Robert Valdes-Rodriquez, who graduated from Fordham College at Rose Hill in 1986 with a degree in economics and a minor in Spanish studies, was a three-time NCAA Division I Eastern qualifier and a four-time MAAC finalist in the pool for the Rams.
        As a freshman in 1982-1983, he commenced his Fordham career by breaking Tom Gleason’s 100 butterfly school record, a record he would reset as both a sophomore and junior. He qualified for NCAA Eastern Championships as a freshman, sophomore and junior.
        A MAAC finalist all four years at Fordham, Valdes-Rodriquez led the Rams to a second place finish at the 1984, 1985 and 1986 MAAC Championships.
        Valdes-Rodriquez was also a two-year starter with the water polo squad.
        Following graduation, Valdes-Rodriquez competed with the NYAC in swimming and water polo and he is still active with the club, serving as Chairman of the swim team, which is comprised of former Division I standouts, former Olympians and current Olympic hopefuls.  In this role at the NYAC, he spends much of his free time working with some of the fastest swimmers in the world, as they pursue their Olympic dreams.
        A native of Manhasset, New York, Valdes-Rodriquez currently resides in Manhattan with his wife, Regina, and their four children (Suzy, Robert, Casey and Linda). He has been employed in the financial markets for over 25 years in various sales, trading and senior management positions.  Currently, Valdes-Rodriquez  is an Executive Vice President and Head of Foreign Exchange Sales at ED&F Man in New York.  He is also Founder of a men’s luxury tie company, RVR Neckwear.
                Since graduating, Valdes-Rodriguez has remained close to Fordham, both at Rose Hill and Lincoln Center, mentoring dozens of Fordham students and student athletes on their careers and entrepreneurial aspirations.  He has served on Fordham’s President’s Council and the Gabelli Business School Advisory Board.