Published: December 29, 2009

United Student Government (USG) met on Jan. 15 to outline plans and goals for the upcoming semester. Winter Ball, expansion of the “Fordham Friendly” program and a business etiquette/fashion event were main topics. USG also discussed its burgeoning partnership with Facilities and their efforts to improve Fordham facilities through this partnership.

Dave de la Fuente, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’10, USG president, said that one of his main goals of the year is to expand the “Fordham Friendly” system, which is comprised of businesses in the area that offer discounts to Fordham students. He said that he hopes that businesses like Best Buy and J. Crew will begin offering exclusive discounts to FCLC students. In addition, he said he hopes that businesses like Starbucks and Alan’s Marketplace will increase their discounts.

A committee update established that student affairs will continue to  collaborate with Facilities this semester in order to improve Lowenstein and McMahon. Francis Pastorelle, FCLC ’10 and chair of the facilities committee, said, “For instance, our sandwich counter in the cafeteria…is a USG facilities initiative.” Pastorelle also said that he is currently soliciting for dividers between urinals in Fordham.

Goldman Sachs, an international securities and investment banking firm, donated $10,000 to an upcoming event scheduled to be held on April 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the 12th floor lounge. The event, entitled “Dining Etiquette and Dress for Success,” is being planned and promoted by Morgan Moreira, FCLC ’10, and Marion Viray, associate director of Career Services. The event will focus on business fashion and dinner etiquette.  The goal, according to Moreira, is to further assist Fordham students in acquiring and maintaining internships and jobs.

The event will start with a fashion show, in which students will model appropriate business fashion. Moreira said that students interested in modeling should contacct her.

USG members said that they are working to make Winter Ball 2009 as memorable as past winter balls.

This year, the event will be held at Terrace in the Sky, on Columbia’s campus, from 7 p.m. to midnight on Feb. 20. One hundred and thirty-one tickets will be sold at tables in Lowenstein lobby to Fordham students only from Jan. 28–30.

Guests can purchase tickets Feb. 2–3. Tickets are $50 for students, $60 for guests.