Intramural Madness: Fighting Your Way to a Championship

My volleyball team after our first big win!

I’d first like to start with words from the inspirational and great athlete, Ricky Bobby: “If you ain’t first, you’re last!” Those six words have been my intramural volleyball team’s mantra for this past year. We have stuck to Ricky’s philosophy in the hopes of making an intramural championship run and winning the greatest of all trophies, a championship t-shirt. Although it sounds like you’re getting just another t-shirt, no words were ever more false.  At Fordham, an intramural championship shirt is a prized possession and a bucket list item for many.  Word around campus is that the legend, Vince Lombardi, once said he’d rather have a champs t-shirt than his name on the Super Bowl trophy.

Watch Top Gun for more volleyball inspiration

Although Lombardi may have never actually said that, intramurals and championship t-shirts are still very popular at Fordham.  Whether you were a Varsity All-State Champion in high school or always had aspirations of playing, there’s an option for you.  Intramurals are a great way for you to form a team with your group of friends and take on fellow Rams. You can show off your Steph Curry clutch 3-pointers in basketball, Odell Beckham Jr. worthy hands in flag football, your Misty May and Kerri Walsh gold medal V-Ball spikes, or your best skills in many other sports. As for me, my true passion lies on the volleyball court. Inspired at a young age by the prowess of Goose and Mav in Top Gun, I have always dreamed of one day making it to their master level. (For a full list, check out the official intramural page here.) 

The official Spike Lee team logo 

This year, Spike Lee, my volleyball team, has had a bit of a rough season. Rough season may be an understatement – we haven’t won a set yet. Back to the words of Ricky Bobby, we are last. Although, Ricky’s philosophy doesn’t take team spirit into account. In that category, we are easily first and deserving of a championship t-shirt. I believe the most important part of intramurals is to have fun with your friends, whether that means you don’t win a game or you win them all. College is a chance to form friendships that will last the test of time, and playing intramurals is a great way to make memories you’ll never forget. So remember, Top Gun high-five your way to a championship t-shirt or have fun losing.

Six Flags Fright Fest

A few weeks ago I had the chance to go to Fright Fest through Campus Activities Board (CAB). Since I am on the executive board for CAB, my co chair and I helped organize an event where we were able to take 55 students to Six Flags Great Adventure located in Jackson, New Jersey. Students who attended this trip were able to get free tickets and transportation to and from the park!

Fright Fest is an event Six Flags has been throwing every year for the past 24 years. This event begins on September 19th and ends on November 1st.  Fright Fest includes family-friendly “thrills by day,” and “fright by night” attractions in attempt to provide activities for every visitor. These “fright by night” attractions include scare zones, haunted houses, terror zones, and nearly 200 zombies walking around the park. As I am not a fan of scary things, I was a little nervous to see how my “fright by night” experience would turn out.  

Upon arriving to the park I was surprised at how intensely decorated the park was for Halloween. I guess Six Flags doesn’t call this event Fright Fest for nothing. The main fountain in the front was blood red and there was Halloween decorations all over the park. Since we got to the park around 1 PM the “thrills by day” attractions were in full swing. Although the park was crowded we still got to go on about 7 rides and still have time to get our faces painted. 

Fall Themed Face Paint

However as soon as the clock struck 6 PM people dressed up as zombies, clowns, demons, and other characters began to walk around the park without breaking their character. Although it was very scary seeing these people, I was extremely impressed by their costumes and how well they were able to keep character. Another aspect that added to the “fright by night” attractions was that the park was split into different zones. These zones included a circus filled with scary clowns, an asylum, and a butchery. It truly was frightening!

Although I was scared for most of the time that I was at Fright Fest, I really did enjoy the time I spent there. I had not been to Six Flags for years and it was really great going back and seeing what has changed. That being said, at Fordham there are endless chances to embark on your own adventures with you friends by your side. Whether it be Fright Fest, apple picking, or Times Scare it's important to take advantage of these opportunities to make the most of your time at Fordham!

