Olivia Licata is the superwoman of Fordham University. Somedays, it actually seems as though this girl is able to turn back time – otherwise there’s no way a single human could possibly accomplish everything Olivia does on a daily basis. Besides being one of the most driven and accomplished individuals at Fordham, Olivia also has one of the biggest hearts on this campus. What little free time she has from her school work and extracurricular activities is spent doling out delicious Italian treats to her friends and offering a shoulder to cry on through the tumultuous semesters at Fordham. Olivia Licata is Ms. Fordham in every sense of the word- she absolutely encompasses all that a Jesuit education strives to create- an educated, aware, and compassionate individual, who takes extreme pride in herself and her school. Olivia loves Fordham, probably more than anyone. Answering questions to the interview, Olivia became so overwhelmed by her love for Fordham that she actually teared up. Now that’s a true Ram.
Where are you from?
Suffern, New York (a suburb 20 miles outside of NYC in Rockland County)
What year are you?
Sophomore
What Fordham school are you in?
Fordham College at Rose Hill
What is your major?
Theology & Spanish with a History minor
What activities are you involved in?
President of Right to Play@Fordham, Passport Committee Co-Chair, FYF Instructor, Orientation Leader, Volunteer at Murray-Weigel Residence, Research Assistant hired by Dr. Avishai in the Sociology department.
Favorite movie:
Death Becomes Her
Favorite band/musician:
Michael Bublé and Josh Groban
Favorite book:
The Truth aboutForever by Sarah Dessen
Favorite TV show:
Criminal Minds
Favorite Broadway show:
Wicked (cliché, I know)
You run one of Fordham’s most unique clubs: Right to Play. Can you tell us a little bit about the club?
Right to Play is an international organization that improves the lives of children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health, and peace. I was approached last year in Queen’s Court by a graduating senior who wanted to create a Fordham chapter so last spring, we founded the second chapter of RTP in the United States. Our main goal on campus is to promote the importance of sport and play for economic and social development, especially in regard to education, both within and outside of the Fordham community.
Looking back, what is your proudest accomplishment at Fordham?
I would have to say that co-founding RTP@FU is one of my proudest moments because I was a part of creating a service club whose mission is one that Fordham students can relate to because so many of us are involved or are fans of sports and recognize the influence that it can have on people. I am also really proud of making Dean’s list for my freshman year.
What is your favorite part of living in NYC?
There are so many amazing aspects of New York City, but my favorite part is all the cultural activities. I can catch a Broadway show, check out a museum, see an opera or go to the ballet, sometimes in the middle of the week! I feel fortunate that I live in the world’s greatest center for the arts and culture.
What’s your favorite thing about Fordham?
My favorite part of Fordham is the emphasis there is on graduating well-rounded citizens of the world. I feel as though I have definitely experienced the Jesuit principle of Cura Personalis because all of the way all my professors challenge me to not only achieve my potential, but continually urge me to reinvent myself to become a better person. In my opinion, the faculty at Fordham is unmatched in terms of caring for individual students and being excellent educators, which has made my time here enjoyable.
What’s your LEAST favorite thing about Fordham?
Honestly, this is a tough question because I love Fordham so much, it’s frightening. (Laughs) Although I’ll admit I have been one to complain about the food in the cafeteria on occasion.
What’s your favorite Fordham memory?
Another tough question! My time here has been so fulfilling that it really is difficult to pinpoint one memory as the absolute best. But I would say that meeting all my friends is my favorite memory because a huge part of my great experience thus far is due to the amazing people who I’m lucky to call my friends. I especially would say that meeting my best friend Claudine is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me and I have Fordham to thank for that!
Where’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot is my room – after a long day of classes, meetings and running around campus, there is no better feeling than putting my slippers on and relaxing. Eddies in the warm weather is also a fave because it is so much fun to have a picnic with friends or just read in the sunshine.
Since you have about ten million things going on in your life, what drives you to keep going?
CAFFIENE. No, I only have one cup of coffee a day, but I am blessed to be highly self-motivated, which I attribute to my parents continually encouraging me to strive to be a better person. My sisters also inspire me to work towards my potential and with my family’s support, I find that it is easy to keep going, even on days when I’m sleep deprived (those are the days when coffee is my friend).
You’re really big on celebrating your Italian culture. What are some of your favorite elements about your Italian heritage?
Oh boy, what is there not to love about being 100% Italian? My favorite part is probably the food, but not merely because it is delicious, but because what food means to Italians. It is a way to connect with friends and family. Food is the Italian way to express hospitality and the desire to bring people together. I love bringing pasta or arancini (rice balls) to my Fordham family to share my culture with them and to show them how much I value them. I also love Italian music, so it’s possible to find me listening to a wide range of genres and artists including Italian pop, Dean Martin and Pavarotti.
What’s the one thing that every Fordham student should do before they graduate?
Every student should get involved in a club on campus because it opens up so many doors. I have met so many great people including my peers and administrators while working in my clubs so I’d encourage everyone to find something they are passionate about and then check out a club meeting. Or if there isn’t something that you are interested in, create a club!
What’s on your NYC Bucket List?
Visit the top of the Statue of Liberty, go to a least 3 different restaurants in every area of New York, have a picnic in Central Park, go to the Guggenheim & Frick Museums, visit Coney Island, go to the Brooklyn Aquarium and take a helicopter ride over the city.
What’s your dream job?
My dream job is at a prestigious law firm which allows me to help people and explore my other interests such as travel.
What’s your favorite class that you’ve had at Fordham?
I’ve loved pretty much all of my classes, but I’d say that my Christ in World Cultures class with Dr. Elizabeth Johnson and my Identities and Inequalities in America class with Dr. Orit Avishai rank as my top 2.
What’s your least favorite class that you’ve had at Fordham?
Probably Environmental Physics because I had never taken any physics beforehand so I didn’t have a solid background for the class.
Who’s your favorite professor?
I can’t pick just one! All of my professors have been so engaging that I love most of my classes. As previously stated, Dr. Johnson’s and Dr. Avishai’s classes were my favorites, and it is mostly to their credit that I enjoyed myself. I also admire my theology advisor Dr. Patrick Hornbeck because he is always willing to answer my questions and is very knowledgeable.
PICK ONE:
Bronx Zooor Botanical Gardens? Botanical Gardens
Arthur Aveor Fordham Road? Arthur Ave!
Cafeteria foodor Deli food? Deli
Conwayor Dr. Jay’s? Conway
RamVan or Subway? RamVan
Pugsley’sor University Pizza? University (but really Full Moon)
Met or MoMA? Met
Hot Dog or Bagel? Bagel
Broadwayor Off-Broadway? Broadway
Central Parkor Brooklyn Bridge? Central Park