Fordham Conversations

On this week’s Fordham Conversations, Alumni Relations Director Caitlin Tramel discusses the oral history project “Fordham Voices.” We also here from some Fordham Alumni on their college experience and how it helped shape them into the people they are.  You can listen to Fordham Conversations, Saturdays at 7am on 90.7 WFUV.  (Show's Original Broadcast January 16, 2010)

Body Text: Many converations about America's history reiterates the idea that the progressive north led the opposition to slavery against the racist South.  But in fact, many of the nation’s Ivy League universities had profitable connections to slavery. Dr. Craig Steven Wilder explores the connection between Ivy League schools and the slave trade in his latest book "Ebony & Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities."

Dr. Olivia Hooker talks about surviving The Tulsa Oklahoma Race Riot of 1921 and becoming the first African-American woman to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War 2.  We also hear from Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins who proposed and helped pass a legislative resolution in the New York State Senate honoring Dr. Hooker for her achievements and contributions to both the women’s and the civil rights movements. 

Social Stigma can take on many forms.  It may be an unpleasant remark, a strange look or even the refusal of employment.  On today's Fordham Conversations WFUV's Will Germain try to understand the phenomena of stigma by talking with Tina Maschi. She’s President of the national Organization of Forensic Social Work, and a professor at the Fordham University Graduate School of social service.

We often think of the afterlife in terms of heaven and hell. But what about the afterlife on earth? WFUV's Chris Williams looks into how some people believe life after death takes place all around us, here on earth. Fordham University Professors Joshua Schapiro and Mary Erler discuss reincarnation and the idea of an earthly Heaven. Anthony Bellov, a volunteer at the Merchant House Museum in downtown Manhattan, talks about how the house's original owners may have never left.

The 60's original soundtrack Star Treck describes space as the final frontier. But our guest Dr. Kirk Bingaman says there is another frontier we are only beginning to understand: our inner space.

Dr. Kirk Bingaman is the Associate Professor at Fordham University's Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education. He's also the author of the book The Power of Neuroplasticity for Pastoral and Spiritual Care

His research has led him to understand how mindful meditation and prayer can help us manage our negative thoughts and actually change the neurological makeup of our brains!

Songs Featured:

OneRepublic: If I Lose Myself

Pharrell: Happy

Coldplay: A Sky Full Of Stars

Some people see graffiti as vandalism, a crime or a sign of urban decay. Others see graffiti as art, self-expression and a testament of neighborhood pride.  On This Week’s Fordham Conversations we examine the topic of graffiti art. First we examine graffiti and the law with Leila Amineddoleh, Counsel to Lombard & Geliebter.  Then we discuss the evolution and impact of graffiti art with David Storey, an artist, Fordham University professor and Visual arts Program co-director at Rose Hill, along with Patrick Verel, whose research paper,  “New York City Graffiti Murals: Signs of Hope, marks of Distinction,” examines the usefulness of graffiti.

Imagine a theatre performance group where every member is encouraged to tackle it all: from acting on stage, to preparing the set, and even controlling the lights. Fordham University's Mimes and Mummers is doing just that. Members of the group say they're moving away from "on stage" and "off stage" cast, and instead thrive for a collection of multitalented and well-rounded group of theatre lovers.

The Mimes and Mummers is the oldest club at Fordham University's Rose Hill Campus. This theatre performance group has been churning out musicals, dramas and comedies for years, all while helping ambitious student perofrmers develop artistic skills. On this week's Fordham Conversations were joined by members of this illustrious group.

Patrick McCarthy- President

James Demetriades- Vice President

Elle Crane- Secretary

Julie Lewis- Junior Representative

On this week's Fordham Conversations we hear from Forhdam Alumni and Author Valerie Irick Rainford. She's discussing her book "Until the Brighter Tomorrow: One Woman's Corageous Climb from the Projects to the Podium".

Rainford recounts her emotional journey to find a "brighter tomorrow" following her mother's suicide and her passionate desire for her book to bring others to their own "brighter tomorrow"

Music Used:

Magic- Coldplay

Ink- Coldplay

O- Coldplay

This week, we have stories about why people stress out during Thanksgiving, and how to make it run more smoothly. Mary Clingman from the Butterball Hotline shares her experience as a turkey expert and some of the stories she's heard from stressed out callers as they prepare Thanksgiving dinner. Then, Fordham University history professor Dr. Steven Stoll talks about the first Thanksgiving and why people had reason to be stressed. Finally, Bill Schermerhorn (creative director of the Macy's Parade) explains how to pull off a treasure holiday tradition that gets bigger and bigger each year.