Campus Ministry

CONTACT INFO:

If you have any questions about the Retreat Ministry or would just like to talk over which retreat experience might be best for you please contact us and we'll be happy to tell you more!

Erin Hoffman
Assistant Director of Campus Ministry for Spiritual Programs
McGinley 206
(718) 817-4509

At Lincoln Center
Lowenstein 217
212-636-6267

MEET THE LEADERS:
As leaders we have all experienced the awesomenes of retreats...the peace, the friendship, the laughter, the quiet times, the hope, the joy, (the food!) and most importantly, the love of God that makes it all possilbe! Whatever your particular reason for joining us on retreats, please know how happy we are to share the journey with you and that we'll do all we can to help make your stay as comfortable and enriching as possible.

	Marc Alibrandi was born on May 22nd, 1993 and hails from Massapequa, Long Island. Marc is a member of the class of 2015 and intends on majoring in Political Science. When he’s not chilling with his friends in his dorm room, you can find Marc tossing around a Frisbee or playing Kan Jam around campus. Marc loves taking trips into New York City, and has taken it upon himself to learn the extensive subway routes that run under this great city. He enjoys relaxing by playing video games with his friends and watching TV. Marc finds God through his interactions with his friends, and his favorite part of retreats are small group meetings, the Goshen air, and getting to know new people.
	John-Casey Byrd, born June 5th, 1991, was born in Marshfield, MA. As a a senior, John is enjoying not only his philosophy and theology majors, but also living in the Bronx! The word that best sums up his faith is LOVE, and he LOVES retreats because he is able to unplug and turn off his cell phone. Most of the rest of the time, John is busy with different on-campus groups, especially the Fordham Experimental Theater Improv group. Having been the captain of his varsity high school swimming team, he keeps his inner fish alive by spending his free time boating and using a Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA).
	Faith Brancale has been the subject of many corny jokes over the last 20 years. She’s a Visual Arts major at LC who hails from Brooklyn, NY where she reigns over a household of seven children. Faith loves adventures – at Fordham, in the city, and around the world – and views her spirituality from that lens. She loves finding God in all things, especially in her CLC, music, and breakfast food. Sometimes she sits on escalators and is partial towards cowboy boots. Faith is the artist-in-residence at the LC CM office, where she is a student intern and if you need to find her then there’s a 95% chance that she’ll be there. Faith adores little kids, thrift stores, and orange juice, and along with Alyssa she’s somewhat of a tourist attraction at Columbus Circle, where the two often go busking with their violins in tow.
	Alyssa Carolan a former home schooled jungle freak from the great state of New Jersey (the north part, not south!), Alyssa is a junior at the Lincoln Center campus, where she's majoring in English and Theology. Retreat ministry was an important part of her life in high school, and she's excited to be blessed with the opportunity to lead at Fordham as well. Though Alyssa loves being in Manhattan and exploring the city (usually while listening to suitable city music such as The National), she enjoys finding God in the middle of nowhere, and believes that the retreat house in Goshen is one of the best places on earth.
	Courtney Code made her grand entrance into the world on August 18th 1993. A member of the class of 2015, this sassy optimist hails from the incredible city of New Orleans, Louisiana. She brings with her an overwhelming enthusiasm for great food, great music, and great people. Living in New York City is a dream come true for Courtney, and she’s always down to go adventuring in Manhattan with any ragtag group of misfits that will join her. Courtney is planning to double-major in English and Theology, studying two of her absolute favorite things: words and God. Courtney’s faith is a part of her daily life, where she encounters God in music, stories, sunshine, and − most vividly − in the faces of the countless beautiful people she is blessed enough to call friends.
