The Fordham University United Student Government (USG) met on March 19 to hear a presentation from a Fordham administrator, conduct a special election and pass budget requests.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Fordham Director of Federal Affairs Abby Paulson, who informed USG members that the Pell Grant is expected to see funding reductions starting next school year. She said that Fordham is concerned that the Trump administration and Congress will propose cuts to the program, but that Fordham’s administration is mobilizing to ensure such cuts do not take place. She did not specify what actions Fordham is taking.
Paulson emphasized that she wants to communicate with USG to galvanize student voices against potential cuts to Pell Grants. She also said that she wants to hear which federal issues USG members are concerned about so that she can bring student voices to Congress. Executive President Lucas Hjertberg, FCRH ’26, asked how much of the student population at Fordham receives Pell Grants, to which Paulson replied around 25%.
Next, USG conducted a special election for the Class of 2028 Gabelli Senate seat. There were two candidates, Theo Yonly, GSB ’28, and Jason Vo, GSB ’28, who both gave speeches to USG.
Yonly spoke about his past leadership experiences, including his role as a first-year vice president in the Residential Hall Association (RHA). Vice President of Facilities and Dining Madeline Ando, FCRH ’27, asked Yonly what he believes is the most pressing issue on campus. He said it’s important to protect students from developments at the federal level, including program cuts and immigration issues. Vice President of Sustainability Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, asked what specific plans Yonly has for USG. Yonly said that he wants to work on connecting Gabelli students to organizations and internships outside of Fordham.
Vo then gave his speech. Regarding his leadership experience, he said that he is currently a part of RHA and the Marketing Committee. Vice President of Gabelli School of Business Hunter Golson, GSB ’26, asked what Vo would be able to do and gain access to as a senator that he can’t do on the committees he is currently on. Vo said he believes he will be able to work more directly with students in a senator position.
Hjertberg then led all gallery members outside while USG conducted a closed-door voting session on the senate seat. After the vote, Executive Vice President Andrew McDonald, FCRH ’26, came outside to announce that Vo had won.
Fordham’s Black Student Alliance Club was then presented with the club of the month award for February.
Next, there were three new club presentations. The Music Production Club sent a video to USG with their presentation. In the video, Thomas Lapus, FCRH ’28, said the Music Production Club had previously existed at Rose Hill, but had not been active for the past few years. He explained that the club intends to connect students interested in music and audio engineering, and that club meetings would focus on teaching students how to edit audio. He requested funding for software and the budget request passed unanimously.
Eliza Collins, FCRH ’26, presented the Bronx Political Consulting (BPC) club, for which she is the co-founder and executive vice president. Hjertberg is the club’s executive president, but he did not participate in the presentation. Collins said that BPC is a student-led organization and professional development club that engages in legislative advocacy and provides free consulting services to campaigns and organizations. She also explained that the club is strictly non-partisan. She requested $400 per semester for Pugsley’s Pizza and $60 per semester for a Canva subscription. The budget request passed unanimously.
The final new club to present was Public Health Advocates. Club President Daniel Perez, FCRH ’27, said that the goals of the organization are to introduce Rose Hill students to what public health looks like and inspire them to speak up about local and global public health issues. Aside from education, he said the club will include keynote speaker events and site visits to local public health organizations. Regarding the club’s budget, they requested $200-$400 for merchandise, $300-$700 for food, $200-$300 for transportation, $300-$600 for keynote speakers and $150-$250 for miscellaneous supplies. The budget request passed unanimously.
USG then moved on to additional budget requests. Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Layla Sayegh, FCRH ’27, requested funding for the Diversity Action Coalition’s Women’s History Month event and Bronx Appreciation Week. Vice President of Student Life Luc Angus, FCRH ’26, submitted a request for the inauguration of the McShane Creative Commons and to receive supplies for the mural they are creating.
USG’s Vice President of Sustainability Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, requested funding for the cat houses initiative. Class of 2028 Senator Regan Healy, FCRH ’28, requested $1,000 for USG’s menstrual product initiative. There was also a budget request for Packets and Pastries, held on March 18, and for a tablecloth for the International Integration Committee’s alumni panel. Additionally, Vice President of Fordham College Rose Hill Mary Hawthorn, FCRH ’26, requested funding for graduation chords and Panda Express catering for an upcoming panel. All budget requests passed unanimously.
During USG’s updates, McDonald announced that Fordham will be renting two live rams for the 2026 commencement. He also said that there will be a joint event with USG, RHA, Commuting Students Association and Campus Activities Board on April 26, which will involve food trucks and tabling. Additionally, he mentioned that USG elections will officially start on April 1.
Ando presented updates for the Sustainability Committee. She mentioned the initiative to build cat houses for stray cats on campus and said they plan to use non-toxic paint and will hold a competition for naming the cat colonies. She said the event date for painting the cat houses has not yet been decided.
Class of 2027 Senator Anna Gayton, FCRH ’27, gave updates for the International Integration Committee. She said there will be an international alumni panel on March 27 from 7-9 p.m. in Bepler Commons. She also said they are working with the Office of International Services on creating the Mentor-Mentee Program. Additionally, she said she and Vice President of International Integration Jenny Hong, FCRH ’28, are working with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on a proposal to update admissions videos to include more languages.
The next USG meeting is schedueled to take place on Thursday, March 26.
