ZEPHYR TEACHOUT
Zephyr Teachout announces run for New York attorney general
AP News 11-15-21
Teachout, 50, is an associate professor of law at Fordham University and a scholar on corruption and antitrust laws.

LAURA AURICCHIO
The U.S.-France relationship has always had friction
The Washington Post 11-15-21
Laura Auricchio, Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center, is the author of “The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered” and serves on the scientific advisory board for France in the Americas, an international collaborative project led by the French National Library.

MARK NAISON
How GOP focused voters on critical race theory
USA Today 11-16-21
Mark Naison, a professor of history and African American studies at Fordham University, told USA TODAY that critical race theory is used as a label to attack all efforts to diversify school curricula. “There is no school system in the country which uses it as a basis for curricular development,” Naison said.

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

Bachelor’s Degree Center Releases National Rankings of Real Estate Degree Programs
PR Newswire 11-16-21
Fordham University – Bronx, NY

ADMINISTRATORS

JEFEREY NG
Campus Counselors Are Burned Out and Short-Staffed
The Chronicle of Higher Education 11-15-21
Jeffrey Ng, director of counseling and psychological services at Fordham University, reports that the number of students seen for clinical appointments has risen 42 percent since last fall.

LAURA AURICCHIO
The U.S.-France relationship has always had friction
The Washington Post 11-15-21
Laura Auricchio, Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center, is the author of “The Marquis: Lafayette Reconsidered” and serves on the scientific advisory board for France in the Americas, an international collaborative project led by the French National Library.

BARBARA PORCO
Last Place Finish Of Systemic Risk Management Reporting In ESG Survey Raises Red Flags
Forbes 11-16-21
“All elements of ESG reporting are really based on proper risk management,” according to Barbara Porco, director for the Center of Professional Accounting Practices at Fordham Business School.

SCHOOL OF LAW

New report calls for greater equity in middle and high school admissions
Inside Schools newsletter 11-17-21
A new report by the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham University School of Law calls on the city to overhaul middle and high school admissions by taking some concrete steps.

FORMER SCHOOL OF LAW FACULTY

ALISON NATHAN
President Biden Names Tenth Round of Judicial Nominees
The White House 11-17-21
Judge Nathan was a Fritz Alexander Fellow at New York University School of Law from 2008 to 2009 and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at Fordham University Law School from 2006 to 2008.

SCHOOL OF LAW FACULTY

BRUCE GREEN
Legal Professors’ Lawsuit Spotlights Resistance to Prosecutor Accountability
Filter Magazine 11-12-21
“Were [the state bar]motivated by the fact that the complaints were filed publicly so that a failure to act expeditiously would look bad?” Bruce Green, a Fordham Law professor not involved in filing the complaints, rhetorically asked.

MARTIN FLAHERTY
What one American’s case says about the future of the courts in Hong Kong
Vox 11-14-21
“My sense is that [Hong Kong’s rule of law is] on life support — but the prognosis is not very good,” said Martin Flaherty, a professor of international law at Fordham University.

ZEPHYR TEACHOUT
Zephyr Teachout announces run for New York attorney general
AP News 11-15-21
Teachout, 50, is an associate professor of law at Fordham University and a scholar on corruption and antitrust laws.

BENNETT CAPERS
Iowa scores lowest in the nation in policing and corrections spending
The Center Square 11-15-21
“These expenditures mean less money for schools, for libraries, for parks, you name it,” Fordham Law School Professor and Center on Race, Law, and Justice Director Bennett Capers said. “More importantly, they mean less money for things that could actually reduce crime, such as more affordable housing, job creation, and mental health treatment.”

JOHN PFAFF
Rittenhouse doesn’t have to prove he acted in self-defense
The Washington Post 11-15-21
John Pfaff is a professor of law at Fordham University. He is the author of “Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform.”

BRUCE GREEN
Bad romance: When courts won’t let lawyers and clients part ways
Reuters 11-16-21
As legal ethics expert Bruce Green, a professor at Fordham University School of Law, put it, “To have an effective lawyer-client relationship requires trust between the lawyer and the client.”

JOHN PFAFF
He’s Remaking Criminal Justice in L.A. But How Far Is Too Far?
DNYUZ 11-17-21
The single largest group in state prisons, totaling around 55 percent nationally, have been convicted of crimes of violence, according to John Pfaff, a law professor at Fordham University.

ALAN RUSSO
How Social Inflation is Changing Liability Insurance
Legal TalknNetwork 11-18-21
He’s also a regular lecturer for the National Business Institute on trial advocacy, and an instructor for the Corporation Counsel’s Trial Advocacy Program at Fordham University Law School and regular contributor to Lawline.

GABELLI SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACULTY

DENISE BENNETT
Denise L. Bennett: Reaching a hand back in the business world
New York Amsterdam News 11-17-21
Along with her positions at iHeartMedia, Bennett just completed her first year as a professor at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where she teaches Advanced Business Communications at the graduate level.

ARTS & SCIENCES FACULTY

CHRISTINA GREER
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown faces backlash after winning write-in campaign
City and State NY 11-12-21
“Oftentimes, if you’ve been elected four different times, you’re not terribly worried about a primary, and so you tend to let your guard down just a little bit,” Fordham University associate professor of political science Christina Greer told City & State. “Ask Joe Crowley, right?”

MARK NAISON
How critical race theory went from conservative battle cry to mainstream powder keg
Yahoo News via USA Today 11-15-21
Mark Naison, a professor of history and African American studies at Fordham University, told USA TODAY that critical race theory is used as a label to attack all efforts to diversify public school curricula.

SAUL CORNELL
Will SCOTUS Force Us All to Find Out How Polite an Armed Society Will Be?
History News Network 11-14-21
Fordham Professor Saul Cornell, one of the leading authorities on early American constitutional thought, led 16 professors of history and law in a brief, arguing that “One of the longest continuous traditions in Anglo-American law are limits on the public carry of arms in populous areas.”

