Fordham alumnus Stephen E. Bepler, FCRH ’64, died on Wednesday, Oct.12, 2016. After graduating from Fordham, Bepler received his M.B.A from Columbia University School of Business in 1966 and spent his career as an investment professional. Bepler was a tenured member of Fordham’s Board of Trustees and also served as chair of the Student Affairs Committee, vice chair of the Mission and Identity Commission and a member of the Executive Committee. Bepler and his wife, Kim, who married 14 years ago, contributed to different aspects of the university including the creation of numerous scholarships and the restoration of the University Church. The Beplers are one of the three largest donors to the university, and in 2014 the couple’s contributions were honored by the naming of the Bepler Commons at Faber Hall. Stephen Bepler also received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Fordham in 2014.
Comedian Given Eloquentia Perfecta Award
Fordham honored Catholic comedian Jeannie Gaffigan with the Eloquentia Perfecta award on Oct. 14. The Eloquentia Perfecta award is granted by Fordham’s Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education (GRE) and the Paulist Press to professionals in the field of communications or performing arts. The recipient of the award must have shown, through their work, a perspective of what it means to be human. Most recently, she has collaborated with her husband, comedian Jim Gaffigan, to create the autobiographical TV Land program, “The Jim Gaffigan Show,” which depicts the Gaffigans’ lives raising children and expressing their Catholic faith. Jeannie Gaffigan serves as a writer, producer and director of the program. Gaffigan denied the usual speaker’s fee and instead asked the university to give the money to a student who reflected the values of the award. The recipient was Caitlin Sakdalan, FCLC ’18, who is a Film and Television major.
Fordham Students Selected for “30 Under 30” List
Two Fordham Graduate School of Education (GSE) were named to the International Literary Association’s (ILA) second annual “30 Under 30” list. Alex Corbitt, 26, FCRH ’12, GSE ’13, and John Maldonado, 25, FCRH ’13, a doctoral student, were picked for their efforts to advance literacy in New York City. Both Corbitt and Maldonado work in the New York City public school system. Others honored on the list include authors, researchers and leaders from 12 countries. Corbitt, who received his Master’s in English from the GSE, completed his student teaching at MS 331, The Bronx School of Young Leaders, in Morris Heights. He has since stayed at the school to teach seventh-grade English. Maldonado graduated from Fordham with a double major in psychology and English and became a NYC teaching fellow at P368K Star Academy in Brooklyn. He is currently working for his doctorate in contemporary learning and interdisciplinary research.
Robert Rubin Discusses Economy with Students
Robert Rubin, the former secretary of the U.S. Treasury under Bill Clinton, spoke at an event sponsored by the Gabelli School of Business and hosted by the Gabelli School Dean Donna Rapaccioli, Ph.D. The event, called “US Economy: Policy and Governance Changes,” was held on Oct. 17 and allowed for students, faculty members and alumni to ask Rubin questions. Rubin said that he believes the American economy is stronger now than it was during the recession of 2008. Rubin discussed various economic topics including debt, inflation and the possibility of a decrease in the standard of living. Rubin also spoke about the importance of social media in fixing the political system and how it can allow the population to be better informed and involved. Rubin said that he was skeptical that anything productive would occur in the next few years, but has faith the nation will grow stronger.
