Fordham University’s 2024 fall semester saw many changes, including new staff members, phone apps and construction projects.
One of the most exciting university updates for students was the opening of the newly renovated McShane Marketplace on Sept. 3. Students, who had long been waiting for the dining hall to reopen, were thrilled for the new dining options and increased quality of food.
Several other construction projects began in the fall, including the University Church and the Keating Hall roof. While the church scaffolding is still up, the scaffolding on Keating Hall was removed just in time for commencement in May. In addition to the two on-campus renovations, the University began construction on a new waterfront center on Eastchester Bay for the Fordham sailing and crew teams.
Several new staff members were welcomed during the fall semester. Rev. Philip G. Judge, S.J., was hired as the new Executive Director of Campus Ministry, James A. Felton III was hired as the new Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Equity and Inclusion and Joshua Burgher was appointed as the new Vice President of Finance. Charlie Elwood was also appointed as the interim director of athletics after the departure of Athletic Director Ed Kull.
During the fall semester, the Fordham administration implemented the FitzSimons Presidential Initiative, a year-long project to promote productive and respectful civil discourse. Fordham’s Board of Trustees also voted to implement a new Advisory Committee on Socially Responsible Investing.
Students were also engaged in the 2024 presidential election during the fall. In September, students gathered in Rodrigue’s Coffee House and McShane to watch the 2024 presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. In November, Fordham hosted events including “Bark the Vote,” an event to share election knowledge, and a discussion on the role of media in the election. Shortly before the 2024 presidential election, members of the Fordham College Democrats club also canvassed in Pennsylvania, a major swing state.
The university introduced two new phone apps during the first semester, designed to ease student life. Fordham Public Safety partnered with Alertus Technologies to launch a new app that allows students to contact Public Safety in various ways and sends their message to multiple devices in the Public Safety office. Fordham also launched RamCentral, an app that makes it easier for students to make appointments with academic advisors and access student resources.
Off campus, students saw the opening of Aldi on Third Ave. near Fordham Plaza and the closure of the Walgreens located on Fordham Road.
The fall 2025 semester is kicking off and while some things are changing students can look forward to many continued Fordham traditions this semester, including the President’s Ball, family weekend and Homecoming. Read all about these events and more in The Fordham Rams print edition and website.