SAUL CORNELL
Former Prosecutor: “Wild West” Will Follow If NY Carry Laws Struck Down
BearingArms.com 11-15-21
Fordham Professor Saul Cornell, one of the leading authorities on early American constitutional thought, led 16 professors of history and law in a brief, arguing that “One of the longest continuous traditions in Anglo-American law are limits on the public carry of arms in populous areas.”

MARK NAISON
BronxTalk I November 15, 2021 – Racial Disparities
Bronx Net 11-15-21
…Dr. Mark Naison, Professor of African American Studies and History at Fordham University and Founder and Director of the Bronx African American History Project.

CHARLES CAMOSEY
Catholic groups criticize Archbishop Gomez for speech on ‘woke’ movements
Crux.com 11-16-21
He is an associate professor of theological and social ethics at Jesuit-run Fordham University.

MARK NAISON
How GOP focused voters on critical race theory
USA Today 11-16-21
Mark Naison, a professor of history and African American studies at Fordham University, told USA TODAY that critical race theory is used as a label to attack all efforts to diversify school curricula. “There is no school system in the country which uses it as a basis for curricular development,” Naison said.

CHRISTINA GREER
As N.J. Dems lick their wounds over 2021, 2022 looms
New Jersey Monitor 11-17-21
Christina Greer, politics professor at Fordham University, pointed to the failure of the party to capitalize on popular provisions in the infrastructure and spending bills that have been D.C.’s focus for months.

ATHLETICS

Largest Number of Ridgefield High School Athletes Ever Participate in Signing Day
Ridgefield’s Hamlethub 11-12-21
Daniel Bucciero, RHS class of 2022, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play Division 1 baseball at Fordham University…Miranda Bonitatebus, RHS class of 2022, has signed a National Letter of Intent to swim on the women’s swim and dive team at Fordham University…Eva Niemeyer, RHS class of 2022, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play women’s soccer at Fordham University in New York.

That Noise You Heard Was The Entire Atlantic Ten Conference Shitting Their Pants; The Loyola Ramblers Will Join The A10 In 2022
Barstool Sports 11-17-21
Fellow Jesuit institutions Fordham University, Saint Joseph’s University and Saint Louis University are current members of the Atlantic 10 Conference and in joining the A-10, Loyola will renew rivalries with The University of Dayton, Duquesne University, La Salle University and Saint Louis University, which were all-conference foes of the Ramblers at one time in the Midwestern Collegiate Conference.

STUDENTS

Amid Black exodus, young Catholics are pushing the church to address racism
The Washington Post 11-15-21
To John Barnes, who will be leading an upcoming webinar episode, says, “Black people always exist in liminal spaces.” Barnes, a doctoral student in systematic theology at Fordham University, converted to Catholicism in his 30s and said he was drawn by the religion’s sacraments and rituals.

Food Insecurity Linked to Disordered Eating in Patients With Obesity
Clinical Advisor 11-15-21
While more than 14 million US households experience food insecurity, research on the relationship between food insecurity and eating pathology is only just emerging, explained Jill Stadterman, MA, of Fordham University, and lead author of one of the studies with coauthors Yvette G.

ALUMNI

Former Japanese Princess Arrives In U.S. For New Life With Husband
Forbes 11-14-21
Mako is the elder daughter of Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and niece of Emperor Naruhito, while her new husband was raised by a single mother and graduated from Fordham Law School, according to the Associated Press.

Cedar Fair hires a new chief legal officer
CrainsCleveland.com 11-15-21
Nurse earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a law degree from Fordham University School of Law.

Built on Beer
RichmondMagazine.com 11-15-21
McKay graduated from Fordham, earning his MBA, and Murtaugh attended Siebel Institute of Technology, the oldest brewing school in the United States, with campuses in Chicago and Germany.

Sam Ramirez Jr., a second-generation investment executive for the people
Al Dia 11-17-21
He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Vermont, before pursuing two MBAs at Dartmouth and Fordham University, respectively.

Bressler, Amery & Ross Welcomes Jorge Campos as Counsel in New York Office
PR Newswire 11-17-21
He went on to earn his Executive MBA in Global Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona and an LL.M in Intellectual Property and Information Technology from Fordham University School of Law.

Msgr. John P. “Doc” Monaghan (1890-1961)
Catholic New York 11-17-21
Assigned to St. Peter’s Church on Staten Island, Father Monaghan taught at St. Peter’s Boys and Girls High Schools, while pursuing a doctorate in English literature at Fordham University.

Crowder College names finalists for president
The Joplin Globe 11-16-21
She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, administration and policy from Fordham University in New York, and a master’s degree in higher education administration and a bachelor’s degree in international marketing from Bernard M. Baruch College, CUNY, in New York.

Loyola Academy names new president
Evanston Now 11-17-21
He holds bachelor’s degrees from the University of Dayton in mechanical engineering and English and master’s degrees in English from Pennsylvania State University, in philosophy from Fordham University, in theology from Boston College, and in educational policy and management and in public administration from Harvard University.

Four finalists announced in Crowder College President Search
FourStatesHomepage.com 11-17-21
She previously served as Administrator for Retention and Student Success at Bronx Community College, CUNY, in New York, NY. Dr. Simpson earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy from Fordham University in New York, NY; a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Marketing from Bernard M. Baruch College, CUNY, in New York, NY.

Erin Dahl, Home Décor Expert for MyDomaine
MyDomaine.com 11-18-21
She went on to study French Language & Literature and International Political Economy at Fordham University in the Bronx.

Cuban scholar publishes new book detailing Cuba’s history through stamps
The Independent Florida Alligator 11-17-21
In the U.S. he earned a J.D. from Fordham University Law School and a M.A. in Political Science from Columbia University.

OBITUARIES

James Brundage
Lawrence Journal-World 11-15-21
B.A. (1950) and M.A. (1951) from the University of Nebraska; Ph.D. (1955) Fordham University.

Betty Starr, 93, longtime Katonah resident, educator and St. Luke’s parishioner
The Record-Review 11-15-21
She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from Fordham University and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Chicago.

