Founder's Scholars
The Fordham Founder’s Undergraduate Scholarship Fund helps Fordham advance its goals and mission of recruiting more underrepresented students of all backgrounds to the University. The Scholarship is awarded to undergraduates whose curiosity of mind and strength of spirit have enabled them to go beyond the boundaries of expectation.
Scholarship recipients must demonstrate a desire for excellence in all aspects of life through coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal experiences. Their characteristics reflect the qualities shared by Fordham's founding members and are mandates for the development of an ethical society.
Isabella Acuña, FCLC ’25
Major: Theatre (Performance Track)
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
“The Fordham Family means a home away from home. Even within my first year, I found myself connecting with alumni who are working artists in theatre in New York. I felt immediately welcomed by my program and my professors, and I was supported every step of the way.”
Maya Acuna-Taylor, FCLC ’26
Major: Dance
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
“The Fordham Family is an encouraging community that seeks to make a difference both within and outside of Fordham. Fordham students constantly create activities and events to establish strong campus connections and friendships. Fordham’s aim to build a strong community is clear, and it is uplifting as a student to know that my campus is invested in providing me with a home away from home.”
Saad Ali, FCRH ’24
Major: Biological Sciences (Pre-Health)
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
“One of the great things about Fordham is the support structure for students. Guidance and counseling is always available. Mentors are always available. Other students are always there to help. This culture of support is one of the things that makes me love Fordham. I hope to help maintain this culture for the rest of my time here and after I graduate.”
Yves Andradas, FCLC ’25
Major: Philosophy
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
“The Founder’s Scholarship has given me the opportunity to pursue my studies without the burden of keeping up with my tuition, which is especially helpful considering the expenses that come with commuting. I appreciate the impact that the Founder’s Scholarship donors have had on my college experience.”
Helena Beasley, GABELLI ’25
Major: Global Business with a Concentration in Global Marketing with Consumer Insights
Minor: German
Hometown: Madison, CT
“I would like to express my utmost gratitude for the scholarship I have received. Knowing that there are people within the Fordham community still dedicated to giving back motivates me both inside and outside the classroom with the hopes to become successful so I can do the same for future classes at Fordham.”
Michael Bellia, GABELLI ’25
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Business Law and Ethics
Hometown: Wantagh, NY
“The Founder’s Scholarship has benefited me immensely. My family knew college tuition would be a major financial burden, and I understood since my early days of high school that scholarship would be essential if I wanted to attend a good university. I am so grateful that I received such a generous gift, and it has helped to lift a major burden off the shoulders of my parents and me.”
Katelyn Castillo, FCRH ’24
Major: Economics
Hometown: Bronx, NY
“Both my family and I are beyond grateful for the Fordham Founder’s Scholarship. The scholarship encouraged me even more to focus on attaining my goals and dreams, which I know can be made possible at Fordham. The Founder’s Scholarship continues to push me to work hard and do all things to the best of my abilities.”
David Cepeda, FCRH ’25
Major: Biological Sciences with a Pre-Health Track
Hometown: Bronx, NY
“Cura personalis is the consideration of the whole person in reflection of how we should care about them. It impacts the Fordham experience because we actually know how to approach and communicate with people on campus.”
Benjamin Coco, FCRH ’23
Majors: English and Physics with a Concentration in Creative Writing
Minor: Mathematics
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
“It gives me great joy to know that money is being raised with the purpose of supporting students in as many aspects of life as possible. It shows the level of care [Fordham] has for its students and that we are viewed as more than just investments—we are seen as people who have been blessed by your generosity. It motivates me even more to pursue the magis and strive for greatness in everything I do.”
Rebecca Cortes, FCLC ’26
Major: Humanitarian Studies (Pre-Law)
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Butler, NJ
“The Fordham Family to me is a community in which not only my career aspirations can bloom, but my mind and heart in general can be touched and impacted by the well-rounded and diverse people around me.”
