Fordham University hosted its 95th annual University Convocation on March 4, where university leadership celebrated 68 of its faculty’s milestones and honored their service to Fordham.
President Tania Tetlow was one of the many university leaders in attendance and commended the faculty for their decades of contributions.
“This is a moment that matters more than ever, and [with] the chaos and uncertainty of the world, we remember the sacredness of our work, of how precious it is — not just to us — but to every student whose lives we transform with opportunity,” Tetlow said. “We could not do it without each and every one of these people.”
The Bene Merenti Medal, the Archbishop John Hughes Medal and the 1842 medal were presented to the faculty based on their time at Fordham and the work they do for the university.
Diane Howitt, the executive director of the New York City Bilingual Education Resource Network at the Graduate School of Education, received the Archbishop Hughes Medal at the event, which is awarded to administrators who have served for 20 years at Fordham.
Howitt explained to The Ram that her work supports children of immigrants across New York City as they develop English-linguistic skills while maintaining fluency in their native languages. After 20 years, she said she has made Fordham her home.
As a former New York City public school teacher, she emphasized her commitment to family-focused education and outreach, including parent workshops. Recently, these workshops have been held on Zoom, she noted.
“The thing I’m most proud of is the work that we’re able to continue to do [at Fordham],” Howitt said. “I’ve been doing this for 20 years, different names, different acronyms, but my office, my staff … we’re all so committed to doing this kind of work.”
Elizabeth Manigan, associate vice president for Development and University Events, shared with The Ram the hard work that goes into celebrating the university’s faculty.
The timeline is meticulous and well thought out, Manigan explained, with event planning starting in the summer. Each honoree was introduced with a tribute speech written by their own colleagues, highlighting their outstanding contributions and qualities that positively impact Fordham.
According to Manigan, the personalized dedications are what make Convocation “much more special.”
“I think every single person in this room is devoted to our Jesuit values, and that’s really what we’re celebrating today,” Manigan said.
Manigan then continued with acknowledging that the varied yet essential duties of Fordham faculty are aptly recognized: The 1842 medal honors support staff and facilities workers, while the Bene Merenti medal is awarded to Fordham’s faculty.
“Whether they’re in a classroom, or raising money, or bringing in students through admission, or fixing things, because God knows it … the facilities folks are the most important,” Manigan said.
With the exception of a performance by the students in the Fordham University Choir, Keating’s first floor auditorium was filled entirely with the honorees’ family, friends and colleagues applauding their dedication.
As according to Dorothy Marinucci, the university’s secretary to the Board of Trustees who oversaw the event, the event’s family-oriented environment was simply a reflection of Fordham’s values.
“It’s very family-centric, but University-centric. It’s what the University is about, and that’s what I think it is. It recognizes so much. And it’s a thank-you moment,” Marinucci said.
“You spend so much time with your colleagues that they do become family,” Manigan said in her conclusion.