William J. DuMond
Legacy.com 11-16-21
Will attained a perfect score on his college entry exam and received an academic scholarship to Fordham University.

Sister Maureen McDermott, Catholic school leader, dies at 65
CatholicPhilly.com 11-17-21
Along the way she earned a master’s degree in English from West Chester University and a Ph.D. in Catholic educational leadership from Fordham University.

Vincent R. Harter
Legacy.com 11-18-21
Vince’s essence remains with us.
Vince was a graduate of Fordham University, served in and retired from the United States Air Force, worked in the private sector, was involved in the wellbeing and maintenance of St. John’s Catholic School in Belleville, coached sports, volunteered his time at St. Luke’s in Belleville and never knew a stranger.

“I think that part was the most painful for her. When I think about it, it’s really painful for me to think that something had happened to somebody I love, and nobody would stand up,” said Park-Taylor, an associate professor of counseling psychology and a director of training in the Graduate School of Education.

Park-Taylor shared this story as a part of a virtual community convening on anti-Asian violence and racism on March 24, which brought together more than 200 members of the Fordham community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian bias, attacks, and harassment have been on the rise. Stop AAPI Hate, a nonprofit, documented almost 3,800 hate incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from March 2020 to February 2021. Most recently, six Asian American women were murdered in Atlanta.

Members of the Fordham community, including Park-Taylor; Mary Balingit, associate director for diversity initiatives in the Office of Admissions; Arthur Liu, a Fordham College at Rose Hill sophomore and president of Fordham’s Asian Cultural Exchange; and Stephen Hong Sohn, Ph.D., professor and Thomas F.X. and Theresa Mullarkey Chair in Literature, along with moderator Rafael Zapata, chief diversity officer and special assistant to the president for diversity, reflected on the impact of anti-Asian violence. They discussed ways to build community and heal, and talked about possibilities for interracial solidarity.

“I think what’s a little bit different about this moment is just the level of fear that I’ve heard communicated,” Sohn said. “It’s been higher than I’ve ever anecdotally seen before, and the circumstances coming out of COVID make the experience slightly unique as well.. But I think it’s important for us to realize this is part of a longer historical genealogy of anti-Asian sentiments that has reemerged in light of these circumstances.”

Liu, who is originally from Hong Kong, said that he “thinks fondly of the United States,” but that he had to convince his friends back home that many Americans weren’t like the political leaders who were making anti-Asian remarks.

“The political rhetoric surrounding COVID-19 and what Donald Trump has said—what he said was incredibly hurtful,” Liu said.

He also said he had friends ask him if he was considering taking martial arts classes to learn how to defend himself in case he was attacked.

“You shouldn’t have to feel the need to know how to defend yourself in a civil society,” he said. “And so I was taken aback by that initially, but honestly, I’m kind of buying into the idea, because I just feel a heightened sense of awareness and being scared.”

That sense of awareness is something that Park-Taylor said she has personally grappled with.

“When I think about the experiences of racism I’ve gone through throughout my life, I can think of it as this duality—sometimes I feel really invisible. I feel like I’m not seen at all, I’m not heard and silenced,” she said. “But then there are times when I feel hyper visible. There were (times when) I’m the only Asian person in a classroom. Or instances where I’m particularly targeted because I’m an Asian woman and [because of]the stereotypes about Asian women.”

Balingit said those negative stereotypes, which have been perpetuated throughout history, were on display when the Asian women were killed in Atlanta.

“That shared experience of being an Asian woman—the negative stereotypes that say that we’re docile, and that we’re quiet, we’re apolitical, and that we are weak—I think that played into that, and to what happened last week in Atlanta,” she said.

Park-Taylor said that she hoped people now have a better understanding of microaggressions and intersectionality.

“There’s a unique positionality that an Asian woman occupies in this place and space,” she said.

Balingit said that solidarity between minority communities is essential to combating these acts and other types of racism and white supremacy.

“I think what’s important is look at the history—we have to look at the history of our solidarity first, and to Rafael (Zapata’s) point is how everything is rooted mainly in white supremacy and how this perpetuates the pitting of minorities against each other,” she said. “Let’s not let this divide us even more, especially at a time like now where we’re also very isolated already.”

Zapata also stressed the importance of bystander intervention, and noted there are trainings on the topic, such as the one offered through Hollaback!, a global movement to end harassment.

“We had been working on a panel on this issue just as the murders in Atlanta took place, which was especially devastating, and made clear for all to see what far too many AAPI people in the U.S. had been experiencing at higher rates since the beginning of the pandemic,” Zapata said. “It also made participating in the panel more of a challenge, because of the emotional toll it could take on participants. I’m so grateful to the panelists for all they shared.”

For students, staff, and faculty, who might be struggling to handle anti-Asian hate and violence, Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services put together a resource sheet.

Jeffrey Ng, Psy. D, director of Fordham’s Counseling and Psychological Services and a licensed clinical psychologist, encouraged those in attendance to be there for their friends, families, and colleagues who might be dealing with acts of discrimination and racism.

“The immediate thought that comes to my mind is just to take the time to listen is so important, to try to be present and to be attuned to what your POC students or colleagues or peers might be sharing with you,” said Ng, who will be moderating a second community convening on March 29. “The validation and the affirmation is so critical for the healing process.”

“Heightened worry, fear, and anxiety are understandable responses to the uncertainty, disruptions, and challenges that our students—and really all of us—are currently experiencing in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Ng said.

With news and information flowing rapidly, these emotions are normal, Ng said, But he cautioned that they could also contribute to a disproportionate reaction from some people.

“It’s important to not overestimate—or underestimate—the risks and threats of the current situation, which we’re more likely to do in situations that are unfamiliar or novel,” he said. “Being able to identify and distinguish between real and perceived risks is important for ensuring that our worries, anxieties, and behaviors are proportional to the actual circumstances.”

Carol Gibney, an Ignatian yoga teacher and campus minister at Fordham, emphasized that it’s important to take care of oneself and focus on what can be controlled.

“I think that first and foremost is to try to stay safe and healthy—you can’t help anyone else unless you help yourself,” she said.

