Taking the Road Less Traveled: From Business to Theology

Union Theological Seminary

As a graduating senior in the Gabelli School of Business, I have to say that one of the aspects of the Fordham experience that I most appreciated was the required Liberal Arts Core. When I first arrived at Fordham, I had some vague ideas about what I wanted to do with my life, but going through the Liberal Arts Core definitely helped me to refine my interests and discover a new path that I am thrilled to say I am following after graduation in May. 

For business students, the Liberal Arts core includes classes in theology, philosophy, history, fine arts, English, math, economics, and statistics. All of these courses have challenged me to think critically, thinking in new ways and taking in different perspectives. Fordham students have very different interests and intended paths, which allows for vibrant discussion in the classroom, especially in these core classes that draw together students from all majors and backgrounds. 

As I went through my major classes and my core classes, I began to realize that the classes that I loved the most and most captured my fascination were my theology classes. Despite having no prior interest in pursuing anything related to theology, my theology core classes led me to declare a theology minor. However, this minor was not enough to satisfy my intellectual curiosity, so I took many courses past my minor requirements and ultimately decided to apply to Graduate programs. 

As I applied to top Graduate programs for theology, I will admit that I was very skeptical that I would be accepted or receive very much scholarship assistance because of my business background in undergrad. However, when I heard back from the schools to which I applied, I was thrilled to discover that I had been accepted to every program and that I received generous scholarships. When I expressed my surprise to one admissions counselor, she told me that it was my strong foundation in the Liberal Arts in conjunction with my business degree which made me such a fascinating and strong candidate for that school’s program. 

Vanderbilt Divinity School

Although I will be going to Grad School in the fall to study the Hebrew Bible, I am excited to use my business background as well. Whether I end up in a classroom or working for a non-profit, I am happy that I chose to study business, but extremely thankful that the Fordham Liberal Arts Core exposed me to courses that I likely would have never considered taking had they not been required.

Behind the Facade: Keating Hall

By far the most recognizable building of Fordham, and one of the most beloved, Keating Hall has been a symbol of Fordham since its construction. It was even ranked 12^th on a Buzzfeed list of most Instagram worthy campus buildings. But what exactly is Keating Hall used for, and what is the story behind it?

Keating Hall was first opened in 1936 and is named for Fr. Joseph Keating, S.J. who was treasurer of Fordham from 1910-1948. As he was successful in keeping Fordham University financially afloat during WW1, the Great Depression, and WW2, it is fitting that he is honored on our campus.

Keating Hall, photographed a few years after its completion.

 The building was constructed in the Gothic Revival style, which was a very popular style among colleges and universities throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. From its gothic archways, ribbed vaulting, and stain glass windows, the influence of this style is clearly visible throughout the structure. It’s an incredibly beautiful building and it was even ranked 12^th on a Buzzfeed list of most Instagram worthy campus buildings. Included on the façade of the building are different seals of Jesuit High Schools and Universities across the country. Several alumni of many of these Jesuit High Schools end up going to Fordham! And of course, the building contains the iconic Keating Bell Tower, which chimes can be heard every hour.

Today, the hall is used for many different purposes. Its’s main focus is classrooms, with its three fours and basement used almost entirely for this purpose. Almost all subjects meet in Keating Hall for class, such as English, History, Philosophy, and Theology. Even some business classes through the Gabelli School of Business are held in Keating.

Beyond just classrooms, Keating Hall also contains two auditoriums, with the Keating First Auditorium being one of the largest on campus. In the basement is a lounge area that also feature a small eatery to purchase drinks and snacks. The basement lounge is popular hangout spot for commuters between classes. Also contained in the basement is WFUV, which is Fordham’s student run, NPR-affiliated radio station. Additionally, the building also contains a chapel, offices for the Deans, and office for Pre-Professional Advising.

Clearly, there are many things that happen within Keating Hall. Just like the ram, Keating Hall remains a symbol of Fordham and one of the most beautiful college buildings constructed.

Fordham's Graduation Ceremony which takes places on the steps leading up to Keating

Top Ten Differences from being a Freshman to being an Upperclassman

 1.  You are able to choose you schedule

Coming in to Fordham as a freshman your schedule is handed to you. However, after that, you are able to choose your own schedule. This is a great way to take classes that interest you and plan a schedule that fits your daily routine. If you are a morning person, like me, you can choose to sign up for all of the 8:30s!