Gabrielle da Rocha-Afodu, GABELLI ’24
Major: Global Business (Concentration in Global Marketing with Consumer Insights)
Minor: Fashion Studies
Hometown: London, United Kingdom
“I think our donors have a hand in everything we accomplish at Fordham. Their presence encourages us as a community to continue to put effort into everything we do. Having access to the right facilities, services, and resources increases our desire to do better for both ourselves and our community.”
Dillon Delatorre, GABELLI ’25
Major: Finance
Hometown: Bronx, NY
“Cura personalis means care for the whole person. This means to take care of your whole self but also the people around you as well. Knowing I am a part of a community of people who care not only for their whole self, but also my whole self is very comforting and allows me to reach my full potential in classes.”
Lesley East, FCRH ’24
Major: International Studies
Minors: Peace and Justice Studies
Hometown: Palm Beach, FL
“Fordham is known for its emphasis on creating a well-rounded education. The curriculum pushes you to not only be a better student at Fordham, but to be a better student of the world. When you leave the walls of Fordham, you are leaving more equipped for the workforce, but also a better person. The careful creation of the curriculum at Fordham could not be replicated at another school.”
Olivia Evangelista, GABELLI ’26
Major: Finance
Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY
“As a recipient of this scholarship, I am compelled to give back to the Fordham community and others in general. I am privileged enough to live in New York in an area as vibrant as the Bronx. Community service has quickly become a fulfilling and integral part of my life as a Fordham student and Bronx resident.”
Ronan Fitzgerald, GABELLI ’24
Major: Public Accounting
Minor: Information Systems
Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY
“I would like the donors to know that, thanks to their donations, they have drastically improved the student experience at Fordham University. Thanks to them, numerous students have attended the school and carried forward their generous acts to inspire change within others.”
Sasha Gothra, FCLC ’26
Major: Undecided (Pre-Health)
Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
“This scholarship has given me the financial security to home in on my academics. It also allows me the chance to explore all the opportunities that Fordham has to offer through their different internship programs, clubs, and mentors.”
Sydney Guine, FCLC ’24
Majors: Dance and Sociology
Hometown: Granada Hills, CA
“Sometimes it’s hard to feel seen by your teachers and administrators because they have to focus on so many students. Luckily Fordham has many professors who take the time to learn about each of us and are very approachable and caring people.”
Hiba Haloui, GABELLI ’25
Major: Global Business (Concentration in Global Finance and Business Economics; Pre-Law)
Hometown: Marrakech, Morocco
“Thank you, Founder’s Scholarship donors. Your impact on my academic journey goes beyond anything that I can put into words or quantify. Your donation will impact not only me but all the communities I am passionate to help in the future.”
Danielle Hawthorne, FCRH ’25
Major: Communication and Culture
Hometown: Mount Vernon, NY
"When I found out about the Founder’s Scholarship, I was immediately filled with immense gratitude. This scholarship allowed me to further pursue higher education and motivate me throughout my studies. I am excited to fully immerse myself in the Fordham community and take advantage of everything it has to offer."
Jade Jager, FCRH ’25
Major: Philosophy
Hometown: Bend, OR
“My life changed when I found out I was granted the Founder’s Scholarship. My scholarships are the reason I am able to attend Fordham, so I felt and still feel incredibly blessed. I know this scholarship will help me succeed with my career and passions.”
Noah Khalil, GABELLI ’26
Major: Finance (Concentration in Fintech)
Minors: Computer Science and Psychology
Hometown: Caldwell, NJ
“The way I would define cura personalis is attention to the needs of others. This phrase is something I truly believe and try to follow, as it follows the teachings of my religion and what I intend to do in my future. As a student and outside of school, I was taught to believe everyone is my brother and sister, and if I were in a position that wasn’t favorable, I would want to be helped as well.”
Salome Kufuor, GABELLI ’26
Major: Global Business (Concentration in Global Finance and Business Economics)
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
“One of the major reasons that I attended Fordham University was because of the Jesuit education. I knew that it would teach me to become accustomed to success and growth. Being Jesuit educated is so much more than learning a certain way; it changes the way you think and act. It is something that carries over into non-academic situations, as well.”
