Parsons is proud of the personal milestones they’ve achieved.(Courtesy of Alexandra Parsons for The Fordham Ram)

The most daunting question on a college application is, “Why us?” Why Fordham University? No one can provide an answer to this question quite like Alexandra Parsons, GSB ’25, whose years at Fordham have been nothing but fulfilling, although bittersweet. Parsons, a public accounting major on the path to CPA eligibility, has fully embraced their years at Fordham, leaving an undeniable mark both on campus and on those around them. With an impressive list of leadership roles and achievements, they’ve woven themselves into the very fabric of Fordham’s community — and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Parsons’ journey at Fordham began back in 2021 when they set a personal goal to put themselves out there as much as possible. They’ve far surpassed this ambition, involving themselves in leadership positions in a variety of clubs and organizations on campus that highlight their dedication to personal growth, as well as building on the community at Fordham. “Throughout my time at Fordham, I have had the opportunity to involve myself in so many amazing clubs and organizations, through which I have met some of my best friends,” Parsons stated.

Among their many roles, Parsons serves as the president of the Fordham Hellenic Society, which allows them to not only foster a deeper connection with their heritage but also provide an environment for other students to learn more about Greek culture while simultaneously uniting students of the same heritage. Parsons also holds the title of outreach ambassador chair for the Rose Hill Society, a position in which they serve as a key link between Fordham and prospective students. They are always eager to share the story of the Fordham community, especially when they have much of their own experience to speak on. “Fordham provides such a welcoming community,” Parsons shared. “In fact, this is the reason I give when asked, ‘why Fordham?’ while giving campus tours.” To top it off, Parsons has also been involved with Fordham’s New Student Orientation team, which aims to welcome incoming students and ensure that their transition into college life is as smooth as possible. Parsons helped by using all their enthusiasm to make the new class feel as welcome as possible. This past summer marked their second, and sadly final, year on the Orientation team. It’s actually where I had the pleasure of meeting them, as they served as an orientation assistant captain. There, I learned about their passion for the university, and the bittersweetness of becoming a senior. Knowing that the incoming students had a long way to go was very moving, from being first-years on move-in day and participating in the candle lighting ceremony on Eddie’s, to graduating in the very same place as seniors.

Their involvement doesn’t stop there. Parsons is a member of the Gabelli School of Business Honors Thesis Program, a KPMG campus ambassador and an active participant in both Alpha Sigma Nu and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. This multifaceted involvement speaks to their deep commitment to not only community engagement, but academic excellence on top of that — values they believe Fordham has helped cultivate. “One of my favorite things about Fordham is the community this university provides,” they said. 

Now as a senior, Parsons looks back on these four years with gratitude. “There is nothing I would change about my experience,” they said. “I am so blessed to have spent my four years at Fordham, and I will forever be beyond grateful for the people and experiences this university has brought me.” They may joke about still feeling like a first-year, but the impact Parsons has had on Fordham is far from their beginning as a first-year.

Their legacy of engagement and humor will undoubtedly last in everyone who’s had the pleasure of meeting them, and I hope it inspires future students to take the same leap they did — to put themselves out there and fully embrace the opportunities and friendships this university has to offer. And while being a senior may be bittersweet for Parsons, one thing is clear: they’ll always be a Fordham Ram at heart: “As always, go Rams, and I love you all!”