Student Spotlight: The Humanitarian Student Union at Fordham University Rose Hill
January 31, New York, New York — The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs celebrates the successful growth of the Humanitarian Student Union, a grassroots, student-led organization with a presence across Fordham University’s Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses, which offers weekly club meetings, discussions with humanitarian professionals, and documentary screenings.
Neil Joyce, Co-Founder and President of the Rose Hill Humanitarian Student Union reflects on the growth of HSU stating, “Over the past two years, we have seen the club and its presence at Fordham grow substantially. The most exciting and encouraging part of this has been seeing how so many Fordham students and staff are engaged in humanitarian topics and issues of social justice. We are excited to see what we can accomplish in the future.”
The Humanitarian Student Union began in 2017. As an undergraduate student-run organization, it aims to educate club members and members of the Fordham community on humanitarian issues/crises in the local, regional, national, and international sphere and sponsor events with the purpose of advancing humanitarian campaigns and human justice.
Rosie McCormack, Communications Coordinator of the Rose Hill Humanitarian Student Union highlights, “The Humanitarian Student Union encourages everyone to offer their opinions and embrace what they don’t know. We never want a club member to feel lesser or nervous about speaking up because they feel they aren’t informed; we are all learning together. It’s rare to feel comfortable openly and humbly discussing political or moral issues, and it’s encouraging how many Fordham students have embraced this space.”
Some of the HSU Rose Hill’s past events include a fundraiser for victims of Hurricane Maria and discussions on the Yemen Crisis and The Migrant Caravan, filling Fordham University’s Rose Hill classrooms to share their inquisitive humanitarian passion with alike students.
For information about joining the Humanitarian Student Union as a student or guest speaker, please reach out to humanitarianstudents@fordham.edu.
About the IIHA
The Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs (IIHA) prepares current and future aid workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively in times of humanitarian crisis and disaster. Our courses are borne of an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines academic theory with the practical experience of seasoned humanitarian professionals. The IIHA also publishes on a wide range of humanitarian topics and regularly hosts a number of events in the New York area, including the annual Humanitarian Blockchain Summit and Design for Humanity Summit.
For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Camille Giacovas
Communications & Research Officer
cgiacovas@fordham.edu
