CLIPS OF THE WEEK

Stevie Wonder receives honorary doctorate at Fordham commencement
CBS 2 05-20-2023
Music legend Stevie Wonder is now Dr. Stevie Wonder. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Fordham University on Saturday.

SOPHIE MITRA
U.S. debt default could hit Social Security payments first
The Washington Post 05-25-2023
“Older people, especially those who do not have savings, are very vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty,” said Sophie Mitra, an economics professor at Fordham University.

CHRISTINA GREER
City Politics and News; Ken Burns on the Brooklyn Bridge; Pop Culture Quiz; Your Guilty Pleasures; Hip Hop’s 50th Events
WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show 05-24-2023
Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, host of the podcast FAQNYC, host of The Blackest Questions podcast on the Grio and the author of Black Ethnics (Oxford University Press, 2013), talks about how the city is managing the needs of migrants, the political forces behind financial support for Daniel Penny, who has been charged with killing Jordan Neely on the F train, the city’s budget and more local news.

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY

Shout-out to Fordham 2023 Grads
NBC’s TODAY 05-22-2023
A shout-out to Fordham University’s Class of 2023. Go Rams!

Stevie Wonder receives honorary doctorate at Fordham commencements
CBS 2 05-20-2023
Music legend Stevie Wonder is now Dr. Stevie Wonder. He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Fordham University on Saturday.

Stevie Wonder receives honorary doctorate from Fordham University
ABC 7 05-20-2023
Music icon Stevie Wonder was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Fordham University’s 178th commencement on Saturday during a ceremony where he also addressed the graduating class.

Stevie Wonder urges graduates to vote as he accepts honorary degree at Fordham
The Grio 05-22-2023
Music icon Stevie Wonder’s vast achievements now include an honorary degree from Fordham University.

Stevie Wonder Receives Honorary Doctorate – Video Unavailable
KENS-SAT (CBS) – San Antonio, TX 05-23-2023
Wonder commented on being woke in America. He encouraged the graduating class to vote, serve their communities, and  “enlighten the unenlightened.” Wow.

Stevie Wonder Receives Honorary Doctorate at Fordham’s 178th Commencement – Video Unavailable
CBS2 NY 05-22-2023
An honor for music legend Stevie Wonder. He is now Dr. Wonder. Fordham University awarded him a doctorate of humane letters on Saturday. … After the speech, Wonder even performed for the crowd. The crowd was quoted as saying they were completely overjoyed.

Honorary Doctorate for Stevie Wonder – Video Unavailable
KVEO (NBC) – Harlingen, TX 05-22-2023
Musician Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University in New York. After being given his doctoral hood and diploma, organizers brought out a microphone, a keyboard, and a tent for rain protection.”

Stevie Wonder Receives Honorary Doctorate – Video Unavailable
KPHO (CBS) Phoenix 05-22-2023
In New York, musician Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University over the weekend, and not even the rain could stop the commencement ceremony. During his speech, he talked about the recent death of Jordan Neely and also commented on being “woke” in America.

Stevie Wonder Receives Honorary Doctorate – Video Unavailable
WTOC-SAV (CBS) – Savannah, GA 05-22-2023
Musician Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University in New York on Saturday. During his speech, he encouraged the graduating class to vote, serve their communities, and enlighten the unenlightened. After his speech, Wonder performed one of his songs and, of course, the crowd got into the groove with it.

Fordham Awards Stevie Wonder Honorary Degree – Video Unavailable
NY 1 05-21-2023
From Motown to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and now Fordham University. Music legend
Stevie Wonder was given an honorary degree at the university’s 2023 graduation ceremony. The musician was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters. Wonder gave a brief speech to the graduates during the commencement ceremony offering some words of encouragement. 

Stevie Wonder Awarded Honorary Degree at Fordham’s Commencement – Video Unavailable
NY1 05-22-2023
It’s not that the students didn’t want to hear Stevie Wonder talk. That was an important speech. But they were also delighted to get a little impromptu concert on stage as well.

Despite Rain, Plenty of Sunshine at Fordham University Yesterday – Video Unavailable
ABC 7 05-21-2023
Despite the rain yesterday, there was plenty of sunshine at Fordham University. Stevie Wonder received an honorary degree.

Special Gift for Grads – Video Unavailable
PIX11 05-22-2023
Music legend Stevie Wonder is awarded an honorary doctorate from Fordham University and brings the graduating class a gift they’ll never forget.

Music icon Stevie Wonder awarded honorary doctorate at Fordham University commencement
New York Folk 05-20-2023
Music icon Stevie Wonder is now Dr. Stevie Wonder.
The legendary musician was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Fordham University on Saturday.

Athletes & Entertainers Celebrating Graduation Season
Boardroom 05-21-2023
While each school designates the criteria for an honorary degree, several celebs will gain extra letters after their name this graduation season. They include: Stevie Wonder, Fordham University, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. 

