Volume 97 orientation issue

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

Changes on Fordham’s Campus

August 30 — September 1, 2015

FordhamRam.com

Welcome Home, Class of 2019

By ERIN SHANAHAN ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Fordham University experienced several changes this summer in regard to college administration, community leadership and building renovations. Several new female leaders were appointed, including Dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill Dr. Maura Mast. In addition, a new Executive Director of Campus Ministry was appointed and a new position in OSLCD was created. Finally, the campus bookstore moved to O’Keefe Commons and Walsh hall experienced massive renovations.

Mast began her term as the new dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill at the beginning of August.

She replaced Dr. John P. Harrington, dean of Arts and Sciences faculty, who served as interim dean of FCRH while the search for a permanent dean was conducted.

“She [Mast] is a great leader with a lot of experience at a lot of different kinds of colleges, and so she brings to campus a lot of new ideas and ways to accomplish them.” Dean Harrington said.

“This is not just big for the summer, but historic for the college: the first female Dean of the college and, because she is a mathematician, the first Dean of the college whose scholarship is in science.”

Mast formerly served as special assistant to the provost at the University of Massachusetts Boston for about 5 years and more previously served as associate vice provost for undergraduate at UMass Boston for about 4 years.

Mast is also a noted mathematician and researcher with a focus of study in differential geometry. She also serves on the executive board of the Association for Women in Mathematics. She was previously co-chair of the Joint Committee on Women in the Mathematical Sciences, as well as chair and executive committee member of the Special Interest Group of the Mathematical Association of America on Quantitative Literacy.

“I encourage new students to be ready for an adventure and to be open to new ideas and new experiences during their time at Fordham,” Mast said. “They should also know that the Dean’s Office is there to help them succeed and they shouldn’t hesitate to contact me, their class dean or other staff with any questions.”

Fordham appointed many other women to executive positions this summer besides Mast.

Martha Hirst was hired as the new senior vice president, chief finanSEE CHANGES, PAGE 2

ZACHARY MIKLOS/THE FORDHAM RAM

PHOTOS FOM RAM ARHCIVES

Welcome to this year’s orientation issue: your guide to all things Fordham, including what to study, where to eat and how to have a successful freshman year.

Fall Teams Prepare to Kick Off Season Football Fordham football has been riding a recent wave of success – the team is 23-5 over the past two years--and will look to continue that trend as the 2015 campaign gets underway.

The Rams will kick off their season at Army on Sept. 4 and play their home opener against Villanova on Sept. 12. From there, the team will

Compiled by The Ram’s Sports Editors move on to a series of games against numerous Patriot League opponents. The ultimate hope is that the Rams will, like the past two seasons, end up going to the playoffs. Given that Fordham was picked to win the

Patriot League in the league’s preseason poll, it has a good chance of pulling it off. The quarterback situation is complicated. It is in a state of relative flux since the graduation of Mike Nebrich, who holds numerous school records. Junior Kevin Anderson is most likely heir apparent, but only time will tell who Head Coach Joe Moorhead chooses to plug into

his offense. Fordham’s running back situation is much more concrete; sophomore Chase Edmonds, last year’s FCS Rookie of the Year, was named the 2015 Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. That honor comes with some high expectations, but Edmonds, who set school records by rushing SEE FALL, PAGE 11

You’re in New York! Here’s Where to Go First Fort Tryon Park New York City has its share of notable parks that momentarily make you forget that you are in one of the most congested cities in the world; however, none hold a candle to Fort Tryon Park in Washington Heights. Wear comfortable shoes, because you will want to take a hike up to see the indescribable views of the Hudson River, Palisades and George Washington Bridge. Nestled at the top of the Park is The Cloisters, the annexed sister of The Metropolitan Museum, which holds some of the most well preserved medieval art and architecture in existence. The historic park is one of New York City’s best kept secrets so as an official New Yorker, make it a point to get the complete New York City experience.

— Laura Sanicola

Museum of Natural History You may have seen this famed location in the movie Night at the Museum starring Ben Stiller.

Even though the exhibits don’t come alive after you leave for the night, the rooms and halls of this museum are packed with displays and artifacts. You’ll have the experience to travel back in time through the exhibits of ancient and modern civilizations.

Whether you love learning about animals, history or anything in between this museum will not disappoint. The American Museum of Natural History has a recommended admission price, which means you can pay as little as a penny to be up close to some incredible remnants of the past.

— Cailin McKenna

Compiled by The Ram’s Editors

Dumbo Although Brooklyn is a long subway ride away, Dumbo is a great place to visit when you’ve got some free time. Right on the water, Dumbo gives you a beautiful view of Manhattan so your pictures with the skyline in the background is a great introduction to the city. The area is filled with great restaurants and one of the best ice cream places in New York: The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. While the nice weather lasts, make sure to partake in the many food and art festivals in the surrounding parks and streets to experience the city’s vibrant culture.

— Kristen Santer

Battery Park At the southern end of the island of Manhattan, Battery Park seems more like a getaway from city life than another city beautification project. This park runs from the west to the east side along the water, as if you are walking a boardwalk on the beach. It is a great place for running or biking, and any picnic has the perfect view of the Statue of Liberty. There is a new section that is overgrown with wildflowers native to New York and a wooden boardwalk and local events and entertainment can always be found here.

Battery Park is located in an area that is close to the Freedom Tower, on the west side, and the Brooklyn Bridge, on the east, making it possible to do both

in one day. Besides a perfect view, Battery park is home to the Battery Conservatory, Battery urban farm, waterfront promenade, Castle Clinton and most recently, a SeaGlass Carousel.

— Amanda Giglio

Upright Citizens Brigade With improv, sketch, talk/variety and standup for less than $10 per person, UCB is a fun, affordable night out. UCB has locations in Chelsea and East Village and a variety of different shows each night. The original “UCB4” was made up of Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, Ian Roberts and Matt Walsh, who produced their own sketch show, “Upright Citizens Brigade,” on Comedy Central from 1998-2000 before opening a training center in NYC. The unpredictability of improv is always on display. Occasionally “SNL” alum like Poehler and other late night show writers will host or rejoin the improv scene.

— Nicole Horton

Bryant Park If you like ice skating, ping pong, yoga, Chipotle or Starbucks, then Bryant Park is probably the spot for you. Just one block from Grand Central, it is an easy trip from Rose Hill or Lincoln Center.

You can even use the park as a meeting place as the New York Public Library and Times Square are just steps away. It is a must visit, especially in December.

— Drew Casey

ORIENTATION

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August 31, 2015

A Welcome Letter From the Editor Dear Class of 2019, It is my privilege to be one of the many members of the Fordham community to welcome you to campus this week as you begin the next chapter of your lives.

Your new home, among many things, is a place of great opportunity.

As students here, you will be able to challenge yourself like never before, meet a diverse cast of people and explore a new world of ideas.

Starting with your list of first-week activities, you will have the opportunity to take risks, break out of your respective comfort zones and enjoy your newfound freedom as a college student. Congratulations, and welcome to Fordham.

On this seemingly long but in the reality of all things exceptionally short journey ahead, it is in your best interest to leave no stone unturned, and to become as curious as you can, asking questions not only about the world, but about yourself. Tackling this mission of external and internal discovery is no short order, and your four years here are only the beginning of the bright futures that lie

ahead.

As you will learn, many things can happen in your four years here. No path to success, after all, is without its bumps and its zig-zags, its stopand-gos, its pains and its loves. But a journey of discovery will surely yield many lessons by its end.

Because many of these necessary platitudes will be discussed over the next few weeks in greater detail, I will stop here, and turn to a piece of advice that may last well beyond your first year at Fordham, which is this: To think critically of both the Fordham of yesterday and the Fordham of the future.

With just some light research about this university, you will have gathered that Fordham is an institution steeped in tradition. Its history stretches to the first half of the nineteenth century, and it is one rich with individuals who shared a profound dedication to the success of those men and women who have studied here.

Little of this lives in just the history books. Instead, it continues to influence the Fordham of today. The development of its students, accord-

ing to Fordham’s mission statement, is “guided by its Catholic and Jesuit traditions.” In ways you will quickly learn, the characteristics of the University are highly influenced by the University’s Catholic and Jesuit identities.

And yet so much of what goes on prepares students for success in an increasingly high-tech and global society. Today, more students are equipped with technology than ever before, and the ways in which we communicate with one another is unrecognizable from the ways of the past. The effects of this influence just about every aspect of our lives.

Additionally, the Fordham of the future possesses a strong focus on ideas and concepts that engage an increasingly complex, multicultural world in a sustainable manner. At the core of many aspects of life at Fordham today are a focus on diversity and understanding.

Though concepts of social justice and humanistic dialogue have long been at the center of the Jesuit tradition, the world we live in today prompts many questions about what it means to live in a global society.

