Photo courtesy of Fordham Athletics
Fordham men’s and women’s basketball players demonstrated the Jesuit philosophy of homines pro aliis(men and women for others) when they delivered holiday presents to pediatric clinics in the Bronx.
The women’s team visited the Union Community Health Center on Jan. 8, while the men’s side dropped by St. Barnabas Hospital’s pediatric clinic on Jan. 9.
“We’ve been doing this every year I’ve been at Fordham, and it’s something we look forward to,” said Dereck Whittenburg, head coach of the men’s team. “The players love to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they hand out the presents.”
The gifts were donated by Fordham basketball fans at all men’s and women’s home games prior to Christmas, as well as by members of the athletics department. In addition to the gifts, the children also received Fordham basketball yearbooks from the student-athletes.
John Tognino (FCLS ’75), chairman of Fordham’s Board of Trustees and vice board chairman at St. Barnabas, said that reaching out to the children is “a great reflection upon the spirit at Fordham University. We are all proud to be Rams.”
“Giving back to the community is a vital part of Fordham women’s basketball,” women’s head coach Cathy Andruzzi said. “Our players enjoyed going to the Union Community Center to spend time with so many beautiful children.” This is the second year that her squad has visited the center.
