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

COLIN SHEELEY

COLIN SHEELEY, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus

Colin Sheeley is the editor-in-chief emeritus of The Observer. He has covered campus protests, university finances and the Office of Title IX, but he would really just like to write about rocks and baseball.
All content by COLIN SHEELEY
mica McKnight sits at her desk at Fordham Lincoln Center

[Photo] New Beginnings: McKnight Announces Departure From Fordham After 7 Years

October 29, 2021

McKnight is stepping down after being the sophomore class dean for five years.

a photo of Title IX coordinator Kareem Peat taken with the Rose Hill campus in the background

[Photo] Changes to Title IX Enact a Strict Burden of Proof

September 18, 2020

Following the recent changes to Title IX, Kareem Peat, Fordham's Title IX Coordinator, has assured that the university “will continue to prohibit all conduct that is no longer covered under Title IX."...

For the first time since its opening in 1968, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) will have a female dean leading the school. On Tuesday, April 30, a search committee appointed Laura Auricchio to replace Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., who served the school for a record 20 years.

Fordham Appoints First Female Dean of Fordham College Lincoln Center

May 1, 2019
For the first time since its opening in 1968, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) will have a female dean leading the school. On Tuesday, April 30, a search committee appointed Laura Auricchio to replace Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., who served the school for a record 20 years.
Rev. Robert Grimes, S.J., served as dean for 20 years, making him Fordham’s longest serving dean.

Walk On

May 1, 2019
As dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Rev. Robert Grimes, S.J., led the school to down a path to prominence. Out of office and recovering from treatment, he now has to forge one for himself
Fordham Lincoln Centers United Student Government student government has released the results of its elections for the first time in four years.

USG Releases 2019 Election Tallies in Swift Reversal

April 10, 2019
The release clarified that the committee’s decision does not guarantee that future USG administrations will publicize the numbers of their election results.
USG President Demetrios Stratis, FCLC 19, said that the reason for initially withholding the vote tallies was to avoid a public reaction to the results.

UPDATED: USG Withholds Election Statistics, Bends Constitution in Vote Counting Process

April 10, 2019
For the first time in four years, Fordham Lincoln Center’s United Student Government (USG) has decided to release the tallies for election results.
Tina Thermadam, FCLC 20, will be USGs next president. Robert Stryczek, GSB 21, will be the next vice president.

Lincoln Center Elects Thermadam and Stryczek in Vote for a ‘Status Quo’ USG

April 3, 2019
Tina Thermadam defeated Austin Tong in a race that wrestled with the very structure of student government.
(CONNOR MANNION/THE OBSERVER)

McShane Launches CUSP Phase II, Allocates $8 Million

December 6, 2018
On Dec. 3, University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., announced his plan to shift the Continuous University Strategic Planning (CUSP) process into its second stage.
On Oct. 24, the Time Warner Center was evacuated after police were notified of a suspicious package in the building. They treated the package as an explosive device.

NYPD Evacuates Time Warner Center After Finding Explosive Device

October 24, 2018

The Time Warner Center (TWC) was evacuated after police were notified of a suspicious package sent to the building at 10 Columbus Circle, according to an alert sent by the New York Police Department. The...

The newly inaugurated members of the 2018-19 United Student Government.(ZOEY LIU/THE OBSERVER)

At Inauguration, USG President and Vice President Deliver New Message and Program

October 11, 2018

On Thursday, Oct. 11, before a crowd of students in divided into formal and casual dress, Dean of Students at Lincoln Center Keith Eldredge swore in the 2018-19 United Student Government (USG). “Your...

Antigonick is the first show of Fordham Theatres mainstage season.

[Photo] Inside a Fordham Mainstage Production Rehearsal: Antigonick

October 10, 2018

"Antigonick" is the first show of Fordham Theatre's mainstage season.