To engage with these questions at Fordham requires looking at its past and its future: What were the guiding principles of our decisions of yesterday, and what are they today?

How do our faith and traditions influence our worldviews and ideologies?

With the entrance of the class of 2019, life at Fordham will continue to be influenced by this institution’s traditions. But, in many new ways, it will be forward-thinking and attempt to equip students here with the tools to succeed in the world of tomorrow.

One of the biggest challenges for students is to be fair to both past and future: To be, in the tradition of a liberal arts student, carefully observant, consistently critical and infinitely curious about the Fordham of yesterday as well as the Fordham of tomorrow, and to consider the lessons of yesterday while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

With this, and your journey ahead, I wish you all more than luck.

Sincerely, Joe Vitale Editor in Chief

USG Leaders Greet Incoming Freshmen Dear Class of 2019, Let us be the first among many to say: Welcome to Fordham! You are now entering into a path that is so much more than you see around you. The Fordham you will come to know and love is not just a series of Hogwarts-esque buildings, but a place made of people and their traditions. For the past 174 years, Fordham has been not only been molding the minds of those who have entered its gates, but has been molded and shaped just as much by those who have walked these halls and before us.

When you take in a show (or perhaps perform in one) in Collins Auditorium, which we hope you will, think of Alan Alda performing on that same stage or students performing Oedipus Rex in Greek at its rededication ceremonies over 70 years ago. When you cheer on your fellow Rams on the football field, think of Super Bowl legend Vince Lombardi beginning his career there. When you enter into Queen’s Court, you can feel the presence of the students and seminarians who pioneered the Fordham of today.

And when you walk up and down the terrace of the presidents in front of Keating (undoubtedly singing The Psalms late in the evening after a night out with friends), study chemistry in the aptly named Freeman Hall (Fr. Freeman, a chemistry professor in the 19th-century, destroyed the chemistry labs twice by accident), cram into Walsh Library

Ashley Domagola, FCRH ’16 Executive President United Student Government

to study during finals (which you will, right?), or gather with friends around a table in McGinley, know that you are partaking in traditions as old as this university, imbued with a sense of history that makes our predecessors seem like intimate friends.

Fordham is also a place for new traditions to begin. If you have an idea, if you feel that a change must be made or a discussion had, we’re here to tell you that it is your responsibility to do everything you can you to bring about the change you want to see. As Theodore Roosevelt once said, “We must strive in good faith to play a great part.”

Our intentions, informed by our Jesuit, Catholic tradition, must be for the betterment of not just ourselves, but our community as a whole. History is only made by those who see something that needs to be done, and take action. We encourage you to be a part of history here at Fordham.

As the President and Vice-President of Fordham College at Rose Hill and the Gabelli School of Business, we welcome you with open arms.

Know that if you ever need anything, we and your fellow students are here for you. We welcome you to your new home. We welcome you to Fordham.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Sawicki, FCRH ’16 Executive Vice President United Student Government

Ashley Domagola, Executive President and Nicholas Sawicki, Executive Vice-President

This Week at Fordham Sunday August 30 Welcome Mass University Church 5 p.m.

Families are welcomed into the Fordham community with a liturgy celebrated by the Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J.

Friday August 31 Ramily Game Night Murphy Field 9:00 p.m. - 12 a.m.

A night of oversized games, free food and more.

Tuesday Sept. 1

Wednesdays Sept. 2

12 Steps Toward Appreciating Diversity

Club Fair

Leonard Theatre, Fordham Preparatory School 10:15 a.m.

Edward’s Parade 2 - 5 p.m.

An interactive presentation for students about appreciating diversity.

For more campus events, visit FordhamRam.com

An opportunity for students to learn about campus clubs and organizations.

What’s New on Campus FROM CHANGES, PAGE 1

cial officer and treasurer and Eva Badowska as the new Dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Elaine Crosson was named as the new general counsel and Eve Keller as the new director of the Honors Program.

In addition to the stated changes in leadership, the University introduces a new replacement for the Executive Director of Campus Ministry, Jose-Luis Salazar, S.J. Salazar replaced Philip Florio, S.J. who received a new assignment this past April as the next Pastor of Old St. Joseph’s Church in Philadelphia. There, Florio also serves as the Superior of the parish’s Jesuit community.

Although Salazar has big shoes to fill, his time previously as Assistant Vice President of Campus Ministry has prepared him for this position.

OSLCD has announced the creation of a new position as well: Student Organization & Engagement Specialist.

“This position was created to help with the high volume of club activities,” said Assistant Director of Leadership and Commuter Student Services Sarah Horrax.

This position will “support administrative duties associated with the advisement of 120+ clubs and organizations, including, but not limited to room reservations and required legal documents (i.e. contracts, waivers).” The new assistant director will also “act as a liaison to other departments to successfully execute club events.”

In addition, the Student Organization & Engagement Specialist will have daily drop-in hours for clubs and organizations. This way, the specialist will have a relationships with new student leaders, as well as providing them with assistance with event planning, payment procedures and other administrative tasks.

The position currently remains unfilled, though an appointment is anticipated sometime this year.

Along with new positions being filled and created, the University underwent several physical changes to the campus.

The Fordham Bookstore has moved to O’Keefe Commons.

This space offers more room and easy access to the parking garage.

It also relieves traffic in the McGinley Center.

“I am excited for the commuter students who drive to school,” said Horrax. “As they will have easy access to this space. On the other hand, O’Keefe Commons was a wonderful event space for co-curricular activities and conferences, as it was a dynamic space that could facilitate large-scale events.”

In addition, many residential halls underwent renovations- the most massive occurred in Walsh Hall. All windows were replaced or repaired in Walsh. In addition, screens and air conditioning units were put into every window.

The building also anticipates 10 new kitchens in the building by the end of September.

ORIENTATION

August 31, 2015

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Nine Things to Do as a Freshman at Fordham

By MARGARITA ARTOGLOU OPINION EDITOR

1. Explore your new neighborhood. Visit the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens more than once — exhibits often change with the seasons. And take a break from Fordham food and head out to one of Fordham Road’s great restaurants every once in a while.

2. Get to know the rest of NYC. I am not just talking about Manhattan, although there are so many things to do there. Brooklyn and Queens are just a subway ride away, and both places have fun things to do and great places to eat that are often cheaper than those in Manhattan.

3. Learn how to be a good roommate. Having to share a room with a complete stranger (or strangers) will be weird at first, so figure out how to best communicate with your roommate to make the transition as easy as possible. Talk to your roommate(s) early on about your habits and theirs.

You and your roommate will most likely disagree at some point or another, so remember to be civil when discussing any issues. Reminder: you have to live with your roommate(s) for the rest of the school year.

4. Join clubs and organizations.

Most freshmen hear this piece of advice often, and it is for a good reason.

There are so many students at Fordham, so getting involved in clubs and organizations is the easiest way to meet other people who have interests similar to yours. Also try stepping out of your comfort zone — you do not have to stick to the same kinds of activities you did in high school. Trying out different things is a good way to meet new people and maybe even realize a talent or interest you did not even know you had.

5. On a more serious note: figure out how the library works as soon as possible! It is easy to get over-

SAM ZIMITS FOR THE FORDHAM RAM

ZACHARY MIKLOS/THE FORDHAM RAM

RAM ARCHIVES

RAM ARCHIVES

Clockwise from top right, the New York Bonical Gardens, Arthur Avenue, Walsh Library, and a team of students on a Global Outreach project. During your freshman year, there are many ways to explore the Belmont neighborhood, and other exciting things in the Bronx.

whelmed by how big it is, but it is an essential resource when writing papers and studying and can actually end up yielding better results than a Google search. A lot of students are intimidated by the library, but if you take the time to understand how to search for books and other resources, you will feel a lot more prepared when it is time to write your first paper.

6. Enjoy the scenery on campus while you still can. It will not stay green forever, so sit or play sports outside before it gets cold and you have to wait for spring to roll back around. Everyone talks about chilling

on Eddie’s, but Martyr’s Lawn is also a great place to hang out and is closer to most of the freshman dorms.

7. Introduce yourself to your neighbors. The sooner you get to know the people who live around you, the sooner you will feel at home.

Some of the closest friends you will make will be the people who live just down the hall. Even if you make great friends outside your residence hall, getting to know the people in your dorm will make coming home from a long day of classes a lot less stressful.

It is always comforting to know you have people you can rely on who live close to you. You do not have to go

down your hall and knock on doors to introduce yourself (although if that sounds appealing, go for it) but try to say hello and ask for the names of the people you pass in the hallway or sit with in common areas.

8. Embrace Jesuit values by serving the community. There are several ways to get involved both on campus and off. Visit the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice to find out how you can volunteer your services to help those in need. Check out Campus Ministry if you want to get in touch with your faith. You can also get involved with Global Outreach if you want to get a head start on going

forth and setting the world on fire.

