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
MARYAM BESHARA

MARYAM BESHARA, Former Editor-in-Chief

Maryam Beshara (she/her), FCLC ’24, is the former editor-in-chief of The Observer. She is double majoring in political science and urban studies and this is her third year at The Observer, having previously worked as a news editor. In her free time, Maryam loves listening to music, her favorite artist being Lorde, and hopes the sun will show (her) the path. She is looking forward to pushing The Observer to its limit and seeking new opportunities for editors to endeavor on.

All content by MARYAM BESHARA
Classes were in session, Ram Van shuttles traveled across the two campuses and the university’s admitted student day events were proceeding during the tremors.

[Photo] 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Northeastern U.S.

By INSIYA GANDHI • April 5, 2024

Classes were in session, Ram Van shuttles traveled across the two campuses and the university’s admitted student day events were proceeding during the tremors.

Regarding free speech on college campuses, Tetlow noted that the Jesuit superpower of discernment is necessary in having effective conversations with one another.

Tetlow Casts Vision for 2024 and Beyond

February 29, 2024

For University President Tania Tetlow, her golden retriever Archie — a campus celebrity among Fordham community members — is the ultimate emotional support dog when it comes to the challenges she faces...

Fordham has advised members of its community to take necessary precautions and visit University Health Services if they are feeling sick given the uptick in respiratory illnesses in New York City.

Fordham Updates Respiratory Illness Guidelines

January 27, 2024
Amid rising respiratory illnesses in NYC, Fordham updates guidelines. University Health Services emphasizes prevention and offers testing resources.
The prayer rooms are being remodeled to better accommodate the growing Muslim student population.

[Photo] Students and Campus Ministry Renovate Prayer Room

By SAKUNTHALA SANKAR • January 24, 2024

The prayer rooms are currently integrated across sexes, a break from traditional Islamic practice.

Regarding the Fordham Lincoln Center campus, President Tetlow shared that she wants to have conversations that focus on developing more communal spaces.

Tetlow Speaks on Tuition Increases and SJP Club Status

December 7, 2023
University President Tania Tetlow held a press conference with student press to discuss tuition increases and SJP.
Demonstrations took place around New York City, with protestors taking to the streets in reaction to the attacks in Israel and Palestine.

Student Clubs and Administrators Confront Israel-Hamas War

October 18, 2023
Fordham reflects on violence between Israel and Hamas.
Despite rising cases, the university will not implement any COVID-19 safety or precautionary measures.

COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise Across the U.S.

September 13, 2023
University will closely monitor COVID-19 infection trends.
The 15 cent increase went into effect on Aug. 20 and will impact all subway, bus and paratransit fares.

[Photo] MTA Raises Fare for First Time in Eight Years

By SABRINA VIDAL • August 30, 2023

The toll and 4% fare increase will impact the commuter population at Fordham, which makes up 50% of undergraduate students, who utilize the MTA regularly.

The gallery draws parallels between the U.S.’s violent history of enslavement as well as the ongoing gentrification of communities of color in New York City.

[Photo] Ildiko Butler Gallery Shines Light on Centuries of Black Displacement

By ANA KEVORKIAN • August 30, 2023

The gallery draws parallels between the U.S.’s violent history of enslavement as well as the ongoing gentrification of communities of color in New York City.

Lerzan Aksoy, dean of Gabelli School of Business, spearheaded the search committee for the vice president for marketing and communications position.

BREAKING: University Appoints Vice President for Marketing and Communications

July 20, 2023

University President Tania Tetlow announced the appointment of Justin Bell as the inaugural vice president for marketing and communications in a university-wide email to the Fordham community on July 20....

A small town in central New Jersey, the sixth state to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday a month prior to New York, hung the Juneteenth flag in front of its municipal building.

Juneteenth and the Rising Recognition of the Holiday

June 19, 2023
The federal holiday commemorates the day Union troops marched into Galveston, Texas to announce the fall of slavery.
The ordination mass at the University Church began at 10:30 a.m. on June 10 and brought several Jesuits and their families to the Rose Hill campus.

[Photo] Fordham Hosts Ordination of Three New Jesuit Priests

By ANA KEVORKIAN • June 11, 2023

The ordination mass at the University Church began at 10:30 a.m. on June 10 and brought several Jesuits and their families to the Rose Hill campus.

A view from McMahon Hall facing west shows the effects of the smoke and haze in the late afternoon at the Lincoln Center campus. This photo was taken at 1:36 p.m.