Still, Gibney said during a crisis like this, the Jesuit practice of being men and women for others is more important than ever.

“Check in on people that we know tend to isolate,” she said. “Continue to have conversations with each other—whether it’s on the phone or if it’s virtual.”

Ng said it’s important for parents, faculty, and others to pay attention to specific student populations who might be more vulnerable to “worsening mental or emotional health concerns.”

Some of them might be specifically concerned about campus closing, such as graduating seniors, who may be grieving the abrupt loss and disruption of their anticipated “senior experience,” or students who are vulnerable to loneliness and social withdrawal.

Students with pre-existing mental and behavioral health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse or dependence, as well as those from lower income backgrounds who may not have secure housing, food, internet access, or other essential resources for online and remote instruction may also be particularly at risk.

He also warned that Asian and Asian-American students might be vulnerable due to increased anti-Asian bias, discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping. And international students might be dealing with prolonged separations from their loved ones.

While Ng said his office will be providing essential mental health services to students remotely during this time, through phone calls, Zoom, and Webex, he also encouraged students to identify, become familiar with, and utilize local mental health resources and supports in their communities.

For everyone dealing with new restrictions and the anxieties that come with them, Ng and Gibney offered tips that can help make this period go as smoothly as possible.

Find a Community

Social distancing, or for those who might have been exposed to the virus, self-isolation, can feel lonely, Ng and Gibney said. But staying in touch with your friends, family, and other loved ones can make it a little easier.

“Students can still interact with those they live with,” Ng said. “And they can of course use email, social media, video conferencing, phones, etc. to interact and stay connected with their friends and family remotely.”

Gibney said that she and a group of her friends have started a “gratitude text thread” to help them feel less stressed during this time.

“We started a gratitude list— we share three things (daily) that we’re grateful for,” she said.

For people of faith, particularly those who are missing their faith community because their local place of worship is closed, Gibney suggests finding a prayer they can pray at home to help them find strength. Gibney said both of the prayers address the uncertainty and needs of this time and she’s incorporated them into her prayer routine— “Lockdown” by Father Richard Hendrick and a prayer from Kerry Weber, the executive editor of America.

“Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care,” Weber’s prayer, posted on March 2, read. “Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another. Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.”

Get Outside

While authorities have urged people not to gather together in groups and to maintain a physical distance of approximately six feet from others, that doesn’t mean everyone has to be housebound.

“Unless instructed otherwise by our local/national health authorities, social distancing doesn’t mean never leaving our homes, going for a walk, shopping for groceries, or interacting at all with others,” Ng said. “What it does mean though is that we’ll need to be doing these things in a more limited, intentional, and conscientious manner.”

Gibney said one of her favorite ways to feel centered is to explore nature.

“The great outdoors always speaks to me—looking at the clouds, looking at a tree, being aware of nature’s beauty—are ways that can help people find consolation,” she said.

Before going outdoors, people should review and follow instructions of local authorities and maintain proper social distancing.

Take Care of Yourself

A good way to handle a lot of the emotions and uncertainties during this time is to allow yourself to feel them and then let them out, Ng said.

“Acknowledge, lean into, and express your feelings rather than avoiding or suppressing them, he said. “This can be done in a variety of ways, including journaling, painting, dancing, or talking—remotely if necessary—to a friend, family member, mentor, or mental health professional.”

He also encouraged everyone to strengthen their self-care practices and attend to basic needs, such as sleep, diet, exercise, and social connection, while maintaining self-compassion in case not everything can get done.

“The current circumstances will likely make it more challenging for us to stay on track or get things done as effectively as we might have wanted or planned for,” he said. “Being kinder, gentler, and more patient with ourselves when this happens will go a long way toward preserving and enhancing our mental health and well-being.

Step Away from the News

The round-the-clock information pouring in from the media can be overwhelming.

“I think it’s important just to step away from the constant newsfeeds and news stations, which can raise anxiety in people,” Gibney said.

Ng recommended that people “be more intentional and discerning about the news and information they are consuming,” and try to focus more on factual news, instead of sensational pieces that could spread misinformation. He also recommended putting a time limit on how much COVID-19 news a person consumes each day.

Seek Help if Needed

Above all else, Ng said that if someone begins to experience any of the following, they should seek professional help: persistent sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability, hopelessness, or feelings of being completely overwhelmed; sustained loss of interest in social or pleasurable activities; significant impairments or changes in daily functioning, such as sleep, appetite, or hygiene; thoughts about death, dying, or suicide; and impulsive, reckless, or risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-injury.

Being Present:

While so many things can seem out of our control, Gibney called on all to focus on what they can control in this time and find calm where they can. That can also help people be there for others.

“Just try to be present for our loved ones, our colleagues, and friends and family,” she said.

Below are some tips, ideas, and time-honored traditions from members of the Fordham community to help make the holiday fun, restorative, and as stress-free as possible.

Gratitude for Family—‘the Greatest Blessing’

Thanksgiving brings with it the chance to reflect on our blessings, and chief among them is family, said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham.

“I find myself singing ‘We Gather Together’ often in the course of the day,” said Father McShane, referring to the traditional Thanksgiving hymn. “Moreover, as the ordained member of my family, I lead grace at our Thanksgiving dinner. Prior to offering the prayer, I ask my family to spend a few moments in silent prayer reviewing all of the graces and blessings that they have experienced in the course of the year (and in the course of their lives), with special emphasis on the people God has brought into our lives. We dwell in that moment and savor the rich memories we all have of those who used to be with us around the Thanksgiving table. Then we pray in a formal way and toast our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters—the greatest blessing that God sent us.”

Friendsgiving Dinners

For those who find themselves without plans for a big Thanksgiving dinner, or for those who’d like to squeeze in an extra one and meet some new people in the process, Fordham student entrepreneurs have got you covered.

Gabelli School students Joseph Zoyhofski, Liam Scott, Alex TenBarge, and Emily Lehman founded a meal-sharing platform called the Provecho Project, after the Spanish phrase buen provecho which roughly translates to “enjoy your meal.”

