For Fordham’s newest graduates, the last four years have been filled with challenges, surprises, and joy. The Fordham Ram has compiled some of the biggest headlines witnessed by the Class of 2020 during their time at Fordham.

Donald Trump Elected President

In the fall of 2016, the Class of 2020 entered Fordham to find the campus alive with conversation and debate as Fordham students weighed in on the divisive upcoming election. When November saw the election of Donald Trump to the presidency, students continued to make their voices heard on campus, in opinion pieces, and around New York City. 

Empire Lit Up Maroon for Dodransbicentennial 

On March 27, 2017, the Empire State Building was lit maroon in celebration of Fordham’s 175th anniversary. The Class of 2020 holds a special recognition as the dodransbicentennial class.

Faculty Pass Vote of No Confidence in McShane

In spring 2017, Fordham’s Faculty Senate passed a vote of no confidence in Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university. This unanimous decision was in response to the salary and benefits offer laid out by the administration.

Priest Accused of Abuse in New Orleans Housed at Fordham

This November 2018 article was the first in a series of investigative pieces that brought to light allegations of sexual misconduct against priests affiliated with Fordham University, Fordham Preparatory School, or Murray-Weigel Hall, the Jesuit infirmary and retirement home at the university. In 2018, The Fordham Ram reported that a priest credibly accused of sexual misconduct lived and died at Murray-Weigel. The Ram went on to unearth that, over the years, 10 priests with credible accusations of sexual misconduct of a minor had lived at Murray-Weigel. The university responded, and Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university, emphasized his commitment to the safety of the Fordham student body.

The Ram Turns 100

The Ram celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2018. This yearlong centennial celebration paid tribute to the legacy of journalistic integrity the publication strives to uphold as the university’s journal of record.

Men’s Soccer and Women’s Basketball Hit Their Stride

2016 saw the Fordham men’s soccer team win the A-10 championship, and in 2018, Women’s Basketball likewise became A-10 champions.

University Confirms: Cohen Threatened Legal Action Should Trump’s Records Be Released

In 2019, the university confirmed that a 2015 correspondence from Trump’s former attorney Michael Cohen to McShane threatened legal action, should Donald Trump’s academic records be released. Trump spent two years as an undergraduate student at Fordham. In response, the university emphasized that it was bound by law to keep student records private.

Fordham University Wins TinderU #SwipeOff Promotion

In April 2019, Fordham students won the national #SwipeOff competition on the Tinder dating app by garnering the greatest number of matches amongst competing universities. Their prize was a free concert from Juice WRLD and Charli XCX at the New York Expo Center in the Bronx.

Renovations Coming to McGinley and Collins

The Class of 2020 saw renovations conceived and begin to take shape across campus. Updates to Collins Hall will enable wheelchair accessibility. The expansion of McGinley Center, an update for which students petitioned in early 2018, will increase capacity for club meetings, student lounges, and fitness space.

Fordham Community Grapples With COVID-19

In response to the threat of COVID-19 and the demands of state authorities, in March 2020, Fordham suspended all face-to-face instruction for the remainder of the spring semester. These past months have seen the Fordham community transition to online classes and grapple with the realities of a world in crisis. Now, members of the Class of 2020 await the postponed in-person commencement ceremony.