	Lynn DiOrio is a sophomore and was born on Flag Day in 1992. She is “a pretty indecisive person,” especially when it comes to what she wants to study in college. However, this Long Island girl has decided and committed herself to help bring the faith alive to the Fordham community. You can usually find this girl devouring food in the cafeteria, running laps around campus, and dominating in every intramural sport possible. This beginning triathlete even hosted a television show for young adults, “Get Connected,” that aired on Telecare on Long Island! Her faith plays a prominent role in her life. If you see this girl on campus, never be afraid to say “Hi," unless she already beat you to it!
	Lianna Drobatz was born on September 14, 1993, is from right outside the City of Brotherly Love and a member of FCRH class of 2015. She is perpetually indecisive in regards to a major, but thinks she will study some combination of science and Spanish. She is completely in love with her family and friends, the moon, writing letters, smiling, bracelets, and musicals, particularly In the Heights. She is a camp counselor for four-year-olds and thinks that is the greatest age in the whole world. Lianna loves retreats for the pure joy and relaxation she feels as a result of them, and for the unique bonds that can only be created there. She truly believes she is surrounded by angels and is grateful everyday for their presence in her life.
	Jason Diaz is attending the College of Rose Hill in the class of 2015. He is from the small town of Glen Rock, located in northern New Jersey. Jason is a young man of many talents and hobbies, including dancing, longboarding, eating, and to a certain extent, singing and playing the ukulele. He has been involved with retreats since his freshman year of high school and is very excited and happy to be a part of this year's Campus Ministry Retreat Team. Jason enjoys leading and attending retreats and loves meeting and being in a community with people who are open to expressing their love for, and relationship with, God.
	William "Blake" Dutton was born on Nov. 20, 1990, in Silver Spring, MD, and is currently a senior at Fordham, majoring in psychology. Faith has always been a vital part of his life ever since his youth. This value was strengthened during his four years at Gonzaga College High School, in Washington D.C. where retreats and service work became as important as his academic endeavors. His love for retreats and service has only grown during his time at Fordham. Blake is avid sports fan, a connoisseur of coffee and grilled meats, and a Survivor guru. You’ll never catch him without a smile on his face or a cup of coffee in his hands. His friendly demeanor and excellent people skills make him very approachable. His favorite part about retreats is the opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships.
	Chantal Freeman is a senior at FCLC who hails from the beautiful Midwestern state, Illinois. She was born on May 30th 1991, a date she gladly shares with her twin brother, Christophe. She is currently pursuing a degree in Music, with eyes set on the operatic stage. Apart from her singing in the F#’s, Lincoln Center’s only a cappella club, she is a freshman RA. Chantal loves people and chatting it up, as well as speaking in the third person. She is so happy to be part of a ministry that has been so much a part of her formation here at Fordham, and to have grown in faith in such a wonderful way. Faith is a wonderful grace that Chantal has cultivated in her life. She loves sharing and experiencing that grace in her interactions with others on retreats or on campus, in music, and in every moment of the day. YAY!
	Tommy Infurna comes all the way from Westchester County, NY and is an accounting major in the GSB class of 2015. This year he is the only retreat leader in GSB and the only retreat leader who commutes to Bros Hill...uh...Rose Hill. Although he is a commuter he is practically always around. If Tommy’s not in class or doing work, you will likely find him chilling in the commuter lounge, eating in the cafeteria, beasting out in ultimate frisbee on Eddie's, shooting hoops in Lombardi, or spending some quiet prayer and reflection time in our beautiful University Church. Tommy loves Italian food, rooting for his New York Mets (even when they're stinky), jamming to the Christian rock music of groups such as Third Day and Tenth Avenue North, impersonating cartoon characters, spending time with his friends and family, and walking around campus dressed as Santa Claus just before Christmas break. You will almost never see him without a smile on his face: he loves being happy and making other people happy as well. Tommy feels a deep sense of gratitude to how good God has been and is very thankful for all the blessings (big or small) he encounters every day.
