From celebrities on campus to expert voices on timely topics, Fordham Now generated considerable buzz in 2025. Check out the list of our most viewed stories—and get ready for Fordham to make news in 2026!
1. $100 Million Gift to Fordham Will Revolutionize STEM Programs
This historic gift from Maurice “Mo” Cunniffe and Carolyn Dursi Cunniffe—the largest in the University’s history—will be used to break ground on a cutting-edge, integrated science facility on the Rose Hill campus and to expand in-demand STEM degree programs. Bloomberg News broke the story.
2. Could This Be the End of Birthright Citizenship?
The potential end of birthright citizenship in the U.S. caused quite a stir. The topic is back in the news this month, thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision to hear oral arguments on Trump’s executive order. In this January 2025 story, Fordham Law professor Jennifer Gordon said we’re unlikely to see it overturned anytime soon.
3. For What Matters: Fordham Launches Bold Brand Evolution
It’s so much more than just the new ‘F.’ Focused on “for what matters” and leaning into our rich history as the Jesuit University of New York, Fordham’s evolved brand is making a splash with billboards in Grand Central, coveted merch in the bookstore, mailings to prospective undergrads, and stories about our incredible students.
4. Fordham Launches Fully Funded MSW Program to Expand Care in Poor Communities
The Career Pathways Training Program covered the cost of a Master of Social Work at Fordham in exchange for committing to three years of employment with populations in need. The one-year program has now stopped taking applications, but the high number of views showed a big interest in the initiative—and in Fordham’s Graduate School of Social Service.
5. Living the Dream: New College Guide Names Fordham a ‘Dream School’
A follow-up to his 2020 bestseller Who Gets In and Why, Jeffrey Salingo’s buzzy new book Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You named Fordham a “new” dream school. Nothing the Rams didn’t already know!
6. Actress Regina Hall to Deliver Commencement Address
The news that Hall would be addressing the Class of 2025 drew a lot of excitement. The 1992 Fordham grad has appeared in numerous hit films, including The Best Man, Love and Basketball, the Scary Movie franchise, Girls Trip, The Hate U Give, Master, and most recently, the Paul Thomas Anderson movie One Battle After Another. President Tetlow called her “an inspiring role model” who “embodies the principles we hold dear at Fordham.”
7. Should Cellphones Be Allowed in School? New York Educators Weigh In
New York’s ban on cellphones in schools was quite an adjustment. But teachers at Fordham’s Graduate School of Education embraced the change. Xiaying “Summer” Li, a high school foreign language teacher and PhD student at GSE, said instead of kids scrolling on TikTok, she now sees them watching, listening, and engaging. “I believe we will see a tremendous change in academic performance and discipline,” she said.
8. The Weeknd and Jimmy Fallon Perform for Fordham Seniors in Surprise Visit
“I’ve never deejayed before in my life … I just figured it would be fun, because I love Fordham,” joked late-night host Jimmy Fallon, before cueing up the song “Blinding Lights.” Enter the Weeknd, prompting huge roars from the crowd. The Grammy winner also sang his hit “Can’t Feel My Face,” and the performance was featured that night on The Tonight Show, taped just one mile south of Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus. Not a bad way to start the “Weeknd!”
9. Fordham Mourns Death of Pope Francis, Reflects on Influence of First Jesuit Pope
Pope Francis’ death in April left many at Fordham grieving but also grateful for how the first Jesuit pope uplifted the Jesuit University of New York—and how he championed education throughout his papacy. Gerald Cataro, EdD, executive director of Fordham’s Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education, said that for Francis, “education was not just about what we learn but how we live it, shaping individuals committed to service, justice, and the common good.”
10. Regina Hall Urges Graduates to Go Forth with Humor, Heart, and a Drive to Do Good
No one does commencement like Fordham, and this year, we had a little help from speaker Regina Hall! Just after receiving her honorary doctorate, the proud alumna reminisced warmly from the podium with her trademark humor: “I’m grateful for so many beautiful memories and so much joy and fun, but what I’m most grateful for is that there were no camera phones back then. I can’t say more than that as the Jesuits are present.” Fordham also presented an honorary degree to President Emeritus Joseph M. McShane, SJ, who gave an emotional tribute to the University.
