The anticipation of commencement may steal the spotlight from the rest of May’s festivities, but there are still many provocative films, thoughtful discussions, and reflective retreats to look forward to this month. Here are 10 ways to connect with the Fordham community before faculty, staff, and students scatter over the summer.
1. Daily, 12 – 12:50 p.m.:
Last two weeks of Lunchtime Yoga with Jenny
Enjoy this free, drop-in yoga class for Fordham employees in its last two weeks before the sessions break for summer: Mondays at Lincoln Center, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Rose Hill, and Wednesdays and Fridays by Zoom. Check the HR calendar for details.
2. Monday, May 5, 1 – 2:30 p.m.:
After: Poetry Destroys Silence—Virtual Film Screening and Conversation
The Center for Jewish Studies is hosting a virtual discussion of this documentary about the power of poetry to process and remember the Holocaust. The screener will be sent to all who register. Zoom | Register here
3. Monday, May 5, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.:
Dinner with Masters of Sex Writer and Journalist, Thomas Maier, FCRH ’78
Join Newsday reporter and Emmy-winning TV producer Thomas Maier—whose work inspired the Showtime drama Masters of Sex—for a candid discussion about his career in journalism and media over a shared meal. Faculty Memorial Hall, Room 308, Rose Hill | RSVP to knobel@fordham.edu
4. Tuesday, May 6, 1 – 2 p.m.:
Q&A with Mónica Guzmán, Author of Campus-Wide Read, I Never Thought of It That Way
As part of the FitzSimons Presidential Initiative on Civics and Civility, the Fordham community was invited to read Mónica Guzmán’s I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times at the start of the academic year. Now everyone is invited to discuss the book with Guzmán and Brenna Moore, Ph.D., chair of the theology department. Complimentary copies are available at Quinn and Walsh libraries. Zoom | Register here
5. Thursday, May 8, 6 – 7:30 p.m.:
Bringing Tikkun Olam to the South: New York Jews in the Civil Rights Movement
Miyuki Kita, professor of American studies at the University of Kitakyushu, revisits an overlooked story of 1960s activism when Jewish students from Queens College journeyed to Virginia to tutor Black children during school integration battles and inspired Mississippi’s “Freedom Schools” that followed. McMahon Hall, Room 109, Lincoln Center | Register here
6. Wednesday, May 14, 5 – 8 p.m.:
“HEROES”: A Veteran Art Exhibition and Panel Discussion
See original artworks by members of the Fordham Veterans Workshop at the opening and reception of this exhibit sponsored by the Office of Military and Veterans’ Services, then stay for a panel discussion with veteran artists who will speak to their service, creativity, and healing through art. Lipani Gallery, 113 W. 60th St., Lincoln Center | Register here
7. Friday, May 16, dusk
Empire State Building Tribute to the Class of 2025
To honor the Class of 2025, the Empire State Building will glow maroon on the eve of Fordham’s 180th commencement. Whether you’re watching from a rooftop or the live webcam, this grand NYC tribute celebrates the impact of our graduates on the city and the world. Don’t forget to add the hashtag #Fordham2025 when you post your pics to Instagram! Empire State Building. New York, NY
8. Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.:
Commencement 2025: Celebrating Fordham’s Largest Graduating Class
The 180th University Commencement at Rose Hill will take place on Edwards Parade and be livestreamed at fordham.edu/commencement starting at 10 a.m. Tune in to see Regina Hall, FCRH ’92, this year’s commencement speaker. | Edwards Parade, Rose Hill
9. Wednesday, May 21, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.:
Faculty Technology Day: Discernment in the Age of AI
This year’s Faculty Technology Day will examine how Fordham’s Ignatian values can help us thoughtfully approach the promise and perils of artificial intelligence in this daylong conference exploring discernment, pedagogy, and the digital age. McNally Amphitheatre and Costantino Room, Lincoln Center | Register here
10. Wednesday, May 28 – Friday, May 30:
Three-Day Ignatian Silent Retreat
Close out the spring semester with a restorative Campus Ministry retreat at Mariandale Retreat Center in Westchester, open to students, faculty, and staff. The Center at Mariandale, Ossining, NY | Register here