Public Safety Issues Advisory Over Poor Air Quality Conditions in New York City Area

June 7, 2023
Robert Fitzer, associate vice president for public safety, sent a university-wide advisory on June 7 detailing the smoky, hazy conditions and recommendations to combat the poor air quality.  
BREAKING: Eva Badowska, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Leaves Fordham

BREAKING: Eva Badowska, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Leaves Fordham

March 30, 2023
Badowska accepted a position at Hofstra University and will be replaced by Robert Hume, the associate dean of faculty of arts and sciences.
Students Comment on Different Policies at Fordham

Students Comment on Different Policies at Fordham

March 27, 2023

ChatGPT Sparks Debate Throughout Fordham’s Campuses

ChatGPT Sparks Debate Throughout Fordham’s Campuses

March 6, 2023
“Using these machines violates every principle of education,” he said in the email. “They make a mockery of the entire enterprise.” 
A donation box located in the Ram Van office at Rose Hill is collecting much-needed items such as blankets and canned food.

[Photo] Death Toll of Kahramanmaras Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria Claim 50,000

By INSIYA GANDHI and LAURA OLDFATHER • March 1, 2023

A donation box located in the Ram Van office at Rose Hill is collecting much-needed items such as blankets and canned food.

Valera will assume Simio’s role as vice president for Lincoln Center effective June 30.

[Photo] Fordham Lincoln Center Vice President Frank Simio Retires

February 17, 2023

Valera will assume Simio’s role as vice president for Lincoln Center effective June 30.

FRH RAs held a rally on Feb. 3, calling for support from the Fordham community.

Rose Hill RAs File for Unionization

February 8, 2023
According to the university’s website, the Rose Hill RA position is a 10-monthlong position that begins in August and ends in May.
Fordham Public Safety issued a ban on battery-powered scooters, bikes and skateboards on all university properties following safety recommendations from the FDNY.

Fordham Bans Battery-Powered Vehicles

January 25, 2023
Following a spike in fatal fires across New York City due to faults in lithium-ion batteries, Public Safety issued an email on Dec. 8 informing university community members that all battery-powered electric scooters, electric bikes and electric skateboards would be banned on university property effective Jan. 3.
A train operator motions a peace sign to the camera after dropping the window and says "Have a good day now" as his train leaves.

Running the Tracks: Faces of the MTA

November 17, 2022
We intended to accurately represent the faces of the transit employees in an effort to bring attention to their work and lives.
The 2022 midterm elections pressed voters with important issues including drug policy, voting access and reproductive rights.

Students and Staff React to 2022 Midterm Elections

November 16, 2022
The 2022 U.S. general midterm elections, which concluded on Nov. 8, highlighted multiple issues on ballots across the nation and consisted of tight electoral races between candidates that determined governorships and party controls for the House and Senate.
Students sit and wait upward of four hours inside the McShane Center’s Great Hall awaiting their bivalent booster dose on Oct. 31.

Bivalent Booster Mandate Triggers Debates Across Fordham

November 1, 2022
In an email sent on Sept. 26, Valera announced the new vaccination guidelines, which have since sparked reactions across the campus community both for and in opposition of the mandate.
‘I didn’t think it would actually happen’: Biden Announces Debt Relief Plan

‘I didn’t think it would actually happen’: Biden Announces Debt Relief Plan

September 29, 2022
U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Aug. 24 a one-time student loan debt relief plan that is intended to forgive federal student loans for low and middle income families.
Several customers gathered in front of a Nathan's famous food truck serving hot dogs and Philly cheesesteaks near the 59th Street Central Park entrance.

New York and Its Food Vendor Culture: A Photo Essay

September 28, 2022
The various food carts in and around the Lincoln Center area represent an important facet of New York City life.
BREAKING: Fordham Requires Second Booster Vaccination

BREAKING: Fordham Requires Second Booster Vaccination

September 26, 2022
Fordham has updated its COVID-19 guidelines and will now require a second booster vaccination, but is no longer requiring masks on Ram Vans.
21 Years Later, 9/11 Is Still More Than a Memory: A Photo Essay

21 Years Later, 9/11 Is Still More Than a Memory: A Photo Essay

September 21, 2022
New Yorkers visit the 9/11 memorial and attend ceremonies surrounding the World Trade Center on the 21st anniversary of the tragedy.
An April 2022 email from the McKeon Hall RDs detailed the harm that racial microaggressions may bring to the community and emphasized the importance of tolerance.

