When Family Takes Fordham: A Fun Visit For Everyone!

One of my favorite parts about going to Fordham is that there is an endless amount of new places to go, activities to try, and experiences to have. There is always something exciting going on on Fordham's campuses, and I love going into Manhattan! This component of Fordham is especially helpful to me whenever my family comes to visit me from New Jersey. Like me, my family loves to enjoy all that Fordham has to offer. Whenever my parents and my brothers come to Fordham, we never run out of things to do and no family visit is ever dull! 

My brothers and I when they came to visit me!

My family loves coming to visit me at Fordham, and now that football season is in full swing, my parents have totally embraced that "Ram Spirit" we students hold close to our hearts. I really enjoy going to Fordham football games with my family because the community and the spirit in the stands makes everyone feel welcome and excited to be there. At the last home game, even my younger brothers got into the Fordham spirit when they saw the Ram mascot cheering from the sidelines! 

Our view of the field at the football game

Arthur Avenue is also a huge success when my family comes to town. Whenever they visit, parents and brothers love to try the many different restaurants that line the street. The delicious Italian cuisine and the authentic Italian atmosphere is very exciting and different from any restaurant back in my hometown. The proximity of Arthur Avenue to Fordham's Rose Hill campus is also a huge plus. 

Arthur Avenue is a great place to bring family!

Fordham's campus is my home, and I love it when my family comes to Fordham and feels at home, as well. The welcoming environment and the endless opportunities Fordham has to offer are fun and enjoyable for everyone. Whether friends, family, or anyone else comes to visit Fordham, a good time is always guaranteed! 

Breakfast for Champions!

Veteran Jason Braase accepting SAAC donation

This morning, Fordham hosted its 12^th annual Breakfast for Champions in the McGinley Center Ballroom and Lounge. This event was created by the university to recognize the student-athletes that perform, not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.  This year, about 67% of Fordham’s student-athletes were honored for having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

During the breakfast, Jason Braase was invited to speak on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project.  His story of his deployment and recovery touched the hearts of everyone in the room.  One of the messages stressed at Fordham is the Jesuit tradition of, “Men and women for others.”  It is one of the things that every student will take away with them from Fordham, the idea that we must be available and willing to offer assistance to others.  The Fordham Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) fulfilled this message today by providing Mr. Braase with a generous donation to support the Wounded Warrior Project.  The event came to an end, following the closing remarks of President, Father McShane, with the singing of the Fordham Fight Song, “The Ram” by all in attendance.  

The honorees from my team!

At Fordham, there is tremendous support for the students.  We are pushed to be the best person we can in all ways whether it's through athletics or charity, but particularly in the classroom.  In addition to this, there is an overwhelming feeling of community among the students and this event is just one of the many times that it is shown.  It is always fun to get together with your teammates and fellow Rams, especially while taking the time to congratulate each other on our hard work and making a difference in the lives of others. 



Fall at Rose Hill

A picture taken while jogging through the Botans.

Nothing beats the beauty of Rose Hill's campus this time of year- we weren't voted the "12th College Campus Most Made for Instagram" for nothing! The combination of changing leaves and cooler weather makes the atmosphere on campus even more exciting. The Botanical Gardens across the street from Rose Hill are especially beautiful this time of year. Students are seen frequently jogging through the trails or even studying in the gardens. Admission is free to the Botanical Gardens, so I make sure to take full advantage of them during the warmer months!

Keating Hall is also especially beautiful this time of year. It stands tall surrounded by colorful foliage and fallen leaves. Students take advantage of Eddie's by studying, eating, or just hanging out with friends before the weather gets cold. Soon enough, the lawn will be covered by snow, so students are making sure to make the most of these last few weeks!

Keating Hall admist the changing leaves.

With Halloween and Thanksgiving quickly approaching, students are keeping themselves busy with midterms. However, there are also a ton of fun activities happening around campus that students are keeping themselves involved in, such as football games, fundraisers and other campus and club sponsored activities. Fall is beautiful at Rose Hill, and our students love to keep themselves involved in all the campus and the Bronx has to offer.

Rams Rule! Sporting Events at Fordham

One of my favorite things about Fordham is the amount of school spirit we have on campus. Even though Fordham is in the middle of a city, all of our sports are Division I, and there are plenty of games and spirit events to go to on campus! I love going to games at Fordham. Fordham students can attend any game on campus for free, just by showing their students IDs. This is a great opportunity to dress in maroon and show some school spirit!

