Richard B. Marrin, a 1967 Fordham College graduate, is an example of what all of us should strive for in supporting Fordham University athletics and observing the Jesuit mandate to serve others.  Marrin believes strongly in the message preached by University President Father Joseph O’Hare, S.J. – that is, that we are the beneficiaries of the efforts and generosity of those of the past, whom we do not know, and the trustees for future Fordham students not yet born.

Marrin’s work in forming and heading the Gridiron Club for the past dozen years has kept in motion the continuum between generations.  Rich has raised funds for such important needs as a national recruiting program for Fordham football, a factor contributing to the program’s turnaround.  He has helped foster camaraderie among the Club’s members and friends with a full schedule of social events.  Under Rich, the Club also stresses a characteristic of Jesuit education- cura personalis – helping each student-athlete and support staff member reach his or her full potential, not just in the classroom or football field, but in the world outside Rose Hill.

Born in the Bronx, a graduate of Fordham Prep, Rich was a two-year starter on the football team under Hall of Fame coach, the late Jim Lansing, including the 1965 team that was selected the #1 Club Football team in the nation.  He also won four varsity letters in squash and three in tennis, under Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hawthorn.  Now residing in Little Silver, New Jersey, Marrin is a founding partner of the New York City law firm of Ford Marrin Esposito Witmeyer & Gleser and the author of several books and a number of articles on American history.

(Note: Bio provided by Joe Boyle, GSB ’68, and a member of the Fordham University Athletic Hall of Fame, inducted in 1997-98.)