For Fordham students, the annual New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade isn’t just an occasion to celebrate. It’s a chance to walk through history.
A tradition 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 one of the event’s biggest groups, featuring upward of 500 marchers, including distinguished alumni and students taking it all in for the first time.
From walking up Manhattan’s iconic Fifth Avenue, to waving to the nearly 2 million spectators, to getting up close and personal with storied landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park, joining the tradition is a formative Fordham experience.
See what these Fordham students had to say about becoming a part of it for the first time.
Valerie Arnold
Majors: American Studies, Sociology
It feels so special to be able to represent Fordham at such a major NYC event.
I come from a multicultural background and have Irish, Ukrainian, and Black roots. Growing up, I heard stories of my grandpa walking in the parade with my mom as part of the Uniformed Firefighters Association (where he served as union president). Being able to partake in the parade makes me feel connected to my family while also having the opportunity to represent Fordham—a place I love!
Mary Sotiryadis
Fordham Law Student
I don’t know what my schedule is going to be like next year and then I’ll be working, so I wanted to check it off the bucket list while I still could. And I figured if we had enough interest, everyone else [in our family] would want to join. It’s just really nice they do something so big like this for all the Fordham students and alums and greater community. It’s a great networking opportunity, too.
From left: Fordham Law student 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 incredibly exciting to march in the parade and walk up Fifth Avenue with friends who have been part of my journey since the start of college. I used to watch the parade through a screen back home, so the chance to now represent my college alongside other Rams is surreal and unforgettable.
From left: Linh Hoang and Risa Iawazak
Risa Iwazaki
Major: Applied Accounting and Finance
I’m really excited to be a part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade because I grew up watching it. And I’m really proud to be marching with Fordham because it’s been a huge part of my growth and who I am. College in New York City really changed my entire perspective and approach to everything. I’ve met a lot of amazing people through events like this. Ever since I first visited, I’ve been amazed by the community here.
From left: Fordham students Anshi Jangit, Valerie Arnold, and Risa Iwazaki at the pre-parade brunch at the Harvard Club. Photo by Chris Taggart