9. Strike up conversations with to your professors. Do not be afraid to talk to your teachers when class is over. If you are struggling with something in class, take advantage of office hours. A lot of professors, unlike most high school teachers, are also willing to give you helpful advice and answer your questions by email when you are studying for a test. I have personally received a lot of guidance and suggestions from professors while I was writing papers. Conversations with your professors can be some of the most interesting ones you will have.

Getting Adjusted During Your First Days of College

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

As summer comes to an end, Fordham students move back to campus and transition from the lazy, hazy days of summer to getting back to classes, deadlines, internships and all that college entails. Of course, there will be some time to soak up rays on Eddie’s to aid the transition.

The first week back, commonly referred to as syllabus week, involves moving into a new dorm or apartment, getting classes in order, devising a new routine for the semester and catching up with friends.

Whether you are an upperclassman or a freshman, your first week is a time to prepare for the upcoming semester but also to have some fun.

Students take the time beforehand to pack and to shop for necessities, but you will probably come up with more things once you are moved in. You start thinking that your room could use a rug or that the white wall over your bed looks bare. Also, you probably forgot a few items at home that you may or may not need right away. It is best do this shopping and organizing before classes start. Other than

RAM ARCHIVES

Arriving at your residence hall is one of many events during your first year. The next step is getting into a good routine.

the fact that it is practical, there is a good chance you might forget once you get busy. After all, I still have picture frames from the photos I was supposed to have printed and displayed last year. Such a millenium problem, at least my friends can look at my phone to see that I

like them.

Speaking of getting busy, it is a good idea to adjust your routine depending on your class schedule.

The first week back is an ideal time to figure out what works for you, like when you plan to study, work out or take a break. While you are

doing this, it is helpful to know your roommate or roommates’ schedule because you may have to adjust yours accordingly, like if more than one of you has a 10 a.m. class or that roommate you envy does not have class until the afternoon and sleeps in.

Some students may be tempted to skip the first week of classes (or at least just one or two), but it is beneficial to make sure that you are interested in the course and to observe how the professor conducts the class. In addition, it is never too early to claim your unofficial seat or area that you prefer to sit in. It is better to decide sooner rather than later that you want to drop a class, but make sure that you are not just doing it because you are overwhelmed by looking at the syllabus.

Since you most likely will not have a paper assigned after the first class (well, hopefully), you will still have the time to catch up with friends for dinner on Arthur Ave. or go out for a day in the city.

For freshmen, the first week is a time to adjust to being away from home and to meet new people so you feel more comfortable. It is a good idea to attend a few programs at your dorm to mingle with other freshmen and to get to know your neighbors. After all, it will make using community bathrooms a less awkward experience.

It does not matter if you are a freshman or upperclassman because just a bit of planning will ensure that you have a fun but also productive first week. Best of luck!

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August 31, 2015

ORIENTATION

August 31, 2015

Page 5

Great Food Options Just Outside the Campus Gates

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTIAN WILOEJO/THE FORDHAM RAM

The Best Deli & Grill Located at 536 E. Fordham Road

By DREW CASEY ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Food is a constant in every college student’s life, but sometimes it falls through the cracks in a busy schedule. But not to worry! Here is a look at the best off-campus dining options around Fordham: Pugsley’s If you do not know why this is listed first, you will soon find out.

Pugsley’s is a Fordham staple.

You have not lived until you’ve had one of their chicken rolls or a special named after one of your friends. I like the Richie special and enjoy a penne vodka and pizza combination.

Reasonably priced and open until 5 a.m. on weekends, the pizzeria will not wow you with its ambience, but it will wow you with the love in the building.

Love is it, even in gong or trumpet form.

Best Deli It would not be called “Best” Deli if it was just “okay.” Best, as everyone calls it, is your one shop

stop for an early morning bacon, egg and cheese or a late night Bird Man or Sunshine. Seriously, you should try one of those as soon as possible. Best also acts as a convenience store with everything from cake mixes to razors to ice cream.

Tino’s Tino’s is the best sandwich shop in the area, hands down.

There is no question about it.

When you have time, program their phone number into your phone — maybe even put them on speed dial. Aside from incredible fresh mozzarella and pretty much everything else, their efficiency in getting your order to you is pretty remarkable.

I usually make up my own sandwich — my personal favorite of chicken cutlet, tomato, mozzarella and balsamic is like none other at Tino’s. It is one of the shorter walks from Fordham and it’s definitely worth the commitment, even if it is a little expensive.

Arthur Ave. Market If firefighters and police officers shop there for on-duty meals,

Arthur Avenue Market Entrance at 2344 Arthur Avenue then you know it is good food.

That is the case at the Arthur Ave. Market, located right next to Mario’s. Whether you want to sit down and watch the game or just get a quick sandwich, you cannot go wrong with the multiple options here.

If you are not that hungry, look to the back left and try the cheese wrapped in sun-dried tomatoes.

Even if you are not hungry at all, it is a pretty cool place to check out and look around.

area.

Michelangelo’s This might be one of the most attractive places to Fordham students. Michelangelo’s is close to campus on Arthur, reasonably priced and perfect for friends or family. It is typically big enough, where you do not have to wait for a table and can accommodate large parties. It might take a little while once you are sitting down, but that is part of the experience. It is almost like you are in an indoor garden. Their pizza is not necessarily traditional, but it competes with any other pizza I have ever had in the New York

John’s Pizzeria Here is the place for you and your friends to go out on the weekend that is able to handle big parties and not give you a hard time. This restaurant is a franchise of the famous John’s Pizzeria on Broadway.

One of your Fordham peers will likely be your server and this high quality food will not burn a hole in your wallet. Ask for Fordham student specials, check their Instagram and do not be afraid to get anything other than pizza.

The fried ravioli is a must!

Zero Otto Nove You cannot really go wrong with a sit-down restaurant on Arthur Ave, but Zero Otto Nove has something a little special. Whether it is the seating environment or a Nutella pizza, you will not have a bad meal at this place.

Make sure you try the Chicken Capriccioso when you bring your parents out. It might be a little pricey for a weekend friend excursion.

Morrone Pastry Shop I am surprised I am not calling Palumbo’s the best bakery near Fordham, but Morrone’s does not mess around. Whether it is gelato, cannoli, rainbow cookies or other traditional Italian sweets, your sweet tooth will be satisfied here. It is a relatively small eatery and a bit of a further walk from Fordham than Palumbo’s, but it is worth it.

I have only had a mini cannoli there, but I am convinced that it would take at least a day to eat one of their regular cannoli. If I had the time, then that would certainly be the sweetest day out there. In the end when it comes to desserts and baked goods, you cannot go wrong with either. Palumbo’s has a 20 percent discount for Fordham students which usually makes it the preference for many. It is by no accident that the dessert section is the longest here. You have learned something about me.

Happy eating!

Tips and Tricks for Getting Around New York City

By ANTHONY PUCIK SPORTS EDITOR

“New York is my campus. Fordham is my school.” Our school is beautifully situated just minutes from Manhattan, giving students at Fordham a chance to experience all the great things New York City has to offer. If you are not from the area, going downtown can be a little intimidating. But you should not worry. Simply take a few moments to read The Ram’s guide for all you need to know regarding how to navigate the Big Apple.

One of the most convenient and cheap ways to Manhattan from Fordham is our intercampus transportation system: the Fordham Ram Vans. The Ram Van brings you to and from Rose Hill (below the parking garage), and Lincoln Center (on the corner of 9th Avenue and 61st Street.)

Lincoln Center is conveniently loAn earlier version of this article appeared in last year’s orientation issue.

cated near an entrance to Central Park, and while it is a bit of a walk to the lights and crowds of Times Square, it is totally worth it on a nice day. Ram Vans are driven by students and cost $3.50 a ride.

Conveniently located and cheap, the Ram Van is always a great option for transportation to and from Manhattan. The vans leave from each campus every half hour on the hour, but if you and your friends anticipate taking the Ram Van into the city one day, you can register online through your student portal, and reserve a seat in order to avoid a line when you reach the office. The Ram Van also provides a free shuttle service after 10 p.m. from the Fordham Road B and D subway station, so that you do not need to walk home by yourself late at night. The van will also not leave the station until another arrives, so you will never be left on the corner in the middle of the night waiting for a shuttle. The Ram Van also supplies students who choose to take

a class at Lincoln Center with a free round-trip Ram Van pass on the day they have that class.

And for all you out-of-state students, Fordham offers shuttle service to JFK and LaGuardia airports and campus during holidays for only $20, a deal you certainly would not get from any car service in the area. Sure, the office’s location at the ground floor of the parking garage makes it a bit of a walk for freshman students with suitcases in tow, but the price, convenience and perks of the Ram Van really cannot be beat.