Nick Booker, FCRH 22, passed away on Sept. 27. (COURTESY OF TONYA BOOKER)

Freshman Nicholas Booker Dies Following Collapse in Lombardi Fieldhouse

September 27, 2018

First-year student Nicholas Booker, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’22 has died in St. Barnabas Hospital on Thursday, Sept. 27 after his collapse last Monday night in the Lombardi Fieldhouse, according...

Peat, a new face at Fordham, extends a welcome to all of campus. (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

Fordham Welcomes New Title IX Coordinator

September 12, 2018

“Good,” “better,” “best.” These were the words Kareem Peat, Fordham University’s new Title IX coordinator, used to describe everything he hopes he has done, everything he does and everything...

ResLife Blocks Most Guest Policy Provisions

ResLife Blocks Most Guest Policy Provisions

September 12, 2018

Keith Eldredge, dean of students at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) wanted to be careful when he and Jenifer Campbell, senior director of the Office of Residential Life spoke with the past and...

(COLIN SHEELEY/The Observer)

Fordham Appoints New Title IX Coordinator, Other Administrative Positions

August 6, 2018

On Aug. 1, the Office of the Vice President for Administration announced that Kareem Peat, J.D., will join the Fordham administration as the university’s new Title IX coordinator. Peat’s appointment...

Freedman was appointed as provost, a newly-created position, in 2010. (COURTESY OF FORDHAM NEWS AND MEDIA RELATIONS)

Stephen M. Freedman, University Provost, Dies at 68

July 3, 2018

Dr. Stephen M. Freedman, Ph.D., provost of Fordham University and a fixture in its academic community for over a decade, died Monday night at his home in Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. He was 68. In a statement...

(ANDREA GARCIA/THE OBSERVER)

University and Adjuncts Reach “Tentative” Contract Deal

June 15, 2018

After four months of negotiations, the university and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have come to a “tentative agreement” regarding the contracts of Fordham adjuncts and non-tenure...

Assistant Vice President of Communications Bob Howe refused to provide the Observer with a photo of William Jaworski. (ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF CARLA DE MIRANDA)

Professor Suspended, University Investigates

April 18, 2018

On Friday, April 6 Associate Philosophy Professor William Jaworski was given notice of his suspension pending a formal university investigation, according to Assistant Vice President for Communications...

Assistant Vice President for Communications Bob Howe refused to provide the Observer with a photo of William Jaworski, but a link to his faculty profile can be found below. (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

Philosophy Professor Under Investigation Suspended Through End of Year

April 10, 2018

Associate Philosophy Professor William Jaworski has been suspended until the end of the calendar year pending a university investigation, according to an announcement provided to his 6:00 p.m. “AI, Sci-Fi...

A 1 train subway car arrives at the 168th station. (Jessica Hanley/ The Observer)

Fordham Law Student Slashed on Subway

March 26, 2018

A Fordham University law student was slashed in the face during a subway robbery on Sunday, March 25. Nadia Kashem, in her third year at Fordham School of Law, was riding a northbound 6 train on her way...

Blackwood hopes that stories like his and Ng’s create a culture of empathy and solidarity. 
(COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

The Stories That Create a Culture of Wellness

March 22, 2018

The projector was not working. One moment, the title screen of Fordham Advocates Cultural Enrichment (FACE) March 5 presentation flicked on: “Mental Health, Wellness, and Culture on Campus.” The next...

“Now is the time for action and transformation,” Associate Theology Professor John Seitz concludes in the petition. (JON BJÖRNSON/THE OBSERVER)

Faculty Drafts Free Speech Petition

March 14, 2018

Associate Professor of Theology John Seitz has released a petition to members of the Fordham community condemning the university’s policies on free speech and demonstration. He pushed out his “Statement...

Rev. Al Sharpton spoke on Feb. 26 in Keating Hall at an event hosted by the Fordham Libertarians. (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

A Selfie, a Troll and the Issues That Matter to Al Sharpton

March 8, 2018

It was as strange as the Facebook event made it sound. “In pursuit of broadening political dialogue, we worked to bring the dirty trickster and political hatchet man Roger Stone to Fordham in October,”...

