Dear Members of the Campus Community,
Effective 1 p.m. today (Monday, March 9), we are taking the significant step of suspending face-to-face instruction on all Fordham’s New York-area campuses. Face-to-face classes are suspended for the remainder of Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10. (Existing online instruction will continue uninterrupted.) All residential students are encouraged to return home immediately. Beginning with the start of classes on Wednesday, March 11, faculty will teach their classes online or electronically. Over the coming days, the University will also curtail some on-campus operations and redirect specific personnel to work remotely rather than coming to campus.
Over the weekend, we learned of an undergraduate commuter student who exhibited symptoms consistent with the coronavirus. That student has been tested for the virus, and is self-isolating at home. We will inform the campus community immediately if we learn that the lab result is positive for the COVID-19 virus. If the student is in fact positive for the virus, following established protocols, the New York City Department of Health will work in concert with University Health Services to reach everyone with whom the student has been in contact, and University staff will also follow-up on this initial contact with each person.
We reported on March 6 that the parent of a prospective student fell ill in Duane Library. The parent was tested and found to be negative for the COVID-19 virus. We also had previously reported that there were two faculty members and three students who may have been exposed to COVID-19 off campus. Following the guidelines of the CDC, out of an abundance of caution they are self-isolating at home for 14 days, and the faculty are teaching their courses online. In all cases, we have been checking daily for any appearance of symptoms with students, faculty, and staff members who are self-isolating at home. As of this morning there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Fordham.
We are making the decision to cancel face-to-face classes now and transition to online/electronic instruction, because we want to reduce potential pathways for community spread of COVID-19 on campus. Our actions are also consistent with Governor Cuomo’s declaration of a state of emergency in New York on Saturday, March 7, and the updated Coronavirus guidelines issued by the CDC on Friday, March 6. Though this is an undeniable disruption of the academic enterprise, we feel that it is the best way to minimize the risk of spreading the virus within the campus community.
What does this mean?
- Face-to-face classes will not meet on campus, effective 1 p.m. today, March 9, until further notice. (Classes will resume online/electronically Wednesday through Friday, March 11 through 13.) Deans will be providing guidance to students from their school/college. Each instructor will be communicating with their students how their specific class will proceed in an online environment.
- Spring break will run as scheduled from March 14 through 22 (except for the Graduate School of Education, the spring break for which is April 14-18).
- Students are advised to take what they need from their rooms before leaving campus for spring break, i.e.: all textbooks, notes, course materials, etc., with them, so that they can continue their coursework online without returning to campus after the break.
- After the break, classes will resume, in an online format, on Monday, March 23: during that week the University will evaluate, in consultation with public health authorities, whether conditions allow students to return to campus, and resume face-to-face instruction on March 30. The Office of the Provost has offered guidance to instructors regarding online instruction. Faculty Technology Services provides myriad support for online technologies.
- Effective immediately, University-sponsored student travel (both international and domestic) will be cancelled/postponed, with limited exceptions for intercollegiate athletics.
- Effective immediately, non-essential university-sponsored international travel for faculty, administrators, and staff will be suspended. Please consult with the Office of the Provost or area Vice President for exceptions.
- All residential students are encouraged to return home immediately.
- Students who cannot return home will be allowed to remain in their residence halls, as planned, and one dining facility will remain open at each campus—Lincoln Center and Rose Hill—to serve those students and personnel on those campuses. (Students who have not already done so should contact Residential Life for authorization to stay, or to return early.)
- Staff from University Health Services, Residential Life and Student Affairs, Counseling and Psychological Services, Facilities Operations, Custodial, and Public Safety will continue to report to campus, subject to University needs.
- Staff who can work from home may be required to do so until further notice, and IT will provide both technology and connectivity assistance for those who require it.
- University personnel will be informed by their managers whether they are required to work from home or report to campus.
- Employee pay will continue to be disbursed on its regular schedule. Any employee currently receiving a paper check will receive it by mail at their address on file unless specific arrangements are made by contacting [email protected].
- Human Resources Management has published guidance on pay and working from home for employees.
- Effective immediately, all University events are cancelled at least through March 29. Event organizers, including University sponsors of external groups, are responsible for informing guests and attendees that their event has been cancelled. This includes outside organizers renting space at Fordham, and Fordham events at off-campus venues in New York City.
