The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center

The Observer
GILLIAN RUSSO

GILLIAN RUSSO, Online Editor

Gillian “Gil” Russo, FCLC ’21, is one of The Observer’s virtual vanguards — er, online editors. Previously, she worked as the arts & culture editor and one of the inaugural newsletter editors. Gil is a journalism major/theatre minor who had hoped to write just one Broadway show review before graduation, and although that didn’t happen, she did achieve her new goal to do at least one thing for all 15 divisions of The Observer by then. Other fun facts include that she enjoys dancing and sword-fighting, she can say the alphabet backwards, and she modeled for a French chair catalog one time. gillianrusso.com

All content by GILLIAN RUSSO
Mini Crossword: Not an Alpaca

Mini Crossword: Not an Alpaca

April 17, 2021
Play today's interactive online Observer crossword titled "Not an Alpaca," the third in a series of four mini crosswords.
graphic of the 2008 fearless CD next to a juice box, a dividing line in the middle, and on the other side a phone with the 2021 album up on spotify next to a glass of wine and airpods

‘Fearless’ Has Grown Up and So Has Its Audience

April 15, 2021
The rerelease of Taylor Swift’s sophomore album adds new maturity to markedly adolescent songs about young love and loss.
graphic illustration of getting a match on a dating app

[Photo] Dating Apps Are Not as Bad As They Seem

By DIANA SILVA • March 21, 2021

for an article about march 2020 in emails, a graphic of a phone coming out of an envelope with a calendar in the background

[Photo] March, In Emails

By OWEN ROCHE • March 16, 2021

Leon Snowenstein happily points out and appreciates all the passers by who observe proper social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines in the park.

[Photo] Scenes From a Snowy City: Historic Snowstorm Hits NYC

By ANDREW DRESSNER • February 4, 2021

Leon Snowenstein happily points out and appreciates all the passers by who observe proper social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines in the park.

A bundle of massive candy canes bring some holiday spirit to Sixth Avenue.

[Photo] New York’s Pandemic Holiday Spirit

By ANDREW DRESSNER • December 24, 2020

A bundle of massive candy canes bring some holiday spirit to Sixth Avenue.

album cover for taylor swift's 'evermore'

Ram Jams: ‘evermore’

December 19, 2020
The Observer’s Swifties listened at the stroke of midnight on the release date, have had it in their Spotify rotations ever since and have (ever)more thoughts to share.
The album cover for Miley Cyrus' Plastic Hearts

Ram Jams: ‘Plastic Hearts’

November 27, 2020
“Plastic Hearts,” Miley Cyrus' first rock album, proves she has found her musical niche, showing her potential for a successful rock career.
people celebrate the victory of Biden the street on Broadway in front of Trump International Hotel

[Photo] Biden’s Victory Isn’t Enough to Solve the Country’s Problems

By STEVIE CORTEZ • November 18, 2020

Celebrations took place in the streets on the day that Biden's win was announced. Despite a widespread feeling of relief, there is a lot more to be done besides remove Trump from office.

New Yorkers React to Joe Biden’s Presidential Victory

November 13, 2020
When Joe Biden was declared the presumptive winner of the 2020 presidential election, New Yorkers from across the city went to the streets to celebrate.
3Gillian

[Photo] Election Day in Manhattan

November 6, 2020

Album art for "elated!" with the face of Bea Miller and a "paid" sticker

Ram Jams: ‘elated!’

November 1, 2020
Bea Miller's latest EP "elated!" captures the cynicism and twisted humor of Generation Z towards the current state of the world.
trees with leaves changing in the fall

Autumn Word Search

October 28, 2020
Can you find them all?
line of people standing on a sidewalk, including a dog

[Photo] Civic Duty and Social Distancing: Preventing Coronavirus Spread Among Voters

By RAHUL SUKESH • October 28, 2020

Early voting has been open in New York as of Oct. 24, and lines like this one stretch for several blocks.

voters wait in line at a NYC polling site. Signs can be seen reading VOTE HERE in English, Spanish, and Chinese

[Photo] Challenges of Voting During a Pandemic

By ALLIE STOFER • October 28, 2020

The David Rubenstein Atrium is one polling place near the Fordham Lincoln Center campus and offers both in-person voting and a ballot drop box. Since the pandemic has changed the voting experience this...

voters standing in front of an early polling place near a red and blue sign that says " early voting site here"

[Photo] The Societal Benefits of Early Voting

By PATRICK RIZZI • October 28, 2020

Voters line up outside a polling place near Lincoln Center. According to Gallup, 45% of voters intend to vote early this year.

someone holding an apple at an apple orchard

Apple Orchard Word Search

October 18, 2020

Find the names of New York orchards in this grid, and you might just find your next apple-picking destination. Check out Issue 17 of The Observer on Issuu for an advanced version of this puzzle with an...

