Volume 108 Commencement

Serving the Fordham University campus and community since 1918

The Fordham Ram is the university journal of record. The mission of The Fordham Ram is to provide a forum for the free and open exchange of ideas in service to the community and to act as a student advocate. The Fordham Ram is published every Wednesday during the academic year to all campuses.

Website

TheFordhamRam.com

Email Address theram@fordham.edu

Editor-in-Chief

Sienna Reinders

Managing Editor

Ian Nelson

Production Editor

Sarah Verrastro

Editorial Director

Molly O’Connor

Multimedia Director

Hannah Sullivan

Business Director

Nishanth Aduma

News Editor

Emma Leonardi

Features Editor

Sidney Blasco

Assistant News Editors

Jordan Donegan

Decker Rossi

Opinion Editor

Loressa Zeqiraj

Assistant Opinion Editors

Erynn Sweeney

Gabriel Capellan

Culture Editors

Lara Ejzak

Makenzie Smith

Assistant Culture Editor Kelly Buban

Sports Editor

James Nelson

Assistant Sports Editors

Molly Friedman

Ethan Bess Copy Chief

Indigo Towers

Executive Copy Editors

Emily Mitton

Emma Kelner

Elaina Gibson

Photo/Graphics Editor

Emily McCall

Wilson Speller

Digital Producers

Haniyyah Usmani Han Le

Marisa House

Advertising Directors

Violet Wallace

Juan-Pablo Valencia

Rishika Lingamdinne

Faculty Advisor

Beth Knobel

Editorial Policy

The Fordham Ram’s editorial reflects the editorial board’s opinions or views. Opinion Policy

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The Fordham Ram.

Submission Policy

The Fordham Ram Reserves the right to reject or edit any submission for any reasion, without notice. Submissions become the exclusive property of The Fordham Ram. No part of The Fordham Ram may be reproduced without written consent.

Correction Policy

The Fordham Ram is committed to fair and accurate reporting. If you are aware of an error, please contact us at fordhamramonline@gmail.com.

COMMENCEMENT

A Letter from the Editor to the Class of 2026

To all of the students graduating from Fordham University today, congratulations! You should all be filled with immense pride and joy for what you have accomplished over the past four years, the memories you have made and the impact you have had on the Fordham community.

When you first entered Fordham as first years in 2022, you embarked on this journey with a newly inaugurated president, Tania Tetlow. Over your four years here, you saw many changes to your campus, with renovations to the McShane Campus Center, including the Arcade and

the Marketplace, which had prompted a temporary dining hall for about 18 months. You also saw changes to the national and international political landscape, with the start of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the re-election of President Donald Trump, the election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, international student visa revocations and increased political polarization in response to actions taken by the Trump administration, including an immigration crackdown with ICE.

You also saw your fellow students stand up for what they believe in through

protests over Fordham’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which eventually prompted the policy to be lifted, protests against Israeli actions in Gaza, efforts to distribute contraceptive resources to students, protests against Fordham’s policies related to ICE and so much more. Your time here has not been influenced solely by factors in your immediate circle, but also by unprecedented times in the broader global community.

But despite the instability, hopelessness and fear you may have felt at times as a result of these challenges, you have made it to this day by remaining committed to

yourself and your education. As you walk the stage and look out at your fellow graduates, remember what you have endured and accomplished together, and take pride in knowing that you have made it to this point. You are now ready to step beyond our iron gates and make your mark on the world outside of Fordham.

As always, this special issue of The Ram is dedicated to you, the graduating class of 2026. Congratulations on all of your hard work, good luck and you’ve got this!

All the best,

Sienna Reinders, Editor-in-Chief

2026 Commencement Schedule COMMENCEMENT

Event Title

Navy Commissioning

Army ROTC Commissioning

Gabelli Undergraduate School of Business Rose Hill Awards Ceremony

Encaenia (Fordham College at Rose Hill Awards Ceremony)

Gabelli Undergraduate School of Business Lincoln Center Awards Ceremony

Fordham College at Lincoln Center Awards Ceremony

Veterans Bell Ringing Ceremony

Lincoln Center Baccalaureate Mass

Rose Hill Baccalaureate Mass

Friday, May 15

University Church (RH)

University Church (RH)

Keating First (RH)

Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)

McNally Amphitheater (LC)

Pope Auditorium (LC)

Keating First Auditorium (RH)

Church of St. Paul the Apostle (RH)

Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)

Saturday, May 16 Event

University Commencement Ceremony

Fordham College at Rose Hill Diploma Ceremony

Fordham College at Lincoln Center Diploma Ceremony

Gabelli School of Business Diploma Ceremony for bachelor’s candidates

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Diploma Ceremony

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Diploma Ceremony

Event

School of Law Diploma Ceremony

Graduate School of Education

Following the University Commencement Ceremony

Following the University Commencement Ceremony

Following the University Commencement Ceremony

Following the University Commencement Ceremony

Following the University Commencement Ceremony

Sunday, May 17

No events scheduled.

Monday, May 18

Edwards Parade (RH)

Parade (RH) Walsh Family Library Lawn (RH)

Moglia Stadium (RH)

Fordham Preparatory Theatre (RH)

University Church Lawn (RH)

Tuesday, May 19

Edwards Parade (RH)

Rose Hill Gymnasium (RH)

Fordham’s 2026 Commencement Speaker is Hoda Kotb

By MAKENZIE SMITH CULTURE EDITOR

Hoda Kotb, a well renowned broadcast journalist and television personality, will honor the Fordham University Class of 2026 with her words of wisdom during the university’s 181st Commencement. In recognition of her career in public service journalism, Fordham will honor Kotb with an honorary doctorate of humane letters at this year’s commencement ceremony.

Fordham President Tania Tetlow gave her remarks on the decision in an article on Fordham Now regarding the announcement of Fordham’s 2026 commencement speaker.

“We all know her from the ‘Today’ show, where Hoda’s warmth and intelligence lit up our mornings for so many years,” Tetlow said. “Hoda Kotb’s courage, creativity, and resilience will inspire our graduates. She has led a truly kaleidoscopic media career, boldly reporting on world events and sharing others’ stories — as well as her own — with utmost integrity. We at Fordham are blessed to have her as our commencement speaker.”

