Founder's Scholars
The Fordham Founder’s Undergraduate Scholarship Fund helps Fordham advance its goals and mission of recruiting more 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: English (Creative Writing Concentration)
Minors: French and Francophone Studies
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
"Getting to perform as the leading role in a Fordham Theatre original student production during the late-night performance was a massive moment of community and support. When I bowed alongside my fellow actors, I felt held not only by my artistic team but by the Fordham community as a whole. That night, I realized I had found home here over the past three years, and it is the highest example of cura personalis I can provide."
Maya Acuna-Taylor, FCLC ’26
Major: Dance
Hometown: Fort Worth, TX
"Fordham’s Jesuit values enhance my interest and passion for the humanities—and make me want to further explore my fascination with the human experience. Fordham was the whole package, and I knew that I would do everything in my power to attend this University. I was beyond grateful and ecstatic to be gifted this prestigious award, as it is allowing me to live my dream."
Yves Andradas, FCLC ’25
George and Marie Doty Founder’s Scholar
Majors: Philosophy and Theology Religious Studies
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
"The Fordham Founder’s Scholarship gave me the opportunity to pursue a career that feels almost entirely made for me. At this point in my education, I can’t see myself doing anything other than academic philosophy, and that dream wouldn’t be as accessible as it is now without the generosity of the donors, so for that I am extremely grateful."
Jaelle Austin, GABELLI ’27
Major: Accounting Information Systems
Minor: Accounting
Hometown: East Orange, NJ
"As a recipient of Fordham’s Founder’s Scholarship, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the incredible donors who have impacted my life in more ways than can even be expressed. I will forever remember the kindness shown to me by the donors and strive to one day be in a position where I am able to replicate their selfless actions and positively impact other students here at Fordham."
Christian Ayala, FCLC ’27
Major: Dance
Hometown: Chicago, IL
“The Founder’s Scholarship helped me become the artist I never thought of becoming. Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t experience this diverse community and rigorous training, which have become my purpose in life. Thanks to the donors’ support, my dream of becoming a professional dancer is becoming a reality.”
Helena Beasley, GABELLI ’25
Major: Global Business (Concentration in Global Marketing with Consumer Insights)
Minor: German
Hometown: Madison, CT
“I would like to express my utmost gratitude for the Founder’s Scholarship. Knowing that there are people within the Fordham community still dedicated to giving back motivates me both inside and outside the classroom, with the hope to become successful so I can do the same for future Founder’s students.”
Michael Bellia, GABELLI ’25
Major: Finance
Minor: Business Law and Ethics
Hometown: Wantagh, NY
"You should all know how much of an impact your donations have on this school and the students supported. As I complete my final year at Fordham, I reflect back on the time spent making the decision on what college I would attend. The financial question certainly loomed over my head, but with your generosity, that burden was significantly lessened."
David Cepeda, FCRH ’25
Major: Biological Sciences (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.”
Ashley Coronel, FCRH ’28
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Peekskill, NY
"Fordham’s emphasis on academic excellence is already shaping my intellectual and personal growth. From the challenging coursework to the engaging discussions with my peers and professors, I’ve been encouraged to think outside the box and feel confident in sharing my ideas."
Rebecca Cortes, FCLC ’26
Major: Humanitarian Studies (Pre-Law Track)
Minors: English, Peace and Justice Studies
Hometown: Butler, NJ
"As a Fordham student, I will continue my participation with campus organizations and remain active in my courses, contributing to the sense of community and shared knowledge. Beyond my time as a student, I hope not only to give back to the University, but also to work in a public service career where I continue to spread the values of community and service beyond the University walls."
Astan Coulibaly, FCRH ’28
Major: Humanitarian Studies (Pre-Health Track)
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
"I would like to express my deep gratitude for the selfless and humble support that I’ve received from the Founder’s Scholarship. This donation has afforded me a great relief from financial worry and has allowed money to be one less thing in my mind as a first-generation college student of Malian immigrants."
Dillon Delatorre, GABELLI ’25
Major: Applied Accounting and Finance
Hometown: Bronx, NY
"The Founder’s Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my academics without financial stress, while also engaging fully in the community and growing as a well-rounded individual."