The site works by allowing users to advertise a meal they’d like to make at home, and how much they plan to charge for it. Those interested can sign on, and the site charges a small processing fee on top of the price of the meal.

Last year, the group staged its first “Friendsgiving,” in which a provecho, or meal, was held every day for the week leading up to Thanksgiving. With a new website up and running, Zoyhofski said they’re excited to stage Friendsgiving again this year, from Nov. 21 to 27.

The meals have primarily attracted students, although they are open to all members of the Fordham community. To join a meal, visit their website.

A Holiday Classic: Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse

When it comes to Thanksgiving dessert, most people expect a table full of pies. But one Fordham employee whips up something different each year: homemade chocolate mousse.

“My husband’s a real chocoholic, so I always have to have something chocolate for him for dessert,” said Patricia Wolff, a Fordham financial aid counselor. “I started making it 30 years ago, and it’s delicious.”

The recipe—originally created by acclaimed chef Julia Child—calls for a quarter cup of dark-brewed coffee. Wolff said she adds two shots of hot espresso, used to melt the chocolate.

Besides being delicious, the dessert is convenient.

“You make it the day before, so it just sits in the fridge,” Wolff said. “There’s always too much going on in the oven, so that’s another good reason to have this for Thanksgiving.”

Finding the Right Wine

For those looking for the perfect Thanksgiving wine, Gabriella Macari, GABELLI ’09, of Macari Vineyards in Mattituck on Long Island, reminds everyone that, “the first rule of wine pairings is that there are no rules.”

Still, she had a few pieces of advice for those looking for the perfect bottle.

“Traditional Thanksgiving pairings include wines that pair with turkey such as light-bodied reds; Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay are great choices,” said Macari, a certified sommelier.

While many people continue to serve red with dessert, Macari recommends switching to a sparkling wine. Finding a wine with meaning can also make it taste that much sweeter.

“Holiday wines should be delicious and can be even better if they mean something to you,” Macari said. “For us, for example, opening an old vintage of one of our wines to share with friends and family is very meaningful and evokes strong emotion.”

Macari also encouraged people to shop local wines for the American holiday.

“American wines are now better than ever,” she said.

Prioritizing Wellness

When everyone’s done with dinner, dessert, and libations, the living room couch beckons. But some families are looking for more ways to stay active and burn a few of those extra calories.

“Consider a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning,” Jeanne Molloy, wellness manager at Fordham, said. “These 5Ks have grown in popularity and can be walked in 45 to 60 minutes if you haven’t trained to run it. That morning outing will help boost your metabolism all day.”

A post-walk dinner with the dogs can also be a way to stretch the legs and make your pets happy, Molloy said.

Sarah Bickford, the administrator of fitness and recreation at the Ram Fit Center, said physical activity can have the added benefit of helping to ward off any holiday blues.

“The holidays can also be a stressful time for people,” she said. “Exercise or group activities can be a great way to help people relax, come together, and feel better.”

Handling Stress

For some, stress will be inevitable. Jeffrey Ng, Psy.D., director of counseling and psychological services (CPS) at Fordham, offered advice on coping with challenging situations.

One of the more common concerns reported by students is balancing family time, self-care, and schoolwork over the holidays—especially right before final exams and project deadlines, said Ng. He advised students to proactively plan their time and identify their needs before break arrives, and to try to be transparent with family and friends about what’s on their plate.

Another common issue is interacting with family members or friends who have differing social or political beliefs, said Ng.

“The college years are a time of heightened identity formation and change, and a student’s emerging beliefs and perspectives may be diverging from their family of origin’s values and perspectives,” said Ng. “While it can be meaningful and growthful to figure out how to navigate potential tensions with family members, it’s also okay to opt out of some interactions or conversations that may feel particularly activating or overwhelming.”

For those who might be alone on Thanksgiving, try to find local opportunities to engage in community service and connect with friends, Ng said. And, he added, be careful with social media usage—too much scrolling may exacerbate feelings of social comparison, FOMO, and loneliness.

“The mind gravitates toward negative experiences and events so we need to intentionally practice gratitude,” Ng said. “The more we practice gratitude outside the context of holidays like Thanksgiving, the more we’ll be able to do so under more challenging circumstances.”

Books that Conjure Gratitude

With plenty of holiday time off and the cold winter months looming, Thanksgiving represents a good time to start plotting wintertime reading. Fred Nachbaur, director of Fordham University Press, said he’s grateful for a couple of recent reads.

Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe (Knopf Doubleday, 2019) is a reminder of darker times in Northern Ireland.

To be honest, I didn’t really know much about the IRA and their covert operations or those of the British government,” said Nachbaur.

The book begins with the abduction of a widowed mother of 10 living in public housing and goes on to give a detailed history of the “Troubles” and the cast of characters involved.

“It reads like a crime story—totally compelling and mind-blowing; I learned a lot,” he said. “We often forget about the more tumultuous times that make you appreciate the relative peace we enjoy here.”

Closer to home, Nachbaur said he is very grateful for Susan Greenfield’s oral history, Sacred Shelter: Thirteen Journeys of Homelessness and Healing (Fordham University Press, 2019). He noted that all of the contributors helped put life into perspective.

Nachbaur feels thankful for one essay in particular, titled “Reflection: Hope,” written by a social worker who worked with a group of formerly incarcerated individuals.

“The author opens up about her difficulty with being adopted and experiencing a deep sense of loss and not fitting in,” he said. She found healing in working through the anger that group members shared stemming from adoption and feeling abandoned by their parents.

“My daughter is adopted and this piece really helped me better understand her challenges,” said Nachbaur. “I am very grateful to the author,” he said.

Giving Beyond the Season of Giving

Every year around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays there’s an uptick in volunteering. But how can these seasonal volunteers carry the do-good spirit to the rest of the year?

Arto Woodley, Ed.D., executive director for the Center for Community Engaged Learning, said one way to connect with others is to connect with yourself first.