Ram Libs: Breaking News

Ram Libs: Breaking News

September 29, 2020
Get crafty with words and make front page news by filling in the blanks of this story.
girl with gloves standing in front of boxes filled with maroon Fordham shirts for orientation

Orientation Tests Fordham’s COVID-19 Safety Measures

August 27, 2020
OL training served as a microcosm for the coming semester, as OLs were some of the first to live under Fordham's COVID-19 preventative measures.
Auricchio spoke with Rebecca Stark-Gendrano and Mica McKnight, Assistant Dean for Juniors and Transfer Students and Assistant Dean for Sophomores, respectively. Both assured listeners that they are available and working hard to answer students’ questions. They also noted that the add-drop period will proceed as usual until Sep. 3.

Town Hall Part 2: Changes to Instruction Within FCLC and Gabelli

August 7, 2020
Deans from FCLC and Gabelli discussed in detail how their respective schools would adapt to a hybrid learning environment.
screenshot of mcshane and buckley at the town hall

Town Hall Part 1: Fordham Details University-Wide Reopening Protocols

August 7, 2020
Faculty and administration discussed modifications to classes, campus life and student conduct and provided new information from the Fordham Forward reopening plan in a university-wide town hall.
folklore album cover; taylor swift standing in the woods in black and white

Ram Jams: ‘folklore’

July 30, 2020
Less than a year after the release of “Lover,” Taylor Swift is back and her newest album has old and new fans reeling.
headshot of Austin Tong

Student Pledges Lawsuit Against University Disputing Disciplinary Actions

July 17, 2020
A senior has threatened legal action against Fordham after the university took disciplinary action in response to two Instagram posts that they found to be a violation of the university’s code of conduct.
two A10 people kicking a soccer ball with a referee in the background

BREAKING: Atlantic 10 League Suspends Fall Season

July 17, 2020
The A10 plans to reschedule all fall competitive events for spring 2021; exact dates have yet to be announced.
screenshot of people on a zoom call in gallery view

ICE Ruling Further Complicates International Students’ Return

July 13, 2020
International students raise concerns about the measures Fordham will take to ensure that they can study on campus if they choose.
two students on Instagram Live during the town hall, with a comments bar next to them

ASILI Holds Town Hall on Racial Issues at Fordham

June 5, 2020
On June 3, ASILI, the Black Student Alliance (BSA) at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus, hosted a discussion regarding the Black Lives Matter movement.
collage of Fordham students and their pets

Students Share the Perks of Pets During the Pandemic

May 7, 2020
As governments have enforced restrictions on travel and in-person contact, pets have become some people’s primary source of companionship and comfort.

Making Banana Pudding with Gillian Russo

May 2, 2020
Learn to make Magnolia Bakery-inspired banana pudding with ingredients most people can find around the house.
20th century postcard of Fordham Lincoln Center

‘The World’s Collection’: Libraries Seek to Broaden Access to Digital Archives

April 21, 2020
Both Fordham’s library system and the New York Public Library branches are using this time to make accessibility of its digital materials a top priority.
In lieu of AAPI’s original plan to make origami cranes during its Asian Heritage Month, it is hosting online events like cooking and conversations, which they see as equally important to educate the predominantly white Fordham community.

[Photo] Breaking Down Stigma

By VICKY CARMENATE • April 14, 2020

In lieu of AAPI’s original plan to make origami cranes during its Asian Heritage Month, it is hosting online events like cooking and conversations, which they see as equally important to educate the...