- The only exceptions to the above are a limited number of intercollegiate athletic events at which only the athletes and coaches may be present.
- Until further notice, public Masses (including daily Mass) will be suspended. Beginning Sunday, March 15, the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass will be livestreamed from the University Church, but we ask regular congregants to watch online. Please consult the Campus Ministry website for the resumption of services and other ways to fulfill religious obligations.
These measures are in force until further notice. We will restore campus operations to normal as soon as we, in consultation with local health authorities, believe it is wise to do so. We will be communicating as far in advance as we can regarding significant events such as Commencement and Jubilee, but as of today we just don’t have enough information to make those decisions.
We realize that these measures are disruptive, and possibly alarming. Let me assure you that we take them because we believe they are the best way to protect the health and wellbeing of the campus community. I have included our information on COVID-19 precautions, and University contact information, below for easy reference.
I am proud of the work ethic, dedication, and resiliency of the Fordham community, and I assure you we will get through this together. I would especially like to thank the faculty for the generosity of heart and deep care for our students that have they have shown in adjusting their teaching to accommodate our students’ needs. You and your loved ones are in my prayers today and every day.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
Coronavirus Information and University Contacts
Again, the spread of the coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation, with multiple new cases being reported daily in the United States and New York State. Please see fordham.edu/coronavirus for detailed information on the University’s preparation and planning.
Any student experiencing symptoms (which may be similar to the flu or common cold, and may include fever and coughing) should call (rather than visit) University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
- Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
- Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff should contact their health care provider.
Prevention is very important. Here are ways to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Increase your fluid intake.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
- Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow.
- If you have not received an influenza (flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
- If you are sick, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
Fordham custodial personnel continue to deep clean common areas and restrooms on an accelerated schedule.
In general, students, faculty, and staff should avoid non-essential international travel until advised otherwise by University administration.
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/
If you have Fordham-specific questions please see the full contact list below.
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
[email protected]
University Health Services [email protected]
Department of Public Safety [email protected] (718) 817-2222 Available 24/7
Dean of Student Services [email protected]
Dean of Students (RH) [email protected] (718) 817-4755
Dean of Students (LC) [email protected]
Residential Life (RH) [email protected]
Residential Life (LC) [email protected]
For more general questions, please consult the Student Handbook as a guide to Fordham offices.
]]>
The University is taking this step in light of Governor Cuomo’s declaration of a state of emergency in New York on Saturday, March 7, and the updated Coronavirus guidelines issued by the CDC on Friday, March 6.
Accordingly, University Convocation, scheduled for Sunday, March 8, is cancelled. The event will be rescheduled at a later date. Likewise, most on-campus athletic events are cancelled, including those run by outside organizations.
The 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. Masses in the University Church on Sunday, March 8, will go on as scheduled this week, but subsequent Masses will be livestreamed on Fordham’s website with only the celebrants of the Mass physically present.
Again, the spread of the coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation, with multiple new cases being reported daily in the United States and New York State. Please see fordham.edu/coronavirus for detailed information on the University’s preparation and planning, including a Coronavirus FAQ.
Any student experiencing symptoms (which may be similar to the flu or common cold, and may include fever and coughing) should call (rather than visit) University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff should contact their health care provider.
Prevention is very important. Here are ways to stay healthy:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Increase your fluid intake.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces.
Avoid contact with sick people.
Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow.
If you have not received an influenza (flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
If you are sick, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
Fordham custodial personnel continue to deep clean common areas and restrooms on an accelerated schedule.
In general, students, faculty, and staff should avoid nonessential international travel until advised otherwise by University administration.
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
If you have Fordham-specific questions please see the full contact list below.
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
University Health Services [email protected] Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
Department of Public Safety [email protected] (718) 817-2222 Available 24/7
Dean of Student Services [email protected] (718) 817-4395
Dean of Students (RH) [email protected] (718) 817-4755
Dean of Students (LC) [email protected] (212) 636-6250
Residential Life (RH) [email protected] (718) 817-3080
Residential Life (LC) [email protected] (212) 636-7100
For more general questions, please consult the Student Handbook as a guide to Fordham offices.
