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
KATRINA LAMBERT

KATRINA LAMBERT, Former Editor-in-Chief

Katrina Lambert, FCLC ’22, is the editor-in-chief for The Observer. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in history. Her favorite part of The Observer has been watching writers grow throughout their time on the newspaper. When she isn’t thinking about The Observer, you can probably catch her running or watching “The Karate Kid” again. She previously worked as an editor in the News section.

All content by KATRINA LAMBERT
students outside without masks mask mandate

BREAKING: Fordham Lifts Mask Mandate for First Time Since Summer 2021

March 4, 2022
Marco Valera announced that Fordham will no longer require community members to wear a mask, lifting the mandate beginning on March 5.
mcshane stands smiling with the ram mascot

The ‘Inside Outsider,’ McShane’s Farewell After 19 Years as President

February 2, 2022
Reflection on the Rev. McShane presidency, from student interactions to a vote of no confidence and response to racial bias incidents.
for an article about university president, students outside keating hall on eddies parade

BREAKING: Next University President Will Not Be a Jesuit

January 21, 2022
The Board of Trustees, which has been searching for the next university president, has determined that no Jesuit fits the leadership profile.
tom slattery stands with coast guard members at training

Tom Slattery, the Long Distance Runner Chasing His Goals

December 27, 2021
Tom Slattery, GSBRH '18, used his stamina and determination from years of long-distance running to find fulfillment with the Coast Guard.
Staff Diversity Report: Fall 2021

Staff Diversity Report: Fall 2021

November 3, 2021
In this report, you will find a transparent examination of the diversity of our staff — examined along lines of ethnicity, sexuality, financial need and other factors.
Rev McShane sits in an office and points while speaking

BREAKING: 32nd University President Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., Announces Retirement

September 2, 2021
Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., announced his retirement on Sept. 2, 2021. He will officially leave his position at Fordham on June 30, 2022. 
two individuals are walking in front of a sign reading "Fordham University: The Jesuit University of New York" while wearing masks

Fordham Reinstates Mask Recommendation for the Fall 2021 Semester

August 7, 2021
Fordham's recommendation that vaccinated students and staff wear masks on campus follows a rise in COVID-19 cases caused by the Delta variant.

Administrators Reflect on 40 Years of The Observer

July 31, 2021
The Observer has been published since 1981. Hear what administrators from years of Fordham Lincoln Center's history have to say about it.
results of mental health survey on severity of stress due to classwork from Feb. 2021 to April 2021, most students mark 5 or 4 out of 5

Mental Health Takes Toll After Year of Online Classes

June 15, 2021
The Observer released a survey asking students to rate and report on their mental health during the past year and pandemic.
Melissa Quiroz in PPE holding Covid-19 test tubes

Reflecting On a Year of COVID-19

March 18, 2021
A year into the pandemic, students recall their experiences from March 2020 and reflect on the different courses their lives have taken since.
Finlay Hall, a dorm with quarantine rooms

Students Speak Out Against On-Campus Quarantine Procedures

March 10, 2021
Quarantine practices at Fordham have received scrutiny from affected students, who are reporting concerns about the university’s lack of accommodations.
Hoodsie stands in a sweater with high snowbanks on either side

[Photo] Dressed to the Ca-Nines

By ESMÉ BLEECKER-ADAMS • March 8, 2021

Hoodsie, who lives with News Editor Katrina Lambert, FCLC ’22, looks beautiful in blue against an icy backdrop.

screenshot of webpage where student can request a medical leave of absence from fordham

Deans Initiate Changes to the Student Leave of Absence Protocol

February 9, 2021
To ensure that the guidelines promote diversity, equity and inclusion, the medical and non-medical leave of absence policies are in the process of reexamination by the Lincoln Center and Rose Hill deans.
new dean of student services Keith Eldredge poses on the Outdoor Plaza

New Year, New Transitions For Deans

January 13, 2021
Gregory Pappas, the former dean of student services, retired after spending 40 years at Fordham University. Keith Eldredge, the previous dean of students at Lincoln Center, will be assuming the position.
collage of tweets by fordham professors and students laid over a drawing of the capitol building in the background

Fordham Community Addresses Attack on Capitol

January 8, 2021
The Fordham community reacts with disapproval to the mob of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6.
screenshot of linkedin learning landing page