My roommate and I wore maroon to the football game to support our Rams!

Last weekend, my two friends and I went to Fordham Football’s game against Lafayette University. The stands were packed with students and alumni, and everyone was dressed to impress in Fordham gear. The game was very exciting, and I loved seeing our Rams play. Every time Fordham scored, the stands erupted with cheers. Fordham’s football team is very talented, and that talent definitely showed at the game. In the end, the Fordham Rams defeated Lafayette 42-18.

We got a free Fordham Football t-shirt when we went to the game 

My friends and I had a great time at the game last weekend, and I can’t wait to attend more sporting events as the year goes on. Seeing all of my friends cheering and supporting athletics at Fordham is amazing. I do not play sports at Fordham, but I love going to the games to cheer and support my fellow Rams! Fordham is a school filled with spirit. No matter what activities and clubs you choose to do at Fordham, there will always be Rams there to support you!

Coffey Field was filled with fans dressed in maroon. Go Rams!

Ram-flections: Homecoming Edition

Check out the firemen watching the game!

Two years ago, I sat for the first time in Jack Coffey Field, watching the Fordham Rams take on Cornell’s football team during our homecoming game. It was the first time I watched a college football game live, and it was the first time that Fordham really felt like home for me. I was mesmerized that this school – the one I picked specifically because of its location in New York City (which is, in my opinion, the greatest, busiest, trendiest city in the world – pardon the evident bias…) – still could have the atmosphere of a small college tucked away in a quaint college town. And I liked having the best of both worlds so much.

Today, I remain just as fascinated by the unique ambiance of my school and how Homecoming continues to bring together generations of Fordham Rams from all over the country and all over the world.

The Alumni Tent!

My roommates and I were greeted by sounds of excited chatter and lively music streaming in through our apartment windows this morning. Glancing outside, we could see the Alumni Tent filling up with people happily anticipating today’s big game against Rhode Island. After last year’s record-breaking football success, the Fordham school spirit has been renewed and fans reinvigorated by the prospects of another exciting season.

My friends and I selfied during halftime.

There were so many different types of people there – elegant older gentlemen wearing tailored suits, young families with their little kids, and even football alumni from back in the 50’s. You’d think you have nothing in common with these people, and, at first glance, you’d occasionally be right, but it’s immensely inspiring knowing you’re walking in their shoes. Whether these men and women graduated last year, or several decades ago, they were the ones paving the way for us. They were building Fordham’s success before we were even born, and, as another victorious Homecoming draws to a close (54-7 win despite the rain!) we’re all reminded that it’s just as important for us to continue creating the same positive environment for the next generations of baby Rams.

View of the field from our seats.

"Ramily" Summer Vacation

In high school the furthest I had to travel to see my school friends over the summer was fifteen minutes across town. Interestingly enough, in college, one can spend twenty four hours a day, seven days a week with his or her friends and, yet, never know what their houses, families, and friends from home are like. Now, at Fordham, my school friends live all across the country. Fortunately enough, this summer I was able to visit some of my friends from Fordham for the first time.

In June, I traveled to New Cannan, Connecticut to attend my friend Caroline’s sister’s graduation party. I was so excited to be reunited with all of my friends from Fordham since I had not seen them since we packed up our dorms in May. We spent the day meeting her family members and close friends. After dinner, we hung out by her pool and caught up on everything that had happened to us in the past month. Although we talked on the phone and texted frequently, it was a nice change to be able to spend time with them in person.

A roommate picture at Caroline's sister's Graduation Party.

The second trip I took this summer in July to see my Fordham friends was to Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. My roommate, Yasmin, and her twin, Laura, showed me around Philadelphia the first day I was there. I felt like a true tourist when we went to see the “Love” Statue, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. I stayed at their house for the weekend and we went to many cool and different places. We had brunch in the little town near their house with some of their friends and afterwards went flower picking at a “Pick Your Own Flower Farm." Before dinner one night, we even went for a walk on a nearby nature trail. I was glad that I was able to meet their family and friends and see what a typical day in their hometown is like.  

Philadelphia, City Hall 

Picking flowers in a flower field. 

My friends and I in front of Independence Hall. 

It is important to know that the friends you make at Fordham will never be more than a phone call or text away over the summer, but given the opportunity it is always nice to be able to see where they come from! I am hoping my friends will have the opportunity to come visit me, as well, over an upcoming break! 