The students in Fordham’s current graduating class are not the only graduates Kotb has addressed. She spoke at her own baccalaureate service when she graduated from

Fort Hunt High School in 1982. Afterward, she attended Virginia Tech and majored in broadcast journalism. Kotb’s ties to her alma mater brought her back in 2008 when she served as the keynote speaker at Virginia Tech’s graduation. At that point, Kotb was well into her occupation as cohost on “Today”’s fourth-hour weekday morning broadcast alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. She originally joined the NBC network in 1998 as a correspondent for “Dateline” on both its domestic and international stories. This position came after years of working in broadcast journalism, starting from her first job as a CBS news assistant in Cairo, Egypt, and moving through various reporter positions for local news across the country.

Kotb’s skills in conducting personal and engaging interviews with her charismatic personality eventually led her to become the main co-anchor of “Today” with Savannah Guthrie in 2018. Kotb retired from the show in 2025, but not before collecting numerous Daytime Emmy nominations during her time at NBC. Her four wins include one for Outstanding Informative

Talk Show Host and the others for Outstanding Morning Program. Kotb’s touch on humanity is not limited to the confines of a television. Winning homecoming queen in high school marked the beginning of people’s recognition of her positive light and human connection. After leaving the “Today” show, Kotb launched her wellness app “Joy 101,” a platform that offers personalized daily wellness practices and courses with interactive “Happiness Hours” in real time.

Through her “Making Space with Hoda Kotb” podcast, Kotb created yet another space where listeners can find anecdotes on personal growth and a sense of inspiration. Her storytelling and interviews with influential people continue on even after her departure from her full-time roles at NBC.

The journalist’s own life trajectory also led her to write several books throughout the years that have earned her a spot on the New York Times bestsellers list, including her memoir “Hoda: How I Survived War Zones, Bad Hair, Cancer, and Kathie Lee.” Kotb showed the world that

her writing contains creativity as well through her children’s picture books.

The Fordham graduates will have the special opportunity to be privy to Kotb’s special message for them, one that will most likely “spread some joy,” as Kotb claim s is her mission in life on her Instagram biography. Kotb’s way with words on paper and on air excites many of these students to hear what she will say.

Alaina Stanisci, GSB ’26, has particularly fond memories of watching Kotb on the “Today” show with her mom in the mornings and is looking forward to hearing her speak at graduation.

“I have vivid memories of us laughing out loud at jokes told, getting excited over some of the special guests and listening to some of the iconic performers the show hosted,” Stanisci said. “Needless to say, I was beyond excited when I heard that Hoda Kotb was the commencement speaker for the class of 2026.”

Kotb will address Stanisci and her fellow Fordham graduates on Eddie’s Parade on May 16.

Fordham Awards Three Honorary Degrees

By EMMA LEONARDI NEWS EDITOR

Alongside Fordham’s undergraduate class of 2026, three other degree recipients will walk the stage on May 16.

The first is former “Today” show co-host and Fordham’s 2026 commencement speaker Hoda Kotb, who will receive a doctorate of humane letters as an honorary degree at the ceremony.

There will be two additional honorary degree recipients, who both have previously earned degrees from Fordham University in their undergraduate education. They will be receiving doctorates of humane letters as well: Gerry Byrne, FCRH ’66, and Maureen Corrigan, Ph.D., FCRH ’77.

The former has a history with Fordham that began in 1958 at the start of his high school career. Byrne attended Fordham Preparatory School from his first year of high school up until his graduation before continuing his education at the associated university.

At Fordham, Byrne studied economics and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1966.

After, Byrne was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class Program, and he served on active duty from 1966 to 1969, specifically on a tour in Vietnam as a captain.

A gathering hosted on Nov. 6, 2022, to mark Fordham’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps’ 175th anniversary of military training at Fordham

was recorded by Fordham Magazine’s Chris Gosier. Byrne reportedly spoke at the event, mentioning Fordham’s effect on his development.

“What I learned at Fordham Prep and Fordham College from the Jesuits was ethics and integrity,” Byrne said during the gathering.

Byrne was admitted into Fordham’s Military Hall of Fame in December 2022.

After the Marine Corps, Byrne began a career in media. He started as a national sales representative for the New York Daily News in September 1969.

In June 1973, he transferred his role as a sales representative to Advertising Age. From there, he rose through the ranks, becoming international sales director in February 1977, and then eastern sales manager in February 1980.

He left Advertising Age in April 1982 to become vice president and publisher of electronic media at Crain Communications before transitioning into vice president and publisher of Crain’s New York Business.

After Crain Communications, he did a brief one-year stint at ACT III Communications as their senior vice president of international development and acquisitions.

Byrne then went to Variety to become a group vice president and publisher from 1989 to 2000.

Following his tenure with Variety, he became president and Chief Executive Officer of Stagebill Media for two years.

In October 2003, he became

a senior advisor for Parade Magazine and began his own media consulting company, Gerry Byrne Media Partners, LLC. During his time as owner, he founded and chaired the Quills Literacy Foundation and the Quill Awards.

Byrne later became senior vice president of The Entertainment Group under Nielsen Business Media in March 2007.

From the end of his time at Nielsen Business Media, he became a board member of several different companies, such as Veterans Advantage, Fisher House Foundation, Washington Life Magazine, Bob Woodruff Foundation and Gotham Film & Media Institute, several of which he is still involved with. He also continues to serve as the vice chairman of Penske Media Corporation and chairman of the advisory board of the Hamptons International Film Festival.

The second awardee, Corrigan, is also a distinguished presence in media, specifically the literary world.

Corrigan attended Fordham University from 1973 to 1977, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. She went on to earn a Master of Arts and a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, and currently teaches at Georgetown University as the Nicky and Jamie Grant Distinguished Professor of the Practice in Literary Criticism.

Most recognizably, Corrigan is known for her role as a book critic for National Public Radio’s (NPR) “Fresh Air,” a Peabody

Award-winning program. Additionally, she serves as a mystery columnist for The Washington Post and publishes regularly for NPR and The Wall Street Journal, according to her bio on Georgetown University’s website.

Corrigan also serves as an Advisory Board member for the American Writers Museum in Chicago and has previously served as a juror for the 2012 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction and the LA Times Book Prize, the latter of which she also served as panel head.