Fordham Offers Free Supplemental Courses With LinkedIn Learning

December 2, 2020
Through its new partnership with LinkedIn Learning, Fordham students are able to take courses and develop professional skills on their own time.
spring 2020 registration calendar

Guide to Spring 2021 Registration

November 15, 2020
Learn about the changes made to Fordham's registration process to ensure students get into their desired classes for the spring semester.
a wallet with a Fordham ID card in the front and a health insurance card sticking out behind it

One Step Closer to Resolving International Students’ Health Care

November 10, 2020
After updating its health care criteria for international students last semester, Fordham held a town hall to resolve resulting issues.
a graphic illustration of a survey and a 2020 ballot

Breaking Down Fordham’s Ballot

October 29, 2020
The Observer conducted an anonymous survey of 211 Fordham students to study their values and analyze opinions of the political system of the United States.
graphic of a calendar on a laptop screen with a "protest tomorrow" reminder to demonstrate online and social media activism

Social Media Takes Center Stage for Political Activism

October 27, 2020
Particularly among younger adults, the use of social media has become the No. 1 source for learning about politics and elections.
a graphic illustration showing the covid-19 reponse of fordham, columbia, and NYU. Fordham: infection rate 0.30%, total cases 30, assigned grade B-. Columbia: infection rate 0.06%, total cases 15, assigned grade B+. NYU: infection rate 0.16%, total cases 294, assigned grade B

Reopening in a Hotspot: Fordham’s COVID-19 Response Compared to Other NYC Schools

October 15, 2020
Despite recieving an F for COVID-19 communication, Fordham has managed to keep COVID-19 case relatively low on campus compared to other NYC schools.
a graphic illustration of pie charts showing 42% of Black respondents experienced discrimination by Fordham's Public Safety officers compared to only 10% of white respondents

Fordham Anti-Racist Alumni Collective Survey Supports Testimonies of Racism

October 15, 2020
The Fordham Anti-Racist Alumni Collective launched a survey about the different experiences black and white students have on campus.
a group of international students smiling as they sit in a group on the Outdoor Plaza

International Students’ Health Care Denied

October 1, 2020
After a new policy prevented students from purchasing more affordable health care, 49 international students signed a petition.
Robert Sundstrom wearing a Fordham hat and mask poses in front of the ram statue in the Outdoor Plaza

New USG Leaders Set Goals for a Semester Defined by COVID-19

October 1, 2020
The new vice president and senators of the United Student Government share what they are excited to focus on this year.
Edwards Parade

On-Campus Testing Confirms 15 Total Positive Cases

September 19, 2020
Fordham University released the 14-day rolling average of total coronavirus tests conducted by the university.
a grey cat walks across a desk next to an open laptop with a fall semester class on the screen

Expectations Versus Reality: The Fall Semester

September 19, 2020
As students start classes from on-campus or remotely, some are finding that this new modality of learning is not quite what they expected.
a photo of Title IX coordinator Kareem Peat taken with the Rose Hill campus in the background

Changes to Title IX Enact a Strict Burden of Proof

September 18, 2020
Students were informed of the May 2020 changes to Title IX at the start of this semester. Survivors of sexual assault fear the implications of the new rules.
a chart explaining average published price for universities versus average net price. Public, in-state colleges average a published price of $10,440 and net $3,870. Private average published $36,880 and net $14,380. Fordham's published is $54,730 and net is $32,838.

More Than 300 Students Sign to Lower Tuition Costs

August 21, 2020
Students demand a 35% decrease in tuition for online tuition, and other demands, in a petition sent to 80 administrators.
a hotel room, including a TV with Netflix, Crackle and YouTube icons on it, water bottles, a table and a couch

Quarantining Off-Campus

August 14, 2020
Students have three options: to reserve a hotel within an approved area by the university, to remain home and take classes online until their state moves off of the restriction list, or quarantine in a private home in a non-restricted state.
screenshots of the instagram posts accusing Matthew Maguire of misconduct

Speak Up Fordham: The Theatre Department

July 30, 2020
Multiple allegations have arisen against theatre professor Matthew Maguire, in the first of a series sparked by @letstalkaboutitfordham and @blackatfordham posts.
A classroom in the Gabelli school with chairs sparsely populating the room

Concerned and Optimistic: Students Prepare for an Unprecedented Semester

July 30, 2020
An in-depth guide to Fordham’s reopening plan and procedures. Students discuss the benefits and downsides of returning to campus in the fall.
birth control pills in their package