One of the Fright Fest Actors

Another Spring Weekend in the Books!

As quickly as it began, Spring Weekend 2015 has finished here at Rose Hill. This weekend was packed with endless events sponsored and planned by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). All the activities were completely free and welcome to all Fordham students!

Our seats for HONY's presentation

On Thursday, we had an inspirational talk by Brandon Stanton, the photographer and mastermind behind the infamous "Humans of New York" blog. In front of a packed gymnasium, he told Fordham students his life story, with everything from his own college experience to becoming interested in photography. It was an amazing presentation and we were blown away by his kindness. The next night, Solidisco, a DJ group, performed in from a packed crowd. Even though it was cold outside, everyone had a great time celebrating the end of the year.

Saturday was the Twenty One Pilots performance on Martyr's Lawn, right in the middle of campus. The performers were so energetic and crowd-surfed over the pit of students. Josh, the drummer, asked us to hold up his drum while he played on top of us. The lead singer also took turns being lifted up over the crowd. It was an experience that truly none of us will ever forget!

Josh, the drummer for Twenty One Pilots, "drum-surfing" through the crowd

Taking a bow after their performance

After the concert, students dressed up for the annual Under the Tent dance. This year's theme was "The Last Illusion". There was a live band, food and dancing among much else. This spring weekend was one of the best ones yet and continues to be one of the most fun and energetic events on campus!

New Orleans Adventures (feat. the Fordham Marketing Association!)

My beautiful e-board :')

One of the main reasons why I was so excited to attend Fordham was because of all of the great opportunities this school offers both in and out of the classroom. During every tour I take part in, I make sure to stress to incoming students the importance of finding and working at internships. Personally, I’ve had an internship during every semester of college thus far, which has allowed me to take what I learn in class and apply it to real-life situations nearly instantaneously while also gaining a breadth of professional knowledge that classrooms and professors cannot necessarily provide.

The local food was *so* good!

Late-night sightseeing.

However, one of my favorite professional experiences came this year when I, along with the rest of the Fordham Marketing Association executive board, went to the American Marketing Association’s International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans. FMA has been travelling to the conference for several years now – and has even placed in several of the competitions – but this was my first time going (and also my first glimpse at the amazing city of New Orleans)!

Our four-day trip allowed gave us the privilege of sitting in on panels led by present-day marketing professionals from companies like Google and Coca Cola, meeting and networking with students from collegiate marketing associations all across the country, and gaining insights on how to better run our own club. In the evenings, we had free time to explore the French Quarter, try out the amazing southern cuisine, and go sightseeing and souvenir shopping. We actually passed by a voodoo shop at one point and I couldn’t resist stopping and buying one that’s supposed to bring success to its owner! Fingers crossed that it works…

View out of our hotel window!

Streets of NOLA...

Aside from the Fordham Marketing Association, there are plenty of other organizations and clubs students can join to further themselves professionally or just to get involved in student life on campus. Whether you’re interested in the student government, the Campus Activities Board, or even writing for this blog as an Outreach Ambassador for the Rose Hill Society, there is surely a spot for you at Fordham. Maybe next year, you’ll even be coming along to New Orleans with me… Who knows? 

Senior Spotlight: Nick Lopresto

     Name: Nicholas Lopresto

     Hometown: Jericho, Long Island (Nassau County)

     Major: Psychology/Pre-Med

     Graduation date: May 2015

     Why did you choose Fordham? I was actually between Fordham and Northeastern as my last two schools. I had gotten into NYU with some scholarship, but I hated that there was no campus feeling there and everyone basically commuted to class. I was planning on seeing Fordham and Northeastern in the same weekend, but I came to tour Fordham first because it was closer to my house. The second I stepped onto campus, I knew that this was my new home. I didn’t even end up going to the Northeastern tour! Fordham’s campus is so beautiful, and it’s amazing because you get the best of both worlds. Not only do you get the amazing trees and grass on campus, but also Manhattan is a short subway ride away. Also, the student body here at Fordham is so giving and compassionate, and it showed a lot in the way the students interacted with each other when I was on my tour.