2. You take classes at the Lincoln Center Campus

Whether its because a course is only offered down at Lincoln Center or because you just want to get into the city for classes and have an excuse to venture into the city, as an upperclassmen you may find yourself taking classes down at Lincoln Center. I am currently taking a graduate Geometry course at Lincoln Center on Wednesday nights and it’s a great change of pace and its, surprisingly, great being able to get into the city at least once a week.

3. Your dorm style changes, if you are living on campus.

For those who choose to live on campus, as a freshman you will live in a single room dorm in either a double or a triple. The bathroom, at least in most of the residence halls, will be communal. Not to worry, this is how you will, surprisingly enough, meet most of your friends freshman year! As a sophomore you will once again live in a double or triple with an added bonus of the bathroom being in your room. Finally, as a junior or senior you will have the opportunity to live in an apartment style dorm which includes a living area, a kitchen, bathroom and single or double rooms.

4. The number of classes that you are required to take decreases

Once you become a junior, you are only required to take four classes whereas underclassmen are required to take five. The reasoning behind this is that students, in their junior and senior years should be getting internships and volunteer opportunities to prepare them for life after Fordham. Since  I want to be  a teacher, I currently volunteer by tutoring girls at the Rosedale Center in the Bronx.

5. You begin to take more classes for your major

In my personal experience, as I advanced through Fordham I slowly began to take more classes per semester that applied to my major than to the standard core. I am a math major and last semester all four of my classes were math classes!

6. You take on leadership roles within clubs and organizations

The clubs and organizations that you choose to join freshman year will play a big role in shaping your Fordham experience. For this reason, while you may just be a general member during your freshman and even sophomore years, as you become a junior or senior you may take on E-board (Executive Board) positions and hold more responsibility. I am not the Club Liiason of the Polish Club which I have been involved with since my freshman year.

7. You realize that office hours are the best resource around, and they are actually very helpful

As an underclassman I always hesitated to go to my professors office hours. However, after being here for three years,  I now go to at least one office hour, practically every day.

8. You become more focused on the future

As graduation approaches, you begin to think more about your plans for the future. I am currently working on graduate school applications to get my masters in Secondary Education.

My friends and I as underclassmen. 

9. You know your way around Arthur Avenue, the Bronx, and NYC more.

Once you become an upperclassmen you begin to know the best pizza place, the best restaurant on Arthur Avenue, the cheapest place to get groceries and the best places to hangout with friends. Additionally, all of your trips into the city as a freshman make you a master at the subways and cool things to do in the city.

10. You know the ropes

As a freshman everything is new and exciting. You are exploring where your classes are, what your professors are like, who you will be friends with, what clubs and activities you will become involved in and what you will do on the weekends. As an upperclassman you have been able to get settled in and can now enjoy all that Fordham has to offer, and believe me, from experience, it has a lot to offer!

Still great friends as upperclassmen! 

With all of this said, not everything changes as you move from being an underclassman to an upperclassman. For me, while all of these changes were taking place the one thing that did not change was my group of friends. I am glad that I have been able to share all of my experiences with them! 

The Early Action Deadline is November 1st!

Colorful folders make organizing application material way more fun!

It's seems like just yesterday that I was completing my application for Fordham University...but it was actually 4 years ago! Yikes! Time really does fly by. So for all of you prospective students, relish every moment! For me, applying to college was the most exciting time of my high school career. Organizing and crafting every piece of my application was like putting one foot toward my future.
Now I am jumping toward my future by applying to graduate schools and fellowship opportunities for post-graduation!! This means writing another personal statement, and taking another standardized test, and making sure I get all my letters of recommendation. Fordham has been such a great help in getting me ready for grad school. I have taken practice free GRE tests rights on campus, and my advisors have been continuously critiquing my personal statement. While applications seems tedious now, I know that pursuing further education and fellowship experience will make me the ideal candidate for competitive job positions in the future. I hope to pursue an MA in Public Policy which will, hopefully, allow me to work within legislative government, or just let me leap right into the White House ;) Wish me luck! And good luck to prospective students! May the odds be every in your favor. 

Almost as daunting as the SAT!

Just a few reminders to myself.

THE EARLY ACTION DEADLINE FOR FORDHAM UNIVERSITY IS THIS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST! 

Completing your application for early action is a non-binding commitment, but a good way for the admissions staff to get a jump on holistically reviewing your material. It shows your interest in Fordham and allows for an early admission decision. You still have until May 1st, the national decision deadline, to make your final decision.

You can follow Fordham admissions on Instagram: @fordhamadmissions
and on Twitter: @fordham_admis
and don't forget to join Varsity Outreach: apps.varsityoutreach.com/fordham

These platforms will allow you to get the most up-to-date information on Fordham and the admissions process, as well as allow you to ask questions to current students!

