Fordham University’s United Student Government (USG) met to hear a presentation from the Office of Sustainability and review new club proposals on March 27.
Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, Julia Dellapena, FCRH ’27, and Kaila Reynolds, FCRH ’27, student interns from Fordham’s Office of Sustainability, shared their mission and work with USG. Johnson detailed recent actions taken by the NYC Council Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency and Waterfronts.
Activity has included the mandate of a publicly available flood risk map for NYC residents, the addition of 500 public drinking fountains with water bottle fillers and plans to install solar panels on city council property and general infrastructure improvements.
Dellapena went over the benefits of student involvement in sustainability, such as gaining experience in local policy-making, networking opportunities and greater engagement with the Bronx community. For mobilization within the Fordham community, Reynolds asked for help from the USG Sustainability and Facilities and Dining committees in potentially providing complimentary transportation to committee meetings as well as hosting informational workshops and events through Fordham faculty and alumni.
Executive President Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25, said that Meet the Candidates will occur on April 2 and 3 for the senate and executive board tickets, respectively, with voting on April 7 and 8.
Senator Anna Brown, FCRH ’27, had a meeting with Vice President of External Affairs Travis Proulx about her MetroCard proposal, who has put her in touch with a member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to help her further her initiative.
The first club proposal outlined the potential for a Mexican American heritage club titled VIVA (Vital, Impactful, Voices and Adventurous) with a mission to provide students of Mexican descent with a safe space to share their stories, create community and learn about culture and heritage.
Planned meetings include a welcome get-together to introduce the club and play lotería, as well as a discussion-based assembly on the first-generation college student experience and being Hispanic at a predominantly white institution (PWI).
For financing, the club has planned to do several bake sales of traditional Hispanic food, including conchas, tamales, champurrado and gelatinas; they will also receive funding from sponsors such as Aldi’s College.
This funding would not only go to club events but also would be used towards community resource-making, such as undocumented civil rights cards that can be donated to libraries and other community spaces.
The Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) also presented their club proposal, sharing with USG their mission to celebrate culture, community and bring the passion and creativity of Brazilian culture to all Fordham students, regardless of nationality.
For potential meetings, BRASA noted meetings focused on Brazilian historical facts, and events such as a trivia night, a Brazilian movie night and Festa Junina.
Senator Jude Ortega, FCRH ’25, asked about when Festa Junina would be planned for, as it usually takes place during June and the university is not in session during that time. The proposers explained that since Carnival occurs in February, they would plan for Festa Junina to be celebrated in the fall semester to have a big event during each of the semesters.
Executive Vice President Ava Cascella, FCRH ’26, and Vice President of Health and Security Aidan Costella, FCRH ’27, noted a meeting with Rose Hill Health Center Director Maureen Keown. Cascella and Costella reported that suggestions regarding transparency issues with medical billing were taken into account by Keown. The department is working on a form for first-time health center visitors about medical testing charges to reduce confusion about University insurance.
Vice President of Operations Megan Ruzicka, FCRH ’27, noted that the second Fordham Out of the Darkness walk will take place on April 5 at 1 p.m. on Edward’s Parade.
Vice President of Budgets and Finance Peter Grimes, FCRH ’25, indicated an upcoming visit from Intramural and Club Sports Manager Rose Dara to discuss a potential increase in funding for club sports, specifically to ensure that a medic can be present at all games.
Vice President of Facilities and Dining Mike Rodriguez, FCRH ’27, communicated an apparent issue with Urban Kitchen’s Grubhub. Rodriguez also mentioned a new restaurant experience within the Marketplace, increasing food variety.
Senator Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26, updated USG on her smoking initiative, and is currently working on a survey for Fordham students to get feedback on campus ashtrays.
