Club Spotlight: Fordham Hot Notes

Have you ever seen Pitch Perfect? Hilarious, right? Have you ever wondered how it could possibly be based on an actual competition? What is this “ICCA”? Icka?! Well. It’s real.

          Just a few weeks ago, one of Fordham’s own a cappella groups, the Fordham Hot Notes, competed in one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s Quarterfinals for the ICCAs, the same competition that the movie Pitch Perfect is based on. We won second place, and are going to be singing at the Mid-Atlantic Semifinals on March 26^th at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. Our musical director was even recognized with an individual award for his arrangements for our set. We couldn’t be more excited!

We performed four songs at the Quarterfinals at Stockton College on February 6th.   

The Hot Notes, Satin Dolls, and Ramblers all sang Silent Night
together at last year's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

As a freshman, I knew off the bat that I wanted to join an a cappella group as soon as possible. For me, it was a no-brainer; having always loved to sing, I knew that I wanted to continue doing this in college, especially in an a cappella group, so I auditioned for the Hot Notes. At that point, I had no idea what was in store—that I had just become a member of the quirkiest, most talented, and most supportive family, and a participant in Fordham’s vibrant a cappella culture. The Hot Notes are one of five a cappella groups associated with the university—there is also an all-male group, the Ramblers, an all-female group, the Satin Dolls, and two other co-ed groups, the B-sides (based at the Rose Hill Campus) and the F#’s (based at Lincoln Center). Both the Ramblers and the F#’s are competing this weekend in a different round of ICCAs Quarterfinals at Hofstra University.

^After getting results of the Quarterfinals!

 For more information about the Hot Notes and upcoming events and performances, check out our Facebook page or look us up on YouTube!

Fordham Connections

One of Fordham's most unique qualities is its large alumni community.  Students journey to Fordham from all over the world and become part of what we like to call, the "Ramily."  Many of these students then go on to live and work in New York City, making it extremely easy for current students to get internships or jobs with fellow Fordham grads. 

Class of 2014 Graduation

Being in New York City, Fordham has a tremendous relationship with the alumni, making it very easy to connect with employers who have either gone to Fordham or are particularly interested in hiring Fordham students.  Many of my friends that have graduated have helped provide me with connections and experiences benefiting my career search.  In fact, a good friend of mine that graduated last year helped to get me an interview with her company for a summer internship.  Her employer was excited to meet with me simply for the fact that I attended Fordham.  Employers nationwide recognize that Fordham caters to the well rounded growth of the whole person, and that is something that makes Fordham students stand out from the crowd.  If it weren't for such strong alumni connections, this would not be the case.

Wherever you go, your Fordham family follows you, making it truly something special. The feeling of community campus, amongst friends, and amongst alumni is almost indescribable. It is something I wish everyone could experience. The friendships made at Fordham are ones that are irreplaceable. These aren’t just friendships that come and go with graduation, but ones that last your entire life.

Fordham PhilRAMthropy

Fordham philanthropy – Fordham students for students!

In the true vision of men and women for others, Fordham students are committed to one another both on and off campus. Philanthropy is very much a large part of campus life, whether it is fundraising for scholarships or raising money for Global Outreach Trips. As a member of two philanthropic organizations, Fashion for Philanthropy and the Student Philanthropy Committee, as well as a former Fordham Annual Fund student-fundraiser, I can attest to this spirit of “giving back” on campus.

A picture of my friend on his Global Outreach trip in Mexico
which was funded by fellow classmates!

Flier of the different groups present at the
Student Philanthropy Fair

As an executive board representative of Fashion for Philanthropy, FFP, I had the chance to meet with other philanthropic groups on campus at the previous Philanthropy Fair. At the Fair, students held bake sales to raise money for their respective causes. Many students filtered in and out of the McGinley Center and stopped by the Fair to support their friends and the groups of which they were a part. I tabled for FFP in order to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. FFP is indicative of the philanthropic spirit on campus. Members raise money all year in support of our annual Fashion Show, whose proceeds directly profit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. For example, throughout the year we will hold bake sales and food deliveries which are funded by fellow classmates. An example of another philanthropic organization on campus that was present at the Fair was the B+ Foundation, an organization where "kids help kids fight cancer." It is chapters like these that bring students together in the spirit of helping others and the community at large.

The Fair was a success on two levels – on a surface value, it helped raise money and awareness about different charitable causes; on a deeper level, the Fair exemplifies Fordham student’s commitment to one another.

FFP Table at the Fair!

Another example of on-campus philanthropy is the Student Philanthropy Committee, SPC, which seeks to work with other groups and departments on campus to help fundraise with the Development Office. For example, the SPC will be working with the Athletics Department and Career Services to jumpstart philanthropic efforts to make improvements within each office. As such, members of the SPC are Fordham students working for current and future Fordham students.

It is clear that there is a philanthropic spirit on campus, which I believe is unique to the Fordham experience. It is rare to find in competitive college settings students who are so willing to help their peers. I feel as though this spirit transcends campus and truly fosters strong community ties that exist even after graduation. Once a Ram, Always a Ram!

Poster distributed at the Fair promoting
the Bronx Community and its goings-on.
 