Ram Van is not the only way to get to explore New York City, however. The Metro-North and New York City subway system are also great ways to venture into the city for a day or night on the town with friends. The Fordham Metro-North station is a short walk west of the freshman dorms and only a few steps off-campus on East Fordham Road. The trains run directly to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, but the trains

run $6.50 one-way on off-peak hours and $8.75 on-peak. It’s also convenient on weekends, because Metro North offers a $4.25 CityTicket one-way into Manhattan, which is a great price for a weekend in the Big Apple. But if you cannot get a spot on the Ram Van and you need to be in the city in a hurry, the Metro-North is a good bet.

And, of course, no transportation guide would be complete without mentioning the MTA New York City subway system.

There are two stations along Fordham Road, the B and D station and the 4 station a few blocks past that. A swipe will cost you $2.75, and the B local and D express stop around places like Yankee Stadium, the American Museum of Natural History, Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park, which leaves you just an avenue away from Times Square.

The 4 train stops along Manhattan’s East Side, a convenient ride to the Metropolitan Museum of

Art. The 4 express train’s major stop is Grand Central, which gives you a cheaper option than the Metro-North.

If you are not from the area, the New York City subway map might seem a bit overwhelming. But do not worry — it is actually prett y simple once you get the hang of it.

The best way to learn the subway system is to take it with a group of friends so you can all learn together, or go with local students who know their way around the system and have them teach you the ins and outs. While you are still learning, the app HopStop is an invaluable resource to find your way.

The best time to use the subway is during the day, which will let you avoid crowded rush-hour trains, and lessens the odds you will get lost in the city at night.

So grab a seat on the Ram Van, Metro-North or the subway and take a look at all the great things New York City has to offer. Embrace Fordham’s slogan and make all of New York City your campus.

Page 6

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ORIENTATION

August 31, 2015

Page 7

50 Ways to Tell You’re a Freshman brought mini-fridges on move-in day.

By LAURA SANICOLA NEWS EDITOR

As you walk around campus, buzzed on your newfound independence and freedom, we hope you feel a strong sense of belonging here at Fordham. Starting college can be exciting, overwhelming and a little scary, and some days you may feel it is painstakingly obvious that you are new to the school.

Here are some things that prove you are unmistakably a freshman at Fordham.

36. You return home almost every weekend if you live in the tristate area.

37. You do your laundry once a week but have yet to change your sheets.

38. You purchased all your textbooks at the school bookstore.

39. It took you an hour to get to Faculty Memorial Hall for the first time, and the second time.

1. You’re wearing your ID and room key lanyard around your neck.

40. You brought way too much stuff to fit in an 11x17 foot dorm room.

2. You’ve asked someone how to get to Keating Hall.

41. You and your friends huddle outside of Loschert Hall at 4 a.m.

3. You call Eddie’s “Edward’s Parade.”

4. You toss around a Frisbee on Eddie’s because that’s what the people on the cover of the college brochure were doing.

5. You were lured by free food at the club fair and now you are on the email list for almost every club on campus.

42. You try to convince yourself that living with two other people in bunk beds is pretty exciting.

CASEY CHUN/THE FORDHAM RAM

Free food is one of the perks of freshman living. It is also a popular way for clubs to lure in students, so beware.

12. You’ve raised your hand and asked your professor if you could use the bathroom.

19. You’ve walked past the D train entrance and panicked at not being able to find it.

27. You are still pre-med.

6. You complain about how often your parents text you or send you care packages.

13. You picked up the paper thinking it was the school newspaper and were just a bit confused by the content.

20. You post pictures of campus on Instagram and use the caption “New York is my campus, Fordham is my school.”

7. You still talk about your SAT scores and the colleges you almost went to.

14. Your profile picture is either of you riding the Ram on a Thursday night, or your prom picture.

21. You don’t know how to get back on campus using public transportation.

8. You begin all conversations with “So, what’s your major?”

15. You make polite small talk in the communal bathrooms...except on Monday mornings.

22. You are a little hurt that people are unimpressed when you say you are from Long Island or New Jersey.

9. You wake up more than an hour before your first class starts.

16. You forgot to bring shower sandals to college.

10. You dress up for your classes.

11. You’re done with classes before the rest of campus wakes up.

An earlier version of this article appeared in last year’s orientation issue.

26. You added everyone you’ve met so far on Facebook.

17. You don’t know where to buy shower shoes around campus.

18. You don’t even know how to get to Manhattan without asking for directions.

43. You are alarmed by the number of Public Safety Alerts in your inbox.

44. You travel in packs of 10 or more. Everywhere.

28. You registered for the pre-law seminar.

45. You don’t know what a Jesuit is or what the word means.

29. You eat 90 percent of your meals at the cafeteria.

46. You’re going to President’s Ball.

30. You eat 100 percent of your meals on campus.

47. You have literally begged people not to “FUEM” you.

31. You expected a cockroach to climb out of your first hot meal.

48. You don’t know what Ziggy’s is or why everyone keeps talking about how great it was.

32. You have class on Wednesday.

23. You bought a t-shirt or hat from Pugsley’s Pizza.

24. You wear clubbing clothes to the local bars.

25. The only bar you can get into is Tinkers.

33. You don’t know what or where Dagger John’s is.

34. You have gotten lost on your way to Starbucks.

35. You and your roommate both

49. You brought lots of sweats with your high school logo and graduation year to college and wear them around campus (bonus points if it’s a Chaminade sweatshirt.)

50. You’re reading this list.

How to Get By on a College Budget

By KRISTEN SANTER ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR

New York City offers many opportunities to spend your money on worthwhile purchases: concert tickets, clothes and most importantly, food. The access to the city and newfound freedom in college present many temptations that can quickly consume your money earned at that summer job.

Here are some ways to make the most out of your money at Fordham.

The first step is to set a budget.

This tried-and-true practice holds up as the best way to conserve your funds. By setting a weekly or monthly budget, you can make sure that you always have enough money to go out with friends. Often, new college students blow all of their cash in the first month of school, and then have difficulty paying for one subway ride for the rest of the semester. Evaluate your current fiscal state and make

the appropriate budget for your lifestyle, keeping in mind certain tips. For example, while heading out on a Friday night with a group of friends, make sure to only take a small amount of cash in order to prevent excess spending.

Most freshmen do not work the first or second semester. However, for those who cannot budget money well or prefer a more expensive lifestyle, a job is necessary. The easiest place to work is on-campus, since off-campus jobs are sparse and sometimes far away. As soon as possible, head to the Student Employment office in Thebaud to see if there are any openings. At the beginning of the year there are always a few positions available.

Arguably one of the best jobs is driving the RamVan. It is the highest paying job on-campus and it offers free rides to Lincoln Center. If you consider yourself a good driver, RamVan usually hires lots of students at the beginning

KELLYN SIMPKINS/THE FORDHAM RAM

Looking to manage your money wisely on campus? Of course you are. Creating a personal budget is a great first step.

of the semester.

The next best thing for your savings account is student discounts. Luckily, there are plenty of discounts available on-campus and off. Every month, the Campus Activities Board (CAB)

raffles off tickets to shows and sporting events. Alternatively, Tix4Students is a free website that offers discounted Broadway tickets. In the OSLCD office, there are $8 movie tickets, usually for the AMC theater, a five min-

ute walk from Lincoln Center.

Various clothing stores also offer student savings, such as J. Crew, Madewell, Topshop and Target.

Most importantly, make sure to buy used textbooks at the bookstore, or online.

Page 8

ORIENTATION

Be the hero The Ram needs

Come to Our New Writers Meeting!

Thursday, Sept. 3rd at 8:00 p.m.

Ram Office - McGinley B-52 Writers, Copy Editors & Photographers Needed Check us out online at FordhamRam.com

August 31, 2015

ORIENTATION

August 31, 2015

Page 9

How to Survive Living with a Complete Stranger

By NICOLE HORTON CULTURE EDITOR

Whether you are an incoming freshman living away from home for the first time or an upperclassman living with new roommates, learning how to share a space is a continual process that requires communication and consideration.

If you ask any current college student for the most important tip when dealing with roommates, the first point they will stress is learning to communicate. If you do not know your roommate, it is a good idea to go out for lunch or coffee to get to know him or her. You will feel more comfortable sharing a space with them and having friends over.

This also establishes a foundation for communication. Who knows, you may even become friends (or at least friendly acquaintances).

Even if you develop a close friendship with a roommate, it is still important to make friends on your own to widen your social circle. You do not want to find yourself relying on your roommate for daily plans and weekly outings because you are nervous about being on your own and meeting new people.