Controlling Sexual Health On Campus

July 28, 2020
Sexual education and the need for birth control have been neglected by Fordham due to its Jesuit affiliation.
harvard campus, two students walking on sidewalk toward building in between trees and grass

UPDATED: ICE Decision Prompts Fordham to Take Action

July 14, 2020
Fordham is backing the efforts of Harvard and MIT in the lawsuit against the DHS and ICE for revoking online course exemptions for international students.
a lowenstein elevator at full capacity, disallowed under fordham's reopening plan

Fordham’s Reopening Plan is ‘Too Little, Too Late’

July 9, 2020
Fordham's delayed decision on a plan for the upcoming semester has made it difficult for many students to make their own plans for the fall.
Absentee Ballots

Late Absentee Ballots Leave New York Voters Disenfranchised

July 8, 2020
The New York Democratic presidential primary seemed to pose more problems than usual for Fordham students this year. Students reported receiving their absentee ballots late, having to visit polling centers and potentially not voting at all due to confusion around mail-in ballots.
headshot of new dean Tyler Stovall

Graduate School Welcomes New Dean to An Empty Campus

June 25, 2020
A professor during student worker strikes in California, Tyler Stovall aims to solve graduate student unrest from the pandemic crisis.
An animated graph showing Fordham's tuition increases from 2010-2011 school year to 2020-2021

Tuition Increases by 3.33% Amid High Financial Tensions

June 17, 2020
Fordham raises tuition by 3.33%, despite concerns by students that the fall semester may fall short of their expectations.
banner with the school slogan, "new york is my campus, fordham is my school," from the top of an escalator

Following NY State Guidelines, Fordham Is Hesitant About an In-Person Fall

June 7, 2020
Fordham remains uncertain about an in-person fall 2020 semester, but is encouraging staff and faculty members to be flexible and prepared for all scenarios.
Andy Fasulo (right) and Jim Ruane (right)

Longtime Public Safety Supervisor Andy Fasulo Passes Away at 57

May 18, 2020
At his home in Cortlandt Manor, New York, Andrew “Andy” Fasulo, the supervisor of Fordham’s department of public safety for eight years, passed away from a heart attack on May 14. He was 57 years old.
a NYC metrocard being pulled out of a wallet with a Fordham ID in it

Fordham’s Financial Steps and Missteps During the Pandemic

May 13, 2020
With pressure from students, faculty and policymakers, Fordham's financial steps during the pandemic became subject to criticism.
headshot of law professor joel reidenberg

Influential Law Professor on Privacy in the Digital Age Dies at 59

May 10, 2020
Law professor Joel Reidenberg passed away on April 21 after a hard-fought battle with leukemia.
Josh Castilon woke up at 5 a.m. and put a mask and gloves on to head to Dunkin’ Donuts. He picked up donuts, bagels and coffee to bring to the nurses and doctors at Mount Sinai Morningside.

FLOW Students Give Back to the NYC Frontliners

May 6, 2020
Filipinos of LC Offering Welcome (FLOW) is giving back to NYC healthcare workers by delivering food and supplies to the hardest-hit hospitals in the country.
a portrait of Professor Vinoc

Professor’s Algorithm Forecasts Italian Outbreak

April 28, 2020
Limits in COVID-19 testing are preventing accurate predictions of the virus’s spread. A computer algorithm developed by a Fordham professor of Economics, Rick Vinod, offers a solution to this issue, despite the limited data.
A survey conducted at FCLC asked students understandings and perceptions about the coronavirus pandemic.

Special Report: Survey Reveals Fordham Students’ Knowledge of the Coronavirus

April 15, 2020
The Observer circulated an anonymous survey to 121 Fordham College at Lincoln Center students to gauge the student body’s understanding of COVID-19.
Some students are forced to take classes early in the morning that would be at a normal time at Fordham, had in-person instruction not been canceled.