Back in the Swing

The Fordham Campuses are quickly filling up with students once again as classes quickly approach. Here at the Rose Hill campus, students are looking forward to more than just classes. On campus there are already a variety of activities going on. Many students are moving in early to prepare for the incoming freshmen and to prepare for the university clubs and sports. And just as quickly as students are moving in, posters are already going up to advertise upcoming events like the Annual President’s Ball. 

Poster advertising the upcoming President's Ball on September 12th.

I am a senior with a double major in political science and women’s studies. I just moved into Campbell Hall on Wednesday. My on-campus apartment is located on the sixth floor of the building and I have a great panoramic view of the Bronx. I am lucky enough to be spending the next nine months living with my three best friends before we all graduate! It goes by so fast! I moved in earlier than the rest of my peers to participate in training for the Rose Hill Society. RHS consists of about 180 volunteer student ambassadors who become experts on the ins-and-outs of Fordham in order to share our knowledge with prospective students. At our training, the society hears presentations from a variety of departments on campus. We are always up-to-date on the most recent changes and campus happening.

 

My single room in Campbell Hall!

Along with the Rose Hill Society ambassadors, students who are New Student Orientation leaders, student athletes, and residential assistants are back on campus preparing for the upcoming year. Even with all of the orientations going on, students still seem to make time to hang out of Eddie’s.  I even had a free moment to check out the new freshmen dorm building, Loyola Hall. The building has been completed renovated in order to house about 120 incoming freshmen. It is BEAUTIFUL! The first floor study lounge is very Hogwarts-esque.

It is great to be back on campus and to be surrounded by my friends and peers once again. The Fordham community is outstanding and it feels good to have everyone back on campus. It feels like home. And what better to kick off the new school year than with the first Fordham football game on Saturday?! Fordham will be versing Saint Francis University this Saturday at home. Hopefully they can do even better than their 12-2 (wins-losses) record from last year! It is good to get back into the swing of things.

Students lounging on Eddie's in between orientation and training!

Fordham and the Super Bowl

Times Square Super Bowl Boulevard

Times Square Super Bowl Boulevard

This is an exciting time to be a Fordham student! On a regular basis, students are able to take advantage of going to the city, but with the upcoming Super Bowl taking place this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Times Square is truly the place to be. Times Square has been transformed into Super Bowl Boulevard, with football-themed games and concerts taking place all week. This weekend, I took a trip into the city and made a quick stop in Times Square, where I caught a glimpse of what New York has in store for its visitors for the week, and I think it is pretty awesome!

Fordham has a close connection with Super Bowl history. On Sunday, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks will play for a chance to be Super Bowl Champions and take home the infamous Lombardi Trophy. Vince Lombardi himself was a Fordham alumnus who graduated in 1937. Lombardi played football for the Rams from 1933-1936 and is honored on campus today as part of the “Seven Blocks of Granite.” While Lombardi did return to Fordham to coach before accepting a position as an assistant coach with the New York Giants, it wasn’t until 1959 when he headed to Green Bay to take on a 1-10-1 team that he really made a name for himself. The Packers went on to win five NFL championships in seven years, including two Super Bowls, and Lombardi became a football legend.

Check out this awesome article that includes a bit about the history of Vince Lombardi!

And this video from NFL.com tells about the history of Lombardi and even features the 2013 Fordham Rams football team along with the history of Lombardi in the Bronx!

Fordham Football Making Headlines!

Let’s talk about Fordham Football!!! The Rams are currently 12-1 after a win over Sacred Heart in the first round of the NCAA FCS Championships this past weekend! Just two years ago, this same team was 1-10, but this Saturday, the team will head to Maryland to take on Towson in the second round of the NCAA FCS Championships at 1 pm! This is the first time the Rams have won 12 games since 1920, and it was also the first ever NCAA FCS Championship game won on Jack Coffey Field! Fordham Football was all over the news this past week; check out some of the articles!

• ESPN calls Fordham New York’s playoff team! It looks like the Giants and the Jets are struggling, but the Rams are here to keep New York football on the map!
• WFUV, Fordham’s own radio station, is also keeping plenty busy following the winning football team!
• Los Angeles Dodgers sportscaster and Fordham alum Vin Scully is proud of the Rams! Scully recalls his some of his Fordham memories in the New York Post!
• The Ram mascot even has something to say about the success of the football team this season! 

It's been a magical season for the Rams! Proudly wearing my maroon and white, I'm headed to Towson on Saturday hoping to hear the victory bell sound across the Rose Hill Campus for the 13th time this season!