Andres Christian Diaz, FCRH ’25
Major: Political Science
Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Burlingame, CA
"The Honors Program at Rose Hill allowed me the freedom to take academically rigorous courses in the humanities and social sciences while also allowing me the freedom to explore my passions in marketing within the Gabelli School of Business."
Adriana Durán, FCRH ’26
Major: Psychology
Minors: Marketing
Hometown: Bronx, NY
"This scholarship remains a source of motivation, constantly reminding me that I belong here, irrespective of my financial circumstances. My commitment to academic excellence will continue to flourish, mainly because I am also aware of individuals who recognize my potential and are committed to supporting my ongoing growth, which serves as an immense form of support."
Matthew Ellersick, GABELLI ’27
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Hometown: Villapark, CA
"Fordham’s emphasis on academic excellence has profoundly shaped my intellectual and personal development. It has inspired me to work as hard as possible to achieve my desired grades while ensuring that I received a well-rounded education."
Olivia Evangelista, GABELLI ’26
Major: Finance
Minor: Alternative Investments
Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY
"It is on account of the extreme generosity of the donors to the Founder’s Scholarship that I have found a community, academic success, and a quality education at Fordham University. There are apparent economic barriers to attending a university as prestigious as Fordham, but being chosen for this scholarship absolved me of that stressor."
Sasha Gothra, FCLC ’26
Majors: Psychology, Philosophy
Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
“This scholarship has given me the financial security to focus 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.”
Zoe Hall, FCLC ’27
Major: Psychology
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
"I hope that in my future career path, I am able to acknowledge Fordham as a place that allowed me to make it to where I am and credit my University as the catalyst that helped me get there."
Hiba Haloui, GABELLI ’25
Major: Global Business (Concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurship)
Hometown: Marrakech, Morocco
"The concept of cura personalis resonates deeply with my personal values and aspirations, especially as a scholarship recipient. I believe in the importance of caring for the whole person—not only focusing on academic achievements but also nurturing emotional, social, and moral development."
Kylie Hansen, FCRH ’27
Major: Anthropology (Accelerated M.S.T. Program)
Hometown: Daly City, CA
"I will forever be grateful to the Founder’s Scholarship donors for relieving the financial stress many college students go through, and for allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular opportunities. I truly don’t know where I would be without Fordham University."
Danielle Hawthorne, FCRH ’25
Major: Communication and Culture (Concentration in Media Studies)
Hometown: Mount Vernon, NY
"Thank you so much to all the donors who contributed to this scholarship. It means a lot to my family that I have the opportunity to pursue higher education. We are forever grateful."
Naima Hossain, FCLC ’28
Major: Environmental Science
Hometown: Woodside, NY
"Fordham’s emphasis on academic excellence has helped me attain skills I was lacking in, both intellectually and personally. Engagement in group projects and clubs has helped cultivate a sense of community—something I was having a hard time navigating through. Through these interactions, I was better able to communicate and work in teams with people that had different viewpoints than me."
Hannah Huang, GABELLI ’27
Major: Global Business (Global Finance and Business Economics Concentration)
Hometown: Oakton, VA
“Thank you for your generous support through the Founder’s Scholarship. Fordham’s Jesuit education has encouraged me to reflect on my place in a globally connected world, challenging me to think critically about global issues and different perspectives. Your support empowers me to grow and pursue new opportunities, inspiring me to pay this forward in the future."
Jade Jager, FCLC ’25
Major: Philosophy
Minor: Islamic Studies
Hometown: Bend, OR
“My experience at Fordham has shown me I am capable of psychological resilience in ways I never thought were possible for me. I have learned that it is okay to ask for and accept help from people who care about me. It doesn’t make me weak or less than, but rather it exemplifies the strength in vulnerability. My experience at Fordham has ensured I will thrive academically, professionally, and personally in ways that I couldn’t fathom."
Kayla Kerrigan, FCLC ’27
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Miami, FL
"I would like to thank the Founder’s Scholarship donors for making it possible for me to attend this incredible institution. Their additional support bridged the financial gap, allowing me to enroll at Fordham. Their aid has also alleviated some of my financial worries, leading me to enjoy my student experience with fewer burdens."