Additionally, Corrigan is the author of “Banned Books, Burned Books: Forbidden Literary Works,” a one-season lecture series from The Great Courses company on banned books.

She has written and published several books as well, namely “So We Read On: How The Great Gatsby Came to Be

and Why It Endures,” which was named the Best Book of 2014 by Library Journal, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Kansas City Star. Corrigan also has a literary memoir titled “Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading,” which was published in 2005 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

Corrigan is currently working on a book about banning books, specifically in America, set to be published in 2028 by Knopf. All three recipients will receive a doctorate of humane letters, which is an honorary degree awarded typically for significant contributions to society, according to the National Library of Medicine under the National Institutes of Health. It is typically one reserved for those who have gone through philanthropic work.

Kotb, Byrne and Corrigan will all receive their doctorates on Saturday, May 16.

The Fordham R am Cro sswordCommencement E dition

Acro ss

2. Graduates and families might head down this street for lunch after the ceremony

5 The fun-loving ram who will prance about on commencement day.

6. The main color of Fordham grads’ gowns.

9. After graduation, these senior students will become this.

10 The scary f-word that comes after graduation

12 Word you might say to a graduate, or find in the graduation section of the greeting card ai sle.

14. “Blank and blank,” what graduates wear to receive their diplomas.

15. The first name of this year ’ s commencement speaker

16 A nice-smelling gift one might give to a graduate

17 This building is the backdrop for Fordham’s commencement ceremony.

Down

1. The ceremonial entrance of the graduates.

3 Another word that refers to commencement

4 The best of the best, the cream of the crop, the top of the class.

7. A bubbly celebratory drink.

8. Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, law.

11. Graduates will move this from the right to the left at the end of the ceremony

13 Athletes of this sport play on the field where Gabelli students will graduate.

14. These colored ropes often symbolize club membership or accomplishments.

By GABRIEL CAPELLAN ASST. OPINION EDITOR

With the 2025-2026 academic year coming to a close, another phenomenal class of students is graduating. As they move on to new chapters of their lives, they offered some words of advice to Fordham undergraduates on how to wisely use their four years on campus.

Odell Holland, FCRH ’26, is a transfer student from Manhattan University. In his comments, he emphasized the need to meet new people and network.

“What I think other people should much more capitalize on, is building on friendships,” Holland said. “There’s enough places to meet new people on campus. A lot of people are too shy for no reason, and I feel like that ’ s something that has to change. In my time here at Fordham, I tried

COMMENCEMENT

Advice From the Class of 2026

my best to network with as many people as I could.”

Maya Persico, FCRH ’26, is the president of Fordham’s Black Student Alliance (ASILI) and is a member of Fordham’s only hip-hop dance team, Flava. Similar to Holland, she recommended that students get involved with clubs on campus.

“Definitely get involved,” Persico said, “I signed up to a bunch of clubs. You don’t have to go to every single one’s meeting. I know I didn’t, I think the only one I went to consistently was ASILI, but going through clubs is like the best way to meet new people.”

Therese Burgo, FCRH ’26, is a video producer and TikTok social media manager for Rose Hill’s radio station, WFUV. She’s been involved with WFUV since her first year and said she’s met her best friends there.

“It’s really what made my

college experience what it’s been. So I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work there,” she said. Burgo added that she “would highly recommend [WFUV] for anyone interested in media.”

The advice Burgo gave current students is to try everything they’re presented with.

“Say yes to everything, and don’t be afraid of big opportunities,” Burgo said.

“I’m very lucky to have some very ambitious, impressive friends who pushed me to push myself and get out of my comfort zone, and that’s so important when you’re in college, to just say yes to as many things as possible and explore every interest that you have. This is the time to do it … You’ll find what you’re meant to do here.”

Joseph Henry, FCRH ’26, who is the student sports manager at WFUV

and assistant sports editor emeri tus at The Ram, emphasized the importance of patience and chasing what you love.

“I took my first year and I just got my bearings straight,” Henry said. “Don’t be afraid of your first year, if you don’t make your best friend, or if you don’t figure out what you want to do with your life. Enjoy your college experience. You only have four years, but trust that whatever you’re meant to do here is coming … so be patient.”

Henry explained how that patience led him to his passion.

“I really love what I’m doing. I love helping people at my job. I love telling stories. I love covering sports. I get to go to sports games and cover them for my job. It’s ridiculous.

So whatever it is that you love, whatever you find

that might be, just go and chase that and make sure you enjoy it,” Henry said. “My experience here being able to chase that love was really special.”

Alexandra Pfau, FCRH ’26, is a news reporter for WFUV, and her advice to students is to avoid rushing to get a job and to enjoy our day-to-day lives.

“Don’t feel like you have to get straight into working, you know, like, give yourself maybe your first two years to kind of just chill out and make friends,” Pfau said. “Be as involved in everything as you can, because it's going to go by really quick.”

From club presidents to transfer students and reporters, the class of 2026 is leaving its mark on the Fordham community, and we know that they’ll go on to do remarkable things in both their lives and their careers.

Fordham Athletes to Remember

By JAMES NELSON SPORTS EDITOR

This year, Fordham Athletics bids farewell to a remarkable group of athletes. Dominant winning streaks, new program records and performances that caught the attention of professional leagues. Let’s take a moment to highlight some of the outstanding athletes who will be moving on from Fordham.

Women’s Tennis was particularly dominant this season. Senior co-captain Nevena Kolarevic played no small role in the Rams’ euphoric journey to the Atlantic 10 (A-10) Finals. Kolarevic was undefeated in singles and doubles during the Rams’ nearly two-month winning streak to close out the season. In the finals against Virginia Commonwealth University, Kolarevic captured one final singles victory before Fordham’s narrow defeat.

Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Kolarevic originally attended Illinois State University before transferring to Fordham as a junior in 2024. Kolarevic had an immediate impact in her debut season as a Ram, leading the team in wins in both singles and doubles; she was named the A-10 Women’s Tennis

Most Outstanding Performer, First Team All A-10 and an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Player to Watch. She was the seventh-ranked Division I singles player in the Northeast Region, the highest ranking ever attained by a Ram; Kolarevic also ranked sixth in doubles alongside her partner, junior Julianne Nguyen. In only two seasons, Kolarevic cemented herself as one of the best players in program history.