Upon moving in, it is beneficial to establish a cleaning schedule and tasks to be completed, whether it is emptying the garbage, vacuuming or cleaning the kitchen and bathroom in an apartment. If your side of the room becomes messy — afThis article previously appeared in last year’s orientation issue.

ter all, college students are busy — make sure that it does not spread to your roommate’s side or common area. Speaking of common areas, if you want to get a rug for the middle of the room or decorate a shared wall, talk with your roommate or roommates about what works.

Another conversation you should have with your roommate right away is about sharing your daily schedule and sleeping habits. One of you may be a night owl who frequently stays up late doing homework or on the computer, whereas the other might go to bed earlier in preparation for a morning class. If you are the type of person who goes to bed early and does not want any lights on, you need to make sure that your roommate is aware of this so that he or she can go to a lounge or a friend’s room. It is a common issue that the roommate who wakes up early may make noise while getting ready. If your roommate is waking you up, tell him or her what you are hearing and see if the noise can be lessened or completely avoided. Just be honest and respectful.

It is crucial to remember that we all have our “little annoying habits,” even though one or both of you can make an effort to be a good roommate. Try to talk to your roommate about these issues, and allow your roommate to agree or disagree with any suggestions until you find a solution. With this approach, your roommate will be more open to talking and not feel that you are attacking their entire persona.

If you find that you and one or more of your roommates are having issues, it is a bad idea to vent to floormates or other friends in the building. You will be surprised to find out how many people are connected on a college campus, and your situation can take a nose-dive if your roommate or roommates cannot trust or respect you.

An additional aspect of living with roommates is learning how to deal with having visitors. If you have a common area or living room, you can have guests there to socialize or watch TV without disturbing your roommate. However, it is im-

portant to keep in mind that there is limited space in a double, so it is difficult for both of you to have a bunch of people over at the same time.

It is also good to have a policy about overnight guests of the same and opposite gender and if he or she is open to the idea or if he or she would like advanced notice. For instance, a sock on the door or a less cliched text message or phone call may not go over with well your roommate. It is better that you have an understanding of how he or she will feel about this beforehand, to avoid an argument or an uncom-

fortable situation. It is not uncommon for roommates to not want overnight guests during the week in an effort to not disrupt their routine of classes and studying, especially if there is not a common room for the guest to sleep in.

These tips are a good starting guide about the conversations you should have with your new roommate. As you can tell, communication is crucial in a variety of situations. Living in a dorm or apartment is your ‘home away from home,’ and everyone wants college and living with friends to be a fun, memorable experience.

RAM ARCHIVES

Trying to get along with a new roommate can be a challenge, but there are ways to turn a stranger into your new bestie.

Staying Healthy on Campus Leaving the Nest

By CASEY CHUN PHOTO EDITOR

Athleisure is trendy, but how many of those style savants actually make it to their workouts? Styles fade, but a healthy mind and body will be a lasting investment. Developing a sense of purpose and a lifestyle is the key to staying in shape.

There is an abundance of research pointing to the benefits of exercise which can help you inside and outside of the classroom.

First let’s ask, why don’t people enjoy exercise? For one, the idea of physically working out is daunting. However, high-intensity exercise can be beneficial in just short, 30-minute intervals. Regardless of the type of exercise, be it cardio or weightlifting, your body releases biochemical called endorphins, which possess pain and stress-relief qualities. Often, I take workout breaks during exam week to give my mind a rest.

A second mental block is not knowing what your goals are. Establish and plan goals and metrics to monitor your progress. If you are aiming to lose weight or leaning out, decide if you want to do cardio, weightlifting or a combination of both. “I plan out my workout a few days in advance to know how much time I’m going to be spending in the gym,” says Paola Rosso, FCRH ’17.

If you are weightlifting, diligently research the type of exercises you will perform and its proper form.

An improper form can cause more damage. Ask for help if you need it

and never be afraid to ask someone to spot you.

When it comes to safety, one must also consider healthy eating habits. A common misconception of dieting is that it entirely involves refraining. Replacing foods in your diet is much more effective. Choices like more whole wheat, fruits and fiber are beneficial additions to one’s diet. Use those options to replace high sugar and high salt foods. High stress levels can cause your body to produce more cortisol, which has implications on blood sugar. A healthy balance of exercise and dieting can manage your stress level as they go hand in hand. In your first week as a campus diner, navigate and learn about the dining hall options. MyFitness Pal is a helpful app as Sodexo puts all of the nutritional information

online.

Nobel laureate Ivan Pavlov found that a habit is formed after practicing it for 21 days. This less than a month period is essential in developing the right mindset for staying in shape and minimizing reservations. If you feel anxious going by yourself, studies have found that exercising with a motivating friend is mutually beneficial. During these 21 days, remove distractions that would compromise your workout.

If you are not a morning person, lay out your clothes the night before to reduce the desire to stay in bed, just make sure they are not only for leisure. Ryan Keklik, FCRH ’17, thinks of ASICS to motivate him, “…ASICS, is actually an acronym for the Latin proverb, Anima Sana in Corpore Sano — a sound mind in a sound body.”

RAM ARCHIVES

Establishing goals is a crucial step on your way to staying in shape on campus.

By KATIE MEYER MANAGING EDITOR

Entering college means a lot of things — first, it’s time to start preparing for life now (no big deal). You can take classes, learn what you love, learn what you hate and learn lots of other stuff as well. You will also meet people — so, so many people — who are likely very different from people you have gone to school with in the past. You will also, and this is the biggie, be living on your own.

You, in your snazzy new dorm room, are fully in charge of yourself now.

Your parents are out of your hair.

Or not. And that’s what I am here to talk about. If you are anything like me and most of my friends, your parents have played a pretty big role in your life thus far, what with the clothing and feeding and raising you for your whole life. Now, every family is different, but in many cases parents are not going to simply be content leave you in the dust. Somehow, some way, you are probably going to have to figure out a system of staying connected, while still maintaining some level of independence.

This can be difficult to do. No matter what, if you are leaving home for an extended period after living with your parents for most of your life, your relationship with them is going to change and evolve. For me, remembering to keep in touch was harder than I expected. I rarely communicated with my family in the beginning of my freshman year, An earlier version of this article appeared in last year’s orientation issue.

and as a consequence I felt that there was some real distance between my parents and me. For others, though, an opposite problem is just as likely.

If there is too much communication, you can never truly become independent. This doesn’t just mean talking on the phone too much, it also means bringing your parents into all aspects of your life. Your parents should know what is going on in your life, but they should not be keeping track of your finances for you, helping you study, buying you things you need and picking you up to go home every weekend…that is too much. One of the best things about college is your independence, and it is important to make the most of that.

So, what do you do? Become a real, fully functioning adult person. If you have not already, figure out how to operate on your own, this includes doing laundry and grocery shopping.

Get your financial situation straight, and get a job. It is daunting, but you can do it, and it is worth it. But more importantly, how can you set that tricky balance between too little and too much parental contact? Unfortunately, I don’t have the answer to that — it just depends on the person, and in that person’s family.

But what I can say is this: do what feels natural. For me, natural is texting my mom most weekends (usually on Sundays, just to let her know I’m still alive) and talking on the phone periodically. I go home on the big breaks, and it works. So here is the final piece of advice: find your balance. Be the independent, capable human you are, but don’t forget about mom and dad.

ORIENTATION

Page 10

A Guide to Clubs on Campus

By CAILIN MCKENNA & AMANDA GIGLIO NEWS & CULTURE EDITORS

For pursuing an interest or finding your niche at college, the best way to get involved on and off campus is through a club. With over 90 clubs and organizations to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect fit!

If all things music peaks your interest, consider joining one of Fordham’s Acapella groups including the B-sides, Ramblers and Hot Notes. These groups hold auditions for new students each semester. If you are a dancer, Fordham also has several dance groups ranging from Irish dance to hip hop. Students can audition for Flava, a hip-hop group, Slainte, an Irish dance company and Expressions, which hires a variety of dance styles.

For students interested in acting and performance there are a variety of theater groups to join on Fordham’s campus. Mimes and Mummers is the main stage theater club on campus, which hired professionals to direct the plays, but is all student produced and run. Mimes puts on two shows a year. Fordham Experimental Theater (FET) is completely student run and puts on two main shows each semester. FET is also home to many umbrella groups ranging from improv, sketch comedy, stand-up and spoken word. The Theatrical Outreach Program (TOP) is another club that brings classical works of theater to the Fordham community and beyond.

As a diverse community, Fordham also has a range of cultural clubs showcasing different ethnicities and religions, including ASILI, Muslim Students’ Association and FUSE. ASILI is the Black Student Alliance, which is one group for representation for underrepresented students at Fordham and invites all students to expand their cultural horizons.

