured the threepoint competition, while LaVine blew the roof off Barclays Center to Manhattan en route to winning the dunk contest. The Saturday night program typically starts off slow with the shooting stars challenge and the skills competition, but this year’s opening acts noticeably fell short. In the shooting stars, two-time defending champion Team Bosh took on Team Westbrook in the championship round. Both squads sunk the first three shots of the challenge, but the fourth shot, the half-court shot, tarnished the event. I’m not saying I could easily make a half-court shot, but Team Westbrook, made up of Russell Westbrook, Anfernee Hardaway and Tamika Catchings, failed to make the fourty-seven-foot-heave on 26 attempts. They didn’t even finish the challenge in the allotted 90 seconds. Team Bosh waltzed to victory, taking their third straight title in 57.6 seconds after Dominique Wilkins nailed the half-court shot. It was no contest. Boring. The next event, the skills competition, is always my least favorite, but this year it seemed to hit an alltime low. For starters, the event field wasn’t very deep. After John Wall, Brandon Knight and Kyle Lowry, I wasn’t very intrigued. On top of that, it seemed like some of the competitors didn’t really understand what they were supposed to do when it came time for them to take the court in Brooklyn. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem like anyone really cared on the court. For that reason, no one really cares that Rockets guard Patrick Beverley won the competition, although he did come from behind in both the semi-final and final rounds. Then came the main event in my

eyes: the three-point contest. In an absolutely loaded field, featuring Curry, Klay Thompson, Kyle Korver, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, the event could not possibly come up short. Curry, Thompson and Irving advanced to the final round after lighting up the nylon and posting scores of 23 or greater in the opening frame. In the championship round, Thompson and Irving noticeably lost their strength, recording scores of 14 and 17 respectively, but the favorite Curry showed no signs of weakness. In one of the most impressive shooting performances and rhythms I’ve ever seen, the former first round pick drained 13 consecutive shots from downtown en route to a 27 point performance and his first three-point contest title. Despite this astounding display, I still thought I would be disappointed. The dunk contest, based on the competitors, would be less than spectacular, and three of the four events would be a complete failure. Luckily, I was wrong. LaVine and Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo truly put on a show. It started with Oladipo, who put up a

perfect 50 in his first dunk after converting a near 540 before putting the ball through. To all watching, it appeared that this one dunk would give Oladipo the crown. It did not. LaVine brought the house down. Words cannot do his athleticism or his dunks justice, but I’ll try. His first dunk went through after a pass to himself and a reverse through-thelegs move. The second, again after a pass to himself, was a one-handed behind-the-back jam. The two dunks earned him a perfect score of 100 in the first round. The championship round dunks from LaVine were not as impressive in my eyes, but they were good enough to give him the win. Oladipo couldn’t build from his first slam of the night, and Mason Plumlee and “the Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo were largely forgotten, as they should have been, following their first round exit from the competition. Overall, LaVine and Curry saved the day for the NBA. All-Star Saturday was a hit, even if it featured a terrible rendition of “New York, New York” from Oladipo and an official waving off made shots in the threepoint contest.

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

Steph Curry’s three-point shooting ability highlighted NBA All-Star Weekend.

Varsity Calendar HOME AWAY

Thursday Feb. 19

Friday Feb. 20

Monday Feb. 23

Tuesday Feb. 24

Wednesday Feb. 25

Davidson 7 p.m.

La Salle 7:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball

GW 2 p.m.

George Mason 7 p.m.

Indoor Track

A-10 Championship FGCU 12 p.m.

Softball Swimming

Women’s Tennis

Illinois 1 p.m.

Paladin Classic Atlantic 10 Championship Concordia 7 p.m.

Men’s Tennis The team ended the season 15-6-2-2 and found its way back to the finals.

Sunday Feb. 22

Men’s Basketball

Baseball

MAX PRINZ/THE FORDHAM RAM

Saturday Feb. 21

St. Peter’s 3:30 p.m.

FGCU 11 a.m.

SPORTS

Page 24

February 18, 2015

The Fordham Ram

Men’s Basketball Finds Its Groove By MAX PRINZ STAFF WRITER

Fordham basketball gave Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, a reason to be proud this past weekend. The Rams improved to 2-0 against Jesuit schools this year, defeating Saint Joseph’s 69-55 for their second Atlantic 10 Conference win of the season. The win was the Rams’ second straight at the Rose Hill Gym, giving the team an even .500 home record for the year. “Obviously, I’m very pleased with the effort,” head coach Tom Pecora said after the game. “It looks like we learned something about closing out games, which we talked about after Wednesday night’s loss at Richmond.” The Rams fell to the Spiders 73-71 last Wednesday, for the team’s 16th loss of the year. Fordham held a one-point lead heading into the halftime break, but failed to execute down the stretch. “We could have won had we closed it out,” Pecora said. Despite the loss, there were flashes of strong play from two of Fordham’s young guns, freshmen Eric Paschall and Christian Sengfelder. Paschall was the Richmond game’s leading scorer, dropping in 24 points, while Sengfelder notched his second career

CHRISTIAN WILOEJO/THE FORDHAM RAM

Freshman Eric Paschall (left) has been a major contributor as the Rams have won two of their last three games.

double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Rams used momentum gained from the Richmond loss against Saint Joseph’s on Sunday. Fordham played stifling defense, holding the Hawks to just 34 percent shooting, and controlled the paint, winning the rebounding battle 40-27. “Our goal was to protect the

paint,” Pecora said. “Our defense is getting better and better and holding them 34 percent, I think that’s the best week we’ve had defensively.” The Rams also put their passing skills on display, passing up shots for cleaner looks and finishing with 19 assists. “We made the extra pass on the play to get the shot,” Pecora said.

