Weekend Update

Emily Tanner

Last weekend, my friends and I from the Exec Board of the College Democrats went to Washington, D.C. for the College Democrats of America conference. The experience was amazing, and we got to see President Obama speak along with a private tour of the Capitol! While I missed Rose Hill, it was definitely an experience that I'll never forget.

Enjoying the Washington Monument

Emma Eccleston

After the constant snow we have been having here in New York I couldn't have been happier than when I saw this weekend was supposed to be a little warmer! My friends and I took advantage of the nicer weather and decided to spend Sunday in Manhattan! We spent the day walking around, getting some yummy food, and shopping.  We happened to walk right by Dylan's Candy Bar on the Upper East Side and couldn't resist, they have endless delicious treats! It was a great day and definitely made us want spring weather more than ever!

Some of my lovely views for the day

Jessica Timko

This weekend I met some of my friends in the city, and we went to the 9/11 Memorial.  It was such a nice day out, so afterwards we decided to walk along the High Line, which is an elevated set of train tracks that has been converted into a public park on the West Side.  We finished the day by having some delicious dinner in Chelsea Market.

Freedom Tower

Teresa Swindal

This weekend was very relaxing because midterms are almost over! On Saturday, a few of my friends traveled to a doughnut shop called Dough in Flatiron, which is in Lower Manhattan. The donuts were amazing! Then, we shopped in the area and checked out Chelsea Market, which is a collection of unique shops and restaurants. With the weather getting warmer and the snow beginning to finally melt, the atmosphere in the city and on campus at Rose Hill is more exciting than ever!

Delicious chocolate with chocolate nibs donut

Yuliana Veyberman

A lot of Fordham students come from across the country or even from around the world, but if you're like me, you enjoy living just an hour away from campus. I usually take trips back to my house on weekends when I have a lot of studying to do - or when I really crave a homemade meal, like banana toast and some fresh delicious coffee! It's satisfying to know that my family -- my largest support system -- is just a short car ride away.

A great snack from a relaxing day 

Weekend Update

Emma Eccleston

Some delicious pizza!

This weekend I got to partake in one of my favorite parts about being a Fordham student: dinner on Arthur Avenue! Arthur Avenue, located in the Bronx, is known as the real Little Italy because it is a street lined with countless authentic Italian restaurants.  The best part is that this delicious secret is located within walking distance of campus, only taking about five minutes to get to! On Saturday night I was lucky enough to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends at one of my favorite restaurants, Zero Otto Nove.  It was great to catch up with my friends after all being on break while also enjoying some delicious pizza!

Our view from Central Park

Teresa Swindal

This weekend, my friends and I tried to take advantage of the long break and spend some quality time in the city! We got brunch at Le Pain Quotiden and explored the city for a while. Then, on Sunday, we had dinner at our very own Michaelanglo's on Arthur Ave (the Bronx's Little Italy!). New York has some of the best food and sightseeing in the world, which is one of my favorite parts of living here!

The city is always bustling!

Emily Tanner

This weekend, current members of the College Democrats and former members who have graduated met for dinner in the city at a diner called Good Enough to Eat. Featuring yummy comfort food, it was DELICIOUS and located on Columbus Avenue, on the Upper West Side, my favorite neighborhood. Afterwards, we took a cab to Lincoln Center to walk around for a bit. I love this area – it's absolutely beautiful!

Calling All Political Enthusiasts!

Whether they're reading a fresh newspaper on Eddie’s Parade on a sunny day or watching breaking news in their dorm lounges, I have observed that the vast of majority of Fordham students are well-informed. There are plenty of clubs on campus devoted to different causes, including political groups. Coming to Fordham my freshman year, I had an idea of where my political views fell on the left-right spectrum, but it was not until participating in such clubs that these opinions came into fruition.