“First ask yourself, what is your passion in reference to engaging in communities, and why is it important to you?” said Woodley. Also, volunteers should consider whether they are looking for a one-time event or sustained involvement, he said.

And rather than reach out to organizations and ask when they need volunteers, Woodley suggests an “asset-based approach” that will help volunteers align their strengths with an organization’s strengths year-round. He suggests that “needs-based” volunteering will inevitably lead to “volunteer fatigue,” because there will always be a new need.

“This requires a paradigm shift from volunteering to engagement and building deeper relationships with organizations and community partners,” he said. “I definitely prefer the model where the organization and the volunteer build something constructive together.”

— Reporting by Taylor Ha, Kelly Kultys, Tom Stoelker, and Patrick Verel

Or, in a crisis, can contact Public Safety at:
Rose Hill – 718-817-2222
Lincoln Center – 212-636-6076
Westchester – 914-367-3333Evan Nasky, a National Merit Scholar and a promising actor, was 21 years old when he committed suicide. The tragedy came as a shock to his loved ones, who said they had not even known that Evan was depressed.

Laurie Boncimino, a college student in Michigan with a passion for social service, was 20 when she committed suicide. Joshua Anderson, just 17, never made it to his freshman year.

Their stories were among hundreds featured in a traveling suicide prevention exhibit that stopped at Fordham’s Rose Hill Campus on March 30. More than 1,100 empty backpacks—many of them bearing photos and stories donated by deceased students’ families—were scattered across Edwards Parade as a powerful illustration of the number of college students who die each year by suicide.

Mental health awareness

The daylong exhibit was a prelude to Fordham’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Beginning April 7, the week will feature events such as music therapy and a Fordham TED Talk in an effort to raise campus-wide awareness about the importance of cultivating mental health as well as seeking help for mental illness.

“There is a misconception that people are entirely responsible for their own psychological and emotional struggles. Many people wrongly believe that someone suffering from a mental illness can just snap out of it,” said Jeffrey Ng, PsyD, director of Counseling and Psychological Services.

“The goal of this awareness week is to show that we all have a role to play in optimizing our students’ wellness and mental health.”

Hand-painted signs lining Edwards Parade told sobering facts about mental illness among 18- to 24-year-olds—for instance, that suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and that as many as 44 percent of students report having felt so depressed in the past year that it was difficult to function.

Combating stigma and silence

Send Silence Packing is an initiative by the national mental health awareness organization Active Minds, a nonprofit founded in 2003 by then-college student Alison Malmon after losing her 22-year-old brother to suicide. Since its launch in 2008, the exhibit has traveled to more than 85 cities nationwide to shed light on college student suicide and to promote healthy dialogue about mental health.

Fordham College at Rose Hill juniors Gloria Siclari and Catarina Araujo established the first Active Minds chapter at Fordham, joining more than 400 other student-led chapters across the country. The duo managed to secure Fordham as the first stop on the Send Silence Packing spring 2015 tour, which will visit colleges and universities throughout the northeast from March 30 to May 1.

“You can’t ignore this display,” said Siclari, who has lost several family members to suicide. “I think it’s amazing we’ve had this ability to touch so many students on campus today. It’s not easy to talk about these issues, but we have to.”

“In so many of these stories, families said that they didn’t see the signs,” said Rose Hill junior Vanessa Agovida as she wandered through the rows of backpacks. “It makes me wonder about the people around me who might be hurting and are hiding it really well.”

Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off this afternoon with a tabling event at the McGinley Center, which will be followed by a “stress buster” training at the CPS office.

“I want students to know and understand that they’re not alone in their struggle—that there’s help, resources, and support available,” Ng said. “There’s no shame or weakness in reaching out. It’s a sign of strength and maturity to ask for help when we need it.”

For a complete list of Awareness Week events, visit the Facebook page.

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“I’m homesick.”

“I just feel blue.”

More than 87 percent of Fordham students reported feeling overwhelmed by all of the demands and challenges they faced last year, according to an annual benchmarking survey conducted by Fordham’s Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). That’s why Fordham counselors work in sometimes surprising ways to help enhance the overall mental health and wellness of the University community.

“We know that mental health and wellness are foundational for learning,” says Jeffrey Ng, PsyD, director of CPS. “The college years can be challenging for many students. It’s a transitional period that can include many academic, social, developmental, and economic stressors. Additionally, certain mental illnesses are more likely to manifest in the 18-to-25 age range. All of this speaks to the importance of supporting and promoting mental health on campus.”

Efforts to promote psychological health and wellness at Fordham incorporate varied aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. At CPS, students can receive services that include one-on-one clinical counseling, group counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to local agencies and practitioners. But there are also meditation workshops and lessons on how to manage stress and anxiety, tips on how to beat the winter blues with yoga, and one-on-one nutritional counseling in conjunction with dining services to help inspire healthy eating choices on campus.

In all, nearly 1,400 students took advantage of CPS’s services last year, says Ng, whose staff of 12 full- and part-time counselors and more than 15 doctoral-level trainees and psychiatric residents are on hand to support students’ needs.

Greg Pappas, assistant vice president for student affairs, says CPS’s work is integral to Fordham’s mission as a Jesuit university. “We care for every single individual. There is a restlessness on our part to make sure we are doing everything we can,” he says, “[to let]students know there is a holistic concern for them.”

To supplement their wide-ranging efforts, this past October, CPS received a three-year, $300,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Among other initiatives, the grant has allowed the University to hire Jill Lederman, LMSW, as a full-time outreach specialist to engage and train the campus community on mental health promotion and suicide prevention.

Lederman recently began teaching a four-week Koru Mindfulness meditation workshop to students at Rose Hill. Koru is a stress-management program created specifically for college students and young adults to address the changes and stresses that they uniquely feel.

“I think it’s been really eye-opening for us all,” Lederman says. “The students really seem to enjoy it, and they are learning stress-coping and resiliency tools that they can use for a lifetime.”

Fordham faculty and staff can contribute to optimizing mental health and wellness on campus, says Ng “by keeping their eyes and ears open, so they can recognize, approach, and refer students who are struggling to appropriate campus resources, such as CPS.”