Stevie Wonder performs at Fordham University graduation
New York Amsterdam News 05-21-2023
Music legend Stevie Wonder performed from the Fordham Commencement stage, but not before offering the Class of 2023 some inspiration—and a challenge.

Stevie Wonder Receives Honorary Degree – Video Unavailable
WMAZ (CBS) Macon, GA 05-21-2023
Musician Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University in New York, yesterday. …After being given his doctoral hood and diploma, organizers brought out a microphone, a keyboard, and a tent for rain protection. During his remarks at the commencement ceremony, Wonder commented on being “woke” in America. He encouraged the graduating class to vote, serve their communities, and “enlighten the unenlightened.” Wonder also commented on the recent death of Jordan Neely, whose funeral was held in New York City the day before the commencement.

Musician Stevie Wonder Receives Honorary Degree – Video Unavailable
WSBT (CBS) TV South Bend, IN 05-21-2023
Musician Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctorate from Fordham University in New York on Saturday. After being given his doctoral hood and diploma, organizers brought out a microphone, a keyboard, and a tent for rain protection. During his remarks at the commencement ceremony, Wonder commented on being “woke in America.” He encouraged the graduating class to vote, serve their communities, and enlighten the unenlightened.

RADIO MENTIONS:

WABC-AM 05-24-2023 – Audio Unavailable
Stevie Wonder is getting an honorary degree from Fordham University in the Bronx, the honor being conferred at Fordham’s 178th commencement ceremony. The 73 year-old Michigan native will receive a doctorate of humane letters.

WCBS-NY 05-21-2023 – Audio Unavailable
Legendary musician Stevie Wonder has received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Fordham University in New York City. In his speech yesterday he spoke out about the death of Jordan Neely, the homeless man who died on the New York City subway after he was restrained in a chokehold. 

WNYC-FM – Audio Unavailable
Also making headlines this weekend, musician Stevie Wonder received his honorary doctorate of humane letters from Fordham University yesterday. In a statement, University officials said Wonder was being recognized in part for “his commitment to using his talents and voice to create a more just, inclusive world.”  The honor is on top of the dozens of No. 1 singles and Grammy Awards the musician already has.

WTOP-DC Radio 05-21-2023 – Audio Unavailable
Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctorate from New York’s Fordham University Saturday. In his speech, Wonder referenced the death of homeless man Jordan Neely.

KYW News Radio Philadelphia – Audio Unavailable
A Motown legend got an academic honor this weekend, Stevie Wonder, received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Fordham University yesterday Wonder referenced the death of homeless man Jordan Neely, who died after a Marine vet put him in a fatal chokehold on the New York subway earlier this month.

WABC-AM, WDEL Philadelphia 05-19-2023 – Audio Unavailable
Stevie Wonder is getting an honorary degree from Fordham University in the Bronx. The honor is being conferred at Fordham’s 178th commencement ceremony. The 73-year-old Michigan native will receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. The University’s President says Stevland Morris, which is Stevie Wonder’s real name, is a natural choice because he has entertained and inspired so many for six decades.

1010 WINS 05-21-2023 – Audio Unavailable
Stevie Wonder received an honorary doctor of humane letters from Fordham University yesterday. In his speech, the legendary musician pointedly referenced the death of Jordan Neely.

UNHP Celebrates 40 Years as New Report Ranks Bronxites among Worst Affected by Housing Crisis
Norwood News 05-18-2023
The University Neighborhood Housing Program (UNHP) was created in 1983 by Fordham University to help Bronxites take ownership of community-based redevelopment efforts. On Thursday, April 27, the organization celebrated 40 years with an event entitled “40 & Still Fighting Fiesta” held at Serviam Hall in Bedford Park.

SCHOOL OF LAW FACULTY

TANYA HERNÁNDEZ
Why Some Nonwhite Americans Espouse Right-Wing Extremism
The U.S. News 05-21-2023
“It’s very hard to say you reject the label of white supremacist when you are busy proselytizing about all the ways in which whiteness is superior,” said Tanya Hernández, a race expert and professor at Fordham University School of Law.

KIMANI PAUL-EMILE
U.S. Law and Discrimination in Health Care
The New England Journal of Medicine 05-20-2023
“Although discrimination both by clinicians and by patients and families is well documented, occurs relatively commonly, and may be based on characteristics other than race, the laws that can be used to address these two types of discrimination differ substantially,” wrote Kimani Paul-Emile, professor of law at Fordham.

GABELLI SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACULTY

BRENT J. HORTON
Will change come to Roswell Park board following chair’s resignation?
The Buffalo News 05-22-2023
Brent J. Horton, associate professor and area chair of law and ethics at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, said many best practices for nonprofit entities reference limiting board members to three consecutive terms.

ARTS AND SCIENCES FACULTY

SOPHIE MITRA
U.S. debt default could hit Social Security payments first
The Washington Post 05-25-2023
“Older people, especially those who do not have savings, are very vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty,” said Sophie Mitra, an economics professor at Fordham University.