]]>There are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at Fordham University.
As of March 6, there are two faculty members and three students who may have been exposed to COVID-19 off campus. Out of an abundance of caution they are self-isolating at home for 14 days and the faculty are teaching their courses online.
Also, on March 6, the parent of a prospective student fell ill on the second floor of Duane Library. The parent was transported to the hospital where they were treated and released. The second floor has since been professionally cleaned and disinfected.
The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, both globally and to the United States; individual risk is dependent on exposure. As of today there are still no confirmed cases of this virus at Fordham University.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, with multiple new cases being reported daily in the United States and New York State. Please see fordham.edu/coronavirus for detailed information on the University’s preparation and planning, including a Coronavirus FAQ.
Any student experiencing symptoms (which may be similar to the flu or common cold, and may include fever and coughing) should call (rather than visit) University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff should contact their health care provider.
Prevention is very important. Here are ways to stay healthy:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Increase your fluid intake.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces.
Avoid contact with sick people.
Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow.
If you have not received an influenza (flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
If you are sick, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
Fordham custodial personnel continue to deep clean common areas and restrooms on an accelerated schedule.
In general, students, faculty, and staff should avoid nonessential international travel until advised otherwise by University administration.
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
If you have Fordham-specific questions please see the full contact list below.
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
[email protected]
University Health Services [email protected] Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
Department of Public Safety [email protected] (718) 817-2222 Available 24/7
Dean of Student Services [email protected] (718) 817-4395
Dean of Students (RH) [email protected] (718) 817-4755
Dean of Students (LC) [email protected] (212) 636-6250
Residential Life (RH) [email protected] (718) 817-3080
Residential Life (LC) [email protected] (212) 636-7100
For more general questions, please consult the Student Handbook as a guide to Fordham offices.
]]>Update: February 3, 2020 | 3 p.m.
Fordham University is continuing to closely monitor the emerging public health problem regarding an outbreak of coronavirus (novel coronavirus [2019-nCoV]) in China. University Health Services has been keeping up to date with the information provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York City Department of Health officials, and is monitoring the progress of the outbreak in the United States and abroad carefully.
There are currently no confirmed nor suspected cases of this virus at Fordham University.
At this time, it is believed that the virus incubation period is from 2 to 14 days and infection can result in mild to severe illness. The symptoms may be similar to the flu or the common cold. In more severe cases, coronavirus can cause pneumonia and other complications, especially in infants, older individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.
Prevention is very important. Ways to stay healthy:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Increase your fluid intake.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
• Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow.
• If you have not received an influenza (flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
• If you are sick, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not currently recommend the use of face masks among the general public to prevent coronavirus exposure. While limited person-to-person spread among close contacts has been detected, this virus is not currently spreading in the community in the United States.
Any student experiencing symptoms should call University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
• Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
• Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their primary care physician immediately for direction. Anyone experiencing symptoms should avoid class/work, and stay at home or in your residence hall room until you have consulted with a health care provider.
Students who have been in China in the last 14 days must contact University Health Services. They will be monitored through University Health Services.
Travelers who returned from China and who are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) should seek medical attention immediately. They should call ahead to UHS, a provider’s office or the emergency room and let them know of their recent travel and symptoms.
Updated Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Patients who meet the criteria below should be evaluated as a Patient Under Investigation (PUI):
• Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath) and any person (including healthcare workers) who has had close contact with a confirmed 2019-nCoV patient in the last 14 days
• Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath) and any person with a history of travel from Hubei Province in the last 14 days (not just Wuhan City)
• Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath) requiring hospitalization and a history of travel from mainland China within 14 days of onset
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
]]>
Fordham University has been closely monitoring the emerging public health problem regarding an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus (Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. Possible infections of the virus were reported in other regions of China, and in some travelers from Wuhan to other countries, including the United States (the first U.S. case was reported in Washington State on January 21, 2020).
The new Coronavirus causes a respiratory illness. There are other viruses in the Coronavirus family that can cause illness in both humans and animals. These viruses can cause either mild, cold-like illnesses, more serious illnesses like pneumonia. This particular Coronavirus has not been seen previously in humans. The virus is likely to be spread from person to person. Since the virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully monitor how this virus spreads. There is no vaccine or treatment available for this or other coronaviruses.