The Muslim Students’ Association is an opportunity for a supportive Muslim community seeking to provide education on Islam. Fordham University’s South-Asian Entity, or FUSE, is one of the Asian clubs on campus whose mission is to educate and broaden the community’s definition of South-Asian, raising awareness about current topics and societal changes in South-Asia. For more on multicultural issues and clubs students can visit the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

If writing is your passion, there are many opportunities to get involved, ranging from creative writing to political analysis. The Fordham Ram is the university’s journal of record and provides coverage for breaking news and events around campus. Students can get involved writing with either the news, opinion, culture or sports sections. The paper is another student-run publication which provides in-depth analysis and coverage of news events at Fordham and beyond.

For those who love creative writing, The Ampersand provides a platform for students to publish poetry, prose, short stories, photography and artwork. The Fordham Political Review is the University’s Undergraduate Record of Politics and Economics.

It affords students with an interest in national or international politics or economics to submit articles and have a chance to be published. If

August 31, 2015

How to Handle The Common Core

By ANTHONY PUCIK SPORTS EDITOR

RAM ARCHIVES

With so many clubs on campus, there’s something for just about everyone.

fashion and design are your interest, get involved with Mode Magazine, Fordham’s own fashion magazine.

Mode Magazine publishes an issue every semester with the latest fashion trends around the globe and campus.

For Gabelli students and others who have an interest in business and economics there are many societies to choose from, including Economics Society, Finance Society and the Management Society. Smart Woman Securities is a group that is business professional and strives to educate the community on the financial industry giving skills for success and personal finances.

As voters across the country gear up for the 2016 presidential election, Fordham’s campus is joining in on the political excitement. If you love to engage in discussion or debate over political topics, then one of Fordham’s political or academic clubs may be for you! Fordham has chapters of both the College Democrats and the College Republicans, which give students the opportunity to voice their opinions and interest in politics.

Both organizations bring interesting guest speakers to campus and lead student discussion on important political and social issues. Students interested in political affairs and prelaw can also join several academic clubs. Mock Trial, Debate Society, and Model United Nations are some of the clubs that travel to compete with other schools in debate, public speaking and engage in discussion of international affairs.

Gain leadership positions and have more of an idea of what takes place on Fordham’s campus by joining campus leadership organizations.

The Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a great way to get involved in your residence hall by holding positions of power to put on programs, raise money and enact change in Fordham housing. Campus Activity Board (CAB) is the primary programming group on campus, with many subgroups dedicated to bringing social, educational and informational programs. CAB puts on events such as Welcome Week, Family Weekend and, of course, Spring Weekend. The Commuting Students’ Association is one of the ways commuting students can get more involved on campus, holding events like Commuting Students’ Week each year. To make sure that all of

these leadership entities remain connected with each other and administration, The Student Life Council convenes once a month to go over budgeting and encourage ongoing conversation on campus.

Over your next four years at Fordham, you will often be taught to lead lives as men and women for others. Many students choose to do so through an array of service projects offered at home and abroad. Fordham has chapters of national organizations such as Autism Speaks, Circle K, affiliated with Kiwanis International, and Relay for Life.

Global Outreach (GO!) is a cultural immersion and service program where students learn about issues of social, economic, political and environmental injustice. Students travel in teams during school breaks to different areas of the world to volunteer and learn. Closer to home, Peer Educators creates discussion for students about making smart choices when it comes to partying and safety. Fordham’s Campus Ministry welcomes students of all faiths to volunteer in the community and attend retreats.

For more about volunteer opportunities and placement in the community, students can visit Fordham’s Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice.

There are also an array of clubs pertaining to special interests of the students. PRIDE Alliance is dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community on campus. Women’s Empowerment is a feminist student community looking to empower people of all genders and spark discussion for change.

Respect for Life is a group that is devoted to preserving the dignity of all life. Rodrigues Coffee House, a subgroup of CAB, provides freetrade coffee, a chill atmosphere and puts on concerts and open mics for the student body. Flipside is club that provides alternatives to drinking/alcohol, including free city excursions.

Whether you’re a musician, writer or looking to join something new, Fordham has a club for everyone.

Each semester there is a club fair, where students can sign up for clubs and volunteer organizations.

The annual club fair will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2 around Edward’s Parade.

New and returning students are encouraged to attend the fair to find out more and sign up for club email lists and events.

While walking around campus or listening to tour guides when you first came to visit Fordham, you might have heard a thing or two about the “core curriculum,” followed by a few moans and groans. Many people hate the idea of a core curriculum, asking, “why should I have to take a language if I want to be an economics major, or take a life science when I am a communications major? Pointless, right?” Not really. In fact, the core is one of the things that I have treasured during my first three years at Fordham.

Heading into school, I was set on being a communications major, which meant I would take many classes about writing and very little to do with math, science and History, my least favorite subject.

Then I saw that I was placed in a class about the history of early Europe as of my core requirements.

At first, I was very disappointed. I was also put in a philosophy class, a Spanish class, an economics class, but not one communications class.

I became frustrated with the core, wondering why I needed to waste my time taking such silly classes that had nothing to do with what I wanted to do with my life. But after my first semester, it was clear that the core was just as essential as my potential major classes.

My philosophy class is one of my favorite classes I’ve taken at Fordham, my intrigue for economics was triggered as a result of my macro class, which I now minor in, and many of the things discussed in my History and English classes have helped me in some of my communications classes. The core that I once bashed and dreaded turned out to be a very fun and enriching part of my college experience, and it can be the same for you as well.

Jesuit institutions around the country preach educating “the whole person,” which encapsulates mind, body, heart and spirit. This means that a person will not just be educated in the things they want to learn for their jobs, but also be educated in ethics, morals and so much more. The core curriculum allows this to happen. You not only get your major studies covered,

but also can gain appreciation for math, science and English. I have found my theology and philosophy classes to be very enriching and a fantastic experience that has not only helped me in schooling, but in my own personal life as well.

The core is also helpful for people who come into Fordham not knowing what they want to do.

While your new friends and roommates may have a pretty good idea of what they want to do, there are some people who have no idea what they are going to be doing tomorrow, let alone for the rest of their lives. The core gives those who don’t know what they want to do a chance to sample multiple courses and disciplines, and might even show them what they are truly passionate about and what they want to pursue, which would most likely be much more difficult in a university without a core curriculum.

Do not think you are limited in your core choices; there are numerous options to fulfill each requirement. You may not be the biggest history fan, like me, but perhaps you’re interested in the American Revolution, or maybe Medieval Times. If there is something that interests you in a particular subject, more likely than not there is a class in the core that focuses on that specific topic. That way you are fulfilling a requirement for school, and learning about something that truly interests you in the process.

And trust me, you’ll like the break the core gives you from your major classes after a while.

The biggest advice I can give to make the most out of the core is this: Do not treat it like a chore, but an opportunity to learn something new and become a well-rounded person. Also, be sure to sample all the options Fordham has to offer in regards to the core. Take a look at all the subjects that could cover a core requirement, pick your favorite and then find a class in that subject that you feel suits you the best.

You can take music appreciation, basic microeconomics, computer programming and philosophical ethics all in one semester. The possibilities are endless, so take advantage of them all before you go forth and set the world on fire four years from now.

RAM ARCHIVES

The Jesuits wanted you have to options, but not too many options.

SPORTS

August 31, 2015

Page 11

Soccer, Cross Country Highlight Fall Season FROM PAGE 1, FALL

for 1,838 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, is well-equipped to meet them. Senior offensive lineman Garrick Mayweather, Jr. and junior defensive linemen Marlon Crook, Jr. and Justin Vaughn join Edmonds on the Preseason All-Patriot League team, forming a strong core of what should be a team to beat.

— Sam Belden

Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team has not had a winning record since 2008, but do not be surprised if that changes this year.

After an 8-9-1 record last season under then-first year head coach Jessica Clinton, the team returns eight of 11 starters for the 2015 campaign. Of the eight, three were last year’s top scorers. Captain and graduate student Jessica Widmann led the team in all scoring categories with four goals, four assists and 12 points, while fellow captain and graduate student Kate McDonnell returns after netting three goals and collecting three assists last season.

Senior Ivana Lahcanski is also back with the team this season after scoring three goals and registering one assist in 2014.

The biggest change from last season though is that the Rams will be without goalkeeper Ally White, who was lost to graduation. White started all 18 games in net last year and allowed only 1.09 goals per match. Junior keeper Megan Fitzgerald will likely be the face of the Rams between the pipes this season, and although she did not start at all last season, she does have some experience. In seven games played last year, Fitzgerald finished with a 1.38 goals against average and 4-1-0 record.

The team’s already off to a quick

start after beating Wagner 2-0, but fell 1-0 to Maine on the road. The squad plays Manhattan on Friday, Aug. 28 before opening up their home schedule on Sunday against Princeton at Jack Coffey Field at 1 p.m.