Fordham, Pizza, and Family

There are plenty of exciting things to see and do outside of Fordham's Rose Hill campus, including the Bronx Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Manhattan. However, sometimes staying on Fordham's campus and enjoying its beautiful atmosphere can be just as enjoyable. This weekend, my mom and my two younger brothers came to visit me here at Fordham Rose Hill! Since it has been so cold here lately, we decided that going out for dinner would not be very comfortable. Luckily, Fordham has many authentic Italian, Chinese, and Mexican restaurants that deliver right to the residence halls on campus! After some deliberation, we finally decided to order pizza. 

One of my brothers was so excited about the pizza,
he took this picture and uploaded it to Snapchat!

We ordered two cheese pies from Pugsley's Pizza, a family owned Italian pizzeria located just outside Fordham's campus. When the pizza arrived, my younger brothers were astonished that the delivery came right to my residence hall! It was very convenient, and my family was happy that they did not have to go outside in the cold. We ate the pizza in my residence hall, and we had a great time laughing and catching up. I am so happy that my family loves to come to Fordham just as much as I do! 

Fordham has two amazing campuses that feel like home to its students. My family is very pleased that when I am not at home with them, I am just as happy at my home here at Rose Hill. Fordham has always been a very welcoming place for me, and I loved showing my family that here at Fordham, we are a "Ramily!"

The Gabelli School of Business Wishes You a Merry Christmas

The Invitation to the Party

 Each year, Dean Rapaccioli, the Dean of the Gabelli School of Business, invites all of the business students and faculty to a Christmas party. As a business student, I look forward to this Christmas party each year. Although it's not a large affair, there is always good food and pleasant Christmas carols to put us in the spirit of Christmas. Moreover, it's a really nice way for the business students and faculty to get together and celebrate the Christmas season. All of the class deans, a large portion of the faculty, and most of the business students make sure to make it over to Hughes Hall for this annual party. 

This year, we were surprised by an addition to the annual party. Rather than simply listen to recorded Christmas music, Dean Rapaccioli invited the University Choir to sing Christmas carols at the party. Dean Rapaccioli herself even made requests and got the whole Business School to join in to sing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" together. Fordham students always seem to be so busy since we are involved in so many clubs, internships, and activities, but it was nice that so many people in the Business School took time out of their day to come together for this party. Moreover, I will never forget singing Christmas carols with my class deans and professors. Not everyone had a beautiful voice, but all sang proudly because at Fordham, we are truly a RAMily.

Our Christmas Tree

Some Christmas Carolers Came to Sing

#FEARTHERAM

One of the coolest things about going to school at Fordham is the amount of school spirit we have on campus. Despite the fact that we are a medium sized school in the middle of a big city, Fordham is Division I for all of its varsity athletic teams, and students love supporting their fellow Rams at games and spirit events!

The gorgeous Rose Hill Gym is crowded with Rams! RAMTOWN2014!

Last night was a prime example of this: one of the biggest events of the fall semester is Ram Town, which kicks off the men’s and women’s basketball seasons. Think high school pep rally, but bigger and better! Students decked out in Fordham maroon pack the stands of the Rose Hill Gym, and have a great time cheering on their classmates.  There are also tons of games and competitions for fans to compete in, including a karaoke contest, relay races, shoot-outs, and dance-offs (Rams have some sick moves, fun fact!). In addition free tshirts for every person at the door, students are eligible for exciting prizes and giveaways, like iPads, TVs, and textbooks for a semester; this year one student won a free vacation in a free throw shooting contest!

Exciting athletics, crazy contests, and awesome prizes aside, fans attending Ram Town are also provided with an absurd amount of delicious, delicious food from Arthur Avenue (the Little Italy of the Bronx, which is right next door to Rose Hill’s campus), including pizza, pasta, wings, and desserts.  

Wasn't kidding about the free food - my friend Matt stocked up on
mozzarella sticks, wings - oh, and an entire box of pizza? Don't worry, he shared!

Ram Town is a great way to get pumped for the upcoming season, and a fantastic time is had by all in attendance! Go Rams!

Our mascot, the Fordham Ram!

Fordham Athletics: From Club to Intramurals

If you’re like me, then you’re of a high population of students who have been athletic their whole lives but not quite at the college level. I had always heard about club and intramural sports but at first thought that they wouldn’t be as much fun as my previous varsity experience. Boy was I wrong! I am a proud member of the women’s Rugby team and multiple intramural sports teams such as soccer and basketball.

My rugby team in Rhode Island at a tournament

The women’s rugby team is a one of the many club sports available here at Fordham. Because we are a club team, we get a small amount of funding from Fordham and have access to their facilities such as the football field for practice twice a week and ram vans for travel. Not only has Rugby fueled my need to be active and healthy, but I have also made a fantastic new group of friends.

I also thoroughly enjoy playing with my intramural team each week because they are much needed outlets during our busy weeks. Games go on every day of the week between 7-11 p.m. I feel as though they are the perfect balance between intensity and fun. The people on the field take the game seriously because we all want that t-shirt at the and, of course, bragging rights! On the other hand, both teams laugh a lot and congratulate each other on a job well done at the end of every game regardless of the outcome. One of my favorite characteristics of Fordham students is our ability to always try our best but keep in mind they we are one big happy Fordham ramily!

Sweet shirts and bragging rights after winning the intramural championship

So whether you’re someone who enjoys staying active in a fun and competitive environment, or someone who will be MVP, there are plenty of outlets. Teams are always excited about new recruits and there are plenty of skill levels for you to choose from and get involved. 

Blog By: Kristen Hefferan-Horner