     What clubs/organizations/internships have you been involved in? What has been your favorite experience? (Please explain!)

I have been involved in a lot here at Fordham. I would say the two biggest time commitments I have been involved in were the Ramblers and Mimes and Mummers. The Ramblers is Fordham’s only all male acapella group. We competed in ICCAs, got to sing at prestigious events all around NYC, and were even on TV to sing for the Columbus Day parade. I quit Ramblers about a year ago so that I could focus on my studies and eventually landed an internship at Bellevue Hospital called PAVERS. One of the reasons I love Fordham is it’s close proximity to the city. I go to the hospital once a week from 8pm-12 am and I get to see so much in the emergency room at Bellevue. When I’m not volunteering at the hospital, I am usually doing research in the Neuroscience department under the supervision of Amy Roy. Finally, I was recently cast as “Angel” in the Mimes and Mummers’ production of RENT which will open February 26^th and run through March 1^st.  All the clubs I have been involved in at Fordham have been so unique and enriching. The people here are truly motivated and passionate about what they’re doing, and I don’t think that necessarily holds true for other colleges.

     What do you think is the best resource available to students on campus

      I think the library here is fantastic. First of all, it is so beautiful and whenever I am in it I never feel like studying is that much of a chore. The librarians are very helpful and I often frequent the library to print papers, take out books, and make copies.

     What is your favorite personal memory at Fordham?

I think my favorite Fordham memory is probably when 3LAU came for Spring Weekend two years ago. I just remember feeling so amazing when everyone was together dancing in the parking lot, and it was right after my Ramblers concert so there were good vibes going all around. I think Spring Weekends in general are my favorite Fordham memories.

     Where is your favorite place to hang out at Fordham or in NYC? (Keep appropriate).

As I said before, Fordham has so much to offer. Not only do you have all of the Bronx to conquer, but you are so close to NYC that there are endless options. In the Bronx, I love to go to Arthur Avenue with my friends for dinner and go to the countless bakeries for their amazing coffee and Italian pastries. In the city, I love to see Broadway shows or I usually like to go shopping in SOHO.

     What are your plans/goals/aspirations for post-graduation?

     After graduation, I intend on taking a gap year before applying to medical school. I have already completed my MCAT and my Fordham Committee application, so now it’s just a matter of applying to medical schools and waiting to hear back! Fordham has been so helpful with my application and I really feel like I am ready to conquer medical school and succeed as a future physician.

Back With a Bang: How Fordham Starts Off the New Semester Right

The first week of Spring Semester classes is officially over here at Fordham, and I’m so glad to be back in New York City with my friends and classmates. Beginning a new semester can be stressful at times, and at first I felt nervous about taking my Spring Semester courses at the Gabelli School of Business. However, as soon as I got to campus, I felt a lot better about beginning my new classes because of all of the fun, stress relieving activities that Fordham offered this past week.

Just as students jump back into their classes at the start of a new semester, they also have the opportunity to jump back into fun activities going on at the university. Starting during the very first week of this semester, students had the opportunity to attend promo dinners for fundraisers, club fairs, and Bingo! My personal favorite activity this week was the O’Hare Residence Hall Winter Carnival. Resident Assistants and Directors in O’Hare Hall organized a fun night of winter festivities, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and even an ice skating rink! My friends and I had a great time at this event, and it was a fantastic way to welcome everyone back to Fordham.

The ice skating rink was right on the Rose Hill Campus for O'Hare's Winter Carnival! 

Here at Fordham, there is always something interesting going on. Even at the start of the new semester, Fordham Rams know how to hit the ground running and come back with a bang! Coming back to campus to start a new semester really feels like coming home for me. Every semester, I realize more and more that there truly is no place like Fordham. I am so happy to be back on campus again, and I am really looking forward to Spring Semester’s future Fordham activities!

My roommate and I strapped on some skates and hit the ice after we went to the gym! 