The College Republicans, CRs, promote the values of the Republican Party on and off campus, and provide the forum for the conservative community at Fordham. The CRs work together to raise awareness on the positions and platforms of the Republican Party, and of right wing leaders. Furthermore, the group works to support the elections of Republican candidates by sending student members to work and volunteer for campaigns. Similarly, the group has taken trips in the past to national conferences, such as C-PAC, typically held in Washington D.C. Members not only discuss and meet with other fellow Republicans, but organize with the College Democrats to host heated and entertaining debates throughout the year that are highly attended. Ultimately, the CRs pride themselves on their fall and spring speakers, their most recent speaker being George Will and their upcoming speaker being James O’Keefe. 

CRs with George Will in Spring 2013

As a new member last year, I was intimidated by the many goings-on of the group, yet was drawn to the intellect of the student members; ultimately, I came to respect its leaders and fellow members for standing up for their beliefs. This inspired me to take on a more active role in the club: going to and participating in meetings, attending the high-energy debates, and helping with marketing for events such as the annual 9/11 memorial and guest speakers. Last year, I had the opportunity to meet with George Will, a renowned conservative columnist, journalist, and author. This was by far one of my favorite experiences thus far at Fordham – a small group of CRs who helped promote and plan the evening were able to sit with Mr. Will and have a more intimate discussion with him. I am excited to meet with our upcoming guest, James O’Keefe, and anticipate his highly-attended lecture.

Joining any and all political or informative clubs on campus is crucial to Fordham’s ideal of cura personalis. I believe I am one step closer to this goal as a result of my participation in the College Republicans due to the camaraderie fostered within the club, and for being able to explore freely my own political views in a secure community.  

Annual 9/11 Memorial on the McGinley Lawn 

Getting Involved: College Democrats

Coming to Fordham, I knew that I wanted to get involved politically on campus. I had spent my previous summer working on a political campaign in my hometown, and from that moment on, I was positive that this was something that I wanted to continue when I got to campus in the fall. When I arrived at Fordham, I was a shy and nervous freshman. At the club fair, I found the table for the College Democrats and I immediately signed up. Little did I know that this would be one of the best decisions that I have made since coming to Fordham.

I started going to the meetings with my friends, timid and super nervous about them. Now, I’m on the executive board of the club, as secretary! If someone told me freshman year that I would have this position I wouldn’t have believed them for a second. One of the many really great things about Fordham is that it gives you all the resources that you need to follow your passions and interests, and meet really cool and interesting people while doing it. I met some of my really close friends through the College Dems, and everyone that I have met through it has been so awesome and inspiring.

As club secretary, I send out emails every week about our meetings and upcoming events. Our club discusses currents events and issues going on around our world today, holds debates against the College Republicans, host guest speakers, and goes on fun or silly outings together just as a group. We also hold an internship panel every year, where kids who have had political internships talk about their experiences and how to get one yourself, which is perfect if you are looking to get a head start on that career path. Even if you aren’t planning on majoring or minoring in political science or history or anything of that nature, joining a political group on campus is a great way to stay informed about what is going on around you while doing it in a fun way with your friends and peers.

Executive Board with Senator Dennis Kucinich! 

One of my favorite aspects of the club is the fact that we get to have such amazing speakers. Last year, we hosted Dennis Kucinich, a senator from Ohio. I helped plan and advertise for the event and sat in the front row for his speech! He was so inspiring. I even got to meet him after. He asked me about my experience at Fordham and I got to ask him questions about his career. It was honestly something that I’ll never forget. In the past we’ve had speakers such as Bobby Kennedy Jr. and David Axelrod. I know that the College Republicans have hosted really big names as well in the past.

The new Executive Board for the 2013-2014 school year!! 

Whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent, or don’t even really know where you stand yet, I strongly suggest joining a political group on campus. You meet such intelligent, interesting, and dedicated people, and you have a ton of fun while still doing something productive and worthwhile. I have met the most remarkable and talented people here at Fordham, and so many of those I have found through all of the incredible clubs and organizations that this university offers, especially the College Democrats. So when you get to campus in the fall as a new Ram, don’t be afraid to sign up for what you’re truly interested in at the club fair. Hopefully I’ll see you at the Dems table!