Club Spotlight: Stove’s Cabin Crew Takes to ‘Zoomprov’

Club Spotlight: Stove’s Cabin Crew Takes to ‘Zoomprov’

April 7, 2020
The campus club has found new sources of comedy in the ability to annotate screens, change display names and set virtual backgrounds on Zoom.
Crossword Issue 5: Comfort Food

Crossword Issue 5: Comfort Food

April 1, 2020
Play the Issue 5 Observer crossword here.
Fine Arts Classes Adapt to Online Learning

Fine Arts Classes Adapt to Online Learning

April 1, 2020
Dance, theater and visual arts students are being presented with a learning curve as their hands-on, physicality-focused classes must now fit within the framework of Zoom.
Mark Blum acts alongside Kate Burton in a 2007 production of “The Cherry Orchard” with Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, one of many shows in Blum’s storied career.

Mark Blum, Former Fordham Professor, Dies From Coronavirus

April 1, 2020
Fordham Theatre alumni and faculty reflect on the stage and screen actor, who died March 26 at 69 years old.
Fordham will suspend all in-person classes for the remainder of the semester.

Fordham Suspends Face-to-Face Classes Through Spring Semester

March 13, 2020
After originally suspending in-person instruction until March 30, the university had extended the suspension to the duration of the semester.
The Brooks AtkinsonTheatre closed due to coronavirus concerns

New York’s Cultural Institutions Shut Down Amid Coronavirus Concerns

March 12, 2020
As of Thursday, March 12, multiple New York City art and performance institutions have made closing announcements as a result of the growing coronavirus pandemic.
It was important to the cast of FemCom to celebrate and show off the work they'd done for the show, despite the class cancellations.

Stove’s Goes Digital With Feminist Comedy Show

March 10, 2020
Stove’s FemCom show will be streamed digitally March 11. It is not the only performance to be affected by the class suspension.
Beth Malone and David Aron Damane star in "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."

Review: ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown’ Floats on a Raft of Joy

February 29, 2020
As aggressively optimistic as its title suggests, Transport Group's “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” echoes the Broadway Golden Age from which its first iteration was born.
Aaron Yoo plays a self-made detective in "The Headlands."

Review: ‘The Headlands’ Marries Murder Mystery and Memory Play

February 27, 2020
Christopher Chen’s “The Headlands” is one part memory play, one part “Dateline” episode and all parts twisted in the most thrilling of ways.
Being single is hard and it's okay to admit it.

Being Single Can Suck, and It’s OK to Admit It

February 13, 2020
I’m talking about the truly-alone, not-talking-to-anyone, not-even-one-viable-Tinder-match type of single.
When steam started to rise, FDNY trucks and Con Ed arrived on scene.

140 West Building Evacuated Due to Valve Leak

February 5, 2020
A damaged safety valve caused a steam release on the roof of the 140 West 62nd Street Building. The steam forced a building wide evacuation and all building’s classes and club events to be cancelled for the or the evening.
This year's BroadwayCon included a panel on what to do with a theatre B.A., a panel about the new TV show "Katy Keene" and of course, plenty of showtune singalongs.

BroadwayCon: Chasing Degrees and Careers

January 29, 2020
The fifth annual BroadwayCon saw theatre fans and professionals come together to discuss new shows and classic favorites, as well as the state of the industry.
Initially a solo show created for Lazarus’ class, the story of Natasha grew into what would become “A Sip With Vodka” throughout the past year.

‘A Sip With Vodka’ Debuts on YouTube

January 22, 2020
A group of Fordham students and alumni collaborated to shoot "A Sip With Vodka," a comedy pilot set to debut Jan. 23.
Cookies and Cocoa: The Best of the West Side

Cookies and Cocoa: The Best of the West Side

December 4, 2019
The Observer takes you through the best places on the West Side to get a cup of hot cocoa and some cookies this winter.
Fordham Lincoln Center students collaborate to code for their robot.

Teaching a Robot How to Draw

December 4, 2019
The Tech @ LC Club held the "Robotic Art Therapy" event on Nov. 21 to bridge coding and art.
Family Traditions, December Edition

Family Traditions, December Edition

December 4, 2019
As we celebrate the holiday season in New York, three students take us through how they each celebrate their respective holidays.
Since graduating from the Fordham/Ailey program, Sykes has appeared in musicals including "Newsies," "Hamilton" and "Ain't Too Proud."