There are currently no confirmed cases of this virus at Fordham University.
Diagnosis and Prevention
Symptoms of Coronavirus may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, runny nose, headache, and sore throat. In severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia.
Any student experiencing symptoms should call University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
- Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
- Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their primary care physician immediately for direction.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly encouraged to avoid class/work, and to stay at home or in your residence hall room at least until you have consulted with a health care provider.
Ways to Stay Healthy
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Increase your fluid intake
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, face
• Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow
• If you have not received an Influenza (Flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
Travel
The University strongly discourages any travel to any of the countries affected by the Coronavirus outbreak at this time. The University encourages students who may have traveled from Wuhan City or other parts of China, and who are experiencing symptoms, to contact University Health Services or Public Safety at the numbers above immediately. Faculty and staff who may have traveled from Wuhan City or other parts of China, and who are experiencing symptoms, should see their primary care providers.
University Precautions
Since the fall semester (concurrent with the beginning of Flu Season), Fordham Facilities staff have been performing at least daily cleanings of common restrooms, athletics facilities, and other sensitive locations with approved disinfectants. Some locations are cleaned/treated more than once a day. Those precautions have been increased. UHS staff are in daily contact with New York City Department of Health officials, and are monitoring the progress of the outbreak in the U.S. and abroad carefully.
Campus Culture
Please be aware that the wearing surgical or face masks in public spaces does not indicate the person in question is ill or infected with the Coronavirus (or any other illness). Many people, including those of Asian backgrounds, wear these masks as a precaution against themselves getting ill.
Guidelines from the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends those with fever and cough with travel history from Wuhan City within 14 days of their symptom onset, and with specific clinical and risk criteria as listed below:
- Fever AND symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) with
- recent travel to Wuhan in the last 14 days before symptom onset, -or-
- Close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCoV while that person was ill.
- Fever OR symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), and in the last 14 days before symptom onset,
• Close contact with a laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
Grasso says he was so impressed by his fellow students’ quick and professional response to his health crisis that he applied to join the Fordham EMS team—known as FUEMS—as soon as he recovered. And the life experience he gained as an EMT was an education that was just as meaningful as his studies in business and law.
“I saw everything from cuts and bruises to seizures and heart attacks,” he recalls. “And as an officer, I was able to get perspective on the overall operation.”
Rising up the ranks, he was elected director of the club, a position that prepared him for his future career: Today, Grasso owns an ambulance company and emergency vehicle repair service in the Bronx, just steps from the campus where it all began.
Reminiscing about stories like this made for lively conversations at the FUEMS’ April 1 gathering at the Villa Barone Manor in the Bronx to commemorate the club’s 40th anniversary. More than 120 students and alumni attended to celebrate the club’s evolution over four decades.
From humble beginnings to city resource
What began with a handful of students who saw the need for an on-campus emergency response service in the 1970s and ’80s has flourished into a student corps of more than 200 members, 12 officers, and two state-certified ambulances, with collaborative partnerships with emergency service groups throughout New York City.
One of the club’s original pioneers, Bruce Nedelka, GABELLI ’79, is now a certified emergency medical services officer, a title held by just over 100 nationwide, and a nationally registered paramedic and division chief and public information officer of the City of Virginia Beach.
“We started out on foot with fanny packs and basic equipment,” he says. “I never imagined back then that FUEMS would someday serve as backup to the city and the Bronx 911. That gives me a great feeling.”
Those early efforts were followed by a few like-minded students, including Bill White and Dave Winters, both FCRH ’89, who were instrumental in formalizing the student club and purchasing its first ambulance.
“We’re very proud of it, but it’s not about us,” White says. “It’s about the young men and women who are waking up at 3 a.m. to help people in crises and who are continuing the Fordham tradition of service for others.”
Over the years, FUEMS has been an integral part of the city’s emergency response efforts—from the daily calls to big disasters. FUEMS was among the emergency crews that responded to the World Trade Center during 9/11. “They went down and waited for survivors, but there weren’t any,” recalls Kathleen Malara, MSN, FNP, of Fordham’s Student Health Center, who serves as a FUEMS adviser. “It was very traumatic for the students.”