— Drew Casey

2-1 at home and finished 7th at the CSA Team Championship. Junior Paul Mongahan and freshman John Lennon earned hardware during the year, winning the B and C Divsion championships respectively at the Hudson Valley Squash Tournament. With five seniors and four juniors on the squad, the squash team will surely be looking for a few freshmen to join the ranks this season and help the team take the next step towards being a top contender at this year’s tournaments.

— Anthony Pucik

Men’s Soccer Men’s soccer wrapped up last season on a high note with an impressive run to the Atlantic 10 Championship, surrendering only one goal over the course of the three games.

Although the team dropped its next game to Dartmouth at the NCAA Championships, 2014 was an unqualified success for the program.

Now, they’ll try to replicate that performance. The Rams will kick off their season by hosting the Boston University Terriers on Aug. 28 and will head to Chicago for their first road trip over Labor Day weekend.

Once October rolls around, the team will commence a stretch of eight games against A-10 opponents in hopes of going back to the conference’s tournament. Perhaps the most anticipated of these conference games is the Oct. 21 one against Rhode Island, which will serve as a rematch of the finale of last year’s A-10 Championship. Fordham won that game by a single goal. A semifinal rematch against Saint Louis, scheduled for Oct. 17, should also be exciting. The Rams will be led by senior Andres Penfold, who led the team in both points and goals last season and was named First Team All-Atlantic 10. Senior Tomas Penfold, junior Ole Sandnes and sophomore Jannik Loebe should also play important roles. In all, Head Coach Jim McElderry’s squad will surely set its sights on another conference championship and, if all goes well,

RAM ARCHIVES

Football returns looking for its second consecutive Patriot League title.

perhaps even more than that.

— Sam Belden

Cross Country The men’s and women’s cross country teams look to build off a solid fall season last year. The men’s team captured its second straight IC4A title and fourth overall in their history, and look to go for three in a row this year. The team is bringing back the entire IC4A Championship team last season, including the meet winner Mike Turi. Turi, along with fellow senior Quincy O’Connor, junior Jake Duckworth and sophomores Thomas Slattery and Nik O’Brien make up a solid core of both old and young runners that give the Rams a very good chance at a three-peat.

Over on the women’s side, the Rams had five runners compete, with graduate student Brianna Tevnan finishing the highest at 10th.

She, juniors Arianna Bottalico and Brianne Roche and sophomore Bryanna Harum also hold a good core of runners for the Rams, much like the men, and look to take that next step this upcoming season.

— Anthony Pucik

Volleyball It was a roller coaster year for the volleyball team last season. They did not pick up their first victory of the season until their 17th match, a 3-0 victory over La Salle at home, and ended the season with a 3-25 record. Finishing 3-11 in A-10 conference play, fourth year head coach Gini Ullery hopes that his year is a big step forward for the volleyball program.

Key players like seniors Abigail Konovodoff, Brianna O’Neill and Brennan Delsing lead the way with youngsters, like sophomores Sarah Skelton and Grace Muller, hoping to take the next step in their collegiate careers and play even bigger roles in the team’s success. The team kicks off the season down in Fort Myers, Florida at the FGCU Hilton Garden/Homewood Suites Classic, with its first match on Aug. 28 against Presbyterian.

— Anthony Pucik

Squash The squash team had a good fall season in 2014, going 11-7 overall,

Water Polo You might not know a lot about Fordham water polo. But know this: The team has talent.

After finishing 16-18 last season with a ninth place showing at the 2014 Collegiate Water Polo Association Championship, the team returns more than 85 percent of its roster for 2015. Junior R.J. Simmons, who netted 58 goals and collected 105 points, and senior Andrew Gonzalez, who chipped in 36 goals and 36 assists, look to lead the team to their first .500 or above season since 2009. The biggest change for the team is undoubtedly the loss of star goalie Noah LeBeau to graduation. LeBeau started all 34 games in net for the Rams last season, recorded a single-season school record 311 saves and was a CWPA First Team All-Northern Division selection. The squad’s other two losses will also be tough to be replace in 2015, as Ori Raz netted 76 goals over his two-year Fordham career and Eric Minowitz led the team with 63 steals and 37 swim-off wins last season.

The team begins its 2015 season on Sept. 5 at Navy and has its home opener on Sep. 26 against MIT at 2 p.m.

Spring Squads Show a Promising Future for Fordham FROM PAGE 12, SPRING

and knocked down 78 on the season after battling through an early season injury. Junior Samantha Clark led the team in rebounding and contributed just under nine points per game. The biggest highlights included sophomore Danielle Padovano’s game-winning, buzzer-beating three pointer against Richmond in overtime, Tapio’s game-winning layup at Saint Joseph’s and senior Taryn Durant’s game-winning free throw against Richmond at the Atlantic 10 Tournament. The Rams enter the 2015-2016 season with only two returning seniors, six newcomers and one new assistant coach. Stephanie Gaitley returns for her fifth season at Fordham, where the team is 84-47 under her tutelage.

— Drew Casey

Swimming Despite a 10-1 dual meet record, the women’s swimming and diving team turned in a disappointing fifth place finish at the Atlantic 10 Championship. Heading into the meet with confidence from beating Richmond in a dual meet at Rose Hill and a second place finish at the Bucknell Invitational from earlier in the season, the team was looking to win its first title since 2010. Sophomore

Megan Polaha earned first team AllAtlantic 10 honors in the 200-yard individual medley and junior Shannon Lulley was part of three school records at the conference meet. The relatively young men’s team struggled throughout the season, finishing ninth at the A-10 Championship and 4-5 in dual meets. Junior Steve Sholdra led the team as he earned All-Atlantic honors in the 400-yard individual medley and the 200-yard butterfly. Only six swimmers were seniors last year as the men’s team’s many returners look to improve.

— Drew Casey

Tennis The men’s tennis team had a rough season, going 3-13 and losing to George Mason in the first round of the Atlantic 10 Championship. Five members of the team were recognized for their efforts in the classroom. Pedro Alonso, Harris Durkovic, Joseph Kavaloski, Mischa Koran and Max Peara were all given Scholar Athlete Awards by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for their 3.50+ GPAs. The team was also awarded the ITA All-Academic Award, being the highest performing squad at the university with a 3.661 composite GPA. Meanwhile, the women’s team

went 13-3 this season, and made it all the way to the semifinals of the A-10 Championship before falling to VCU 4-0. Senior Sarah Ali and freshman Estelle Wong were named All-Atlantic 10 for their efforts during the season. Ali went 18-10 on the year, 13-4 in dual meets and 11-4 at second singles to earn her second straight All-A-10 honors, while Wong earned her first going 11-5 in dual match action and 9-5 in the third position, while going 15-13 in doubles play — Anthony Pucik .

Track (Outdoor) The men’s and women’s outdoor teams had a good season on the track, with the men finishing tenth and the women 12th at the Atlantic 10 Championship. A mix of veterans and youngsters led the way for Fordham. On the men’s side, senior Lester Taylor earned Second Team All-A-10 honors with a second place finish in the 800 m run with a time of 1:52.07, while freshman Thomas Slattery finished third with a 14:50.35 time in the 5,000 m run.

For the women, top performers included senior Kristen Stuart, who came in 5th in the 400 m run (1:01.75) and junior Danielle Rowe, who came in 7th in the 800 m race

(2:15.69). The Rams also sent a man and woman to the IC4A/ECAC championships, both in the 3,000 m steeplechase. Senior Brianna Tevnan came in 17th for the women with a time of 10:48.86, while freshman Brian Cook finished 13th in the men’s race with a time of 9:05.12, a season-best.

— Anthony Pucik

Rowing The Fordham women’s rowing team had a successful spring season, one that saw it post a number of solid finishes. The varsity 8 kicked it off with a fifth place finish at the Murphy Cup before prevailing over Iona in a one-on-one showdown. After spring break, the team placed fifth at the Knecht Cup and third at the Kerr Cup leading up to the marquee event of the season, the Atlantic 10 Championship in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

There, it placed eighth out of the nine boats. The varsity 8 wrapped up its campaign at the Dad Vail Regatta, where it finished third in the petite final and ninth overall in the event.

The varsity 4 also stayed busy, registering a fourth and fifth place finish, among others, over the course of the season. Senior captain Nicole Arrato received numerous academic honors at the end of the season, includ-

ing Academic All-District, Academic All-Atlantic 10 and Third Team Academic All-America.

— Sam Belden

Golf Fordham golf kicked off its spring season with three consecutive ninth place finishes, including one at the Wildcat Invitational, which featured 14 other squads. From there, the Rams finished third out of fifth at the New England Division I Golf Championships and capped their campaign with a 10th place finish at the Atlantic 10 Championships. In a perfect world, the team would have posted some higher finishes, but the fact is that Fordham golf is a nonscholarship program that routinely tees it up against scholarship squads.

