Fordham Footsteps

After beginning her career at New Line Cinema, Sara followed her passion for nonprofit work and ultimately found her way back home to Fordham University. Over 16 years, she toured the country with Father McShane, picked up two advanced degrees, oversaw the launch of the Fordham University Alumni Association, and even co-hosted a certain alumni podcast. Listen in as Sara talks us through her career at Fordham in her Footsteps send-off.

Dr. Mark Rego, FCRH ’81, joins Sara and Matt to talk about his career in psychiatry and the surprising ways he leveraged his undergraduate philosophy courses. A biology major, Mark went on to work with patients around the world and even started a mental health clinic in Peru. He also discusses his new book Frontal Fatigue, which explores the interconnectedness of mental illness and technology in the modern world.

Christine Schwall-Pecci, Ph.D., FCRH ’09, majored in biology, minored in chemistry and sociology, and received a Clare Boothe Luce fellowship to pursue research. Listen to this episode to hear how Christine navigated the core curriculum, the STEM world, an economic recession, and ultimately landed her job at a medical communications agency (all while maintaining connections to Fordham).

As an American studies major and member of the pre-law society, Justin Henry, FCRH '14, spent four years at Fordham thinking about law school. But it didn't quite work out that way. Tune in to hear how this former Rambler instead found his way to the NYC Urban Fellows Program, the Manhattan DA's press office, and now to his current work at a communications firm supporting public sector and nonprofit clients.

Kristina Dominick, FCLC ’09, double majored in communications and Spanish, and sang in the choir during her time as a student. Listen to how she turned her student worker job, theatre background, and internship experience into a career fundraising for the arts at the 92nd Street Y. Be sure to check out Kristina's new podcast "With the Band" online at https://anchor.fm/kristina-dominick or wherever you get your other podcasts.

Bronx native Dr. Peter Paganussi, FCRH ’80, was involved in United Student Government and the Campus Activities Board, working specifically with the CAB Concert Committee and the American Age Lecture Series all while commuting to campus and studying biology and anthropology. Listen to how Dr. Paganussi turned his Fordham experiences and commitment to cura personalis into a 33-year career in emergency medicine.

Football player, history and sociology double major, and an early member of the Bronx African American History Project. Mark Smith, FCRH ’04, wore many hats as a student. Now a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, he helps Sara and Matt connect the dots between a career in finance and a liberal arts degree. (You may even get to hear him sing!)

Celia Aniskovich, FCRH ’14, knew when she began her college search that she did not want to go to a school in New York City. But after a fateful tour of the Rose Hill campus, she knew Fordham was the one. Listen to this episode to hear Celia's journey from communications major to documentary filmmaker. As mentioned in the episode, check out Celia's seven part podcast "Spy Affair" online at https://wondery.com/shows/spy-affair/ or wherever you get your other podcasts.

Mike Prichinello, FCRH ’97, studied history and sociology at Fordham, and began his career in politics. He now owns the Classic Car Club, races motorcycles, and is a recording artist on the side. Listen to this episode to hear how he has navigated his career, including maintaining a business and raising a child during the pandemic.

Elisa Lyew, MC ’07, owns and operates a gluten-free bakery, Elisa's Love Bites, in the East Village of Manhattan. Her unique perspective and thirst for knowledge provided Elisa with the skills to overcome two recessions. Yet how did she transition from theatre major working in public relations to business owner? Listen to this latest episode to find out.