Adventures on Eddie's

One of the most noteworthy features of Fordham's campus is of course our Hogwarts-esque Keating Building. Located at the center of Rose Hill, it is this figure that you are most likely to see emblazoned on Fordham prints and pamphlets. Though the building itself is significant, not only for its beauty but also for its academic facilities, it the field below it that provides the heart and soul of our community: Edward's Parade. 

Eddie's during the 2012 graduation ceremonies,

You begin your time at Fordham with orientation right there on that field. The first night, freshman
meet at the foot of Keating's steps. Each student holds a candle and slowly, one by one, every Ram passes a flame to their neighbor until one student is unidentifiable from the other. All that you can see is one single blazing mass, united in the shared light that they have created. It is this mass that will stand on this field, four year later, and receive their diplomas as they end their careers at Fordham. Clearly, Eddie's is significant because it is where your journey begins and ends. But why else?

Students Sarah Brennan and Alexandra Kennedy catching up.

Ceremonies aside, Eddie acts as a great meeting place for students. It is there that people make friends, catch up, play music, throw around frisbees, and generally find release from their academic responsibilities. Because it is located at the heart of campus, it is easily accessible to everyone, and so it is there that you are most likely to find students. You could say it's the "it" place to be. 


Coming back from study abroad, Eddie's was the first place my friends and I hit to reunite, and we were not alone in that. In the early days of fall semester, Eddie's is hopping with freshman orientation, friends rushing to greet one another after a summer apart, people basking in the late summer rays, and stands advertising club and service opportunities. There is rarely a dull moment, and you can feel the energy pulsing through the air as Fordham students congregate and enjoy themselves in these last few days of summer. It is certainly my favorite spot of campus, and I know that I am not alone in that. So make sure to check it out when you come to visit!

A Final Reflection From a Graduating Senior!

The last week of school has suddenly arrived, something I have been dreading for months now. It is strange to be writing my final entry for the Fordham blog, since I’ve been blogging since I was a sophomore. As a graduating senior, I have had so many meaningful experiences at Fordham, and cannot express enough words of gratitude for the valuable Jesuit education I have received and the people I have met, coloring the way I see the world in wonderful ways.

When I attended Fordham’s Spring Preview as a high school senior, trying to decide whether I would attend Fordham or Boston University, these words from Father McShane convinced me that Fordham was the right place for me: “When you put it all together, what is a Jesuit education about? It is about nothing less than empowerment and transformation.” I did not then fully understand what he meant, but now, with graduation looming closer every day, the wisdom behind his words has become clear.

My time at Fordham has been the most challenging but also the most eye-opening years of my life. Though I cannot explicitly name the ways in which I am a different person, I know that I feel stronger, like my feet are planted a little more firmly on the ground. I am so grateful for everything that happened in the past four years, for the challenges I was faced with, the friends I drifted apart from only to gain new ones, and for the blank slate that lies ahead of me. Almost four years ago, a scared little girl arrived on Fordham’s campus. Today, I feel empowered and transformed, with a clearer sense of who I am and what my goals are for my future.

I am heartbroken to leave the place I have come to call my home, but Fordham has truly prepared me for the future, as uncertain as it may be. Come to Fordham, and let it change your life like it changed mine—you won’t regret it.

Senior Spotlight: Emily Pandise

During my short time at Fordham, I've met plenty of hardworking, ambitious students, especially in Rose Hill's performing arts scene. One of the busiest and most accomplished is Emily Pandise, who I've gotten to know mostly during her time as president of the Mimes and Mummers, our main stage theatre group. Having been recently accepted to NBC's insanely competitive Page Program, her post-grad plans are also looking pretty sweet. This weekend I chatted with Emily about her college experience, crazy schedule, and future adventures.

Name: Emily Pandise

Year: FCRH '14

Major: Double major in American Studies and Communication & Media Studies 

Hometown: Mahwah, NJ 

Clubs: The Mimes and Mummers, Fordham Experimental Theatre, 90.7 FM WFUV, Fordham TV (Fordham Nightly News and Fordham Mornings)

Internships: Entertainment Events, Inc. (Summer '12), Weekend TODAY at NBC (Spring and Summer '13), MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell

Did you come to college with a clear idea of you wanted to do? 