Holidays and Concerts at Fordham

Fordham has always been known for its holiday festivities. Every holiday season, both of Fordham’s campuses are decked out in lights, tinsel, and many kinds of holiday decorations. In addition to Fordham’s glorious holiday appearance, the university has many holiday festivities spread out through the month of December. My favorite way to get into the holiday spirit at Fordham is by attending the university’s annual Lessons and Carols Festival. This festival is comprised of two concerts held on both Fordham campuses. It features The Fordham University Choir, The Fordham University Women’s Choir, The Aily/Fordham B.F.A. in Dance Program, and The Bronx Arts Ensemble.

The Lessons and Carols Program Cover

I had the pleasure of attending The Lessons and Carols Festival on both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. I really enjoyed the choirs, the dancers, and the orchestra at both performances. The choirs sang beautiful holiday carols, and there were even opportunities for the audience to sing along! My roommate is in the Fordham University Women’s Choir, and seeing her and my other classmates perform was so much fun!

The Fordham University Women's Choir performing at
their Rose Hill Lessons and Carols concert

The Lessons and Carols Festival is one of many examples of the wonderful holiday spirit that Fordham embodies. Getting into the holiday spirit can be very difficult, especially during these stressful weeks before final exams. Going to holiday concerts like Lessons and Carols, and taking time to relax is very important for college students. Fordham does a great job encouraging students to relax, and to take time away from intense final exam studying to enjoy the holidays. I really enjoyed my time at The Lessons and Carols Festival, and I cannot wait to continue to celebrate my holidays at Fordham!

Spamalot and Theatre: Where Fordham Students Come to Have Fun-A-Lot!

This past weekend, I was so fortunate to have been able to play around in the Mimes and Mummers’ production of Spamalot as one of the ensemble members. Being Fordham’s oldest theatre club on campus, The Mimes play a special role in allowing Fordham students to come together and let their theatrical passions thrive in their ability to put together a show in all aspects, be it on stage or off. Spamalot is the second show that I have ever been involved in with the Mimes, and I always look forward to coming back and learning new things to improve myself as an actor and and in other forms of putting together a show such as set designs, costumes, etc... So, whether you’re an actor looking into set or light design or someone who has done set and wants to branch out as an actor, Fordham has the right club just for you!

Our appropriately titled "Mimesbill" program for Spamalot!

Spamalot is such a one of a kind show in the way that it incorporates sharp wit and notorious British humor all combined with catchy showtunes in order to tell the story of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. I clearly remember spending so much rehearsal time just laughing out loud at the hilarious brilliance of the cast as we worked together to tell this story. One of the special things about the Mimes and Mummers is seeing how each and everyone of its’ members comes together to put on a show as, in my opinion, prestigious as a Broadway production. In a span of just four weeks, it was extremely rewarding to finally see our hard work come to fruition. From the way that our director envisioned our set to look like and the finished product to the way that the cast worked with our musical director to learn the music all tied together in the end to produce a successful and incredibly hilarious show.

Just like with any big theatrical production, the days leading up to this weekend have been really long and stressful. But as a student, I sometimes found it a bit of a stress relief to escape from my usual classes and retreat back to my creative side and spend my evenings in an auditorium with some of the most talented individuals I could find on campus. Another important note about the Mimes is that everyone involved is a non-theatre major, which goes to show just how committed each and everyone of us is to this craft, and how our sheer passion for theatre drives us to have fun on the stage every time. Having this club available on Fordham’s campus definitely defined so many of my memorable college moments. Although my involvement with the Mimes and Mummers only spans to two semesters so far, I am extremely excited to lend a helping hand to future productions and to stay involved with as many Mimes shows as I can. With another show weekend under my belt, I am reminded of one of the reasons why I decided to come to Fordham, and it is being able to work with and be surrounded by some of the most passionate students in such a well-rounded and supportive community. Whether you're into hilarious comedies like Spamalot, or dramatic plays, you can always count on the Mimes and Mummers to put on a show that you will definitely enjoy!

Behind the scenes dressing room fun! Yes, we're always that happy on stage and off! :)