Senior Women’s Soccer tri-captain Ella Guth has received no shortage of awards. As a freshman, Guth started in 15 games, playing nearly 1,300 minutes and being named to the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. The following year, her stellar play earned her CSC Academic All-District honors. As a junior, Guth was named tri-captain. In her senior year, Guth earned the title of Team MVP, Second Team All A-10 and United Soccer Coaches Fourth Team All-East Region; her career high of 1,704 minutes was the second most on the team. An elite defender, she aided in the Rams’ six recorded shutouts in 2025, as well as recording two assists. In her four years as a Ram, senior softball pitcher Holly Beeman has piled up too many achievements

to mention. In each of her first three years at Fordham, Beeman tossed at least 12 complete games, including a jaw-dropping 19 in 2025. As a junior, Beeman was selected to the A-10 All Championship Team after securing 14 wins to the tune of a 2.28 ERA. Beeman has also been named to the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll three times. In 2023, Beeman’s dominance was a key component in the Rams’ ascent to the A-10 Softball Championship tournament. In the Rams’ opening game of the championship, Beeman hurled six innings, allowing only one earned run in a narrow loss to George Mason University. Later that same day, Beeman made a relief appearance against the University of Rhode Island, spanning four and one-third innings. In total, Beeman threw 145 pitches across the two games, a feat to be proud of despite the team’s losses. Thus far in her senior year, Beeman has continued to rack up impressive performances. In three of Beeman’s first four senior starts, she pitched the entire standard seven innings, including an eight-inning marathon victory over Oregon State University. While graduate student Dejour “Dae Dae” Reaves may have only played one season of Fordham basketball, it

was one of the most notable in the program’s history. Reaves led the A-10 in scoring, averaging 18.7 points per game in conference play. He scored double-digit points in all 31 of his games, with a season high of 31 coming against Saint Bonaventure University. Reaves was also eighth in the A-10 in assists at 3.6 per game and third in steals at 1.6 per game. The key player in the Rams’ journey to the second round of the A-10 Championship. In their fateful loss to George Washington University, the Rams trailed by 24 points early on. Reaves heated up, scoring 18 points in the second half of the game alone, bringing the Rams within three points. Reaves was named A-10 Player of the Week once, Second Team All-A10 and First Team NABC All-District.

In her four years with Women’s Volleyball at Fordham, Audrey Brown carved out a spot in the record books. Brown’s 1,135 kills are the 11th most in school history. As a freshman, Brown was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team, selected twice as the A-10 Rookie of the Week and was named to the A-10 Commissioners Honor Roll. As a sophomore, Brown finished third in the A-10 in kill/set and tenth in kill

percentage, earning her a placement on the Second A-10 All-Conference Team. Across her junior and senior seasons, Brown racked up 284 total blocks over 197 sets. Her 260 kills as a senior led the team, averaging 2.50/set.

Graduate student James Conway left his mark on Fordham’s football program. Conway holds the record for the most career tackles in the history of Division I football at 595. As a freshman, Conway started every game, a rarity in Fordham Football. His 131 tackles were the most ever recorded by a Rams freshman. The following two seasons, Conway once again notched triple-digit tackles, including his career-high single-game total of 21. In his senior year, Conway battled injuries, only starting four games. Still, Conway managed 49 tackles, the sixth most on the team. In his season as a graduate student, Conway set the Fordham record for most single-season tackles at 159. He is only the 29th player in Patriot League history to earn AllLeague honors four times. Conway’s dominance did not go unnoticed at the professional level; he received an invite to the Cleveland Browns minicamp, where he will have a chance to earn a spot on their NFL roster.

A Look at the Last Four Years...

2022-2023 Academic Year

Aug. 29, 2022: Fall Semester COVID-19 Protocol

“Fordham University has updated several of its COVID-19 protocols for the fall semester. According to Keith Eldredge, assistant vice president and dean of student services, there are two significant changes this semester … Last year, students were required to submit a negative test before returning to campus after breaks. Eldredge stated that return-to-campus testing might be reinstated as time goes on, but for now, it will not be required. Another change is VitalCheck, which is no longer required as a daily attestation, unlike in the past two years.”

Aug. 29, 2022: President Tetlow’s Goals

“President Tania Tetlow was officially sworn in as president of Fordham University on July 1. Her presidency follows Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., after he announced he would leave the position in fall 2021. She was elected unanimously by the Board of Trustees to replace McShane starting in fall 2022.”

Sept. 14, 2022: A Look at McShane Campus Center Construction

“It was only a few months ago that the new McShane Campus Center first opened its doors on the Fordham University Rose Hill campus … During the summer, the McShane Campus Center project entered into what Stephan Clarke, the assistant director for campus center operations, referred to as ‘Phase 2’ of the construction process. This phase focuses on the creation of the ‘arcade,’ a new entry into the building. Clarke says most of the demolition work was completed during the summer, and the construction of the new skylight began in mid-August.”

Oct. 14, 2022: Protesters Rally Against Fordham’s New Vaccine Mandate

“On Oct. 14, approximately 20-30 Fordham students, faculty, staff and parents gathered on Southern Blvd. outside the main Fordham gate to protest the university’s bivalent booster mandate.”

March 22, 2023: Fordham Lifts Vaccine Requirement on All Campuses

“President Tania Tetlow sent an email to the Fordham community on March 20 announcing that the university will lift COVID-19 vaccination requirements for members of the Fordham community and visitors to campus starting on May 15, 2023. Despite the changes to the policy, the university will continue to distribute the vaccination on campus.”

March 29, 2023: McShane Marketplace to Close for 2023-24 Academic Year

“In a recent United Student Government (USG) meeting, it was announced that the McShane Campus Center cafeteria, Marketplace, will be closed and under renovation during the 2023-24 school year. Beginning between Sept. 1 and Oct. 1 of 2023, the Marketplace closure will coincide with the start of “destination dining,” which will include the installation of various temporary dining options.”