I did, but I completely changed my mind. I really wanted to go into publishing; I wanted to be an editor for fiction publications and ultimately become a writer. I wanted to write first-person essays and short stories. When I got here and got involved in a few activities, I realized that I really like working with people more than I like reading about people. So through my involvement with the Mimes and Mummers and especially with Fordham TV, I realized that I really like to be hands on, not working in an office, and that television would be a better fit for me. 

How did you end up at Fordham? 

When I was looking at schools, Fordham was on my list because my guidance counselor had mentioned it, and I knew a lot of people who went here who were happy. I ended up getting in through early admissions, and they gave me a bit money. This was the last school I visited. I had been doing theater since high school, and I came to visit a friend of mine overnight and sat in on an FET rehearsal; they were doing Clue. I sat in on a class I really liked. I think it's nice that the people here are the kind of people who open doors for each other. Good vibes.

If you could do the college process over again, what would you do differently, if anything?

I applied to a lot of reach schools, so I would've probably applied to more safety schools for scholarship money. But I'm so happy I ended up here, especially as someone who didn't know she was interested in television until she came here. 

Could you describe your most favorite role as a leader and student on campus? 

That's such a toss-up. I have loved working with the Mimes and Mummers, and the club has afforded me so many opportunities that I wouldn't have been able to get elsewhere… but I have loved producing Fordham Mornings just as much. I really couldn't pick one.

What kind of opportunities has Fordham given you that you might not have found elsewhere?

I think it's really great (because this is not the case in other schools) that students have the chance to work in the TV studio and the radio studio no matter what their major is. Neither of my co-producers for Fordham Mornings are communications majors. My sister's at Syracuse, and I know they won't let her work in the television studio because she's not a communications major.  

What kind of duties do you have as a Fordham TV producer?

We have production meetings every week to decide what's gonna go into our next show. We write, shoot, and edit everything ourselves. Every week I do between one through three packages to air. And we have bunch of live segments, musical guests, and interviews every week. This semester we've added a cooking segment, which has been really fun. I do a lot of the "Do It Yourself" segment each week. I've done fitness segments. We have a new segment called Student Spotlight, and we focus on people and events on campus. During the shows, I floor manage.

What're your post-graduation plans? Do you have an ideal job in mind?

Since I was a little kid, I wanted to be a writer in some form…and then you know, theater is the art of live storytelling. News is the same thing, and I love that no matter what, you can talk to the most important person in the world or the least important person, and you can still tell someone about them. I'm really excited because I was accepted to the Page program in November, so I'll be starting work as a Page in August. 

My ideal job is to be a segment producer for news. I really love talking to people, and I love asking questions and hearing what people have to say, and telling the story for those who can't tell it themselves. You know, because there's so many people who don't have the means, or just can't really articulate what needs to be articulated. 

Can you talk more about what the Page Program entails?

It's a one year program, and it's super competitive. They choose about 80 people from about 12,000 that apply, so it's really, really exciting. And they choose people that want to spend their careers at NBC. You apply for three-month assignments, so you can really get a taste for what each department is like, and from there you can decide what you want to do. Hopefully I'll get to do work with MSNBC, and then morning shows, and then nightly shows. We also give tours and seat people for SNL and other shows.

I know you've had several internships at college. What has been your most favorite internship experience so far?

That's hard. Weekend Today was great, obviously. I spent 8 months there, and I really loved it. And I gotta tell you, I was working on the The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, and they had amazing people there, and I learned a lot from them. I learned a lot about politics. And at network news, they have so much money and so many resources, but they do so much with so little in a 24-hour turnover period at MSNBC. It's incredible what the producers and editors do over there. 

I remember seeing on Facebook that you actually got to go on air at one point.

Yeah, I was modeling Kate Middleton's maternity dress on Weekend Today. I was working late in the office one weekend, and they said, "Hey, what's your dress size?"

Finally, what have you loved most about Fordham?

I think the sense of community here is really strong. And you can really find people who are passionate about the things you're passionate about, and you form lifelong friendships over those things. I love how open people are, how much they're willing to share their time and share themselves with you.

Senior Spotlight: Michael McCarville

Fordham seniors are beginning to realize just how close graduation is. In fact, exactly 101 days remain (not that I'm counting or anything)...but many seniors already know where they will be working come May! I spoke to my good friend Michael McCarville, who has accepted a two-year position with Teach for America, about his post-graduation plans.

Major: English, with a minor in computer science

Hometown: beautiful Casa Grande, AZ

Clubs: Fordham Stand Up

Describe your TFA position.

I will be teaching high school English in a still-to-be-determined low-income high school in, or around, Phoenix, AZ. I will be attending the TFA institute over the summer, along with completing various other certifications required to teach in Arizona. 