Residents Feel Unsupported by ResLife’s Response to Microaggressions

September 19, 2022
Following an email sent from the RDs in McKeon, students of color share their experiences living on-campus.
OLs pose for a photo at the top of One Summit Vanderbilt, one available excursion option.

Fall 2022 Orientation Program Welcomes the Class of 2026

September 15, 2022
The 2022 fall orientation schedule included a series of events and speakers across the three days, with orientation coordinators, captains and leaders working together to welcome the Class of 2026 to Fordham Lincoln Center.  
Tetlow

New President Welcomed Across Campuses

August 27, 2022
Fordham hosted a coffee reception at both Rose Hill and Lincoln Center to welcome and greet President Tania Tetlow in-person.
Surveillance and return-to-campus testing are no longer required to be admitted on campus.

Guest and Visitor Policies Change, Campuses Open to Public

August 27, 2022
Fordham adopts new COVID-19 protocols for the Fall 2022 semester; policy changes will allow the campuses to open to the public on Sept. 1.
Dr. Stone

Fordham Professor Announces Award for Undergraduate Paper’s Staff

August 27, 2022
Fordham English professor Elizabeth Stone launches the Many Voices Observer Award in hopes of diversifying the undergraduate paper's staff.
Alison Leiby in oh god a show about abortion

Alison Leiby’s ‘Oh God, A Show About Abortion’ Resonates With Audiences

August 25, 2022
Alison Leiby put on a stand-up comedy show about abortion, motherhood and health-care access at the Cherry Lane Theatre.
BREAKING: Fordham Adopts New COVID-19 Protocols for the Fall 2022 Semester

BREAKING: Fordham Adopts New COVID-19 Protocols for the Fall 2022 Semester

July 27, 2022
For the first time since the university closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Fordham campuses will be open to non-Fordham visitors and guests, as well as to university-sponsored external events, beginning on Sept. 1.
McShane addressing the congregation during his guest lecture to the graduating Class of 2022.

Former Fordham President Gives Public Address at Historic Church

July 23, 2022
Former University President McShane gave his final public address as Fordham's president to graduating members of Abyssinian's congregation.
Fordham Professor Speaks on Juneteenth and the Haitian Revolution

Fordham Professor Speaks on Juneteenth and the Haitian Revolution

July 1, 2022
According to Alcenat, the Haitian Revolution’s legacy recognized the concepts of race only historically without giving any validity to the white supremacist lens.
tania tetlow at the press conference smiling in front of a wood paneled wall

Fordham’s New President Assumes Office

July 1, 2022
President Tetlow began her term as the university's first woman and layperson president on July 1 and shared her excitement for the future.
Ibrahim (pictured) at her surprise birthday party thrown for her by Maebel and Hawzien Gebremedhin, founders of the Tigray Action Committee. Gebremedhin shared this as one of her favorite memories of Ibrahim and said that “she looks so beautiful.”

Zuher Ibrahim, Graduate Student and Activist Against Genocide in Tigray, Dies at 23

May 31, 2022
“Zuher was a tireless and respected advocate for peace,” University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., said in an email sent to the Fordham community on April 25.
Fordham’s Finance Team Discusses Fiscal Year 2023

Fordham’s Finance Team Discusses Fiscal Year 2023

May 24, 2022
The 2023 fiscal year budget will look different compared to the 2022 fiscal year, as, for the first time,  it will operate on what the university’s finance team referred to as an all funds budget.
for an article about donna rapaccioli, the front of the gabelli school of business

[Photo] BREAKING: Donna Rapaccioli Steps Down as Dean of Gabelli

By ALLIE STOFER • April 11, 2022

Donna Rapaccioli led the Gabelli School of Business as its dean and increased its ranking over the 15 years she served.

Hand drawn image of different superheroes

[Photo] ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ Shatters the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse

By CHRISTIAN MADLANSACAY, Cool Guy • April 1, 2022

tania tetlow speaks at conference next to mcshane

Fordham Welcomes ‘First Family’

March 5, 2022
Fordham's President-elect Tania Tetlow speaks to the Fordham student press about her history with Fordham and her goals for the university.
for article about campuses closing, the lincoln center campus in the rain

BREAKING: University Campuses Close Friday Afternoon

February 4, 2022
The university closed both campuses on Friday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m. due to the winter weather advisory for the area through Saturday morning.
student looks at phone with instagram comments from fordham

University Deletes Comments Advocating for Hybrid Learning

February 2, 2022
Fordham deleted several comments on recent Instagram posts advocating for a hybrid option for the spring 2022 semester.
quarantine room of a positive test student

