With less than a year remaining before the Class of 2017 graduates, it is fair to say that Ryan Quinn FCRH ’17 has made the most out of his time at Fordham. The Queens native is involved in a number of ways, both in and out of the classroom.
In terms of academics, Quinn is a history major but has added minors in theology and Medieval studies, as well as a concentration in American Catholic studies. Quinn’s work in these areas has shaped his time at Fordham, but he did not intend to pursue two minors and a concentration.
“The Medieval studies minor was an accident,” he said. “Studying theology and history, I just happened to be interested in a lot of Medieval aspects. I just woke up one day with six Medieval classes, so I got the minor.”
While a major, two minors and a concentration may sound like a lot of work, academics have not stopped Quinn from living life at Rose Hill to the fullest. Many students recognize Quinn from his involvement with Fordham Stand-Up, a group he performs with several times per semester. To those who have not seen him on stage, Quinn describes his style as “conversational.”
“I like to be clean. Nothing against those that aren’t — I just prefer it. I tell stories here and there. I’m a big fan of one-liners,” he said. When pressed, he offered one: “I broke up with my GameCube last week, and now it’s my ex-box.”
Considering Quinn’s love of one-liners, it is not surprising that Quinn lists Steven Wright as one of his chief influences. Quinn also cites Steve Martin as a major inspiration, saying that the comedian helped him to branch out and find his comedic voice.
Ultimately, Quinn relishes performing for Fordham Stand-Up because he enjoys entertaining people. “There’s something beautiful about having a joke land [with] people you don’t know, and then them getting it,” he said. “I don’t want to say it’s a loving relationship, but I think it’s kind of a spiritual experience, a surreal experience.”
Speaking of spiritual experiences, Quinn is also heavily involved with Campus Ministry. A retreat leader since his sophomore year, he swears by the positive changes those weekends away have had on his life and encourages everyone at Fordham to go on one.
“You would have to try to not get anything out of a retreat,” he said. “The least you’ll get out of it is a relaxing weekend to reenergize for the coming week. Anyone can benefit from taking a step back from all their responsibilities and taking stock of what they have.”
“It’s kind of like when you’re an athlete, you need a rest day,” he continued. “You’re not going to work out 24/7, you need to recover. The human soul and the brain need this recovery — that at a minimum. Best case scenario, you enhance your spirituality, you learn a new way to pray or meditate or you learn about a new book that can help you center yourself. The Ignatian tradition has helped so many people throughout history, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
In addition to his positions with Stand-Up and Campus Ministry, Quinn is also a proud member of the Fordham University Rugby Football Club. He picked up the sport as a first-semester freshman, and while he enjoys his time on the field, it is the camaraderie in the team room that keeps him coming back.
“You’re running sprints at practice, you’re getting beat up at the game, you’re riding home on the Ram Van and we’re all in pain together,” he said.
“That alone gives you a bond. But the laughs, doing it all every week with the same guys, you get to know each other. We’ve been through a lot. They’re like brothers to me.”
Involved with programs that promote his physical, mental and spiritual well-being — as well as one that allows him to crack some jokes — Quinn is a veritable jack of all trades. If you are looking for a true Fordham Ram, then look no further.
