ILCGB - Living in and Connecting with the Global Network

If you're enrolled in business school, applying to business school, or have any interest in the business world whatsoever; two things have been engraved into your mind -- networking and the global perspective. While the Gabelli School pushes students to study business with a global perspective, Fordham students have unlimited reign when it comes to expanding their studies, whether it be through a club or class like FairTrade or studying abroad for a semester. One option for sophomores wishing to take their professional network to the next level is the Integrated Learning Community for Global Business, or ILC-GB.

Signing in at the European Conference

Located in O'Hare Hall Residential College, ILC-GB combines living with learning as do nearly a dozen other Integrated Learning Communities on the Rose Hill campus. As the name states, ILC-GB focuses on global business, and is open to all sophomore residents on the Rose Hill (even FCRH students may apply!). Like most ILC's, everyone on our wing of O'Hare has one class we all take together in a classroom inside our residence hall. While it technically is a class, ILC-GB is very personalized and focuses on preparing students for networking and attaining great careers and internships as a result. A typical "class" isn't even really a class, and typically consists of guest speakers. These guests are typically Fordham Alumni and have ranged from managing directors of hedge funds to the CEO of Lacoste.


ILC-GB also offers students opportunities to get outside the classroom and expand their network by taking students on trips to special events, like the European Conference at Harvard University. Fordham took care of transportation, registration, and even our lodging expenses at the Revere Hotel. The conference was an incredible experience and a great way to broaden your perspective on how business and politics interact across the Atlantic, and also enabled us to be able to network and converse with MEP's (members of European Parliament) and other professionals involved with the policy of the EU.

A group of ILC-GB residents leaving Harvard

While ILC-GB is a superb experience for sophomores that I would recommend to everyone in Gabelli, Fordham offers three excellent ILC's for freshmen that you can apply for when you apply for housing in the early summer, and more info on those can be found on Fordham's website. 

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!