Involvement in the Fordham community is extremely important for students. It gives students the opportunity to enrich their lives through meeting friends and making a meaningful contribution to the world. However, it is often the activities Fordham students take part in at home that influence what they will be involved in once they arrive at college.
Gianni Diletto, FCRH ’28, is rather familiar with this concept. Born in Massapequa, Long Island, Diletto spent much of his early life training in mixed martial arts, which earned him a black belt in Kenpo Karate and a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He trained at the American Black Belt Academy in Massapequa Park from the age of six, where he eventually began work as an instructor. “Being a teacher was one of the best experiences I ever had,” said Diletto. “I was able to help students be more confident.”
Once Diletto arrived at Fordham, he longed to continue this commitment away from home. As such, he joined the martial arts club, where he continues to develop his love for mixed martial arts and teamwork.
Diletto has also made his Catholic faith a large part of his Fordham experience. From a young age, he attended Sunday Mass at Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church in Seaford. He studied the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) up to his Confirmation at Maria Regina through their parishioners’ program. Diletto continues to attend mass at Maria Regina during the summer and when he visits home during the year. “I met many of my good friends that I still talk to there [at CCD],” said Diletto. “It [Maria Regina] was the first place that started to build up my Catholic faith, and I appreciate it deeply.”
When Diletto arrived at Fordham, he was inspired to get involved in Fordham’s liturgies, which are at the heart and soul of the university’s heritage. As such, in the spring of 2025, he joined Campus Ministry and was commissioned as a hospitality minister and Eucharistic minister.
As a hospitality minister, Diletto is responsible for greeting parishioners who enter the church and ushering them to the pews. He also helps lead the collection following the petitions and convenes with parishioners as they exit the church. As a eucharistic minister, Diletto distributes the bread and wine to parishioners. “Joining the church ministry made me feel a part of something greater in the Fordham community, especially being a hospitality minister, as I am able to do something for the Church that is so valuable to me,” said Diletto.
Diletto is also committed to university safety and security. He recently began work with Fordham’s Department of Public Safety, where he serves as a student worker in the Lombardi Fitness Center and William D. Walsh Family Library. Diletto is responsible for ensuring the safety of the student body using university resources and facilities. “It is a very peaceful environment, and I have personally had no issues with anyone I have come across with,” said Diletto. “It is a wonderful job to have.”
Diletto aspires to work in a service where you can help people, ranging from a police officer to a forensic scientist or even a lawyer. “When I was younger, I knew I wanted a job that helped people, and even though I’m not sure what that job will be yet, I’m sure I will get one that will allow me to achieve my goals,” said Diletto.
