The Fordham Ram Serving The Fordham University Community Since 1918 October 1, 2025
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Volume 107, Issue 16
Fordham Reaccredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Fordham Welcomes New Senior Director of the Center for Educational Innovation
By JACK MCDONALD
By JORDAN DONEGAN
Fordham University has been reaccredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The news was communicated to the university body on Sept. 16 in an email by Greer JasonDiBartolo, Ph.D., associate dean of Strategic Initiatives and executive director of Operations, and Melissa Labonte, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. The reaccreditation is effective through 2033. MSCHE is an organization recognized by the United States Department of Education that promotes peer evaluation in higher education. It was first established in 1919 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. “The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is a regional accrediting body that reviews colleges and universities to make sure
though we are independent.” The 6 p.m. evening Church mass featured addresses from University President Tania Tetlow, Demacopoulos and a performance by the Capella Romana. It concluded with public and private receptions in the McShane Campus Center. The Patriarch was awarded the Presidential Medal Award. “You model for us faith in action,” Tetlow said. “As a
Fordham has named Margaret “Meg” Konkel, Ph.D., as the inaugural senior director for a learning center that is in development at Fordham. In her new position, she will aid faculty in navigating challenges that generative artificial intelligence (AI) presents to the classroom setting while strengthening their teaching practices. Konkel, who has an individual interdisciplinary Ph.D. in design education and psychology, arrived on Fordham’s campus six weeks ago to begin her new position as the inaugural senior director of the Center for Educational Innovation, a university-wide initiative that will be centered on faculty development. Konkel spent the last four years at Radford University, where she taught design thinking at the Master of Fine Arts level and worked in faculty development. Now,
SEE PATRIARCH, PAGE 5
SEE KONKEL, PAGE 4
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
SEE MSCHE, PAGE 4
STAFF WRITER
SIDNEY BLASCO FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
President Tetlow gives the Presidential Medal to the Patriarch at a private reception hosted in McShane.
Fordham’s Orthodox Christian Studies Center Welcomes Ecumenical Patriarch By SIDNEY BLASCO CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, visited Fordham University on Sept. 23. He was honored with the Presidential Medal and was welcomed with a concert by the renowned Capella Romana in the University Church. This marked the Patriarch’s
second visit to Fordham, making it the only higher education institution he has visited twice. This return acknowledges Fordham’s effort in advancing Orthodox Christian studies on campus. “Bringing him here is really a kind of validation,” said George Demacopoulos, co-director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center. “That we are doing work that is valued by the institutional church even
Students Gather for Annual Keating Steps Showcase
By ANDREW MASSIE FEATURES EDITOR
Speakers amplify the notes from an a cappella chorus as students press closer to the front, and for a couple of hours on a Friday night, the university’s most iconic
building becomes a stage. This is Keating Steps. Organized by the United Student Government’s (USG) Student Experience Committee, Keating Steps is an annual showcase that pulled a dozen acts and a cross-section of Fordham
MARTINEZ REYES FOR THE FORDHAM RAM
Student band, Code of Conduct, stands in front of Keating after performing.
6 News 11 Opinion Solidarity Alliance Ben No Jerry Fordham Solidarity Alliances Hosts Event
Big Business Will Not Melt Ben & Jerry’s
University to the steps at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. Performers ranged from dance crews to vocal groups; the bill included Hot Notes, Falak, Apricity, Ramblers, Jetés, Satin Dolls, Flava, Sláinte, Dance Co-Op, B-Sides and Code of Conduct. Between sets, volunteers raffled off prizes: a Ninja CREAMi, an all-inclusive spa trip, New York Knicks tickets and a cooler of free ice cream kept students on the lawn. “It was fun,” said Grace Lawlor, FCRH ’27, a member of Dance Co-Op, still catching her breath after a set with friends. “It’s always intimidating performing for a crowd, but it was a good time.” Lawlor likes the outdoor energy and the backdrop. SEE STEPS PAGE 6
IN THIS ISSUE
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Fordham Arts and Sciences Department Restructured By JACK MCDONALD ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Fordham University recently restructured its Arts and Sciences department. The changes include a new leadership structure with one dean serving as the head of all arts and sciences at Fordham. The restructuring is part of a project to enhance leadership structure, according to the University website. The restructure “will foster a vibrant intellectual environment and improve efficiency, coordination, and transparency, as well as ensure Arts and Sciences has a clear vision and comprehensive strategy,” according to a statement from the Provost’s office on academic initiatives. The Provost’s office approved of this strategic plan in April of 2024 after introducing it in
12 Culture Boiler Room
Michelangelo’s Brings Boiler Room Night to Arthur Avenue
February of 2023. Under the new structure, Jessica Lang, Ph.D., was appointed as the inaugural dean of Arts and Sciences. In this position, she serves as the Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC), Fordham College at Rose Hill (FCRH) and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). Lang previously served as Dean of the Weismann School of Arts & Sciences at Baruch College, where she focused on strengthening program collaborations between Baruch’s three schools, alongside the Zicklin School of Business and the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs. Four administrators serve under Lang: Rachel Annunziato, vice dean for Undergraduate SEE ARTS, PAGE 5
18 Sports Finally a Win
Football Gets First Win of the season vs. Holy Cross