Noah Khalil, GABELLI ’25
Major: Finance (Concentration in Fintech)
Minor: Computer Science
Hometown: Caldwell, NJ
“Aside from the monetary support, the Founder’s Scholarship showed me that someone out there wasn’t only watching and listening to what I had to say, but that they also believed in my offer. To put it bluntly, the Founder’s Scholarship is the essence of me attending Fordham, providing me not only with an abundance of support, but the pressure and materials needed for great success."
Mosammad Khanom, GABELLI ’28
Major: Finance
Hometown: Bronx, NY
"As a first-generation college student, your support is helping me represent my family in a way that is deeply meaningful. Coming from a lineage where higher education has not been a possibility until now, I take immense pride in this opportunity. Your generosity is not only opening doors for me but also for future generations of my family, inspiring them to dream big."
Aaron Kim, GABELLI ’28
Major: Global Business (Global Finance Concentration)
Hometown: Leonia, NJ
"The concept of cura personalis and caring for the whole person aligns deeply with my values and aspirations, especially as a scholarship recipient at Fordham. The Jesuit origins of Fordham were undoubtedly one of the biggest influences in choosing this University due to the assurance that values of faith and service are embedded in every single moment of the University experience."
Salome Kufuor, GABELLI ’26
Majors: Finance, Economics
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
"While at Fordham, I love to give back what I can, and right now, the most valuable thing I have is time, so I give that back to my community along with my leadership experience. I participate in clubs, community builders, and leadership positions within the Fordham community to grow and help accelerate my peers."
Jonathan Lengel, FCLC ’28
Majors: Digital Technologies and Emerging Media, Music
Hometown: Woodcliff Lake, NJ
"The Fordham community has supported my transition to living independently at college. As a power wheelchair user, I had many concerns about having a smooth transition to campus life. However, Fordham staff from housing, facilities, and disability services worked tirelessly with and for me to ensure I had everything I needed to live and study at the Lincoln Center campus. The Fordham community has welcomed me and has gone above and beyond to create an inclusive atmosphere."
Allen Markowitz, FCLC ’28
Major: Undecided
Hometown: New York, NY
"I hope to give back to the community by helping others, adding to the culture, and hopefully one day being able to contribute to a scholarship to help a future student attend as was done for me!"
Ayoub Moussaddek, FCRH ’26
Major: General Science
Minor: Sports Journalism
Hometown: Bronx, NY
"The principle of cura personalis, or being able to care for the totality of the individual, greatly appeals to my principles and aspirations. That is why education is not only the process of getting good grades, but also the process of becoming a better person. With this in mind, receiving an education here at Fordham University has also given me the chance to follow my passions and be as well-rounded as possible."
Mikiyass Mulugeta, FCLC ’27
Major: Film and Television
Hometown: Washington, DC
“This recognition and support from the Fordham Founder's Scholarship has motivated me to make a difference in the world because it has made me feel seen, understood, and important. It has given me the extra boost to want to try harder in my classes and my art because I have a better sense of belonging but it has also made me want to return the favor for others in need because I'm beyond grateful for this and it has helped me immensely.”
Yaahdir Nash, GABELLI ’27
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Gilbertsville, PA
"I appreciate your contribution greatly, especially because of the weight it takes off of me financially. As far as the scholarship making a difference in my student experience, I literally would probably not be a Fordham student if not for it, so I think that is about as extreme of a contribution as can be given, and for that I’m grateful."
Kamau Nosakhere, FCLC ’25
Major: Theatre (Performance Track), English (Creative Writing Concentration)
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
"I see myself as an artist in this institution. The emphasis on academic excellence has allowed me to home in and focus my creativity into spaces I would have never thought to have explored before."
Cade Parker, FCLC ’26
Major: Theatre (Performance Track)
Hometown: Augusta, ME
"The Founder’s Scholarship was the deciding factor in my decision and ability to attend Fordham. Fordham was my dream school, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to afford it. The scholarship became the key component in fulfilling my dream."