Notably, a trio of seniors in Ben Alcorn, Jeff Hogan and Drew Dufresne played their final rounds as Rams, passing the torch of leadership to a group of younger of players, including juniors Oscar Cabanas and Hugh Lagrotteria and sophomores James Mongey, Matt Schiller and Joseph Trim. Their fall season gets underway on Sept. 11 at the Ryan Lee Memorial Tournament and wraps up in mid-October at the Lehigh Invitational.

— Sam Belden

SPORTS

Page 12

August 31, 2015

The Fordham Ram

A Lookback at Varsity Spring Sports Baseball To the casual observer, 2015 might appear to have been a trying season for Fordham baseball — after all, a 22-32 overall record and a winning percentage of .407 are not particularly exciting figures.

However, the Rams found success when it counted, going 13-11 in conference play and qualifying for the Atlantic 10 Championship for the second consecutive year. There, Fordham’s pitching failed to hold up, surrendering seven and 11 runs in the two games and facilitating an early exit.

On the whole, the Rams’ season featured some definitive successes, including a surprising sweep of Saint Louis, the A-10’s top squad, but a 1-7 record over the final two-and-a-half weeks was a sour note on which to end. Their two ultimate pitfalls were that sluggish finish and an unsightly 5-24 record on the road (which goes hand-in-hand with a mighty 17-8 showing in the Bronx).

In all, Head Coach Kevin Leighton’s squad did well enough to make a return trip to the postseason, but the Rams clearly expected more of themselves. In terms of individual achievements, the team featured five A-10 All-Conference selections: catcher Charles Galiano (First Team All-Atlantic 10), starting pitcher Ben Greenberg (All-Rookie), first baseman Matthew Kozuch, second baseman Joey Runco and outfielder Ryan McNally (All-Academic).

Additionally, Galiano and starting pitcher Brett Kennedy were selected in this year’s MLB draft; the former went in the 40th round and signed with the Brewers, while the latter went in the 11th and signed with the Padres.

— Sam Belden

Softball

Fordham softball continued its recent success this past spring with a 38-20 record, 17-5 in Atlantic 10 play and more importantly, their third straight A-10 title and fifth in the last six years. A tough out-of-conference schedule prepped the Rams for an always tough A-10 conference, and even featured a win over a ranked opponent in Minnesota (then ranked 13th).

Two straight losses on the road in St. Louis got the Rams off to a slow start, but the team went 11-3 in their next 14 games in conference and found themselves on top once again.

Sweeping both George Washington and George Mason to end the season, the Rams set themselves up to win the A-10 title once again, but would have to do so out of the third seed. A 5-1 victory over six-seeded St. Bonaventure set the Rams up with a date with second-seeded St. Louis, who Fordham also defeated 5-1.

The Rams defeated fourth-seeded George Mason 4-2 and defeated top-

Compiled by The Ram’s Sports Editors seeded Dayton in the championship 8-2, not losing a single game in the tournament. The Rams earned a trip to the NCAA Harrisonburg Regional and lost their first game to N.C. State 12-5, but defeated Binghamton 8-0 and top-seeded James Madison 2-1.

The team fell once again to N.C. State 2-1, ending their season. The Rams have a lot to be proud of, with seniors Michele Daubman, Kayla Lombardo, Cora Ianiro, Brianna Turgeon and Paige Ortiz all ending their collegiate careers in the same way they did two seasons before: A-10 Champions. The future is still bright for the Rams, with Rachel Gillen as a solid ace of their pitching staff and returning players like Sydney Canessa, Amy Van Hoven, Lindsay Mayer and Madison Shaw, who were all key contributors last

season. 2015 Max Preps All-American Jessica Hughes is one of the many talented freshman additions. It is not hard to imagine the Fordham Rams being near the top of the A-10 once again.

— Anthony Pucik

Men’s Basketball With a 10-21 overall record and a 4-14 mark against Atlantic 10 opponents, men’s basketball never quite got it going last season. Still, there were bright spots. The fact that much of the heavy lifting was done by forward Christian Sengfelder and since-departed guard Eric Paschall gave fans some high hopes for the future – the duo combined for seven A-10 Rookie of the Week honors.

Those two, along with team captains Bryan Smith and Ryan Rhoomes and guard Mandell Thomas (13.3 ppg) propelled the Rams to victories on both Hall of Fame Day and Former Player Day against Saint Louis and Saint Joseph’s, respectively. The team saved some of its

By ANTHONY PUCIK, DREW CASEY, & SAM BELDEN SPORTS EDITOR

RAM ARCHIVES

best play for the A-10 Tournament, where it knocked off George Mason on the strength of a monster 27 point effort from Sengfelder in the first round.

In the second round, however, Fordham’s run came to an end with a loss to VCU, solid efforts from Paschall, Thomas, Smith and Manny Suarez notwithstanding. In a coda to the season, head coach Tom Pecora was dismissed and replaced with former Eastern Kentucky coach Jeff Neubauer, ushering in a new era for Fordham men’s basketball.

— Sam Belden

Women’s Basketball Despite losing two superstar players in Erin Rooney and Abigail Corning following the 2013-2014 season, the Rams turned in a very successful 2014-2015 campaign.

The team finished the season 2112 and 11-5 in the Atlantic 10. The Rams also qualified for the WNIT, marking the third straight year of postseason basketball for the team.

The squad defeated Central Connecticut State at the Rose Hill Gym in the first round before falling to Saint John’s. Boston College transfer and graduate student Tiffany Ruffin took control of the offense, leading the team in assists, minutes per game and free throw percentage. She also led the team in steals and was second in scoring, netting over nine points per game, and rebounding, collecting six boards per game.

Senior captain Emily Tapio finished her Fordham career, earning third team All-Atlantic 10 honors as both a defensive standout and the team’s leading scorer, averaging 12 points per game. Sophomore guard Hannah Missry became the quickest Ram to net 100 career three pointers

Women’s basketball ended last year’s season at 21-12, despite losing a pair of stars. The team also qualified for the WNIT

SEE PAGE 11, SPRING

Forget Grades, You Want the Shirt: Your Guide to Intramurals

By MIKE CAVANAUGH FORMER ASST. NEWS EDITOR

Whether you are a former high school athlete with the urge to continue competing, or you have little-tono athletic experience, the intramural sports program should be on your Fordham to-do list. I can honestly tell you that, outside of intramurals, there is nowhere else that you can have an inordinate amount of fun losing 8-0 with your ragtag team of friends who have no experience in the sport for which you registered.

The intramural program here at Fordham is divided into three seasons which has its own set of sports.

During the fall, students are given the opportunity to form teams with their friends and compete in soccer, flag football, softball and kickball.

These sports are all co-ed, though in the past the intramural soccer program has offered men’s league games, which flag football currently does. Of these sports, soccer, softball and kickball are typically offered again during the spring season.

During the winter intramural season, a new set of sports are offered to This article previously appeared in last year’s orientation issue.

students: basketball (both co-rec and men’s league, the latter of which is divided into the A and B league), volleyball and dodgeball. While basketball and volleyball tend to be numerically more popular, few things compare to the excitement of hurling rubber projectiles at other students while necessarily exchanging Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story references.

As the individual who usually organizes the intramural teams within my group of friends, I will help you out by letting you know now that it will be exceedingly difficult to actually put together a team, even more so the first time around. Like most schools, Fordham’s intramural program recently began to use IMLeagues, the intramural sport website, as its electronic medium. If you are the lucky individual organizing your team, you will need to make sure that all of your teammates not only register on IMLeagues, but that they also join the team that you will have to create within the Fordham University Intramural page. Author’s note: the name of your team is the most important thing about intramural sports. You can be the worst team on the field/court/pitch, but if you have a great team name, you will win the respect of the teams who domi-

nate you. There is also a deadline for these sign-up processes, so annoy your friends as much as possible via facebook and text, or in person, until your roster is locked in — after that, all you have to do is wait for the season’s game schedule to be released.

There is admittedly one downside to the intramural program, and that lies in the time of the games. By sheer luck of the draw, your team, should you manage to put one together,

will be scheduled to play some time between 7 p.m and 11 p.m. This will inevitably lead to one or more of your teammates being unable to attend at least one of your scheduled games because of class, homework or because they already fell asleep, so be sure to have some substitutes on your roster. That being said, that one hour each weeknight that you spend with your friends can very easily end up being the highlight of your week, so

do not let the late games scare you away from participating.

When all is said and done, I cannot recommend intramural sports enough — they are an all-too-necessary break from the monotony of a rigorous week of school. But even more than that, they are also another way to build on friendships early on in your freshman year, and that is something that you cannot take for granted.

KATE DOHENY/THE FORDHAM RAM

Intramurals are a great way to have fun and get some excerise while scratching that competitive itch.