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The 10 Most Shocking And Successful Famous Fordham University Alumni: What They’re Doing Now (2025 Updates)

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Few universities can boast an alumni network as diverse and influential as Fordham University. As of December 26, 2025, the list of distinguished graduates continues to grow, spanning every field from Hollywood’s elite to global finance and high-stakes politics. This Jesuit institution, with its campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan’s Lincoln Center, is a powerful launchpad for individuals who go on to shape culture and commerce across the world. The question isn't just who went to Fordham, but what are these high-achieving Rams doing right now?

This deep-dive listicle cuts through the common knowledge to deliver the freshest information on Fordham’s most compelling graduates, revealing their latest projects, career updates, and the shocking paths they took after leaving the historic halls of Rose Hill and the modern towers of Lincoln Center.

The A-List: Fordham Alumni Dominating Entertainment and Culture (2025 Updates)

Fordham’s reputation as a feeder for the arts is undeniable, producing some of the most recognizable and critically acclaimed figures in modern entertainment. These alumni have not slowed down, with major projects scheduled for 2025 and beyond.

Denzel Washington: The Enduring Icon

  • Full Name: Denzel Hayes Washington Jr.
  • Fordham Affiliation: Graduated from Fordham College at Lincoln Center in 1977 with a B.A. in Drama and Journalism.
  • Notable Roles: Training Day, Malcolm X, Fences, The Equalizer series.
  • Recent Honors: Recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award and the AFI Life Achievement Award.

Denzel Washington remains arguably the most famous Fordham alumnus, and his commitment to the craft is ceaseless. While his film career continues to thrive, Washington is making a highly anticipated return to the stage. His upcoming Broadway project is a new production of Shakespeare’s Othello, where he will play the title role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. This theatrical endeavor, opening in Spring 2025, underscores his dedication to his drama roots, which began at the Lincoln Center campus. Furthermore, fans are eagerly awaiting his next major film, the crime drama Highest 2 Lowest, which is slated for a 2025 release and reunites him with director Spike Lee.

Lana Del Rey: The Indie Siren

  • Full Name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant
  • Fordham Affiliation: Attended Fordham College at Rose Hill for one year, majoring in philosophy.
  • Notable Albums: Born to Die, Norman Fucking Rockwell!, Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.
  • Recent Recognition: Multiple Grammy nominations and critical acclaim for her poetic songwriting.

Lana Del Rey, known for her evocative, cinematic music, is one of the university’s most culturally relevant alumni. Though she attended for only a year, her time in New York City was foundational to her artistic persona. Her musical output remains prolific, with a major announcement dominating recent news. The singer is set to release a new album titled The Right Person Will Stay in May 2025. This follows a period of intense creative exploration, including a rumored country music project, previously titled Lasso, which has since been retitled Stove and may see a January 2026 release. Her ability to constantly reinvent and generate buzz makes her a fascinating case study in modern celebrity success.

Amanda Seyfried: From Rose Hill to Hollywood's Peak

  • Full Name: Amanda Michelle Seyfried
  • Fordham Affiliation: Briefly attended Fordham University in 2003 before accepting a role in the film Mean Girls.
  • Notable Roles: Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, Mank, The Dropout.

While she ultimately left to pursue her breakthrough role, Amanda Seyfried’s brief enrollment at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in 2003 is a well-known piece of university lore. Her career has since exploded, culminating in an Emmy win for her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout. Her recent projects continue to showcase her range, solidifying her status as an Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress and one of the most successful talents to pass through Fordham's doors.

Power Brokers and Political Giants: The Fordham Law & Gabelli School Legacy

Fordham’s Jesuit education emphasizes service and leadership, a philosophy that has propelled numerous graduates into the highest echelons of government, law, and global business. The Gabelli School of Business and Fordham Law School are particularly noted for producing influential figures in finance and politics, connecting the university directly to the power centers of New York City and Washington, D.C.

Eugene Shvidler: The Billionaire Artist

  • Full Name: Eugene Markovich Shvidler
  • Fordham Affiliation: Graduated from Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business.
  • Primary Industry: Oil and Gas (Billionaire entrepreneur, major shareholder in Evraz).
  • Current Focus: Art and Legal Challenges.

