An Iconic NYC Parade Before Class

For Fordham college students, the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is not simply an event to have a good time. It’s an opportunity to stroll by means of historical past.

A convention 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 better part of it. Fordham is without doubt one of the occasion’s largest teams, that includes upwards 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 almost 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 characterize 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 in a position to participate within the parade makes me really feel linked to my household whereas additionally having the chance to characterize Fordham—a spot I really like!

Mary Sotiryadis

Fordham Law Student

I do not know what my schedule goes to be like subsequent yr after which I’ll be working, so I needed to verify it off the bucket record whereas I nonetheless might. And I figured if we had sufficient curiosity, everybody else [in our family] would need to be part of. It’s simply very nice they do one thing so massive like this for all of the Fordham college students and alums and higher group. It’s a terrific networking alternative, too.

Linh Hoang

Major: Finance

I’m from Vietnam, and it is extremely thrilling to march within the parade and stroll up Fifth Avenue with buddies who’ve been a part of my journey because the begin of faculty. I used to look at the parade by means of a display again house, so the possibility to now characterize 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 has been an enormous a part of my development and who I’m. College in New York City actually modified my complete perspective and strategy to every little thing. I’ve met plenty of superb folks by means of 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