By Erin Shanahan
At last week’s United Student Government meeting, Fordham Car Club was approved by the senate, a Bronx Community Board #6 intern spoke about upcoming events in the Bellvale community, UNICEF’s Human Trafficking Campaign was discussed and the co-president of Fordham Club, Amy Desmarais, FCRH ’17, explained the organization’s initiative.
Mark Aizin, FCRH ’18 one of the founding executive board members of the Car Club, presented the club to the senate. The club looks to bring together students passion for cars with the potential to use the club as a platform for philanthropy. According to Aizin, the Car Club meetings would consist of discussing cars, new car technology and advancements in the automobile field. The club plans to attend different events and car shows within New York City as well. Aizin reported that currently over 25 students have expressed interested in joining the Car Club. Joe Halpin, GSB ’17, vice president of communications, motioned to approve Car Club. This motion was seconded by Aaron Banasiewicz, FCRH ’18, USG senator. USG voted to approve Car Club with two abstentions.
Desmarais, the co-president of Fordham Club, spoke with the Senate about Fordham Club. The Fordham Club is a senior-only group on campus that advises the dean of Fordham College Rose Hill. This year, the club has focused on diversity on campus as well as alumni relations and Bronx community collaboration. Fordham Club is looking to partner with USG and other organizations on campus to gain additional visibility and increase its impact.
Kaylee Wong, FCRH ’20, an intern at Bronx Community Board #6 and a member of the USG Gabelli Dean’s Council, asked the Senate for help with several Bronx community events. The Community Board represents the Bathgate, Belmont, West Farms and East Tremont area of the Bronx. This board deals with land use, zoning issues and other concerns of the community. In addition, the community board plans multiple community events throughout the year.
The Community Board is looking to get more Fordham students involved with the Happyland Memorial Park Clean-Up from March 18 from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. and the first Annual Bronx Art Gallery Opening from March 24 from 6-8 p.m. USG plans with Wong and the Community Board on their events, specifically with staffing both events.
Daniel Stroie, GSB ’17, presented a UNICEF Human Trafficking Campaign to the senate. UNICEF wants USG to partner with Made in a Free World, an organization that fights human trafficking, forced labor and slave labor. USG will help UNICEF ask student groups to complete a quiz and participate in a social media campaign to raise awareness for human trafficking.
“The goal of the campaign is to create more awareness, not to place blame on these companies,” said Stroie.