Eugene Shvidler is a prime example of the formidable success of Gabelli School alumni. A Russian-born businessman with British and U.S. citizenship, he made his fortune in the oil and gas sector. However, his most recent public activities are a shocking pivot toward the art world, alongside high-profile legal battles. In late 2024, Shvidler was revealed as the artist behind the pseudonym "ES23," unveiling his second exhibition, Part II – Not So Abstract, at Spanierman Modern in New York City. Simultaneously, he has been involved in high-stakes legal challenges against UK sanctions, with the UK Supreme Court recently upholding the asset freeze imposed on him in 2022.

Andrew Cuomo: The Former Governor

  • Full Name: Andrew Mark Cuomo
  • Fordham Affiliation: Graduated from Fordham Law School in 1982.
  • Notable Role: 56th Governor of New York (2011–2021).

As a graduate of the prestigious Fordham Law School, Andrew Cuomo’s career defined New York politics for a decade. Known for his leadership during major state crises, his tenure was marked by significant infrastructure projects and policy reforms. While his time in office ended in controversy, his impact on the state's governance remains a key part of Fordham Law's legacy of producing powerful public servants.

Other Notable Political and Business Entities:

  • Donald Trump: Attended Fordham for two years before transferring. His polarizing political career remains a major talking point for the university.
  • Anne M. Mulcahy: Former Chairperson and CEO of Xerox, demonstrating the global leadership produced by the Gabelli School.
  • William J. Casey: Former Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) under President Ronald Reagan, highlighting Fordham’s deep ties to national security.
  • Wellington Mara: Co-owner of the New York Giants, a major figure in the history of the NFL and a distinguished alumnus.

The Literary and Historical Titans of Fordham

The university's long history, dating back to 1841, has allowed it to cultivate a strong tradition in literature and historical impact, producing figures whose work continues to be read and celebrated today.

Mary Higgins Clark: The Queen of Suspense

  • Full Name: Mary Theresa Eleanor Higgins Clark
  • Fordham Affiliation: Graduated from Fordham University in 1979 (at age 52).
  • Notable Works: Where Are the Children?, A Stranger Is Watching.

Mary Higgins Clark is one of the most successful and beloved authors in American history, earning the title "Queen of Suspense." Her story is particularly inspiring, as she earned her degree from Fordham at the age of 52, showcasing the university's commitment to lifelong learning. Her legacy lives on through her bestselling novels, which have sold over 100 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Alan Alda: The Communicator

  • Full Name: Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo
  • Fordham Affiliation: Graduated from Fordham College in 1956.
  • Notable Roles: Hawkeye Pierce on M*A*S*H, various film roles.

Alan Alda, an Emmy Award-winning actor and director, is a celebrated alumnus whose career spans over seven decades. In recent years, he has focused heavily on science communication and founded the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, emphasizing the importance of clear, empathetic communication—a value deeply rooted in his Jesuit education. Alda’s continued work in this field ensures his influence extends far beyond his iconic acting roles.

Vince Lombardi: The Coaching Legend

  • Full Name: Vincent Thomas Lombardi
  • Fordham Affiliation: Graduated from Fordham University in 1937.
  • Notable Role: Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Before becoming one of the most successful football coaches in history, Vince Lombardi was a member of Fordham's legendary "Seven Blocks of Granite" offensive line. His name is now synonymous with excellence in sports, with the Super Bowl trophy bearing his name. His discipline and leadership principles are still taught in business schools today, a testament to his lasting impact that began on the Fordham gridiron.

The Power of a Fordham Degree: A Network Built on Success

The sheer density of influential figures from Fordham is not a coincidence; it is a direct result of its New York City location, its rigorous academic standards, and its foundational Jesuit values. The university consistently ranks high for career outcomes, with a significant percentage of its Class of 2024 graduates finding meaningful opportunities within six months of commencement.

Whether it is through the Gabelli School's specialized programs that produce award-winning finance professionals like Alexander Wright (GABELLI '00) or the drama program that launched Denzel Washington, the Fordham network is a powerful engine for success. The university’s emphasis on ethics and service ensures that its graduates—from the controversial to the celebrated—leave with a foundation that prepares them for global leadership and impact.

The ongoing success and current projects of these famous Fordham University alumni confirm that a degree from this institution is a ticket to a life of influence. As Denzel Washington prepares for Broadway and Lana Del Rey for her next album cycle in 2025, the Fordham legacy continues to evolve, demonstrating that the university’s influence on the world stage is as current as tomorrow's headlines.

famous fordham university alumni
famous fordham university alumni

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