“RHA is holding its ground with residents, said President Eunice Jung, FCLC ’20 (JON BJÖRNSON/THE OBSERVER)

A New Constitution, a New President, a New RHA

February 28, 2018

“It was a rough transition,” Eunice Jung, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’20, said, reflecting on the past nine months of her involvement with the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Then...

(COURTESY OF CARLA DE MIRANDA)

The State of Fordham’s Finances

February 15, 2018

The responsibilities of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer Martha K. Hirst are as sundry as her many titles, but there is one mantra that contains each: balance. First and foremost,...

Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center. (Kyle Morrison/The Observer)

Grimes’s Sudden Leave Surprises Fordham Community

February 15, 2018

As of Feb. 26, Dean Robert R. Grimes, S.J., has taken a leave of absence from his position as a university professor and Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) citing “persistent problems”...

Following myriad contentious situations, students and faculty question the university’s responsiveness.

Fordham University Ranked in FIRE’s “10 worst colleges for free speech” for Second Year in a Row

February 12, 2018

Fordham University appeared for the second year in a row on the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE)’s “10 worst colleges for free speech” list which was posted Monday, Feb. 12 on...

Dean Robert R. Grimes, S.J. (top left) is the longest serving Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center. (KYLE MORRISON/THE OBSERVER)

Professor of Psychology Appointed as Dean of Lincoln Center in Grimes’s Leave of Absence

January 27, 2018

Dean Robert R. Grimes, S.J. will take a leave of absence for the 2018 spring semester, according to an email statement issued from the Office of the Provost by Stephen M. Freedman, PhD and Fordham University...

The 2018 Womens March directed its focus to this years midterm elections while still retaining its message of solidarity (LENA ROSE/THE OBSERVER).

“Won’t Stop Until It Rains Glass”

January 24, 2018

It has undeniably been a year of profound demonstration for Fordham University, New York City and the greater part of the nation. Much of second semester in 2017 was marked by student protests at the Rose...

Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers at a United Student Government meeting in the Spring semester.  (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

Faculty and Students: University’s Internal Investigations Are Missing the Point

November 16, 2017
The university is a receptive machine.
(Colin Sheeley/THE OBSERVER)

SEIU to Represent Non-Tenure-Track Faculty

November 16, 2017
After a 13-month effort, Fordham contingent faculty have ultimately opted for representation on behalf of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) following a landslide vote in favor of unionization.
Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers at a United Student Government meeting in the Spring semester.  (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

UPDATED: University Concludes RA Training Probe of Dean Rodgers with “Findings and Recommendations”

October 26, 2017

The university announced in an Oct. 26 statement the conclusion of a joint investigation into the conduct of Christopher Rodgers, assistant vice president and dean of students at Rose Hill, during an Aug....

Roger Stone–bottom right. Jacob Linker seated one seat away from him. (COURTESY OF JACOB FLOAM)

Roger Stone Blitz Draws Ire and Praise

October 26, 2017

“I revel in your hatred, because if I weren’t effective, you wouldn't hate me.” – Roger Stone, quoted by the Fordham University College Republicans in their Facebook announcement post. It was...

RHA is working on addressing student concerns. (JON BJORNSON/The Observer)

Office of Residential Life Drafts New RHA Constitution, Spurns Former E-Board

October 12, 2017

On April 19, 2017, the executive board members of last year’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) met with RHA adviser Frank McAlpin to discuss several matters long-overdue: Mismanagement amongst student...

Professor Gemma Solimene spoke in front of students and faculty on Sept. 21 about the legal details of D.A.C.A.  (COLIN SHEELEY/The Observer)

What Happens to a Dreamer Deferred?

October 8, 2017

Professor Gemma Solimene, director of the Immigrants Rights Clinic at Fordham’s School of Law, stood behind a miked podium in the multipurpose room of the 140 Building on Thursday, Sept. 21 as students...