2023-2024 Academic Year

Sept. 6, 2023: Fordham Unveils McShane Campus Center Arcade

“The new McShane Campus Center arcade opened on Aug. 1 for the Fordham community. The arcade connects the McShane Campus Center with the surrounding buildings and serves as an entrance into both.”

Oct. 2, 2023: Fordham Faces Record-Breaking Rain Throughout Campus

“Six inches of record-breaking rain caused flooding across Fordham’s Rose Hill campus and the greater New York City area on Friday, leading city officials to declare a state of emergency and suspend public transportation.”

April 10, 2024: Fordham Updates Opposite Gender Guest Policy

“Fordham University’s Office of Residential Life announced an official change to the university’s guest policy on the Rose Hill Campus, now allowing students to have overnight guests of the opposite gender.”

April 10, 2024: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles the Northeast

“On Friday, April 5, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake hit the East Coast with its epicenter in New Jersey. The Fordham University community experienced shaking throughout both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses.”

May 1, 2024: Fordham Students for Justice in Palestine Organize Encampment and Protest at LC

“In the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 1, a group of over 20 Fordham University students set up an encampment in the Lowenstein Center lobby at the Lincoln Center campus. At 9:52 a.m., Fordham Public Safety issued a RamSafe Alert to the community via text, linking to a Public Safety alert posted on Fordham Now. The alert said there are no disruptions to classes or operations, but that the Lowenstein Center entrance would be closed for the safety of the community.”

...Through The Ram’s Headlines

2024-2025 Academic Year

Sept. 4, 2024: McShane Marketplace Opens After Months

“After over a year of construction, the newly-renovated Rose Hill Marketplace opened on Sept. 3. Located on the first floor of the McShane Campus Center, the Marketplace renovation features nine different food stations and expanded menus, new seating options that hold a capacity of 800 people and updated kitchen technology. The renovation is Phase 3 of the McShane Center construction project, one of the project’s final phases.”

Nov. 6, 2024: Bronx Residents and Fordham Students Talk Voting

“As polls close across the country, Americans wait in anticipation of the news of who the next president of the United States will be. In 2020, the election between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden was called on Nov. 7, five days after Election Day, due to how close the candidates were in the polls. The 2024 election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to be similarly close, with the potential that a winner be disclosed days after the election itself.”

Feb. 5, 2025: Fordham Reacts to Trump’s Immigration Policy

“Fordham University has released guidelines for engaging with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following President Trump’s executive actions regarding immigration enforcement and mass deportation.”

April 11, 2025: Four Total Visas Revoked Without Reason, Says Fordham

“A total of four international students at Fordham University have had their visas revoked as of April 10, according to a Fordham University webpage called “Updates on Evolving Political Landscape.” This marks an increase from the previously reported two revocations as of April 8.”

April 23, 2025: Fordham Community Reacts to the Death of Pope Francis

“Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, died at age 88 on April 21. Francis served as Pope for 12 years and was the first Latin American Roman Catholic pontiff. Known for his progressive policies and frugal living, Francis changed the idea of what a pope could be after the resignation of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.”

April 30, 2025: Arthur Avenue Staple Mugz’s Set to Close in June

“Earlier this month, it was announced that the Arthur Avenue staple Mugz’s is closing its doors on June 10. Just steps off campus, the bar is a popular spot for the Fordham University sports teams, students and even returning alumni.”

2025-2026 Academic Year

Sept. 3, 2025: New Delivery Robots Spark Widespread Debate “Starship Technologies made its Fordham University debut on Tuesday, Aug. 26, with nine new food delivery robots accessible to students on the Rose Hill campus.”

Sept. 17, 2025: Fordham’s Evolved Brand is Divisive; Admin Remains Confident it’s the Right Decision

“On move-in weekend, first-years threaded through piles of duffel bags and mini-fridges toward the campus bookstore, where the newest Fordham University gear had just hit the shelves … The logo on the new gear is no longer the block “F” that generations before have worn, but a new Gothic “F.” This change is the visible edge of a university-wide strategy which prioritizes a clearer, more consistent identity that can narrow awareness gaps, increase prestige and steady the story Fordham tells about itself.”

Nov. 5, 2025: Students React to Mamdani Win “The months-long race for New York City mayor has come to an end, and Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is set to take his spot in City Hall in January as the youngest mayor in the city’s history.”

Feb. 25, 2026: The Barnyard BBQ: Fordham Staple Set to Permanently Close

“After nearly six years of hosting late-night drink-ups and the jam-packed Halloweekends, one of the local bars Barnyard BBQ recently announced they are permanently closing on Feb. 28. This closure comes after months of negotiations with landlords over increasing rent prices, according to Barnyard owner Simon Kajtazi.”

March 18, 2026: USG Pushes for Contraceptive Policy Amendment

“The Fordham University United Student Government (USG) is in the midst of lobbying the university administration for an amendment of the current contraceptive distribution policy to allow community members to distribute contraceptive materials on campus property. This has been a subject of discourse on campus for at least 60 years.”

April 29, 2026: New Core Curriculum Officially Passes

“Fordham University’s Board of Trustees voted to implement a new core curriculum on April 23. The proposal passed with “overwhelming support” from the board, according to Vice President of Marketing and Communications Justin Bell, who was unable to provide a specific vote count.”

By ALLISON SCHNEIDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITA

I come from a small town in central Indiana, the kind of place where you can see corn fields from your bedroom window and everyone seems to know each other. It probably goes without saying that moving to New York was a major adjustment in countless ways. Before I got to Fordham, I hadn’t yet experienced the joy of a late-night deli sandwich and had no idea you could get it even cheaper if you paid cash. I had never taken a public bus before participating in Urban Plunge my first year.

Under Changing Moons

I didn’t realize that in New York, not everyone smiled and said “hello” to the people they passed on the street.

Of course, I knew the city would be different from my hometown. Certain social, cultural and even spatial changes were to be expected. What I didn’t completely anticipate was how deeply this new environment would change me.

A couple of weeks ago now, I walked out of Dealy Hall after my last ever class as a Fordham undergraduate — a night class about autofiction with Professor Daniel Contreras — and tried to take stock of these changes. As I

left the building, I was struck by the sight of the moon hanging low in the sky, huge and staggeringly bright as it peeked out behind the clouds above the Keating Hall bell tower.