Taking Classes Across the Globe

April 14, 2020
The switch to online classes for the 2020 spring semester as a part of Fordham’s plan to protect against the spread of coronavirus, has caused disruptions in many Fordham students’ schedules.
A red car with the rear hatch open as two people pack it with moving boxes in front of McMahon Hall

Abrupt Ending to the Spring Semester Sparks Move-Out Dilemma

March 30, 2020
When the novel coronavirus outbreak in New York City reached a state of emergency, the Office of Residential Life mandated residential students to return home immediately and not come back to campus. At Fordham University, many students consider the University to be their primary residence during the academic year, and the mandate left many students struggling to coordinate their housing and travel plans.
All Study Abroad in Europe Canceled, Another Potential Fordham Exposure Revealed

All Study Abroad in Europe Canceled, Another Potential Fordham Exposure Revealed

March 11, 2020
Students who may have been in contact with the staff member were notified by Keith Eldredge, Fordham Lincoln Center assistant vice president and dean of students, and their rooms were deep-cleaned by custodial services.
USG Vice President Robert Stryczek talks to students about their concerns at the second town hall meeting.

[Photo] Lack of Student Involvement Causes Town Hall Concerns

By KATRINA LAMBERT • March 3, 2020

USG Vice President Robert Stryczek talks to students about their concerns at the second town hall meeting.

Protesters in Columbus Circle chanted "Trump is guilty" while Trump fans wave flags in his support, after the Senate find him not guilty.

New Yorkers Demand Accountability Following Trump’s Acquittal

February 19, 2020
Following President Donald Trump’s acquittal by the Senate and conclusion of his impeachment trial, thousands of protestors responded by mobilizing at Columbus Circle, one block away from Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. The protest took place on Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. as a part of a larger campaign by “Reject The Cover-up,” a coalition of protest groups that joined together weeks before the Senate ended Trump’s impeachment trial without calling witnesses.
Trained EMT Lincoln Center students hope to offer expanded training sessions across Fordham's campuses.

FUEMS Looks to Lincoln Center

February 5, 2020
Fordham University Emergency Medical Services (FUEMS) created a Lincoln Center committee on Sept. 29, 2019, in order to make the club more accessible to students at the Lincoln Center campus. However, as a club founded at Rose Hill, it still has yet to be recognized as an official club by the Office of Student Involvement at Lincoln Center.
Connor Wright, FCRH '22, along with fellow teammates, helped save a man from drowning in Miami.

Man Saved by Fordham Swimmers: ‘You guys gave me a new life’

January 28, 2020
A training session in Miami, Florida, on Jan. 10 turned into a full-fledged rescue by three members of Fordham’s men’s swim team when they noticed a man struggling in the ocean’s riptide. 
Tracyann Williams, pictured above, will take on her new role of Assistant Dean for Student Support and Success on Feb. 5.

Fordham Takes Action With New Dean for Student Support

January 22, 2020
The Assistant Dean’s Office at Lincoln Center — currently composed of four deans for each class and transfer students — is welcoming a new face to the team: the Assistant Dean for Student Support and Success.
The Interfaith Ministry Board in the Lowenstein corridor displays the Star of David that was riped in half.

Campus Hate Crimes Persist

December 4, 2019
Public Safety sent an alert to the Fordham community on Wednesday, Nov. 20, that a Star of David was ripped and posted to the interfaith ministry bulletin board in a Lowenstein corridor on the Lincoln Center campus.
USG President Tina Thermadam (right) and Vice President Robert Stryczek (left) hope to improve communication.

USG Town Hall Spotlights Student Concerns

December 4, 2019
Fordham Lincoln Center’s United Student Government (USG) prepared for the upcoming spring semester by hosting their first Town Hall on Nov. 14 to hear the student body’s concerns on Fordham’s mandatory health care, Food Services’ price increase, and the transparency of the Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) at Fordham.
The GovChallenge, created by the non-profit Lead for America, works to give young people a voice in local government.

Fordham Junior Leads Local Government Challenge

October 30, 2019
Shauna Fortier, Fordham College at Rose Hill ’21, is working with the Bronx government, the Fordham Political Science Department and the non-profit Lead for America to launch a case competition called the “GovChallenge” at Fordham University.
The M2Moms Conference hopes to better identify and appeal to the financial needs and spending habits of mothers.

Marketing to More than Moms

October 30, 2019
With the hope to reshape the way advertisers look at women for products, Fordham’s Center for Positive Marketing organized the 15th annual Marketing to Moms conference, which took place on Oct. 16 and 17 at Fordham Lincoln Center’s Pope Auditorium.
After nearly a decade at Fordham, Desciak will start his new career at Boston College.

Starting Fresh: Dean Desciak Departs Fordham University

October 2, 2019
After a nearly decade of working at Fordham University, former Assistant Dean for First-Year Students Joseph Desciak departed from Fordham to start a new pursuit as the Associate Dean for Boston College.
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