Fordham University students give back to the community through annual Urban Plunge tradition

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Incoming college students at Fordham University are getting accustomed to life in the Bronx by giving back to the community. Students painted over rusted railings and added plants to Rose Hill Park. This is a part of a three-day pre-orientation program of about 300 students. Nora Chenoweth was a part of the program last year. Now, she is a mentor for first-year students. ”People live here, and they deserve to live somewhere that’s nice. Not just for students, but just for anybody in the neighborhood,” said Chenoweth. She told News 12 that the garden at Rose Hill Park received some much-needed love. “It just looks a lot nicer now, and not just looks-wise, but it’s just better for the environment,” said Chenoweth. While students were painting the railings, community members expressed gratitude and thanked the students for giving back to the community. The Urban Plunge helps students learn about the culture in the Bronx, immersing them in the new community that they will call home for the next four years. News 12 spoke with Evan Casali, a first-year student from Boston. He said his goal in coming to Fordham University goes beyond the classroom and dorms. “It's really important to appreciate the people in the community that we are surrounded by and give back to that,” said Evan Casali. The Urban Plunge program will continue on Saturday so students can learn the culture of the borough. By visiting staple landmarks and for some, riding the subway for the first time before they begin classes next week. "