Senior Spotlight: Maureen McKenna

     Name: Maureen McKenna        

     Hometown: Parlin, NJ

     Major: Psychology, Sociology minor

     Graduation date: May 2015

     Why did you choose Fordham?

Fordham was the first school I fell in love with because it was so beautiful! As soon as I stepped onto the campus my junior year of high school I knew this was where I wanted to be. Fordham reminded me so much of home and I love that I am so close to the city! There are definitely so many opportunities available here because of the location.

     What clubs/organizations/internships have you been involved in? What has been your favorite experience?

      I am a member of the Varsity Swim Team where I have competed for the last 4 years. Since I am going into education, I have also been able to do a lot of volunteer experiences at different schools throughout the city. I have been a volunteer for Jumpstart for 2 years which is one of my favorite things to do. Jumpstart is a non-profit organization that partners with preschools in low income areas and trains college students to help children prepare for kindergarten. Twice a week for 2 hours each day my team and I go into the preschool classroom and read to the students, assist them with their writing skills, and do a bunch of other fun activities. It is so rewarding seeing how much we can impact the lives of the students! In addition to Jumpstart, I have also volunteered at PS 205, PS 54, Harry Gordon School, and the Bronx Charter School which are all in walking distance from Rose Hill. Currently, I volunteer at the Rebecca School for students with special needs in Manhattan. I love that I have been able to volunteer in a variety of different schools because it is really fascinating to see how their learning experiences differ from my own. It is always nice to be able to help children who need the most support.

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

      The Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice- I have found so many opportunities to become involved in the community, especially in the field of education.

     What is your favorite personal memory at Fordham?

I don’t think I have any specific memories, but I always love when my friends and I explore the city. We always try to go to the city on the weekends to eat, shop, or just walk around. The city is the perfect get-away from school work and there is always something new to do!

     Where is your favorite place to hang out at Fordham or in NYC?

Any restaurant on Arthur Ave! There is so much delicious Italian food around here!

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

     I am enrolled in the 5-Year Education Track at Fordham so this year I was able to integrate 4 graduate level courses into my schedule. I will finish next year at Lincoln Center with my Masters in Elementary Education and Special Education. Hopefully after next year I will be teaching somewhere in the city! 

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.

Weekend Update

Hello all! This past week Fordham University was closed for Spring Break, which means there were tons of things that our students were doing to enjoy their time off. Check out what a few of them did below!

Eva Codispoti

This weekend I went shopping for an evening gown to wear to Senior Ball in May. Senior Ball is a formal dinner/dance held at Pier Sixty during the week before graduation. It gives seniors a chance to dress up and celebrate after four successful years at Fordham!

Shane Yelicanin

This weekend I took advantage of the great weather we were experiencing here in New York, and took a walk around Greenwich Village. A stop at House of Oldies Rare Records on Carmine led to a great vinyl find, The Velvet Underground and Nico, while a small bookshop on Bleecker held a book authored by Bob Dylan. 

Marisa Diaz

This weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Waco, Texas as a member of the Fordham Dance Team with the Women's Basketball Team, the Fordham Band, and the Fordham Cheerleaders to support the women in the first round of the Women's NCAA championship! The team played Saturday afternoon at Baylor University against California. 

Kayla Giampaolo

This weekend I was in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with other Fordham kids for a Spring Break vacation. We were there for five days and ended up meeting up with other students that were also staying there. 

Weekend Update

Weekend Update

Between deals you can only find in New York City and some fun experiences that are unique to our Rose Hill campus, students enjoyed a variety of activities this past weekend. Check it out below!

Alyssa Carmusciano
February 17-March 7 is NYC Restaurant Week, where people can visit numerous restaurants and enjoy three course meals for $25 (lunch) or $38 (dinner). This past Friday, I had an amazing dinner at The Capital Grille. I ate a bowl of New England Clam Chowder, filet mignon, mashed potatoes, and a piece of chocolate cake for less than $40! This was a deal I could not miss out on! 

Deirdre Hynes
I met up with my mom and sisters in the city to grab lunch and see a matinee of The Bridges of Madison County on Broadway. 

Laura Bellows
I went to the men's basketball vs. George Washington yesterday afternoon. The final score was GW Colonials 70-67.

Weekend Update

Happy Monday! The cold front has returned here in the Bronx, but between a Broadway show, a cool restaurant, and a Fordham sporting event, there's still plenty to do to escape the dipping temperatures! Check it out below!

Danielle Smith
I was able to meet my family in the city to see Jersey Boys for my mom's birthday!

Victoria Cappucci
This weekend I went for a Saturday brunch at the Red Rooster, located in the heart of Harlem. The restaurant serves comfort food with a European flair, highlighting the neighborhood's diverse culinary tradition. The restaurant embodies the jazz culture of Harlem, and is a piece of New York history. It is establishments like these that showcase the rich culture that composes NYC.

Jillian Diehl

And lastly, Fordham Men's Basketball matched up against Atlantic 10 opponent La Salle in a game at the Rose Hill Gym this past Saturday. Senior students that participate in the Cheerleading squad, Pep Band, and Fordham sports fan club, the Fordham Fanatics, were recognized before the game. The competition was stiff and the score remained close throughout the game's entirety, but La Salle scored with a buzzer-beating layup and the Rams suffered a heartbreaking loss of 64-62. Although the outcome was disappointing, it was an overall great showing for the Rams, with much of the school packing the stands in support!

Seniors being recognized before the game!

Weekend Update

Hello Everyone! It was another busy weekend at Fordham. Look at what a few of our ambassadors were up to!

Drew DiPane
This past weekend I went to the women's Basketball game. The #4 Fordham Rams beat the #5 George Washington Colonials and sported all pink jerseys in support of Breast Cancer Awareness!! We are now #3 in the A10!

Emma Eccleston
I went in to the city and met my whole family for dinner at a yummy Italian restaurant in the Theatre District! After dinner we went to see Matilda on Broadway; it was amazing! Here is a picture of the stage before the show started! 

Taylor Engdahl

I spent the weekend at Fordham's beautiful retreat house in Goshen, New York. It was such a great experience to step away from the stress of school work and the hustle and bustle of the Bronx. I met some incredible new people and spent a lot of peaceful time reflecting and journaling! Here is a picture of the woods surrounding the house. 

Shannon McKenna
On Sunday, Breakfast for Champions was held for varsity athletes. 329 student athletes were recognized at the 11th Annual Breakfast for Champions for having above a 3.0 GPA for the fall semester. 67% of the total student athlete population was honored and alumni Nicholas Romano, GSB '89 was the keynote speaker who spoke about his own experiences as a swimmer/water polo player for the Rams and how they have helped him succeed in his career. Father McShane was also in attendance to honor the athletes and even led a performance of the infamous Fordham fight song. Of the honorees 41 were seniors who have been recognized during each of the past four years. 

Seniors from Women's Cross Country/Track and Field