BREAKING: Fordham Reduces Quarantine and Isolation Periods

January 18, 2022
In accord with CDC guidelines, students can test negative on the sixth day of quarantine and return to classes instead of waiting 10 days.
covid booster shot

BREAKING: University Requires COVID-19 Vaccine Booster for Spring 2022 Semester

December 14, 2021
Fordham announced on Dec. 14 that it would require the COVID-19 booster for all students, staff and faculty for the spring 2022 semester.
hall of president at fordham with photos of most recent presidents

Updates Announced Regarding Search for University President

December 9, 2021
A woman or layperson may be chosen as university president, and the search committee has held 30 listening sessions with low attendance.
fordham flirts logo is a kissing face emoji with green background

Creator of Fordham Flirts Speaks About Nature of Submissions

December 9, 2021
The creator of the popular Fordham Flirts Instagram page spoke to The Observer about inappropriate submissions and student interactions.
students protest the sexual misconduct about assault on campus

Fordham’s Response to Sexual Misconduct

December 9, 2021
Many Fordham students are unaware of supportive resources amid on-campus protests and reports of Fordham mishandling sexual misconduct.
a halal cart on a street corner with rainbow words at the top

Halal Cart Outside Lowenstein Robbed

November 19, 2021
The New York City Police Department is investigating the robbery after one halal cart employee was injured and a worker's tip jar was stolen.
a graphic showing a daily cumulative COVID-19 case count at Fordham's Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses

Lincoln Center COVID-19 Case Count Rises to Highest Number Yet

September 24, 2021
As the Lincoln Center COVID-19 case count has risen, students have struggled to navigate the university's shifting health recommendations.
a graphic showing a daily cumulative COVID-19 case count at Fordham's Lincoln Center and Rose Hill campuses

Lincoln Center COVID-19 Case Count Rises to Highest Number Yet

September 24, 2021
As the Lincoln Center COVID-19 case count has risen, students have struggled to navigate the university's shifting health recommendations.
flooding in garden lounge

BREAKING: Flooding on Campus Following Tropical Storm

September 1, 2021
Tropical storm Ida has caused flooding in Garden Lounge, club offices, and the lobbies of McMahon Hall and the Lowenstein Center.
students on the LC plaza, mask mandate in place at Fordham

New Year, Same Rules: Mask Mandate Reinstalled

August 31, 2021
Fordham originally planned to not mandate masks for the in-person and vaccinated fall, but due to rising cases, it overturned its decision.
for an article about transgender housing on campus, two young people stand in NYC wearing pride flags on their backs

Fordham’s Gender-Inclusive Housing Options, A Year in Effect

July 9, 2021
Students respond to FCLC's gender-inclusive housing options and share their own experiences along with possible solutions for the future.
voters line up to vote for their candidates of choice in the New York primary election

Primary Elections Determine How NYC Will Move Forward

June 20, 2021
The 2021 New York City mayoral race consists of Democratic and Republican primaries that will determine the candidates for the general election.
for an article about masks not being required on campus, students sitting on Eddies Parade in the sunshine

Fordham Lifts Mask Restrictions for Fall Semester

June 18, 2021
Fordham is planning on returning to a full capacity campus, with all interior spaces no longer requiring social distancing.
Congressional portrait of Rep. Juan Vargas.

US Rep. Juan Vargas Discusses Religion in Public Life

May 5, 2021
Professor Peppard leads the webinar, inviting students to ask Rep. Vargas questions about the intersection of religion with public office.
a distracted student sits in front of a Zoom screen for online learning

Online Learning Impacts Students’ Study Habits and Future of Learning

April 15, 2021
Students modified their study habits to accommodate new online learning, and educators modified their classrooms to teach students virtually.
photo of the door to the aramark offices at fordham

Rams Against Aramark Demands Severance From Food Service Provider

March 21, 2021
A new club, Rams Against Aramark, has formed on campus with the goal of having Fordham cut ties with Aramark.
photo of people in laying down in a new york square in protest against the myanmar coup

Following Myanmar Coup, Club President Loses Faith in U.N.

February 25, 2021
Following the recent coup in Myanmar, the president of the UNICEF club at Fordham Lincoln Center resigned.
a gavel rests in front of screens on a courtroom desk

Court Rules Against Fordham Student in Class Action Lawsuit for Tuition Reductions During Pandemic

February 10, 2021
A filing for tuition refunds from April 2020 after suspension of in-person classes was dismissed last month.
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