The Honors Program of Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Brief Introductions With Current Students
Who’s in this Honors Program, anyway? We present some of our students and their unique perspective towards the program, their futures, and the City.
My name is James Berrigan (2018), and I’m a History major with Spanish Language and Theology minors from Savannah, GA. In my spare time I play chess online and competitively at the Marshall Chess Club as well as pickup Ultimate Frisbee. After graduation I plan on attending law school and returning to Georgia to practice as a plaintiff’s attorney.
Hello, my name is Katrina Bernhardt (2017); I’m from Staten Island, NY, and I am majoring in Chemistry. This year I am very excited to be starting faculty-mentored research in organic chemistry, which I will continue to do throughout the remainder of my undergraduate career at Fordham. The group project aims to synthesize sustainable polymers and apply their properties to remove pollutants from water. I hope to be able to apply these research and laboratory skills in an industry career as a cosmetic formulator. Aside from enjoying and appreciating all of the academic opportunities at Fordham, I love being a part of the social community, serving as the Treasurer of Campus Activities Board, a Student Ambassador in Lincoln Center Society, an Orientation Captain, a Co-Planner of Leadership Weekend, and a junior member of the Senior Week Committee. I have loved my time thus far at Fordham, and I look forward enthusiastically to much greatness to come.
My name is Briana Boland (2019), and I plan to major in International Studies and minor in Mandarin Chinese. I’m from a small mountain town in Colorado, and recently returned from a year-long foreign exchange in Taipei, Taiwan. I have an eclectic range of hobbies, from Taekwondo to painting, and hope to find a future career that allows me to travel and help people across the world.
My name is Tyler Burdick (2016). Although I was born in Manhattan, I spent a lot of time bouncing around New England and its neighbors in such states as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Delaware and Connecticut. I’ve always been interested in pursuing a career in writing. I’ve had experience writing poems, short stories and even review-based articles. I currently serve as a co-editor for the opinions section of FCLC’s own “The Observer.” After graduation, I’d like to one day have a fiction novel published.
Hi! My name is Mary Cleary (2018), and I’m from Scarborough, Maine (even though I now live in Ypsilanti, Michigan). I am an International Studies and Economics double major with an interest in international trade. When I’m not slinging lobster rolls at work, I’m usually watercolor painting or taking photos.
My name is Abigail Cross (2019), and I’m from Gastonia, North Carolina. I am majoring in integrative neuroscience, and my extracurricular passions include dance and community service. I also love exploring the countless cultural and artistic riches that New York City has to offer. In the brief time I’ve been at Fordham, the Honors Program has made me feel right at home within both the university and the city as a whole.
Howdy gang. I’m Chandler Dean (2018). I’m a Political Science major and probably also a Communication and Media Studies major. I aspire to get paid to do comedy. To that end, since arriving at Fordham I have done dozens of open mics, taken multiple improv classes at UCB, and produced a number of comedic videos, including a series called 2016 with Chandler Dean which you can check out on my YouTube channel, ChandlerDeanVideos. I’m also the secretary of FCLC’s ONLY comedy club, Stove’s Cabin Crew. Join the club if you enjoy laughter and/or folly.
I am Emma Copp (2017) from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I study music with a psychology minor, and I enjoy supplementing my Fordham education with courses at Juilliard and The Ailey School. Outside of class, I serve as co-president of The F#s a cappella group, perform with Fordham’s musical theatre groups, and eat as many Sodexo cookies as possible.
My name is Riley Edwards (2016), originally from the small town of North Bend, Washington, but planning to stay in New York for the foreseeable future. I’m a double major in political science and physics, which is an unlikely combination made possible by the flexibility of the Honors Program and inspired in part by Dr. Morris’s first-year Honors Natural Science course. Outside of class, I’m involved in Global Outreach, the Dorothy Day Center for Service and Justice, and Campus Activities Board. I also intern at the Citizens Budget Commission, a research organization focused on government spending in New York City and State. Building on my internship experience and my passion for urban politics, social justice, and also spreadsheets, I hope to continue to work in public policy analysis after graduation and eventually earn a Master’s in Public Policy.
My name is Nick Endo (2016), and I’m from Philadelphia, studying International Political Economy, Theology, and Spanish. I’m returning to Fordham this year after spending my junior year abroad in El Salvador and Spain, and I’m looking forward to capping off my Honors career with my senior thesis, which will (hopefully) combine all my academic interests. In addition to being a member of the Honors Program, I’m the student intern and a retreat leader for Campus Ministry, a student ambassador with the Lincoln Center Society, and a project leader for Global Outreach. Fordham Inspires. Go Rams!
Hello everyone! My name is Margaret (Maggie) Fisher (2017) and I am from Elk Grove, California. I grew up in the country with my five siblings, and was homeschooled by my fabulous parents before I entered public school.
After much debate, I decided to major in Comparative Literature and Behavioral Development (a science major that I designed myself) and minor in Theology.
I have a passionate love of turtles and the ocean, and I thoroughly enjoy writing, coffee of any sort, napping, a challenge, running, singing, dancing, traveling, learning about the brain, the rain, succulent plants, animals, international relationships, and tropical fruits.
While at Fordham I have been a member of the Fordham Cheerleading Squad and the Lincoln Center Society, cast member of the studio show Scrapmetal/Scars, and an editor of Bricolage: Fordham’s Official Journal of Comparative Literature.
My name is Carolyn Guerrero (2017), originally from El Paso, Texas. I am a Music / English double major and am involved in several organizations across our campus, such as the University / Women’s choirs and Lincoln Center Society.
My name is Liam Haber (2019). I’m from Sayville, Long Island and attended Sayville High School. I am currently undecided in my major, although I am considering studying something in the English field. I am very excited to be a part of the Fordham College of Lincoln Center Honors Program!
