Celebrating Fordham University’s longevity and honoring those community partners who have contributed to Fordham’s Graduate Schools was front and center at the Fordham Westchester Fall Gratitude Reception held on Thursday, November 10th at the Fordham Westchester campus. The well-attended gala recognized Fordham University’s Dodransbicentenial alongside other impressive milestones such as 40 years of Fordham in Westchester, 100 years of the Graduate School of Education, and 100 years of the Graduate School of Social Service.
A warm and sincere welcome from Fordham Westchester’s Academic Operational Administrator, Mr. Grant Grastorf, started off the festivities. Following Mr. Grastorf, were remarks from Westchester County Executive and Fordham alumnus Mr. Rob Astorino and the Mayor of Harrison Mr. Ron Belmont, both praising Fordham’s educational and community-based achievements.
The Deans from the Graduate School of Social Service, the Graduate School of Education, and the School of Professional and Continuing Studies took to the podium afterwards to honor various individuals and community partners who have supported Fordham throughout the years. In particular, Dean Debra McPhee of the Graduate School of Social Service issued special commendations to Ms. Sara Beard, Director of Clinical Services, Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center; Ms. Polly Kerrigan, Senior Vice President, Family Services of Westchester; Mr. Kevin McGuire, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Social Work and Ms. Raven Waterman, Director of Clinical Services, Graham Windham.
Following the official ceremony, guests were treated to an exhibit entitled 40 Years of Westchester, self-guided tours of the Fordham Westchester campus, contests, prizes, food, drink and a Fall Gratitude Tree where participants wrote what they were thankful for at Fordham. Thankful and grateful for Fordham, indeed!
Henry Davis, PhD Assistant to the Dean Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service 400 Westchester Avenue West Harrison, NY 10604 hdavis8@fordham.edu
