Luckily the 2001 Fordham College at Rose Hill grad made it to the church on time. He now lives with his wife and two kids in Westchester County, New York, where he heads the local alumni chapter, planning events like wine tastings, networking receptions, and a very popular holiday toy and decoration drive. At last year’s Fall Gratitude Reception at Fordham’s Westchester campus, Rosa, a wealth management adviser, was honored for his work connecting Fordham alumni with the campus and the larger Westchester community.
Fordham Five
What are you most passionate about?
My family. My wife and I have two awesome kids, a 7-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. I try to spend lots of time with them. I coach their teams, we cook together—they love making breakfast—and we have fun and simple adventures. My family makes me laugh and smile; they help me keep things in perspective and remind me that life doesn’t have to be too complicated.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Two of the best pieces of advice I ever received go together: “be a sponge” and “listen twice as much as you talk.” My mentor at work told me these things 15 years ago, and I still reflect on them daily.
What’s your favorite place in New York City?
The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. That’s the place my wife and I had our first date, got engaged, and take yearly trips to with our friends, our kids, and our families. We continue to enjoy the magic and beauty of the holiday spirit and season there.
What book has had a lasting influence on you and why?
Many different books have made many interesting impressions on me, so there’s not just one. And sometimes reading a book at a different period in your life brings new meaning. For example, I read Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go when I was a kid, when I started work, and with my kids, and every time I feel pulled by a different part of it. It’s such a simple book, but you can really look deeply into a lot of it.
Who is the Fordham grad or professor you admire most and why?
The Fordham professors I most admire are those who challenged me to learn and to keep learning in the Jesuit spirit. One of my favorites is Father Ray Schroth, who officiated our wedding at the University Church.
You can contribute to the Alumni Chapter of Westchester’s 2017 Holiday Toy Drive benefitting Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Yonkers until December 22. Learn more about all of Fordham’s regional alumni chapters on Forever Fordham.