	Patrick Austin Kelly was born on August 13th, 1990. A big-hearted, giant Irish leprechaun of a man, Patrick Kelly is the best thing from Burlington Wisconsin since the Coat Factory. A junior at Lincoln Center, he is majoring in Theology and Philosophy with a minor in Irish Studies, which is evident in his attire, which always excels in McFashion. He likes whitewater rafting, camping, hiking, wearing summer clothes in cold weather, and many other exciting sorts of outdoor activity. At Fordham he loves being in the city with all its great music, and he is part of the Gaelic Society. On retreats he likes being surrounded by good people and(more importantly?) all the good food. Faith is great, to Patrick, and he especially loves finding God in nature.
	Emily Kurtenbach comes to us from Chicago, IL. Emily Dane gasped her first breath on October 22nd, 1991. As a member of the class of 2014, she enjoys both what Fordham has to offer within in the University and with its location in the Bronx and the wider NYC area. She loves the city and all it has to offer, especially when she finds a great place to eat, gets to see one of her favorite artists at Webster Hall, or her personal favorite: the MET. She is undecided, but at the moment she is thinking she wants to go into education. Emily is so excited to be a part of the retreat team and the community that it creates. Her faith has always been a big part of her life. She has attended Catholic school since kindergarden, but often finds God in the smallest coincidences, a smile, the sun shinning though the trees, or an unexpected text! She wishesyou all peace, love and happiness! (All three will be provided on each and every retreat hint hint)
	Alex Lupo – A man of many names, Alexander “the Boii” “the Kid” Alex prefers “Lupo,” and was born on February 18, 1991 in Weehawken, NJ. He is a junior majoring in psychology. One of two retreat leaders from Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, Lupo’s favorite thing about Fordham life is being in the city. When he’s not at the Goshen retreat house, you can find him playing guitar, drums, or piano (though you may find him doing these things at Goshen too!) Lupo also enjoys boating and hopes to someday learn to surf. Lupo treasures the community aspect of hisfaith, as small group meetings are one of his favorite parts of retreats, along with meditation and music.
	Michael Anthony Martinez was born on January 10th, the same birthday as Isaac Jogues, the French missionary for whom a wing of Martyr’s hall is named. Like Jogues was, Michael is in love with his faith, and his spiritual journey is what gets him out of bed in the morning. Unlike Jogues, Michael refers to himself as “the Cuban from Miami” and is a spirited hip-hop artist, writing and recording his own music. A senior Psychology and Philosophy double major with a concentration in American Catholic Studies, Michael enjoys watching movies but also writing his own poetry, finding himself inspired at Fordham by the diverse people and the city. He spent second semester of junior year abroad in El Salvador. learning that it is best to be disturbed, rather than complacent with one's situation. Peace is just as important to his life as "constructive" disturbance. What he loves about retreats is the opportunity to grow in self and communal knowledge of faith and God.
	Julianne Marzulla - From the ever-ridiculed state of New Jersey and named after Bruce Springsteen’s first wife, Julianne is a member of the class of 2014 majoring in a little-known field called “I have no idea what I want to do with my life yet.” She worships chocolate above all other foods and loves music of all sorts. Because her mira neurons are more sensitive than most other people’s, Julianne’s brain makes her unable to stop herself from yawning every time someone even speaks about yawning (or pretends to yawn, or makes a yawning sound, and so on), but also makes her naturally and uncontrollably highly empathetic. Her favorite Girl Scout cookie is the Thin Mint; she will talk Harry Potter and Disney movies with you any day; her favorite time of day is between 5 and 6 pm; and the first chance she gets she is going to take her father to the Swiss Alps for a hiking trip to end all hiking trips. She loves too many things to list, but chief among them is God and the way he takes shape in our lives. Her favorite part about retreats is that unshakeable warm feeling they give her.