Fordham Alum to Play the King of Pop in New Musical

November 22, 2019
Ephraim Sykes, FCLC '10, will play Michael Jackson in a musical set to open on Broadway in July.
Following his talk about "Thicker than Mud," Jason Morris stayed to sign copies for students.

Science Department Chair Releases Debut Novel

October 30, 2019
Natural Sciences Department Chair Dr. Jason Morris, Ph.D., recently hosted a talk on the release of his debut novel, “Thicker than Mud,” a project 20 years in the making.
This year's fashion week inspired emotions ranging from delight to disappointment to utter disbelief in the styles presented.

The Designer Diaries

October 2, 2019
Five students who attended NYFW discuss the highs, the lows and the unconventional shows that defined the event this year.
"Dark Play" was first performed in Fordham's studio theater in the spring.

Fordham at the Fringe

September 17, 2019
Fordham Theatre students took "Dark Play or Stories for Boys" to a global audience at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Hughes has many acting credits to his name, but the musician, composer and instrumentalist sees himself as more than just an actor,

Alumni Spotlight: Van Hughes

September 17, 2019
Hughes is headed to the West Coast as part of the new "Almost Famous" musical adaptation.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney and the New York Public Library all have special exhibits that aren't to be missed.

Balenciaga, Ballet and a Biennial

August 25, 2019
"Camp" at the Met, the Whitney Biennial and the NYPL's "Archive in Motion" exhibit are cultural escapes from the bustling city.
Kathryn Feeney has roles in "Mr. Iglesias" and "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?"

Alumni Spotlight: Kathryn Feeney

August 25, 2019
The lifelong actress took a hiatus from performing in college, but an unexpected tragedy led her to rethink her passion.
While a locker with free menstrual products has been a long-awaited service at Fordham, CSA hopes to continue improving it this year.

[Photo] CSA Launches Free Menstrual Product Initiative

By COURTNEY BROGLE • August 25, 2019

While a locker with free menstrual products has been a long-awaited service at Fordham, CSA hopes to continue improving it this year.

Harrington was cast as Bridin, a young and feisty farmgirl.

Rising Senior Makes Off-Broadway Debut

July 29, 2019
McKenna Harrington, FCLC '20, just completed a run in 'The Mountains Look Different' on Theatre Row.
Fordham students who attended this year's Tony Awards shared the space with many famous nominees, among them Fordham alumni and faculty.

A Very Fordham Tony Ceremony

June 15, 2019
The Rams were well-represented at Radio City Music Hall for the 73rd annual Tony Awards.
Harry Potter Couture

Harry Potter Couture

April 30, 2019
The Hogwarts houses provide endless inspiration for warm-weather wear.
Pr. Daniel Alexander Jones is ecstatic to have been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship

Fordham Professor Awarded Guggenheim Fellowship

April 30, 2019
Daniel Alexander Jones was honored with the prestigious award.
Lincoln Center filmmakers experience the full red carpet experience.

Movie Fest Spotlights Fordham Filmmakers

April 30, 2019
Sixteen student films were chosen for the annual event.
In an Instagram post, Tinder announced that Fordham University won their Swipe Off contest, winning an exclusive Juice WRLD and Charli XCX concert to enrolled students.

Fordham Swipes Right, Wins Tinder Competition

April 10, 2019
The juice was worth the squeeze — rather, the swipe. Tinder announced on its official Instagram account today that Fordham defeated Stanford University in the final round of this year’s Swipe Off, bringing Juice WRLD and Charli XCX to play a concert exclusively for Fordham students.
Vine returns to New York City, his hometown, to play at Spring Weekend.

Bryce Vine: Homecoming

April 9, 2019
The Spring Weekend performer discusses his upcoming Fordham concert and the inspiration behind his music.
We college students grew up on the Jonas Brothers since their early years, and a decade later. we're still suckers for their music.

JoBro FOMO

March 30, 2019
We college students have caught the lovebug for the Jonas Brothers once again.
Fordham Theatre's Performance Showcase played to a packed house of friends, family and industry professionals.