CHRISTINA GREER
City Politics and News; Ken Burns on the Brooklyn Bridge; Pop Culture Quiz; Your Guilty Pleasures; Hip Hop’s 50th Events
WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show 05-24-2023
Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, host of the podcast FAQNYC, host of The Blackest Questions podcast on the Grio and the author of Black Ethnics (Oxford University Press, 2013), talks about how the city is managing the needs of migrants, the political forces behind financial support for Daniel Penny, who has been charged with killing Jordan Neely on the F train, the city’s budget and more local news.

STEPHEN HOLLER
We’ve Been Hunting For Aliens All Wrong, Scientists Say. We Must Pin Down Their ‘Technosignatures’
Popular Mechanics 05-22-2023
“I truly believe that we are not alone in the universe. It’s too vast for life to form only on some random planet in some random galaxy,” Stephen Holler, an associate professor of physics at Fordham University in New York City, tells Popular Mechanics. Holler thinks the theory of technosignatures is viable.

BORIS HEERSINK
Will he or won’t he? Why Mastriano’s announcement tonight matters
The Evening Sun 05-24-2023
Boris Heersink, a political science professor at Fordham University in New York, noted that inner-party critiques can have a cumulative impact if the noise becomes loud enough. “That could convince a subset of Republican primary voters … a year from now that he’s not their candidate,” Heersink said.

BRYAN MASSINGALE
OPINION | ON RELIGION: Grandmother’s gift an ‘act of hope’ for future use
Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette 05-20-2023
“My grandmother was not delusional. She did not live in denial of reality,” said [Bryan] Massingale, a priest who holds an endowed chair in ethics at Fordham University in New York. “Her gift was a vision, an act of hope. It was a dream, a hope, a reminder that the neighborhood, with its drugs, violence and rodent-infested corner store with overpriced goods, did not define or limit who I could be.”

STUDENTS

M.J. WRIGHT
2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: MJ Wright, WR, Fordham University
NFL Draft Diamonds 05-23-2023
“If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to St. Jude’s hospital because seeing all of those kids who are stronger than me fight day in and day out is powerful,” said Fordham wide receiver M.J. Wright.

ALUMNI

ASHAN BENEDICT
Bowser names Ashan Benedict interim D.C. police chief
The Washington Post 05-19-2023
Benedict joined ATF in 1998 and was assigned to a drug-trafficking task force in the D.C. region. He graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and from Syracuse University with a master’s in international relations.

BETTY GILPIN
Betty Gilpin remembers her epic Gossip Girl audition fail
Entertainment Weekly 05-23-2023
But Gilpin, who was a theater student at Fordham University in New York City at the time, showed up for the audition in an outfit that would’ve made Blair Waldorf choke on her mimosa.

JOHN STANKIEWICZ
A nearly flawless performance from the bullpen lifts Kernels
The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA) 05-21-2023
[John] Stankiewicz then struck out the side in the third and retired six more in a row after that. The right-hander from Fordham University was almost exclusively a starter his first two years in the Minnesota Twins organization but is 3-0 with a save this season thus far as a reliever.

MARY GOULDING
Support floods in for Tall Ferns basketballer Mary Goulding after car crash
The Press (New Zealand) 05-22-2023
Fordham University – where Goulding played for three seasons before graduating in 2019 – posted on social media “sending our prayers and well wishes.’’

TIM DEMORAT
Undrafted Rookies Making the Most Noise so Far After 2023 NFL Draft
The Bleacher Report 05-22-2023
DeMorat is an interesting prospect who was one of the top players at the FCS level last year. He threw for 4,891 yards for a Fordham offense that averaged 49.5 points per game.

JIM KUSHNER
True Religion Fills Key Position
Women’s Wear Daily 05-22-2023
True Religion, the American denim and sportswear brand, has named Jim Kushner executive vice president, North America wholesale sales.

CHERIE BUSTAMANTE
LVDC HOSTS KEYNOTE EVENT ON BRAND BUILDING
Furniture, Lighting & Decor Magazine 05-24-2023
Cherie Bustamante is a career-long design professional. … Bustamante holds an MBA in Communications and Global Sustainability from Fordham University. She is on the steering committee for DIFFA’s Dining by Design, and is a longtime New York City transplant from San Francisco.

FACULTY EMERITI

ELIZABETH JOHNSON, C.S.J.
Elizabeth Johnson: What does it mean to believe in an ecological God?
America Magazine 05-18-2023
Elizabeth A. Johnson, C.S.J., is a distinguished professor of theology emerita at Fordham University and the author of Consider Jesus, She Who Is, Quest for the Living God and Ask the Beasts. This essay is excerpted from the inaugural lecture for the Elizabeth A. Johnson, C.S.J. Endowed Fund for Theology and the Earth at Fordham University, delivered on March 21.

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Jane Martinez is director of media relations and deputy University spokesperson at Fordham. She can be reached at [email protected] or (347) 992-1815.