By GIRISH SWAMINATH

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Members of Autism Speaks U — Fordham University received the prestigious invitation to ring the NASDAQ Stock Exchange bell on April 5. Autism Speaks, the non-profit organization with which the club is associated, was invited to ring the bell in honor of Autism Awareness Month, which is observed in April.

“We were not told a particular reason behind [our chapter of the organization] being invited to ring the bell, but I would assume since it is because we were the first Autism Speaks U branch in New York City,” Mike Chernichaw, FCRH ’14, co-president of Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ, said.

Nevertheless, students who attended the NASDAQ closing ceremony felt honored and excited to have had the opportunity to ring the bell.

“I think only one word could be used to describe [the event]: amazing,” Madhav Kapoor, GSB ’14, member of Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ, said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity which not everybody has the chance to take advantage of.”

“I was so excited and honored to be able to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Chernichaw said. “I cannot wait to do it again next year and work with the members of the [Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ.] branch and the Autism Speaks headquarters to plan some amazing events for next year that would help us to spread awareness about our cause.”

In addition to attending the NASDAQ closing ceremony on April 5, Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ. hosted its second annual gala event, “Light It Up Blue,” on April 6 at the Lombardi Fieldhouse.

Various campus performing arts groups, such as the Satin Dolls, Fordham Dance Team, b-Sides, The Hot Notes and Expressions Dance Alliance, showcased their talent at the event.

Furthermore, two student comedians and a student DJ also entertained the audience.

In addition, students purchased raffle tickets and won prizes, including a football signed by the New York Giants’ Eli Manning, two signed New York Giants’ jerseys, gift certificates for various Arthur Avenue restaurants, a GPS, a flower bouquet, a necklace, a bracelet, earrings and pasta, beach and baking baskets.

Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ. also worked with numerous sponsors who helped support the event.

These sponsors included: Lee Kirsch Custom Homes, GMKJ Enterprises, Moore Catholic High School, The McDonnell Family and RHS Consulting Design. Moreover, the SILC and O’Hare Hall resident assistants helped sponsor the event by covering several expenses.

“100 percent of the proceeds we got from our event go straight to our headquarters,” Chernichaw said. “They use the money for autism research, awareness and other things necessary to improve the lives of families affected by autism.”

The club is satisfied with the response of the Fordham community to the event and the increased awareness of autism gained throughout campus.

“We had many people attend the event and not only did we raise about $1,000 in donations, but also we raised awareness,” Nicole Kirsch, FCRH ’14, treasurer of Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ, said. “Raising awareness is important because many individuals do not know how prevalent autism is or the effects it has on families of autistic individuals.”

People interested in becoming involved with Autism Speaks U – Fordham Univ. can definitely feel free to email the organization at autismspeaks@fordham.edu and attend the next general member meeting on May 1 at 6 p.m. in Keating 219.