	Jennifer Monsalve was born on September 6, 1992 :) She is from Bergen County, New Jersey. One of the most important things in her life is her Colombian family. Jen is majoring in International Political Economy at FCRH. She loves to get involved, thus you will see her around campus a lot. Jen loves to smile, listen to music, LOVES neon colors, yoga, meeting people, cycling, outdoor activities, chocolate and SLEEPING. Her faith keeps her grounded and is a crucial part of her life. There is no greater enjoyment than finding Christ in others and every small detail. It brings her peace and joy. Her favorite part about retreats is being able to slow down and share with others.
	Michael Anthony Perlowitz was born on Oct. 6, 1991, and is from Franklin Square, Long Island. Class of 2013, Mike is premed, majoring in biology. Watch out for Mike on campus; you might just catch him and his famous smile between retreats and his intense study sessions. Older brother to five younger siblings, Mike is used to being around a lot of people, and his favorite thing about Fordham life is constantly being with friends. The word that best sums up his faith is trust, and on retreats he likes most that he can relax and meet new awesome people.
	Ann Pierret - Ann’s favorite type of shoe is the cowboy boot and rightfully so because she is originally from Arlington, Texas where she sometimes herds cows. Not really, but she likes to pretend. For her dental hygiene, Ann uses Crest toothpaste and enjoys tap-dancing to the funkalicious sounds of Motown blues. If you’re interested, she is a Virgo and is also very good with children; however she’s not looking for anything too serious at this moment. You can see her around campus co-anchoring or assistant producing the Fordham Nightly News! Ann regularly gives shout-outs to her two older siblings during prayer time and her past-3am snack of choice is Oreos with peanut butter. Plus she is a very good sharer. As far as retreats go, she loves the community building aspect, especially when it includes making pizza. Word to your mother. Mother Mary, that is.
	Mike Prate – He’s that guy walking around barefoot and doing front flips in hippie clothes and bandanas! A man of many colors, Michael Robert Prate, Jr., was born on September13, 1991, from West Islip, NY, and is a member of the class of 2013, studying theology and psychology. Mike is tailor-made for leading retreats, as his favorite things to do at Fordham are having 3 a.m. conversations with friends and meeting new people. Having attended World Youth Day in Australia, Mike is very conscious of his spiritual life, hoping to never settle, and to always keep searching within his faith. On retreats, Mike loves simply lying under the stars of the Goshen sky, and reflecting.
	Mike Prescia comes from the south shore of the exotic land of LawnGuyland. Sharing his birthday with Michelangelo on March 6, Mike enjoys being creative in all he does. He takes pleasure in hanging with peeps, finding good tunes, cooking up a storm, running laps around campus, exploring, taste-testing, and coloring (sometimes even out of the lines). You’ll typically spot him on campus smiling, making funny faces, speaking in weird accents, and oftentimes tripping because he doesn’t pay attention to sidewalks. Mike is a member of the class of 2014 and he is majoring in theology with a minor in international humanitarian affairs. Hence faith, service, and justice are his jam. For Mike, faith is love and each day is another blessing to take more footsteps on that journey. Retreats and Campus Ministry are soft spots for Mike and he is particularly fond of the community they foster, the detachment from technology, and the food (of course!). Mike is so excited to be a part of this team and to have the opportunity to meet some new buddies through retreats and Campus Ministry. Hopefully he’ll have the chance to meet you soon!
	Rose Puntel – Hailing from Flourtown, PA, Rose Puntel is a junior, IPE major, born on the shortest day of the year, December 22, 1990. Rose enjoys many aspects of college life unique to Fordham University, including having AC in O’Hare, delectable Sodhexo creations in the caf, having a beautiful campus in NYC, and of course, feeling “thug” in the BX. Naturally a nurturing person, Rose loves babysitting, especially her nieces and nephews, Jonah, Gabriela, Mateo, and Ava Grace. Rose’s high school must have done her well, as she claims to be able to, “read at the speed of light,” however Will Smith did not have the same experience there; in fact, the rapper turned actor was kicked out of her high school. Rose likes going on retreats because she’s able to feel at home and enjoys finding new ways to express her faith.
