Every year, Commencement is an opportunity for Fordham students and families to reflect on their “Ramily” experiences, from first-generation triumphs to hundred-year heritages to starting the next chapter of their lives, ready to make an impact.
Ian Rios (second from left) celebrates his graduation with his family.
First in His Family
For Ian Rios, walking across the stage to get a Fordham diploma—and become the first in his family to earn a college degree—felt “like a dream come true.”
“I feel honored to be taking this next step for not just myself but for my family,” he said. “I’m just really excited to be here with them.”
The Fordham Theatre grad’s cheering section included his mother, Franci, and siblings Andrea and Dominick.
Andrea said she hopes that Ian continues to follow his dreams to find success and happiness.
From left: Robert, James, Noreen, Danny, and Jack (Courtesy of Noreen Lundy-Cutajar)
A Hundred-Year Heritage and the Strength of Fordham’s Reach
For Noreen Lundy-Cutajar ’89, ’92 MA and Robert Cutajar ’91, seeing their son James graduate was simply the next chapter in their Fordham story.
“There’s over 100 years of family history and legacy here, from my grandfather to my father, my uncles, Robert’s siblings, and our having been married here 30 years ago this summer in the University Church,” Noreen said, adding that the couple’s older son, Jack, graduated in 2023. “It’s a full-circle moment for us.”
The Cutajars said the lifelong connections they and their family members made at Fordham help make it such a special place.
“Fordham is like your family, I think that’s really what it comes down to—the friends you make here,” Robert said.
“It’s not only about coming here, it’s about the Fordham reach,” Noreen said. “We’ve gone into our various fields—banking for Bob, education for me—and [know it’s also about] finding that Fordham reach, finding and growing our Fordham family.”
The Doty family
Lessons in Bravery and Grace
The 2026 graduation was the third Fordham Commencement for Lori Cruz Doty, whose daughters Tara ’20, ’21 MS and Jessica ’23 earned their Fordham degrees ahead of Gabrielle ’26.
“Gabbie really grew up in NYC,” Doty said. “She learned to be brave, be bold, go after what she wanted, and take all the ups and downs with grace.”
The day was filled with “so many special moments,” added Doty, a Fordham trustee who was among the first in her family to earn a college degree.
She said that each of her daughters had their own distinctive Fordham experience. Tara earned her master’s in finance and worked at KPMG before her current role as a project manager at LH Design. Jessica, who earned her degree from Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business, now works in London as an account associate at Lockton. And Gabrielle, who earned her degree in art history from Fordham, will be working at the Blair-Clarke Gallery in Manhattan.
Barry Chung, Bryce Chung, and Lai Chong
Ready to Take on the Challenges of Life
For Lai Chong and Barry Chung, seeing their son, Bryce Chung, earn a degree from Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business and land a job in banking, was the culmination of his years of hard work in his studies.
“We’re very proud that he accomplished what he set out to do and now it’s a new chapter,” Chong said.
Mark Nurse ’91 MBA said he was really happy to see his son Matthew Nurse earn a degree in visual arts.
“I’m excited for him,” Nurse said. “I think [Fordham] really prepares the graduates for the challenges of life.”
See more family photos.