Seniors Show Off

March 27, 2019
The Fordham Theatre performance class of 2019 played lovers, siblings, and many other characters in this year's Performance Showcase.
In the place of Soulja Boy, Bryce Vine is slated to perform at Spring Weekend.

Bryce Vine to Perform at Spring Weekend

March 25, 2019
Vine’s confirmation came days after CAB announced they had removed Soulja Boy from the concert following his arrest for violating his probation.
As a result of his March 15 arrest, Soulja Boy has been removed from the Spring Weekend performance lineup.

CAB Removes Soulja Boy from Spring Weekend Lineup

March 22, 2019
In Soulja Boy’s place, CAB said that there will be “another entertaining performance by popular artists we have already confirmed.” Those artists are to be announced at a later date.
Wherever you are in Manhattan, you're never too far from a quality pizza pie.

City Slickers Pick City Slices

March 15, 2019
Observer writers share their favorite places to get tasty pizza that is worth the dough.
The NYPL's new exhibit focuses on "changing perceptions one kiss at a time."

Since Stonewall

March 12, 2019
The New York Public Library examines 50 years of liberation in the name of love.
Turn Winter Ball into the Yule Ball with these magical outfits.

Harry Potter Couture: Winter (Yule) Ball

February 19, 2019
Are you ready for Winter Ball? Try these "Harry Potter" fashions to turn Winter Ball into the Yule Ball.
Who needs Valentine's Day anyway? (TITO CRESPO/THE OBSERVER)

Valentines, Schmalentines: Celebrate with Pal-entines!

February 12, 2019
Who needs boyfriends or girlfriends? Find out some ways to have fun with your friends on Pal-entines!
COURTESY OF GLOBAL PANORAMA VIA FLICKR

New Year, New Netflix

January 22, 2019
There's plenty more where "Bird Box" came from.
Harry Potter Couture

Harry Potter Couture

December 5, 2018
Harry Potter fans can show off their hours pride with these Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin-inspired winter looks.
Besides sitting on giant turkeys, here are a host of ways to spend your Ramsgiving. (COURTESY OF SOPHIA OLIVERI-MEYER)

Ramsgiving: What to Do and What to Eat

November 14, 2018
Besides sitting on giant turkeys, here are a host of ways to spend your Ramsgiving.
Many suprising new shows are headed to the Broadway stage like "King Kong" and "The Cher Show" (Courtesy of Martin Dürrschnabel via WikimediaCommons).

Broadway Bound – King Kong, The Prom, and Cher

October 10, 2018

As the leaves fall in the parks, the curtains rise on new openings aplenty on the Great White Way. The 2018-2019 Broadway season is in full swing and has offerings of all genres. From a newsroom dramedy...

You can get your own Culture Pass at the New York Public Library (Celia Patterson/The Observer).

NYPL’s Culture Pass (or Fail?)

September 26, 2018

Do you love museums but have a tight budget? The New York Public Library (NYPL) recently introduced its new Culture Pass service, which allows NYPL cardholders to reserve free passes to various local museums...

"Portraits of American Playwrights" is currently at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. (CELIA PATTERSON/THE OBSERVER)

’Wright Next Door

May 7, 2018

Tucked away in plain sight, right in Lincoln Center on the other side of the Metropolitan Opera, is a little gem known as the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Aside from being a great place...

Timeflies will perform at New York City's Irving Plaza on 3/28. (Courtesy of Katherine Saunders via Flkr)

Timeflies Returns to NYC

March 27, 2018

Fordham students may remember Timeflies as the headlining band of last year’s Spring Weekend. Now, the duo is now returning to the New York stage on Wednesday, March 28 for the first time since their...

Daniel Alexander Jones as his performance persona, Jomama, in "Black Light". (JOHN MARCUS/THE PUBLIC THEATER)

A Fordham Professor’s Odyssey of Empowerment

March 14, 2018

Self-proclaimed as “artist-driven and radically inclusive,” the Public Theater has long been known for its unique array of performance pieces that are highly influenced by contemporary social issues....

The American Folk Art Museum is an affordable alternative for art lovers. (COURTESY OF AMERICAN FOLK ART MUSEUM)

No Met? No Problem!

February 28, 2018

Located just across Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has long been an ideal place to spend an afternoon, for art enthusiasts and students looking to recreate the “Gossip Girl” experience....

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