For Fordham college students, the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade isn’t simply an event to have fun. It’s an opportunity to stroll by historical past.
A practice that predates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the parade is the world’s oldest and largest celebration of St. Patrick—and the Rams are a major part of it. Fordham is without doubt one of the occasion’s greatest teams, that includes upward of 500 marchers, together with distinguished alumni and college students taking all of it in for the primary time.
From strolling up Manhattan’s iconic Fifth Avenue, to waving to the practically 2 million spectators, to getting up shut and private with storied landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park, becoming a member of the custom is a formative Fordham expertise.
See what these Fordham college students needed to say about changing into part of it for the primary time.
Valerie Arnold
Majors: American Studies, Sociology
It feels so particular to have the ability to signify Fordham at such a serious NYC occasion.
I come from a multicultural background and have Irish, Ukrainian, and Black roots. Growing up, I heard tales of my grandpa strolling within the parade with my mother as a part of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (the place he served as union president). Being capable of partake within the parade makes me really feel linked to my household whereas additionally having the chance to signify Fordham—a spot I really like!
Mary Sotiryadis
Fordham Law Student
I don’t know what my schedule goes to be like subsequent 12 months after which I’ll be working, so I needed to test it off the bucket listing whereas I nonetheless may. And I figured if we had sufficient curiosity, everybody else [in our family] would wish to be a part of. It’s simply very nice they do one thing so huge like this for all of the Fordham college students and alums and larger group. It’s a terrific networking alternative, too.
From left: Fordham Law pupil Mary Sotiryadis, Megan Mills ’25, Daniel O’Leary, Colleen O’Leary Sotiryadis, and Suzanne O’Leary Mills ’91 JD. Photo by Kelly Prinz
Linh Hoang
Major: Finance
I’m from Vietnam, and it’s extremely thrilling to march within the parade and stroll up Fifth Avenue with pals who’ve been a part of my journey for the reason that begin of school. I used to look at the parade by a display screen again house, so the prospect to now signify my faculty alongside different Rams is surreal and unforgettable.
From left: Linh Hoang and Risa Iawazak
Risa Iwazaki
Major: Applied Accounting and Finance
I’m actually excited to be part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade as a result of I grew up watching it. And I’m actually proud to be marching with Fordham as a result of it’s been an enormous a part of my development and who I’m. College in New York City actually modified my whole perspective and strategy to all the pieces. I’ve met a variety of superb folks by occasions like this. Ever since I first visited, I’ve been amazed by the group right here.
From left: Fordham college students Anshi Jangit, Valerie Arnold, and Risa Iwazaki on the pre-parade brunch on the Harvard Club. Photo by Chris Taggart