I took a walk around Eddies, looking at the lamp-lit benches and trying to picture all the sunny September afternoons spent lying in the grass with my friends. I thought about sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with my classmates to watch the solar eclipse two springs ago. I thought about the sunsets I’d watched from the windows of Walsh Library, and the pink and orange that coated the horizon as my roommates and I listened to music, talking and laughing, on the balcony of our off-campus apartment.

I tried to remember the person I was in my first year. I thought about my first classes at Fordham: theology with Dr. Harry Nasuti and philosophy with Professor Dana Miller. I thought about all the late nights spent writing papers in Bishop’s Lounge in Queen’s Court and how difficult my first college exams were. I thought about all the people who had helped me get through it.

A great deal has changed, indeed.

The moon looming above Keating that night reached its

full moon phase on May 1, just a couple of nights after I initially noticed its presence. The moon changes, too.

For centuries, people have looked to the moon and its phases for wisdom, guidance and direction. They have relied on its predictable cycles to help them tell time, decide when to plant crops and guide religious practices.

This May, we get two full moons: the first has already passed, and the second — a blue moon — will happen on the last day of the month. Right in the middle of these lunar bookends is the new moon, when the moon’s sunlit side is facing away from us, rendering it essentially invisible. May’s new moon just so happens to coincide with today, commencement day.

To put it frankly, I think it’s pretty poetic that the new moon falls on our graduation. It feels like the perfect symbol for the day, which marks the start of a new phase in a lifelong cycle of experiences and growth.

People go to college for a lot of different reasons, but ultimately, the goal is to learn. This endeavor includes learning about ourselves, even when it’s hard. I think one of the most difficult things a person can do is to really know themselves,

to know what they want and what they’re capable of. Sometimes I think I can see the full picture of who I am, and at other times I feel that my “self” is as invisible as the new moon. But as I prepare to leave Fordham, I feel strongly that my time here has helped me start to figure it out. I have become a more competent, more thoughtful, more compassionate person than I was when I stepped onto campus four years ago. I see myself as I am now reflected in the incredible friends and classmates that surround me. It is not the clearest image, but it is taking shape. This, too, will be a lifelong process. Tonight, after all the commencement speeches and family dinners and congratulatory toasts, I hope you’ll look up and maybe keep an eye out for that invisible moon — it’s up there somewhere, I promise! I hope you’ll take the opportunity to start this new phase with some self-reflection: What do you want? What are you capable of? Where do you see yourself in all of this change? The answers might not be visible right now, and they, too, may change with time. But they’ll be there, simply waiting to be discovered over and over again.

The People Within These ‘Greystone Confines’

By SOPHIE MASELLI PRODUCTION EDITOR EMERITA

When I think about the first time I toured Fordham, I remember two things. The first is that I was wearing a mask (the year was 2021), and the second is that underneath that mask, I couldn’t stop smiling at the Gothic architecture. At The Ram, we used the term “greystone confines,” coined by Editorial Director Emeritus Jonah Ring, FCRH ’26, to describe our Gothic Rose Hill campus with its bells that ring every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., echoing beyond the campus gates. In fact, he used that phrase in 12 of his articles, which made me laugh.

I adore the phrase, and as much as I adore the greystone present on our beautiful campus, Rose Hill isn’t a confinement at all. It’s a base. It’s a place where students can escape from the bustling streets of Manhattan and its cacophonous symphony of honking horns and ambulance wails that fade into the background as years go by.

I will be moving back home to Connecticut after I’m handed that faux diploma and undress myself of the various cords, stoles and pins I worked so tirelessly to accrue — even though they won’t mean anything after May 16. And because I’m moving back

to the place I grew up in, I’ve been trying to make the most out of the rest of my time at Fordham. I chat outside with classmates I probably won’t keep in touch with, I eat at my favorite restaurants in the Bronx, I explore other boroughs and, most importantly, I take walks.

As I walked around Rose Hill these last few weeks, I saw memories. The sidewalk from the McShane Campus Center towards Finlay Hall reminds me of late-night walks after a long production night at The Ram. There’s a bench by Keating Hall where my junior year roommates and I all sat as we waited for a fire drill to end. And I could never forget the spot on the second floor ballroom of McShane (the not-so-brief substitute cafeteria) where I waited for my “meal pick up” every day for three semesters because I acquired a soy allergy one semester into my college career — soy is in pretty much everything, by the way. The window into the second floor lounge of Loschert Hall makes me laugh when I think of the seemingly unwell girl I met there one night, who three years later would become my best friend. The path between Hughes Hall and the statue of the ram is where I realized that I had finally made true friends at the President’s Ball my first year. And whenever I

pass Martyrs’ Court at night, I always check to see if the light is on in the room I moved to during the second semester of my first year. It usually is, and I smile. Every place on these 85 acres holds a memory of someone, no matter how well I knew them.

I’m no stranger to campus celebrities; I’m sure I’m one to many. And I don’t say that vainly; I’m featured too often on the university’s social media platforms not to be. I feel recognized regularly, whether it be a sly double take or someone approaching me saying, “OMG IT’S THE INFLUENCER!” until my cheeks can’t turn a deeper shade of red. True story — it’s happened twice.

But I recognize people, too. There’s the boy who asked to go back to my room to hide from his friends who were trying to make him go out — I now think he was lying. There are the ghosts of my two best friends who transferred back to the golden rays of California after one semester that I occasionally see when the sun is in my eyes. There’s the girl I shared a room with for one semester. There’s the girl I shared a room with for three. Each and every person who I took a class with, people who came to an Ampersand meeting in the basement of Rodrigue’s Coffee House, attended a

copy night of The Ram in the basement of McShane, emailed me about the English honor society or commented on one of Fordham’s posts — I remember.

And after May 16 comes and goes, I won’t walk by these familiar strangers ever again. Yes, I committed to Fordham for its “greystone confines,” but it would be nothing without the people within it who come and go freely.

So, on May 16, I’ll watch the girls who messaged me on Instagram before we committed stand up from their seats. I’ll grin as I watch fellow Ram staff members who sat with me in B-52 past 2

a.m. occasionally walk up to the stage. I’ll chuckle to myself as the boy I’d never spoken to who called me “the author” grabs his diploma. And I’ll probably tear up as I witness the roommates I fell out of contact with walk across the cobblestones. Because no matter the paths that strayed, there was simply once a time in which we walked together. And those are the memories I choose to preserve.