Parents, too, can play an important part in promoting health and wellness at Fordham by “de-stigmatizing and lowering the threshold for help-seeking,” Ng says. “I would encourage parents and families to frame help-seeking as a sign of strength and maturity rather than a sign of weakness.”

Another important thing parents can do is stay involved, says Pappas. “We have an open door for parents to come and talk to us about their child and to have a general dialog,” he says. “They can reach out to us at any time.”

Learn more about the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services.

—Maja Tarateta

Jeffrey Ng, Psy.D, director of Fordham’s counseling and psychological services office, said that one of the best ways to ameliorate end-of-the-semester stress is to keep things in perspective.

When considering fall 2013 final grades, Ng said having a realistic estimation of what those grades actually do—and do not—signify can have a meaningful impact in setting your student up for future success.

“It’s very important to recognize and understand a grade for what it is, namely an indication of how a student performed on that exam on that day for that class,” he said.

“We tend to make internal attributions for successes and ‘failures’—to attribute them to who a student is, but that’s only one part of the picture. We need to expand our understanding of human behavior and experience. How students perform on an exam may have as much to do with the circumstances and conditions in their environment as it does with their personality characteristics or attributes.”

Whether you and your student are happy with the end-of-term grades or not, Ng said it’s important to have a conversation with students about their semester that helps you both understand how to learn from the experience.

“It’s important to talk with your students about the challenges and struggles they encountered, as well as the highlights of their semester. This is important whether your student flourished or struggled,” Ng said.

“Exploring the challenges can help students to proactively identify solutions and resources on campus that can contribute to future success,” he said.

For parents of freshman completing their first semester, recognizing the immense transition students have been through these past few months can help put academic performance in context.

“It’s not atypical for students to not perform as exceptionally as they did in high school. There’s an adjustment period to college life and college level work, and experiencing some struggles during that transition is not unusual,” Ng said.

While it can be easy to attribute academic successes and challenges solely to time spent in the library, Ng cautions families to look at a student’s life holistically.

“We have to live well to learn well. How we’re feeling physically, psychologically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually all have a significant impact on our capacity to learn,” he said.

Connection with family and friends contributes to a student’s overall well-being and ability to learn. While it can be challenging to navigate a relationship with your student during the transitions he or she faces during emerging adulthood, Ng said that young adults’ desire for autonomy should not be mistaken as a lack of need for a relationship with parents.

“The most important thing for parents to demonstrate is an interest in engaging their students. What that will look like will vary depending on the context of each family, but acknowledging and communicating to students that engagement is important is a pivotal first step,” he said.

As students spend time over the Winter Break gearing up for the new academic semester, perhaps one of the best ways they can prepare for success is to implement some new habits to manage stress and simply slow down.

“One of the most empirically supported behavioral strategies for managing anxiety and stress is mindfulness, which is essentially the practice of paying attention to the moment-to-moment experience without judgment and with acceptance,” Ng said.

There are many ways in which students can begin to practice mindfulness, whether it’s focusing on their breath or taking a few minutes each day to practice some form of meditation.

Fordham counselors even recommend mobile phone apps to help students build some stress-relieving techniques into their days.

Though it can be hard to slow down in the midst of a busy college schedule in the heart of New York City, Ng said mindfulness is a lifelong skill that can help students live healthier and more satisfying lives.

“The urban environment actually provides us with a real opportunity,” he said. “If we can cultivate mindfulness in the heart of New York City, we can probably do it anywhere.”

by Jennifer Spencer

Fordham mom Patti Schechter said the summer before her daughter Savannah, a freshman at Fordham College at Lincoln Center, left for school was excruciating. As her daughter began to stay out later and enjoy her freedom, Patti said she stayed up all night worrying.

But now that Savannah is at Fordham?

“It’s been pretty good,” Patti said. “Better than I expected. What works for me, at least, is that ignorance is bliss.”

Schechter, who is a single mom, said she talks to her daughter at least once every day. But rather than worrying about what time Savannah walks in the door, she trusts—or at least tries to—that everything will be OK.

“I know she’s a young girl and she’s spreading her wings, but I trust her. I raised her right,” Schechter said.

Jeffrey Ng, Psy.D., director of Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, said that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parents seeking to strike the fine balance between caring for their students and “hovering.”

“One of the most important things that a parent can do is to have a conversation with their kid about what might be that right balance within the context of the family system, who the child is, from a temperamental perspective, as well as who the parents are,” Ng said.

For Patti and Savannah, it’s been an ongoing negotiation. Patti said she has asked her daughter to check in once a day.

“She will tell me, ‘So-and-so only talks to her daughter twice a week,’ and I tell her, ‘Well, I’m not so-and-so’s mother.’ I need to have some sort of contact daily, even a text message,” she said.

Savannah, whose hometown of Patterson, N.J., is just a short drive away, said she has appreciated having her mom so close. While she recognizes that not every family dynamic is the same, she said it works for them.

“It’s really wonderful being far enough from home to feel like I’m in a different place, but still having the opportunity to see my mom for lunch,” Savannah said.

She recalled a moment at orientation, during a speech by one of the deans, that made her and her mom look at each other and say, “It’s going to be OK.”

“My mom finally felt Fordham was the perfect place for me, and she felt it was a safe atmosphere where I could become the person she envisioned me becoming,” Savannah said.

“I always felt that too, but having her trust the University and not needing to call me every three seconds really helped me,” she said.

For families still working on figuring out the right balance, the holidays can be a time to check in on how parent-child communication has been progressing during the year.

As students grow and progress, parents have an ongoing opportunity to help them have the space they need while still building a strong relationship.

“Parents have to really think about and be committed to whether they want to try and find this balance. It has to be authentic and genuine,” Ng said. “Young adults are going to pick up on anything that feels contrived.”

Ng said that part of the challenge that parents and college-age children encounter stems from the simple fact that their relationship is going through so much change. The child is beginning to step into adulthood, but often still reliant on their parents for financial and other support.

