By Elizabeth Smislova
Senior Anthony Piccinich looks back at his years at Fordham ahead of graduation. (Courtesy of Anthony Piccinich)
A wide-eyed freshman walked into Mugz’s bar his first night of orientation. He looked around excitedly, thinking how cool it was that he was in a real college bar—his college bar. The Fordham memorabilia, red-tinted lights and iconic bouncer made the place already seem familiar. Another student came over and asked if he was a freshman. “Is it obvious?” Anthony said, obviously embarrassed. The other student said he was a senior, and that he would do anything to be a freshman again.
Now a senior, and soon-to-be grad himself, Anthony Piccinich, GSB ’17, understands the sentiment behind what that senior told him almost four years ago. There is a reason why it is a cliché to say college “goes by in the blink of an eye”—it is completely true. As Piccinich goes to McGinley to pick up his cap and gown for graduation only eighteen days away, the impeding fate of having to leave Fordham becomes undeniable.
He has lived in Alumni Court South, Finlay Hall, Walsh Hall and on Hughes Avenue, making a gradual pilgrimage away from the university and dependence. The final move, however, will be the hardest: back home to New Jersey. He said, “I’m going to live at home for as long as I can endure the long commute and try to save as much money as possible.” The commute to New York City from Northern Jersey usually is not too bad, but Piccinich is going to commute to the furthermost tip, the home of the crème de la crème of New York employers: Wall Street.
He will work at the company he is currently interning at, Siebert Cisneros Shank & Co., a municipal investment bank on the infamous street. Piccinich said the company “helps municipalities throughout the country obtain financing through the issuance of bonds.”
On making this huge leap from classes in Keating to a cubicle in an office, Piccinich said, “I will always miss the times I’ve had at Fordham and with my friends, but I am also excited to start working and start my career.”
In only a couple weeks, Piccinich is going to graduate with a degree in finance and a minor in economics. He said about his interest in the field: “I always enjoyed math in high school and played sports my entire life, so I am very competitive. I felt I would enjoy a career in finance.”
Piccinich has only one piece of advice for incoming baby rams: “Work hard but also enjoy college while you can, because it flies.” He has certainly lived up to his guidance, as he has had four different internships during his time as a Fordham student and has been on the Dean’s List six semesters. While not working or studying, Piccinich loved to venture into his beloved New York City.
He has always dreamed of working in the city of cities, and loves it “because you never run out of things to do.” He also said with a laugh, “I love food and it has good food.” His favorite food to get in the city is, of course, pizza. But not just any pizza—he loves Juliana’s Pizza on Fulton St. in DUMBO, Brooklyn. He said, “It’s my favorite pizza place and I like going on dates there.” It might be heresy to take an hour subway ride for a pie over a five-minute walk to the Fordham icon, Pugsley’s Pizza, but Piccinich knows good food. At least his new work place will be closer to Juliana’s—a major plus to the big change.
While four years may seem to go by fast, Piccinich felt he has undoubtedly changed since he was the little freshman who found Mugz’s so vast and novel. He said, “I am definitely more responsible, but I feel like it’s important to stay a child at heart because life is more fun that way.” Those seem like words to live by.
When asked where he sees himself in 10 years, Piccinich said, “10 years? I don’t know where I’ll be in 10 days”—a fair response, considering his uncertain situation.
Amidst all the change, Piccinich said, “I’ll always be a Ram, I’m even considering coming back for graduate school.” You can take the man out of the Jesuit education, but you cannot take Jesuit education out of the man.
