On Thursday, Nov. 16, Fordham Public Safety hosted “Pizza with Public Safety,” aiming to to engage and educate the Rose Hill community about the department. The event was held in the McShane Campus Center from 4-5 p.m. After students were able to eat complimentary Puglsey’s pizza in the Great Hall, the Public Safety staff began their introductions.
Robert Fitzer, associate vice president of Public Safety, has been at Fordham for the last 12 years and was a captain in the NYPD prior to that. “I love to give back to the community, so I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in public service,” said Fitzer.
Fitzer said that the event was hosted to try and give students some familiarity with the department.
“The hope is that when you see us, you know who we are. It is important to know where to go and who to turn to if you need something… And when you see us on campus, say hello! We are real people here to help you. We are all service-oriented and are here to serve,” said Fitzer.
Following Fitzer, students were introduced to Burt Scipio, an ambassador for Public Safety as a security guard. Scipio has been at Fordham for 17 years and often guards the Metro North Gate.
“The first time I walked on this campus after being a correctional officer, it was love at first sight,” said Scipio.
Scipio said that he enjoys working at Fordham because of the campus community.
“I love this job because of the energy you all bring to me. The Fordham community gives me something that I never had when I was a correctional officer… You all want something amazing out of life, and I want to protect that.”
Tara Minaya, FCRH ’99, is an investigator here at Fordham. Before she returned to Rose Hill, she worked in the NYPD for 20 years and retired as a lieutenant in 2021. She investigates many cases, several of which are Title IX related. “Being a mother really helps me do my job. I treat the students here how I would want my daughter to be treated at her university seven hours away,” said Minaya.
Lastly, she said, “We are here for you, and are here to support you always,” on behalf of the entire department.
The final speaker in the presentation was William McSorley, the Fordham operations manager. “We look at you guys like our own kids. Sometimes there’s tough love, but we know everyone makes mistakes, and we learn from them,” said McSorley.
At the end of the event, each member of the Public Safety staff went to a table to answer questions from the community.
Nushana Alam, FCRH ’27, said, “This event was wonderful. It brought some really insightful information about Public Safety and it made me aware of how much they care about us.”
Overall, this event really aimed to teach the Fordham community about Public Safety.