Why did you decide to apply for TFA?

I am a product of a low-income high school, and I found my way to New York City via Fordham. I hope, if possible, my story could be some semblance of inspiration for students with similar backgrounds. 

What was the application process like?

Longer than I would have liked or expected. Somewhat of a three-part process: an online interview, a phone interview, and an in-person final interview, which also had a few parts. Overall, it's a process in every sense of the word. Hopefully one that picks the right people.

What excites you most about this opportunity?

Teaching English is exciting. Hopefully I will be able to teach all the texts that interested me in high school and toss the ones that did not.

Do you feel that Fordham has prepared you for TFA?

I would say I am more prepared for life than I once was, but I doubt I am any more prepared to teach high school. I think that's the point of TFA. Maybe I am less afraid of my lack of preparedness to teach because of my experiences at Fordham. Maybe I just know a lot about medieval lit. 

Do you see yourself teaching after your commitment with TFA ends?

Maybe, but maybe not. I have consistently been told "it's the hardest thing you'll ever do," so we'll see how I come out on the other end. After that, I will probably be back in New York City.

What will you miss most about Fordham?

I have never had a bad professor at Fordham. I will miss listening to smart people talk about things they're smart about... and, of course, friends.

Check back in next month for another Senior Spotlight!

Who's Speaking at YOUR Graduation?

Cheer up, John Brennan!
You're comin' to speak at Fordham!

The Fordham community received news recently that John Brennan, the Obama administration’s deputy national security adviser for counterterrorism and homeland security, will give the commencement speech at graduation this year. Apparently, this is especially awesome since he works with Obama. That, and he graduated from Fordham in 1977.

We like to keep it "in the family" over here.

Personally, I was routing for Alan Alda, also a Fordham grad, to speak, because he rocks. He gave an insightful and all-around beautiful speech to Connecticut College in 1980. And he starred in M*A*S*H, which I'm too young to appreciate, but still. Who wouldn't want this shining face delivering a commencement speech!?

Alan Alda is not speaking at Fordham's
graduation this year, but he's still happy!

We may have scored Brennan, but we haven't lost our bragging rights. Alas, what our commencement speaker lacks in awesomeness our baccalaureate mass celebrator makes up for tenfold. Because he's not just a priest. He's not even just a Bishop. He's a stinkin' CARDINAL.

CARDINAL Tim Dolan

And, like the rest of us, he's pretty darn excited about it.

Post Grad Plans

As a Senior, many people ask me what my plans are after graduation. That's why we went to school, right? To gain skills and experience to help us land a job? While many Seniors still haven't locked down plans, there is a lucky handful of people who do know what they'll be doing in September. Here's a look at the different way post-grad life will look like for some of my friends:

Elisa DiMauro FCRH'12

Elisa, a fellow blogger, had a life changing experience last summer in Texas while interning with Teach For America. After the summer ended, she realized that Teach For America was a company she could see herself with long-term. When she got back to school, she got right to applying. After going through a rigorous application and interview process, Elisa was offered her choice between positions at two New York City schools. She is perhaps one of the most involved people on campus and is always coming or going to a Residence Hall Association meeting (she's the President), or serving up aces during an intramural volleyball game.

John Donovan GSB '12

John is originally from Westchester, New York and plans on staying in the city after graduation. The Management of Information and Communication Systems major has made the most of his time at Fordham, leading to a job offer with JP Morgan. On campus he is the Vice President for the Association for Information Systems (AIS), a Freshman mentor for GSB students and still has the time for intramural sports. Before landing his position at JP Morgan as a Technology Audit Analyst, John completed internships at Donovan Financial, Amalgamated Life, and Middle Office Solutions where he currently is interning. However, it was position as Vice President of AIS on campus that opened the door to JP Morgan. While organizing an event for JP Morgan for the AIS club, he was able to network and keep in touch with many JP Morgan employees that began to notice his potential. He was invited to participate in a case study where he interviewed through multiple rounds before being asked to officially sign on this past October. He will begin working at the end of the summer.

Eve Rossmere FCRH'12

Eve, a San Jose native, will likely end up in her home state of California. That's not to say she didn't make the most out of her time here in New York. Her unique Urban Studies major coupled with her French and Psychology minor makes her stand out in a pool of job applicants. She's been working at the United Nations Development Group since her sophomore year so her plans after graduation are just as international. Eve is planning on doing some traveling in Asia, after which she will hopefully be completing a two-month long graduate development internship in Nairobi, Kenya.