Some of Abigael Hartlieb’s, FCRH ’25, favorite memories at Fordham University were spent anonymously, in the Fordham Ramses mascot costume. But now with graduation looming, Hartlieb is ready to take the mask off, reveal her identity and say goodbye.
For the Hartliebs, mascotting runs in the family. Hartlieb’s three-year stint as Ramses was in part inspired by her grandfather, who was his high school’s mascot.
Her dance background also played a role in inspiring Ramses’ character.
“I was a dancer growing up — until about middle school or high school. I did ballet, I did pointe, I did all of that stuff. The rhythm and that kind of fun energy, I got from dance. I guess it was just that love of movement and self-expression that got me interested in the role,” she said.
But Ramses was not the first mascot costume Hartlieb donned. In high school, she wore a water ice suit for her parents’ Rita’s Italian Ice store.
“We had the Ice Guy costume in the back of the store. It started with my parents asking me to put it on for a few videos, and then there would be people that would request the Ice Guy for neighborhood parades and fundraisers. I would do it, and then I realized it was kind of fun,” she said.
After her first year, Hartlieb reached out to Fordham Athletics about the possibility of being Ramses. By sophomore fall, she was suited up for almost every game.
“I would go anywhere, to any sport that wanted me to come. It wasn’t always required, but I would always show up,” she said. “There were some days where I just felt like putting on the suit and making a team smile. I’d put it on, I’d get the crowd going and get the energy up. I’d frolic around.”
She added, “If clubs or organizations wanted to collaborate, I would do it. With my ballet background, I was so excited to collab with the Jetés. I also did Sláinte, I did stuff with FDM and orientation.”
When not in the suit, Hartlieb could have been found in meetings for the many clubs she was a part of. Her resume is extensive, featuring Dean’s Council, Senior Week Committee, Fordham Dance Marathon, Leading Women of Tomorrow and more.
Balancing Ramses, clubs and classwork as an international studies major and peace and justice studies minor was difficult, but Hartlieb said it was always worth it.
“I loved when I would take a photo and hear a family say, ‘that’s a Christmas card photo.’ I always wanted to ask them to send the cards to me. I loved interacting with alumni and kids, pulling them up out of the crowds to dance or to take a photo. It’s great when I know Ramses made their day,” she said.
To help balance her hectic schedule, Hartlieb’s pre-game routine also included a lot of Red Bull.
“Caffeine is the trick! I have a caffeine addiction. There were a lot of games this season where I would be running right off the Ram Van after class. I would chug a Red Bull to get myself ready, and then go right to athletics and start the game,” she said.
As Ramses, Hartlieb went above and beyond by participating in special events. She did everything — from ringing the Nasdaq Exchange bell to taking engagement photos with alums. Junior year, Hartlieb even started an Instagram account: @fordhamramses.
“I wanted to bring more of a character to Ramses. It’s been really fun bringing more engagement into athletics, into Ramses. I’ve loved being able to have outreach through it,” she said.
Her next steps include a gap year before getting her masters in public health. Although she is putting down the mascot costumes for now, Hartlieb will cherish the memories she made.
“I loved meeting people and interacting with the other team’s mascots. I’d just have really fun, positive interactions. It was just so much fun!” she said.