I am Sunny Kim (2018), a Mathematics major with an English minor (I pride myself on my ability to write out math in English). I am an intern and the student sacristan for Campus Ministry and serve as coordinator and webmaster of The Honors Report for the 2015-16 school year. I am currently studying for my actuarial exams and thoroughly enjoy free food.
Hi, I’m Lauriann (2018)! I am an English major, Psychology minor, and I hope to graduate on the 5 year track with a Master of Science in Teaching for secondary school, with dual certification in general and special education. This year, I was an Orientation Leader, and I hope to be a Captain next year and a Coordinator my senior year. I am also a student contact for the Honors Program, so feel free to reach out to me with any questions; I love to help new students feel at home here at Fordham! Welcome to the (Honors) Ramily!
My name is Daniel Magaldi (2019). In high school, I was part of a multidisciplinary arts program called STAC where I directed film, acted in commercials, created my own websites, researched color theory, and created vlogs. At Fordham, I just got into the F#s, an 18-person a cappella group. I am currently considering majoring in either economics, natural science, or visual arts.
I am Julia Marostica (2019), and I am excited to be a member of the FCLC Honors Program. I’m from Albany, California, although I’m learning to just say “San Francisco” when people ask. I am undecided major-wise but love feminist books, 90’s movies, weepy musical theater, and whales.
I’m Kayla Matteucci (2018), a New Mexican in the Honors Program studying International Studies and Spanish. I like Fordham, blues music, sprint workouts, CSPAN, and black bean burritos.
My name is Sophia Nolas (2017). I am a Math major, with a minor in Orthodox Christian Studies. I am originally from Philadelphia, and intends to pursue a career in mathematics.
Hi, my name is Nicholas Popo (2019). I was born in Long Island but raised in northern New Jersey (about 60 minutes from campus). Aside from that, I am a Computer Science major with possible interest in the field of law and love the city!
I am Katie Ott (2017), a Political Science and Theology major, with Music and Theatre minors. I have a perpetual desire to be involved and busy, so I serve as Vice President of the Chamber Singers and Residence Hall Association, in addition to working at Raymour and Flanigan and as a Resident Assistant here at Lincoln Center. I am infatuated with singing and performing and have appeared in over 50 theatrical productions in the Philadelphia area. I have preformed as a soprano soloist at Westminster Choir College and throughout New York and Pennsylvania and made my television debut in 2013 singing in CBS’s A New York Christmas to Remember with Regis Philbin. In an ideal world, in the future I will work as an attorney by day and pursue my love of music and the performing arts by night.
Hello, I’m Nilofar Rahimzadeh (2018)! I am an Afghan-Uzbek-American student at Fordham, which leads to more ethnic ambiguity than someone can hope to have in their lifetime. More importantly though, I am a commuter student! I travel from my home in Long Island every day for class… an hour long trek (one that inevitably leads itself into quite a bit of awkward subway rides and small talk with people sitting way too close to you on the LIRR)! The Honors Program has been amazing to experience; I feel like every day I’m learning more about the world through our crazy-diverse core program!
My name is Caleb Rodrigues (2019), from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am excited to live in and explore New York. I enjoy playing the piano, going hiking, and talking with friends. My favorite subjects are maths, history, and physics; I intend to study Mathematics and Economics. I love trying new things, keeping clean, and Indian cuisine.
I am Brandon Satz-Jacobowitz (2019), from the distant realm called Brooklyn. I am a prospective Natural Science Major, at least for the moment. I enjoy reading, writing, music, chess, and watching Game of Thrones. I have also started a website where I occasionally post my thoughts on life. I am happy to be a part of this program and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in Honors throughout the four years ahead.
Hi, my name is Rachel Schwarz (2017), I’m from outside Philadelphia, and I’m currently pursuing a double major in International Studies and Humanitarian Affairs. I’ll be spending this year abroad, first in Central America on a traveling program through Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, studying social change, peace, and justice. During the Spring semester, I’ll travel to South Africa on Fordham’s Ubuntu program and study poverty development while participating in direct service. A huge advantage to the Honors Program is this freedom to create a year-long study abroad program. While at Fordham I have enjoyed participating in Generation Citizen, an incredible nonprofit aimed at bringing action civics back into high schools, Lincoln Center Society, and Global Outreach.
My name is Isabella St. Ivany (2019). Fresh-out of sunny LA, I’m here at Fordham looking to study Art History with a possible focus in contemporary art largely due to my recent work at Gagosian Gallery in Beverly Hills. I enjoy playing classical violin and piano, and I have performed Walt Disney Concert Hall as well as in various cities of China. In my free time, I love to do ocean swimming and to attend concerts of the DIY scene variety.
My name is Sarah Vidal (2018), and I am from Long Island, New York. I’m am studying Communications and Visual Arts, and I plan to pursue a career in television or film after I graduate. In my free time I sing with the Fordham University Choir, take dance classes at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and see Broadway shows.
My name is Fiona Whalen (2019). I’m originally from Billings, Montana, but have spent most of my life overseas, learning in Germany and Israel. I love playing the trumpet, participating in sports, and exploring, whether it be in nature or through the jungles of New York City. I feel as though a career dedicated to service is my path and currently intend to major in Humanitarian Studies and French. One day, I hope to conduct meaningful work with a NGO.
My name is Kathryn Ziegner (2018), and I am a singer songwriter and pre-veterinary Natural Science major. Eventually, I hope to practice veterinary medicine on wildlife at rehabilitation centers and zoos. In addition to my interests in science, I am a passionate songwriter and performer, an avid skier, and a frequent hiker. I am originally from Arizona and my family currently resides in Colorado.