So when I hear Keating Hall’s bell ring for the very last time, please know that I’m cherishing the moment. I’m thinking of every place I’ve ever been when I’ve heard that bell ring, and every person who was ever

COMMENCEMENT

How Do You Measure Your Time as a Ram?

By CAROLINE LEHMAN EXEC. COPY EDITOR EMERITA

Looking back on the past four years, how do I measure my time at Fordham University? In credits? 144. In classes I took in Faculty Memorial Hall? 17. In times I’ve moved? 10. In Ram Van rides? Lost count.

These factors are not the things I will take with me from my time at Fordham. Rather, I will carry with me the wisdom of professors in my field, opening my eyes to how academia, higher education and research can help fight for the underserved and marginalized.

I’ll measure it in sleepless nights out in New York City with my best friends laughing until we can’t breathe as the sun rises. I’ll remember living out my dreams of studying abroad and traveling the

world with my best friends.

I’ll lose count of the transformative “pinch me” moments I had while gaining professional experience working in the highest branches of government and for major news outlets, flooring my younger self, who had these exact dreams and never expected to achieve them as an undergraduate.

I’ll remember the transformative faculty I had that nurtured me and shaped my career path – helping me to solidify my purpose, escalate my confidence, accomplish and inspire more dreams.

Frankly, I wasn’t quite sure about Fordham at first. I initially picked it because it was the most affordable for my family, I could be close to my big sister and it still had a traditional campus even in the midst of New York City. And not every moment was

perfect, from tuition increases to finals crashouts in the library, campus drama and grappling with student debt, there were definitely some trying times.

But I would not trade my Fordham experience for the world. Cura personalis changed my life, and “being men and women for others” is something I will take with me forever. I owe so much of who I am today to my coursework, professors, club participation and access to opportunities I had because of Fordham and living in New York City.

Most importantly, and saving the absolute best thing I can tally from my time as a Ram for last, is meeting some of my lifelong best friends and platonic soulmates at Fordham.

As I approach milestones in my life, I know we are

forever linked, and they will be there every step of the way. In those moments, I will look over at them, remembering our adventures living out our late teens and early twenties in New York City. Knowing that we never would’ve met if we all didn’t settle on a smaller Jesuit school that a lot of people mistake for “Florida” and get serendipitously placed next to one another in a traditionally upperclassman dorm far from every other first year.

Domenico Pullano, GSB ’26

Congratulations to our son, Domenico Pullano, on your graduation from Fordham University!

We are so proud of your accomplishments and all the hard work that brought you to this moment. We can’t wait to see where your future endeavors take you — your journey is just beginning, and we know great things are ahead.

Love, Mamma and Papa

Jack Kaiser, GSB ’26

Jack,

It’s hard to believe this day is finally here. From the very beginning, you’ve worked so hard to reach this moment, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve accomplished along the way. Your time at Fordham has been defined by dedication, discipline and perseverance. From early mornings and long practices to meetings, travel and late nights keeping up with your academics, you handled it all with a level of commitment that truly stands out. You showed up, put in the work and never lost sight of your goals.

Earning your degree in finance from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the effort and determination you’ve shown every step of the way.

Through it all, you’ve had the constant support of your sisters — and the entire family — who have cheered you on, encouraged you and always had your back. The bond you share is something special, and we know how much it has

Luke Ware, GSB ’26

meant throughout these years.

More than anything, we are proud of the person you’ve become — hardworking, grounded and ready for whatever comes next. You’ve handled challenges with strength, stayed focused on what matters and grown into someone we admire so much.

We can’t wait to see where life takes you next. Keep chasing your goals with the same drive, determination and heart that got you here — and don’t forget to enjoy the ride along the way.

Congratulations, Jack. We love you always and couldn’t be prouder.

Love, Mom, Dad, Julia, Kev, Carson, Olivia and John

Siobhan Rushin, FCRH ’26

Siobhan,

I’ll never forget putting you on the train to New York, in high school, to see “Hamilton,” your first time traveling alone. Me standing on the platform in Hartford typing “text me when you find a seat,” you finding a seat, finding your way out of Penn Station and never wanting to find your way back out of New York.

Enter Fordham. Move-in day at Faber, Mom and I left you in the hall. We were on the road an hour when Mom spontaneously burst into tears — a half hour north of Half-Hour

Tower. But then you sent a photo — White Castle at dusk — and we knew you’d be just fine.

There were even greater culinary stops: at Enzo’s, Pugsley’s, Tino’s, Full Moon Pizza and the unbeatable, insuperable Super Best Deli. Thank you for joining me at Yankees-Twins at Yankee Stadium, Mets-Twins at Citi Field — New York and Minnesota, your worlds colliding. We’ll always have Arsenal 5, Man City 1 at the Emirates. North London Forever.

Thanks for bringing me to The Killers at MSG, Oasis at MetLife and Jackson Browne at the Beacon. “I hope your tour bus crashes, Jackson! I hope your tour bus crashes!”

Mom and I love your infectious love of music. You are Siobhan, Queen of the Aux, spreading the gospel of whatever is on your playlist that day. The girl who got on the train for the first time four years ago became a maestro of Metro-North, an expert on Amtrak. Even now, picking you up at Windsor or New Haven, we know we’ll hear on the drive home something very new from Geese or Noah Kahan and something very old from Stevie Nicks or Joni Mitchell.

As our battered WFUV car magnet says: “Music Makes the World a Better Place.” So do you, Siobhan. We love you and are so proud of you.

Love, Mom, Dad, Maeve, Thomas, Rose and Kasha

COMMENCEMENT

Abigail D’Angelo, FCRH ’26

Congratulations, Abigail D’Angelo, Class of 2026!

We are beyond proud of you on your graduation from Fordham and all of your incredible honors and accomplishments. Your hard work, dedication and drive have truly set you apart — there has never been anyone more impressive!

With all our love forever,

Your biggest fans — Mom & Dad

Dear Abby,

We are all so proud of you! You have worked so hard over the past four years, and you deserve all the amazing things that are in store for your future.