	Erin Regan hails from the small state Rhode Island, but has a strong affinity for Boston sports teams. (Not Sorry!) She was born on September 9th, 1992 and will graduate in 2014 with a dual-degree in International Political Economy and Theology. Erin loves all things Fordham, so her involvment is quite heavy. She feels that the strong faith community adds to the overall vibe of Fordham’s lively campus. She finds God in beautiful liturgies or every Wednesday at Praise and Worship, but most often she finds God in her friends, in music, in classes, or even in a cup of coffee. She is not sure what the future will bring but she hopes to travel quite a bit and figure out her purpose.
	Lauren Ross was born August 18, 1992 and is a long way from her home in the Rocky Mountains of beautiful Colorado. She is a member of the FCRH class of 2015 studying theology, Spanish, and humanitarian affairs and she hopes to go to medical school. She loves the outdoors, rock climbing, hiking, swing dancing, stargazing, and llamas. She is likely to make weird sounds and say things like “merp”, “mrahhh”, and “shmeh”, but hey, that’s okay. If she could be any superhero, it would most definitely be Batman. She tries to live her life loving people for who they are and where they are, looking for Jesus in each person that she meets. Her favorite things about retreats are talking to people about faith and the peacefulness of the retreat house.
	AnnaMaria Elhamy Shaker was born February 25th, 1991 to a large Egyptian family identical to My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She goes by AnnaMaria, Anna, or any form of her last name Shaker. This Rose Hill junior is a Middle Eastern Studies major with a French minor; she hopes to work for religious tolerance in the Middle East. Rarely will you see AnnaMaria without a smile or a big bear hug. Bright colors, especially the color orange, make her extremely happy. Orange sunflowers are her favorite. She enjoys eating, playing basketball, kayaking, singing, volunteering, serving at Mass, listening to music, smiling, giving hugs, and leading retreats. Her favorite aspect about retreats is feeling God’s presence and love through her peers. AnnaMaria’s faith plays an important role in her life. She finds God in everything and tries to share God’s love through her daily interactions.
	Maggie Shelledy knows the words to almost every Disney movie song ever. She was born on August 12th, 1992 and embraces her hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin with an unbelievable fervor. When she’s not talking about the wonders of Lake Michigan, the one-skyscraper skyline, or the scene in Blues Brothers when their car flies off the bridge (filmed in downtown Milwaukee!), she enjoys studying for all of her classes in hopes of figuring out just what she wants to major in... Last development is History and Spanish, but we’ll see. Maggie’s in the class of 2014 and loves her time on retreats, especially that blessed time of connection that’s spent with other people enjoying God’s loving presence. She also owns overalls.
	Dan Stracquadanio was born in New York, New York during the height of the Great Blizzard of 1993. While his life may not always continue along that same level of excitement, he tries his best to keep his short time on earth interesting. Dan is part of the class of 2015 and is majoring in psychology and theology. He and hopes to eventually go to graduate school. When not distracting himself from doing work, Dan’s hobbies include adventuring, baking, playing frisbee, taking long walks with friends, and distracting others from doing work. He is extraordinarily excited to be a member of the retreat team this year, and is ready for whatever opportunities God has in store. If you see him around campus, say hello!
	Megan "Meg" Wrinn is a class of 2014 English major and Spanish minor at Rose Hill. Her birthday is November 14, 1992, and she was born and raised in Norwalk, CT, where she has a twin sister and a younger sister, a shih-tzu named Frankie, and a female cat named Carlos. Megan is very involved with her church back home and mentors middle-school girls in her area as a way to help them grow in their faith and identity in Christ. She loves hiking, playing her guitar, and sitting in the sun. While at school, she tutors once a week at Rosedale, leads a CLC, is on the Respect for Life E-board, and sings for Praise & Worship on campus. Megan loves Retreat Ministry because it creates a comfortable space to grow in relationship with God and others.

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