Faculty and employees share their highlights of the year

We asked the faculty and the Fordham employees to think about their most memorable, most sensible moments from last year. Your highlights remind us of why our work is important and why the Fordham community continues to inspire.

Friendships forge that will take the coming years

“Students refuel and inspire us,” said psychology professor and Associate Dean for strategic initiatives Rachel Annunziato, Ph.D. This year a student, Steven Laaurano, reminded her. Annunziato met him as the first year when she was classified as a summer faculty consultant for this year's final class, and “he quickly stood up when what I love about our students, so friendly, excited, grateful and hardworking,” she said. Annunziato focused on creating a schedule that fits his shuttle traffic and his work on sale, and “I have increased it since then,” she said.

“He is now a well-known leader in the Commuter Student Association, a superstar psychology major, the recipient of our Davidson scholarship, and a few weeks ago he called to tell me that he was accepted into the Fordham's graduate school for social work, where his mother is also a student.” You can even complete GSS together.
“Students like Stephen are symbolic of the tight connections that the faculty form here – he is one of the students with whom I know that I will get in touch for so many years,” she said. “It is a gift to be in a place like this in which such relationships are possible. I have been in Fordham for almost 15 years and you always get this joy every year.”

Creating a feeling of at home in the classroom

Theology professor Leo Guardado, Ph.D.., One morning in April, his student Christian Mystical Texts began by asking his students how they felt in this current moment. Students cried, he said; They shared what it is like to feel undesirable by society. “What a short discussion for a holy time and a sacred space of the class length to share our weaknesses, fears and fears,” said Guardado, who received two faculties for art and science prices, the humanities award and the James C. Mcgroddy Award, as an award in apprenticeship.

“It became clear to me when I listened to my students that one of the most critical tasks that are confronted with us home Even in the middle of the continuing threats and persecution, the communities tear apart, ”said Guardado. The invitation from the students to share their stories was a simple gesture that created a time for healing.

They submitted their discussion about the Spanish mystic of the 16th century, Teresa of Avila, for the next class, but “the conversation about the reality that we live through spirituality made it more relevant as a source of resistance to violence. We heal together, not alone.”

Ccel in action in Albany

Every year in the past three years, the center for community -committed learning is committed [CCEL] Has taken part in the annual Somos conference of Albany, a nationwide assembly of community leaders, elected officers and changemakers who are dedicated to promoting justice, public service and cultural celebration. This year Travis ProulxVice President of external affairs, took part in a panel discussion about the future of Dei in university formation.

The students who took part in the event made it really unforgettable for Keisha Shay, Ph.D.Director of Academic Development and Administration in Ccel. They helped design a participatory installation called “Clima”, a handmade tree where visitors could hang their personal commitments and visions for a better climate future.

“It really made sense to see our students with communities beyond the Bronx and Manhattan,” said Shay. “It was a strong memory of what is possible when education increases and enables.”

A crucial moment in the water polo's winning season

Before the Fordham men's water polo team ended his biggest season of all time with 32: 1 and was further than any other Fordham team in the NCAA championship, they had to defeat a rival that they had only beaten once in the history of the program: Princeton.

“You were just our thorn in our side, where we could never come by” Head coach Brian Bacharach. But their game on September 27th – one of the highlights of Bacharach's year – was different. “It was the first time in five years that we brought them to our place to play, so we got a home game against them, and the night was just magical. We played amazingly and packed the stands. We had never had so many people in our place, so we had to put on the pool deck. We brought all parents because it was in the stands because it was in the stands.” “After the victory, hundreds of alumni were there to celebrate.” They knew how long it took for us to exaggerate against these boys. That was our first festival victory. “

Music meets mission

As director of Ignatian Mission Initiatives, Rob ParmachPh.D., organizes many ways to combine the Fordham faculty, employees and students with the local communities around the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill. Looking back at all of them, a visit to the purely male A-capella group, the Fordham Ramblers, to a local middle school, was the most memorable.

“For me, this was a great example of seeing God in all things -they have 13 college -growing people who are talented musicians, but also college students who want to give these children with middle schools a good lesson for life who are in sixth, seventh and eight class. Lifelong friends.”

Bring everyone into the room – and in the field

University secretary Dorothy Marinucci It was difficult to choose just an outstanding moment from last year. “The symposium mental health and crime in January was very well received, and I was very proud to have worked with my colleagues,” she said. It also leads the years of opening planning that will make everyone, from the RAM -Van crew to faculties for faculties.

The return of Fordhams Dolch John Day, the Marinucci and Kathy Law, The office arrangement and event specialist in the office of the university secretary helped in June in June in the past year, after pandemic on hold, another highlight of the past year. “We wanted to bring it back in a more appealing, entertaining way, and so we created a Cornhole tournament and other games and opened the soccer field snack bars to serve hamburgers and hot dogs. It was fun.”

This year the celebration on Monday, June 2, will be brought to the air-conditioned Hill fitness studio to the air-conditioned Rose Hill Fitness studio.