Ashley Acosta Pereyra, FCRH ’27
Majors: Integrative Neuroscience, Psychology
Hometown: Port Jefferson Station, NY
"It is important to care for the whole person because if one part needs attention, the other parts may fall apart as a result. As an aspiring clinical psychologist, I am definitely carrying this mindset with me so I can help others reach their fullest and healthiest potential."
Guillermo Rivera-Prieto, GABELLI ’26
Major: Finance (Concentration in Alternative Investments)
Hometown: Guaynabo, PR
"Fordham’s emphasis on academic excellence has allowed me to identify my stronger qualities while also helping me recognize those areas where I could improve. In effect, it has shaped my intellectual and personal development by giving me the necessary tools to identify shortcomings and create roadmaps to overcome them."
Permeash Ramoatar, FCRH ’28
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Bronx, NY
"Fordham’s focus on academic excellence helps to shape my development with the plethora of resources available to us to help us work toward growing and learning."
Jennifer Reina, GABELLI ’28
Major: Finance
Hometown: Shirley, NY
"Scholarship support definitely opened the door to be able to attend Fordham University with less preoccupation. On top of that, with the great opportunities the Fordham Gabelli School of Business offers, it allowed me to have a clear vision of where I wanted to be—that being Fordham University."
Tylese Rideout, FCRH ’25
Major: English (Pre-Law Track)
Minor: African & African American Studies
Hometown: Edgewater, NJ
"Through my contributions as the president of ASILI: Black Student Alliance, I desire to curate a safe and inclusive environment for Black students on Fordham’s campus. It is essential to me that I act as an advocate and support system for Black students in the Fordham community and beyond. Your contributions to the accessibility of education will never go unnoticed. The gift of education and knowledge is truly invaluable."
Sage Rochetti, FCRH ’27
Majors: Music, New Media and Digital Design (Art Text and Design Concentration)
Hometown: New Paltz, NY
"I am very passionate about supporting arts communities and the value of arts education, and at Fordham, I want to continue to music direct shows with my peers to foster a collaborative and educational arts extracurricular environment. As a career, I want to one day music direct shows for students to help young people become interested in the arts."
Angus Schroth, FCRH ’28
Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
"Thank you so much for the Fordham Founder’s Scholarship. This scholarship had a great impact on my financial aid. Thank you for helping me fuel my interest in anthropology by funding my education."
Brendan Sheeran, FCRH ’26
Major: International Political Economy
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Worcester, MA
"I am on the sailing team at Fordham and we are on the water up to 30+ hours a week. Being a part of the athletics community has driven me to push myself not only on the water, but also in the classroom. It is so exciting to see other athletes working hard, and not just winning for their team, but the rest of their Fordham family."
Menzel Thomas, FCRH ’27
Major: Film
Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Lakewood, NJ
"As a first-generation college student, it was important for my family and me to find an affordable education. We understood the importance of education, but knew it would be impossible if the costs were not within our reach. Fordham made the dream of not only a student who prides themself on their learning, but also two immigrant parents hoping for nothing but success for their son, come true. I have grown as a learner and a whole person without the tensions of overbearing costs towards education."
Inna Volovich, FCRH ’26
Major: Digital Technologies and Emerging Media
Minors: Music, Business Administration
Hometown: Portsmouth, NH
"Thank you for your generosity. Your consideration has made all the opportunities I will receive thanks to a Fordham education possible. This includes not only what I learn in class, but four years of my life that will have been transformed in an incredible way. Your support impacts my experience as a student who is now able to enjoy all that Fordham offers with less financial burden, as well as the rest of my life after graduation."
Nora Welch, FCRH ’28
Major: Dance
Hometown: Needham, MA
"Scholarship support from Fordham has helped reassure me that I am intelligent and capable, and also shows that Fordham believes in me and my ability to be successful here."
Nicholas Whyte, GABELLI ’28
Major: Finance
Minor: Sports Business
Hometown: Neptune, NJ
"This scholarship gave me more motivation, knowing that there are many that see my potential. Thank you for your investment in a young man like me who doesn’t come from much. Your kindness will never be taken for granted as I’ll continue to make you all proud. I am so grateful."
