Many members of the Fordham community knew that Joseph Novak, S.J., who passed away on Jan. 10, was a former instructor of religion and the University’s alumni chaplain.
But he also was a big Fordham sports fan, and a faithful season ticket holder for men’s basketball.
On Saturday, Jan. 23, the University dedicated Father Novak’s seat—Sec. 104, Row B, Seat 8—with a commemorative plaque reading “In Loving Memory—Fr. Joseph Novak, S.J., 1927-2010.” It marked just the second time that a seat in the Rose Hill Gymnasium is dedicated in someone’s honor, the first having been assigned to longtime season holder Michael J. Armstrong (FCLC ’90), who died in the 9/11 attack.
The ceremony took place shortly before the halftime events of the Hall of Fame Day basketball game between the Fordham Rams and Temple Owls. .
“Father Novak had a love of all things Fordham, but Fordham Athletics—and especially the basketball programs—were near and dear to his heart,” said Ryan St. Germain, assistant director of athletics development at Fordham. “We know that his great spirit will live on and that he will never stop rooting for our Rams.”