(COLIN SHEELEY/The Observer)

McShane Sits Down with Student Press

September 28, 2017
Both newspapers arrived with the same agenda, the same questions weighing on all of our minds. This is how Father McShane took them:
The Students with Puerto Rico campaign is trending on GoFundMe. (COURTESY OF STUDENTS WITH PUERTO RICO)

Fordham Student Launches Puerto Rican Relief Fund

September 28, 2017

“We cannot sit idly by” reads the description of the Students with Puerto Rico GoFundMe page. Beatriz Martinez-Godas, Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) ‘18 who started the hurricane relief...

McKnight, the new Assistant Dean of Sophomores, is also pursuing a Doctorate of Education. (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

FCLC Welcomes New Assistant Sophomore Dean

September 15, 2017
Mica J. McKnight’s office in the Lowenstein building at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) is tidy.
Dean of Students Christopher Rodgers at a United Student Government meeting in the Spring semester.  (COLIN SHEELEY/THE OBSERVER)

Dean Rodgers Under Investigation for CARE Presentation

September 13, 2017
An investigation headed by Title IX Coordinator Anastasia Coleman and members from the Department of Public Safety is well underway, looking into a Campus Assault and Relationship Education (CARE) and Bias presentation given by Christopher Rodgers, dean of students at Rose Hill and Deputy Title IX Coordinator during a Resident Assistant (RA) training session on Friday, Aug. 18.
Following myriad contentious situations, students and faculty question the university’s responsiveness.

State of the Institution: Free Speech at Fordham

September 2, 2017

“The Board needs to communicate more with the faculty,” Andrew Clark, Ph.D., vice president of the Faculty Senate spoke through a patchy sputter of cell phone reception. “Communicate” was what...

In his address on the morning  of Monday, August  14, Fr. McShane  condemned the action of the racist mob in Charlottesville, Va.

McShane Delivers Statement on Charlottesville, Student Orgs. Respond

August 14, 2017

In response to the several days of chaos that plagued Charlottesville, VA, this weekend, where white nationalists and neo-Nazis groups gathered to attend a Unite the Right rally, Fordham President Rev....

Student protester Sapphira Lurie, FCLC 17, is blocked from entering a door by Public Safety supervisors at Cunniffe House at Fordham Rose Hill. (GEORGE HORIHAN/The Observer)

UPDATED: Investigation of Cunniffe House Incident Finds No Evidence of Excessive Force

June 15, 2017

An independent investigation of an April 27 incident involving a confrontation between student protesters and Public Safety Officers (PSOs) found that the Public Safety officers did not use excessive...

The Vagina Monologues brings a progressive feminist message with speeches about the feminine experience.  (Adriana Balsamo-Gallina/ The Observer).

Student Voices Featured in “Vag Mons”

May 4, 2017
For the first time, Fordham’s staging of the play, which ran from April 21-23, included a second act comprised of six original pieces written by Fordham students.
Student protester Sapphira Lurie, FCLC 17, is blocked from entering a door by Public Safety supervisors at Cunniffe House at Fordham Rose Hill. (GEORGE HORIHAN/The Observer)

Fourteen Charged After Rose Hill Skirmish

May 3, 2017
At least 14 students have been brought under sanctions by Dean of Fordham Rose Hill (FRH) Christopher Rodgers for last Thursday’s altercation at Cunniffe House between Fordham Students United (FSU) protesters and Public Safety officers.
Sensitive Location

The Uncertainty of I.C.E.

March 29, 2017
Fordham is labeled a "sensitive location" by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane addressed the question of Who is the Fordham community? in an email on Oct. 15.

McShane Issues Statement on Refugees, Immigrants

January 29, 2017
In light of President Trump’s Executive Order on immigration, Fordham President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J. has restated the university’s support for refugees and immigrants, especially those affected by the mandate.
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