“I thought we were very unselfish in that sense and that’s why we have 19 assists to 11 turnovers.” The box score showed the blueprint for a Fordham victory, as the Rams received great efforts from three of their veterans. Junior Ryan Rhoomes racked up 12 rebounds, senior Bryan Smith scored 12 points and added four assists and junior Mandell Thom-

as scored a game-high 20 points to go with six assists. “You can only be as good as your upperclassmen,” Pecora said. “Every day in practice, they’ve been pushing and the young guys really respect them.” Paschall, who shot 3-14, was the only Ram to struggle through a rough day. “He’s three of 14, but he still gets 10 points and eight rebounds for us,” Pecora said. “For a rough day for a freshman, that’s not so bad.” The win improves the Rams’ conference record to 2-11. “We finally got Saint Joe’s and we should have had Richmond,” Smith said. “We’re making good pushes for the A-10 Tournament.” Thomas’ play was especially key to the Rams’ victory. His transition to the point guard this season seems to have helped the Rams turn the corner. “Every day in practice I’ve had to get used to it,” Thomas said. “I’ve talked to Branden Frazier (who graduated last year) a lot, we Facetime a lot and he gives a lot of advice.” Next up for the Rams is a road game against George Mason this Wednesday, Feb. 18. “Now we’ve got to go find that elusive A-10 road win,” Pecora said. “We’ll go down to Mason and see if we can bring that same intensity and toughness.”

Baseball Opens 2015 Campaign In Atlanta By SAM BELDEN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

At last weekend’s Atlanta Challenge, the Fordham baseball team kicked off its 2015 season. The Rams lost their season opener to Georgia State before splitting a doubleheader with Georgia Tech, good for a 1-2 start to the year. Of the three games, the most lopsided was the opener against Georgia State. Sophomore pitcher Brett Kennedy got off to a shaky start, surrendering three runs in the second inning thanks to a rally of singles engineered by Panthers players Joey Roach, Sam Few, Trae Sweeting and Ryan Blanton. An inning later, Georgia State’s Matt Rose hit the first of his two home runs during the game to give his team a four-run lead. Over the next two innings, Kennedy settled down, leaving the game after five innings of work. After that, the Panthers opened up on Fordham’s relief pitching, scoring seven runs over the next three innings. Meanwhile, Panthers’ starter Nathan Bates was dialed in, throwing no-hit ball for nearly seven innings and refusing to surrender a single run. Late in the game, the Rams made a charge; senior pinch hitter Jordan Gajdos parlayed an infield single into an RBI in the eighth, while sophomore shortstop Luke Stampfl blasted a two-run homer in the ninth. However, it was not sufficient, and the Rams lost by a score of 11-3.

Fordham’s second game was a 9-4 win over Georgia Tech, the first of a Saturday doubleheader. It was scoreless until the top of the fifth inning, when Stampfl smashed a bases-loaded double, knocking in three runs. In the bottom of that inning, the Yellow Jackets scored their first run off a Daniel Spingola single. After surrendering two earned runs to Georgia Tech in the sixth, junior starter Jimmy Murphy left the

game. It was his first start since missing almost the entirety of the 2014 season due to injury. Sophomore Kirk Haynes entered the game for Fordham, gave up one run and settled in, blanking Georgia Tech for the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Fordham’s bats came alive over the second half of the game. Stampfl hit another double, bringing his RBI total of the day to five. Junior leftfielder Ryan McNally, junior third base-

man Ian Edmiston and sophomore first baseman Matthew Kozuc each contributed an RBI over the game’s final three innings to get the win for Hayes and get a 9-4 win for Fordham. Three hours later, the two teams squared off again. Fordham took an immediate lead when sophomore rightfielder Mark Donadio hit a bases loaded double in the first inning. However, junior pitcher Joe Serrapica

THE RAM ARCHIVES

With an impressive win over Georgia Tech over the weekend, the Rams are poised to make a mark this season.

never found his groove, and by the time he left in the middle of the fourth inning, the score was tied thanks to a series of hits from sophomore catcher Arden Pabst and freshman rightfielder Kel Johnson. The Rams retook the lead via a Kozuch single in the top of the fifth, but junior pitcher Cody Johnson gave up four runs in the bottom. Freshman pitcher David Manasek finally settled down on the mound and pitched two and a third scoreless innings. With his performance, the Rams were well positioned to make a comeback, but they were unable to get anything more than an RBI single from Edmiston in the sixth. The game was scoreless over the final three innings and ended with a score of 7-5. Stampfl was the Rams’ standout player in Atlanta. He batted .333 over the course of the weekend, along with a home run, seven RBIs and four runs. The strong offensive performance was paired with sound defense in what was an auspicious start to his second season at Fordham. With the Atlanta Challenge in the rearview mirror, the Rams will head down to Florida this weekend for a series of games against Florida Gulf Coast and Illinois. After that, they will travel to California to play a series with the Univerity of Southern California before returning to the Bronx on March 4. In their home opener they will battle the Wagner Seahawks.