Honoring a fallen colleague
More recently, the student EMTs participated in the funeral procession for a Yadira Arroyo, a veteran FDNY EMT in the Bronx who was killed on the job in March.
“This hit our organization hard, as a few of our members talked to Yadira at St. Barnabas during late-night shifts,” says Natalie Sturgeon, the club’s outgoing director, who plans to attend medical school to become a trauma surgeon.
In the spirit of fellowship for their fallen colleague, FUEMS and Emergency Aid Training—the group that provides FUEMS EMT instruction—announced their donation to a fund for Arroyo’s five children at the anniversary celebration, a gesture that was met with a standing ovation when the gift was accepted by an FDNY union official.
Father Gregory Rannazzisi, FCRH ’05, a former FUEMS volunteer, gave a blessing at the dinner and asked for a moment of silence for the late Father Joseph Currie, S.J., former FUEMS chaplain.
Valuable career training
Many student EMTs join the club to gain state certification and hands-on experience for future careers in the health professions. Training is intense and includes a semester-long course, with classes held at night and on the weekends, and exams that lead to New York state certification. With an influx of volunteers over the past two years, students commit to two shifts each month, but can request more.
The reward of doing work that saves lives attracted Matthew Niehaus, FCRH ’09, to become a FUEMS volunteer while he was a pre-med student at Fordham. Today, the Cleveland native is completing a medical residency in Philadelphia, and he will continue on to a critical care fellowship in Pittsburg.
“The experiences I had definitely led me to emergency medicine,” Niehaus says. “I remember one case in particular when a visitor fell off of a roof on campus. There was a very collaborative effort between the students who responded, and we got the patient to the hospital. Calls like that got me interested in working in trauma.”
Mickaela O’Neill, FCRH ’15, felt she was destined for a career in the medical field when she arrived at Fordham, but after four years with FUEMS she shifted gears from becoming a doctor to becoming a physician assistant so she could spend more time with patients.
Now in graduate school at Midwestern University in Arizona, O’Neill adds that even compared to other EMS teams she’s served with, the friends she made at FUEMS were more like family.
“Helping other students along with students your own age was extremely unique. It wasn’t easy juggling FUEMS with being a pre-med student. You have to be committed and make sacrifices in your social life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Unlike O’Neill, current FUEMS chief Heather Cahill wasn’t necessarily planning on a career in medicine when she arrived at Fordham. She was a dancer in high school and considering a career in the performing arts. But the Fordham College at Rose Hill junior—just elected for her second year as chief—has decided on a career in forensic science. Responding to campus calls ranging from diabetic emergencies to anaphylactic shock to sports injuries, seizures, and fevers helped confirmed her career path.
“Some situations can be very scary and life threatening,” Cahill says. “But making a difference in someone’s life, even sometimes saving a life, that makes it all worthwhile.”
–Claire Curry
Check out photos from the dinner below. (Photos by Erinn Halasinki)
[doptg id=”82″] ]]>The newly renovated 140 West 62nd Street, once home to Fordham Law School, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility with a three-story library, a student lounge and café, health and counseling centers, career services offices, and abundant space for classrooms and student activities.
The new space serves as the Lincoln Center home of Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, offering students spacious lecture halls, an innovation lab, and a trading room with rows of Bloomberg financial data terminals.
Designed for energy efficiency and equipped with the latest technology, the building provides plenty of space for students to collaborate—from group study rooms in the library to large event halls and space for student clubs.
Story continues below the slideshow.
[doptg id=”59″]
Here’s what students are saying about the new 140.
Paul Novak, Freshman, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Justin Westbrook-Lowery, Freshman, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
“I love coming here, having tea with friends after classes, having a conversation, and getting a little snack,” said Westbrook-Lowery from his seat in the lounge, where students can refuel with a beverage and a bite to eat from Argo Tea. “And I love that we’re so close to the library. I don’t have to leave the building and go to another space.”
Westbrook-Lowery commutes from his home in the Bronx. He chose Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus because he loves being in the heart of the city. “This brings me close to all the different opportunities I’m looking for—in politics, history, everything,” he said.