“One way to start a conversation is by letting the child know that you see both sides of the equation. That children recognize, on the one hand, they’re not autonomous adults yet, but that parents recognize there’s an important need and drive to strive for autonomy,” Ng said.

Ng said he encourages parents who are having a hard time letting go to trust that the time they have invested in their children has left an indelible mark.

“After 18 years of parenting, you can be confident that something has been internalized. Children have developed a sort of parental compass inside of them, and that will never go away. We have to trust, as parents, that this compass is in them,” Ng said.

Schechter said she has already seen Savannah following her internal parental compass in a couple of cases. While Savannah has always been responsible, Patti said, she has developed a whole new appreciation for all the things Mom used to do for her at home.

“She had never done a load of laundry in her life,” Patti laughed. “I was always here to tidy up after her, but now that she’s on her own, she’s the one doing the tidying [in her suite.]I’m glad she’s able to see how much was done for her before.”

by Jennifer Spencer

Jeffrey Ng, Psy.D., director of Fordham University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, said it is important for families to recognize that time and energy invested in a student’s psychological health will help support them for future success.

“Parents and families need to remind their students that taking care of yourself, physically, psychologically, and emotionally, actually increases the likelihood of being successful academically,” Ng said.

In a society where increasing academic pressure from a young age is prevalent and a mindset toward “getting things done” prevails, it comes as little surprise that anxiety is the most common concern students both at Fordham’s counseling center and those across the nation face.

Experts from residence life, student affairs, health services, and counseling and psychological services said Fordham’s “whole person” approach is key to creating an atmosphere where students can thrive and receive support when challenges arise.

Cura Personalis

Fordham’s commitment to cura personalis, care of the whole person, informs the community’s strategy of caring for students with mental health concerns.

Teamwork is at the core of the approach. Residence life staffers are trained extensively by experts from Counseling and Psychological Services and Campus Ministry; faculty and student affairs representatives meet monthly to share concerns and consult on student concerns.

Kimberly Russell, director of residential life at Rose Hill, said collaboration for the wellbeing of students represents Fordham’s core values and creates great value for students.

“Departmentally, we have a pretty strong web of connection, which creates a strong safety net for students,” Russell said.

Russell and her Lincoln Center counterpart, Jenifer Campbell, both said their residence life staff undergo extensive training to recognize and address concerns about student behavior.

Russell said that while no one expects resident assistants to be “mini counselors,” the relationships they develop with students can help open a conversation if they notice a student struggling.

“We don’t look for RAs who think they have all the answers to everything. We do want people who are welcoming and caring and can express, ‘Hey, we’ve noticed X, Y, or Z, and we’re worried. Would you be comfortable talking to someone about that?’” she said.

Kathleen Malara, executive director of student health services, said the holistic approach is foundational to her department’s approach. Nurse practitioners ask students questions to uncover not only physical concerns, but also potential emotional or psychological challenges.

“Someone may come in and complain of a sore throat, but you need to look at the person more holistically, and understand what else are they doing. Maybe they’re a singer and they’re overextending their voice. Maybe there’s something else going on,” she said.

Malara said every appointment includes a required screening for depression and high-risk behaviors to help staff understand when a referral to Counseling and Psychological Services may be necessary.

Malara said her staff also take the time to simply ask students how they are.

“Especially with freshmen, we ask how things are going. If the permanent address is California or far away from home, we ask, ‘How are things here?’ ‘Do you have family in the area?’”

Helping Students Become Self-Advocates

College students are in the midst of a transition from dependent child to independent adult, a delicate balance that parents know all too well.

Fordham administrators said parents can help their students through this challenging time by connecting them to resources on campus and walking them through the process of learning how to resolve difficulties on their own.

“We encourage parents to re-emphasize that students should utilize the resources here on campus to resolve their issues,” said Jenifer Campbell, director of residential life for Lincoln Center.

“This is one of the first stages toward lifelong ability to be able to resolve your own issues,” she said.

The students Carolyn Mooney, director of disability services, sees are often already accustomed to overcoming challenges. Many of the more than 400 cases her office oversees are students with learning disabilities, including ADHD.

Disability Services is able to help arrange accommodations for students, such as extra time on examinations. But Mooney said it is vital for parents to help students embrace those resources on their own.

“We want to encourage our students to be self advocates. They are adults now, and if they’re going to use accommodations in the workplace they need to learn how to utilize them,” Mooney said.

While the value of seeking help independently is significant, Ng said that students who have experienced mental health problems in the past may sometimes resist asking for help once they come to college.

“Students may want college to be a fresh start and want to relinquish some of their history that has not been so favorable,” Ng said.

Knowing When Help is Needed, and Finding It

Even in supportive wellness-focused communities, mental health challenges may inevitably arise. Ng said recognizing and taking seriously the warning signs can help students get connected to the resources they need.

Ng said students often may disclose their concerns to parents before they start seeking help on campus.

“I consider families and parents to be on the front lines, so anything we can do to help them help us is very helpful,” Ng said.

Anytime a parent or others notice significant shifts in how they know their child to be, Ng encourages them to take note of modified behaviors. While major changes in behavior are normal in college-age students and not always cause for concern, Ng said it is worth taking note.

Warning signs of mental illness include social isolation, an increased use of substances, references to saying goodbye, or a loss of interest in things usually found enjoyable. Major weight loss or gain or change in sleeping habits may also be a reason to encourage a student to consider seeking help.

Ng also said that major life events, like the end of a relationship or a family death, should be taken very seriously.

“People need to go through a mourning and grieving process that, if stunted, can emerge in other ways may not be healthy.”

When the unexpected happens, Ng encourages families to trust that the time a student invests in healing will be worthwhile in the long-term.

“The trajectory to completing college doesn’t have to be linear. It’s OK to take a semester off if something happens. Life happens, and it doesn’t stop just because we’re in college,” he said.

“Fordham is a community that is compassionate, caring, and supportive. We understand that students may sometimes need to take a leave of absence in order to take care of themselves and ultimately return to school in a better place.”

by Jennifer Spencer