We are excited to see where life takes you as you begin NY Law School this fall.

Congratulations on your graduation!

We love you always, Auntie, Uncle Vinny, Nanny and Papa

Congratulations to my shining star granddaughter, Abigail D’Angelo!

I’m so proud of you and all of your accomplishments! You have so many exciting chapters in your story ahead of you! I remember when you told me that you had decided to be a juggler when you grew up. I told you that that would be an excellent career! Sadly, by the following week you had moved on to other careers. I just want to say, it’s not too late to start juggling! You could be the first juggling lawyer! I am so proud of you and the woman you have become! I love you Abs and I know you will succeed in law school and in your future career!

All my love always,

Ninny

Indranil Kar, FCRH ’26

Dear Indranil,

Congratulations on your graduation from Fordham! We are filled with pride as we reflect on all you have accomplished and the remarkable growth you have shown along the way. Your dedication, curiosity and resilience have guided you through challenges and helped shape the person you have become.

As you move forward, we know that you will continue to live a life of service, integrity and commitment to the greater good. These principles will continue to guide your decisions and impact those around you.

Know that we are always here for you, cheering you on in every step of your journey. We love you.

Mom and Dad

COMMENCEMENT

Ram Senior Reflections

The Ram spoke to graduating seniors who served as staff members during their time at Fordham University. The students shared some of their favorite memories from their time on The Ram.

Allison Schneider, Editor-in-Chief Emerita (Volume 107, first semester):

“One of the best parts about being on The Ram was getting to know people I might otherwise have never met. I learned so much from the upperclassmen I got to work with in Volume 105 and have such fond memories of eating pizza, playing games, and generally slacking off in those early days as an assistant opinion editor. I hope that in Volumes 106 and 107, I was able to pass down some of what I learned to the next generation of Ram staffers, who have been doing a fantastic job carrying on the spirit of The Ram!”

Adithi Vimalanathan, Managing Editor Emerita (Volume 107, first semester):

“There’s a lot to choose from, but my favorite memory would probably be the first production night of 106. I had come into my own at the paper and was so ready for the new year and new volume. Some of the staff were already good friends and others I had yet to know, but I felt confident about the atmosphere we were making and the work we were going to do in that semester. It was a very joyful and exciting day, and it felt like a lot was possible.”

Jacob Wolfer, Managing Editor Emeritus (Volume 107, second semester):

“My favorite Ram memory was our copy team and staff during volume 106.” Sophie Maselli, Production Editor Emerita (Volume 107):

“My favorite Ram memory happens to be the longest. It was the night that we didn’t leave B-52 until 5:43 a.m. Production night of Volume 107’s sixth issue lasted 13 hours (compared to the typical eight), and though we were all exhausted, five of us stayed all the way until nearly dawn to make sure that all of the information we were putting out was factual, clear and respectful. Whether it be cleaning up the office, a classic Sophie photoshoot, discreetly receiving a folder, singing along to music or playing catch while we waited for the exposé to be written and ready to be content edited — and then copy edited five more times — it made us so much closer as a team. We spent seven hours on one article because we knew it was going to have a lot of eyes on it: the subject was important to a lot of people, so we spent hours perfecting it. It was really stressful, but it was also so wholesome to see the staff come together and take it seriously. I remember the final five of us leaving the McShane Campus Center and bracing to see the sunrise as we exited the “alarmed” door. Luckily, the sun only began to rise once we got to our dorm rooms. I went to bed at 7 a.m. with four hours of sleep ahead of me with a smile on my face, feeling like we were really making a difference at Fordham.”

Joe Henry, Assistant Sports Editor Emeritus (Volume 106):

“My favorite memories from my time at The Ram were the laughs I shared with Griffin and Jonah in room B-48 during Volume 106.”

Mary Hawthorn, Multimedia Director Emerita (Volume 107):

“Being on The Ram has been one of the highlights of my Fordham experience. Coming to production each Tuesday was always so enjoyable and rewarding. I have made so many wonderful memories with the staff, but my favorite of all would be my first day as Multimedia Director. There was such excitement for the year ahead with Hannah, Molly, and Haniyyah!”

Indranil Kar, Opinion Editor Emeritus (Volume 107, first semester):

“My favorite memory from being on the Ram would be post-production night walks. After working with some amazing like-minded peers into the late hours, walking around campus and debriefing our days provided a nice escape from our extracurricular and academic commitments.”

Stuart Cremer, Opinion Editor Emeritus (Volume 107, second semester):

“My favorite memory at the Ram was election night for Zohran!”

Abigail Adams, Assistant Opinion Editor Emerita (Volume 107):

“My favorite memories were all the moments of laughter together in B-52 and learning from one another.”

Isabella DeRosa, Culture Editor Emerita (Volume 107, second semester):

“[My favorite memory was] having fun with my co-editors and getting to chat about all the articles with them! In culture, we used to particularly love the study abroad column and would come in every week ready to read what new adventures our writers were on!”

Caroline Lehman, Executive Copy Editor Emerita (Volume 107, second semester):

“My favorite Ram memory is probably Ramsgiving, where we all made various DELICIOUS dishes to share at Sophie’s, played games, picked our people for Secret Snowflake, and had a really fun potluck with lots of jokes and conversations.”

Emily Tonna, Executive Copy Editor Emerita (Volume 107, second semester):

“[My favorite memory was] when I was tasked to draw the Copy team to put on the wall, and accidentally drew our (male) Editorial Director with slightly too long eyelashes...which led to me winning the paper plate award ‘Most Likely To Offend Someone (Jonah) By Drawing Them With Long Lashes!’ Good times. The drawing still hangs on the wall, above the Copy table!”

Claire Krieger, Culture Editor Emerita (Volume 106):

“My favorite ram memory is just sitting with my fellow culture editors, Caleb and Bella. Spending every Tuesday on production night together made us good friends and I’m grateful to the Ram for introducing me to them! Such silly conversations took place in that room.”

Emily Roe, Advertising Director Emerita (Volume 106):

“My favorite memory with the Ram was doing walks down Arthur Ave with the business team. Talking to business owners on Arthur was an amazing way to immerse myself in the Bronx and help connect Fordham to the wider community!”