Grace Maietta, GABELLI ’24
Major: Marketing (Concentration in Strategic Branding)
Minor: Film and Television
Hometown: Elmhurst, IL
“I am incredibly passionate about advancing my career to get to a place where I can advocate for other women and people of color. My goal is to one day have a seat at the table and make room for other minority individuals. I hope to use my talents to achieve a more equitable workspace in the media and entertainment industry.”
Wes Manginsay, FCLC ’24
Major: Economics with a Concentration in Business Economics
Minor: Music
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
“The opportunity provided by the generous Founder’s Scholarship and the chance to attend colleges in one of the best cities in the world paved the path for me to be here. There is no end to the hopes I have coming out of Fordham and New York City. I promise you, Fordham has the students who will not let your gifts go to waste.”
Ayoub Moussaddek, FCRH ’26
Major: Biological Studies
Hometown: Bronx, NY
“Your support has made a real difference in my life, and I am truly grateful for your generosity. Your investment in my education has given me the opportunity to focus on my studies and pursue my goals, and I am committed to making the most of this opportunity. Thank you again for your support of the Founder’s Scholarship.”
Abigail Joy Nguyen, FCLC ’24
Majors: Dance and Psychology
Hometown: Oakland, CA
“My goal is to be a professional dancer in a company. I also would love to combine my interest in psychology with dance through movement therapy, researching dancer mental health, and more!”
Cade Parker, FCLC ’26
Major: Theatre (Performance Track)
Hometown: Augusta, ME
“The acting program here is incredible, and the location speaks for itself. This place has all of the tools necessary for me to reach my goals. I have found community within the theatre program, and they mean almost more than anything to me.”
Tylese Rideout, FCRH ’25
Major: English
Minor: African and African American Studies
Hometown: Edgewater, NJ
“Thank you so much for providing the opportunity for [students] to learn how to think. It is a blessing that is truly immeasurable, and one of the only things that can never be taken away. I will always be grateful.”
Guillermo Rivera-Prieto, GABELLI ’26
Major: Finance (Concentration in Alternative Investments)
Hometown: Guaynabo, PR
“I want to express my utmost gratitude to the Founder’s Scholarship donors for their generosity. If it were not for your determination and dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, I probably would not have been able to continue studying at Fordham next year. Your support will be remembered, as it has allowed me to focus on my academic and personal growth.”
Joshua Screen, FCLC ’24
Major: Theatre (Performance Track)
Hometown: New York, NY
“I chose to attend Fordham because it felt like there was such a close community and that they truly care about their students. As a student, I feel like there is a lot of care and kindness throughout the Fordham campus. I look forward to giving back and making Fordham and its donors proud.”
Erick Tetecatl, GABELLI ’24
Major: Business Administration (Concentration in Accounting)
Hometown: Corona, NY
“My family and I were ecstatic to find out I had been chosen for the Founder’s Scholarship Fund. Like many other families, the COVID-19 pandemic brought us many financial burdens to the point where my future at Fordham was in jeopardy. Thanks to this scholarship, I am more than certain I can continue my education in the place I have come to love so much.”
Joshua Valdez, FCRH ’24
Major: Digital Technologies and Emerging Media
Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Bronx, NY
“Thank you, Founder’s Scholarship donors, for your support in allowing more students to be given the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities not only in New York, but in all of the United States.”
Inna Volovich, FCRH ’26
Major: International Political Economy
Minor: Music and Russian
Hometown: Portsmouth, NH
The support of the Founder’s Scholarship donors has made all the difference in my decision to come to Fordham, and I’m grateful for this opportunity every time I get to participate in the events, activities, and classes at Fordham. Being in the city is also such a great advantage as an international political economy major, and I’m so thankful to be able to enjoy the benefits of that as a student now and as a graduate in the future.
Samantha Wong, FCRH ’23
Major: Economics with a Pre-Law Track
Minors: Mandarin Chinese and Political Science
Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ
“Neither of my parents went to college, and they wanted me to be able to have all the opportunities I could. The Founder’s Scholarship donors made this dream a reality. Thank you for helping me achieve not only my dream but my family’s as well.”
