To the Fordham administration,

For four years, Fordham seniors have worked tirelessly to achieve our diplomas. We have represented Fordham to the best of our abilities and there is no doubt that our futures are extremely bright with a Fordham education and experience under our belts. That being said, all we ask, as a unified class in return for our hard work and dedication, is the opportunity to stand on those same Keating steps we stood on during our freshman year orientation and have our final goodbye to Fordham. Unfortunately, this final goodbye is becoming more and more uncertain due to the decisions institutions are making across the country. With this on the forefront of our minds, we find it extremely necessary to make sure the voice of the Fordham seniors is heard.

We ask and recommend that Fordham University choose to postpone its 2020 commencement ceremonies and senior events - indefinitely if necessary- rather than choosing to cancel the events or hold them virtually. Every alumni knows that commencement is the one moment every Fordham graduate looks forward to and it would be an absolute shame for the class of 2020 to go without this experience not despite the circumstances of COVID-19, but because of them. COVID-19 already caused the last couple months we had together as a class and as a part of the Fordham community to come to an abrupt end. The virus should not force us to go without a commencement and its accompanying activities as well. Fordham has already shown great support for the students by honoring the break stay requests and giving ample time for students to return to campus to collect their things. We ask that Fordham continue on this path of thinking of its students first. Senior Week and graduation represent celebrating hard work, but also symbolize conquering any adversity students went through during their time at Fordham. It means being with your peers for the last time. It means standing in front of your family as the first college graduate. It means looking at your parents whom were able to pay your tuition through their indefatigable work and showing them that it has all paid off. It means seeing yourself in the same spot many have stood before you and knowing that you achieved a Fordham education despite all odds. These are all feelings that cannot be exchanged virtually and that cannot be recreated in the comfort of your home. 

We understand this is a difficult decision to make; however, we urge Fordham’s administration to consider its graduates who have called Fordham home for the past four years and to set a precedent for future Fordham Rams that demonstrates the extent to which the university will go to support their students. Senior week is something freshmen look forward to for the entirety of their college experience. The Visionary Class of 2020 does not deserve to be the only class who does not get to fully experience what it means to be a Fordham senior. Whether the graduation takes place in the summer of 2020 or the fall of 2020 is irrelevant to us, we know this event is a monumental moment in our lives both for us and our families and therefore is worth the wait. Although we cannot control COVID-19 and its impact on our lives, we can, however, control our response to try and ensure there is not an even bigger piece missing from the story of the Class of 2020. 

We thank you for your consideration and hope to continue this conversation with you further.