Sitting with Westbrook-Lowery, Novak said he loves how communal the space is. “It’s so nice to have one space where we can all come together. I came from a small town in Massachusetts, so the change from a suburb to a city was one I really wanted to go through. When I first visited Manhattan with my family, I thought, I could never live here, ever. It’s just too busy. But the second I moved [to campus], I thought, I finally found a place where I feel happy.”
Masha Bychkova, Junior, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Majors: Classical Languages and Classical Civilizations (Minor in Visual Arts)
Recruitment Chair and Winterfest Committee Chair, Campus Activities Board (CAB)
“CAB has its own offices here,” said Bychkova, sitting outside on the plaza as she waited for her Winterfest meeting to begin. “We have a space we can use, everything’s very organized. It’s really nice to have a distinct space for student affairs—separate from academic areas.” A member of the first class to live in McKeon Hall—the residence hall that opened atop Fordham’s new Law School building on 62nd Street in 2014, Bychkova says the renovation of 140 “completes the whole campus.”
Adiyah Baig, Senior, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Major: Computer Science
Saad Baig, Sophomore, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Major: Computer Science
Heading out of the library with her brother, Adiyah said she likes the big windows and the views. “When you’re studying, at one point you start to feel like you’re caged in, and you’re stuffed with all this information. You don’t want the place you’re studying in to also be stuffy. When you have a place like this, you can look outside, you can see the pretty greenery, other people walking around. You think, let me take a break and go for a walk or something. It’s nice.”
Saad appreciates having the room to spread out. “I like having my personal space,” he said. As a science major, he’s also anticipating using the new group study rooms for projects with his lab partners.
Anthony Norris, Junior, Gabelli School of Business at Lincoln Center
Major: Global Business with a concentration in Global Finance
With five out of his six classes held at 140, Norris spends a lot of his time in the new space. “This place is a second home to me. Being in such a new place makes it very easy to learn,” he said. A member of the Gabelli School’s first Lincoln Center class, Norris founded the Investment Group, a student club that’s now about 200 members strong.
“I’ve had a quite a few Investment Group meetings in here, so I get to take advantage of the conference rooms,” he said. He also looks forward to using the Bloomberg terminals, which he’s familiar with from his summer internship at Morgan Stanley. “There’s a lot of things to take advantage of here. There’s every resource available to you.”
Namrata Marjit, Senior, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Major: Natural Sciences
Hend Saad, Senior, Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Major: Natural Sciences
“The new space is really beautiful,” says Marjit, who worked at the old Quinn Library and plans to work at the new one this year with Saad. “It allows the students to feel more welcome. It’s very homey.” She loves how spacious the lounge area is. “I can always find a seat.” And she likes the outdoor garden located just outside.
As a commuter student, Marjit appreciates having a spot where she can get her studying done. “Sometimes working at home is not possible,” she said. “You need a place with a lot of resources.”
An aspiring physician in Fordham’s Pre-Health Program, Marjit was always one to hang out in the library, and looks forward to continuing to “catch up with friends” in the new space.
Saad, who is also in the Pre-Health Program and plans to go to dental school, came to the library to scan a page from one of her textbooks. “I’m gonna be here 24-7. I study here, I’m going to work here,” she said with a laugh. “All my gaps between classes, I’ll be here.” Saad, who was born in Egypt and grew up in Queens, said the new library space has a vibrancy that she loves.
Photos by Dianna Ekins, Bud Glick, and Logan West
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Recently there have been several documented cases of Zika virus in infants born with microcephaly in Brazil. This has warranted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue a travel alert to regions with Zika virus outbreaks, including parts of South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Samoa, and Cape Verde. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to postpone travel to areas with Zika virus transmission. Travelers should also take precaution to prevent mosquito bites.
To date, there have been no local cases of Zika virus, nor any originating in the continental United States, but there have been some cases among returning travelers. According to the CDC, with the recent outbreaks and the number of cases increasing among travelers returning the United States, it is difficult to determine how widely the virus will spread.
For more information, see the CDC page on Zika virus.
Sincerely,
Kathleen M. Malara MSN, FNP
Executive Director, University Health Services
For more on the Zika virus, hear biology professor Tom Daniels, co-director of Fordham’s Vector Ecology Laboratory.
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