Eli Manning
Elite quarterback Eli Manning came to campus to talk to the FSC community about leadership, mental preparation, and philanthropy.
“I think leadership is a position that is earned, it’s not something that is given to you,” said Manning. The two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP sat down with FSC President John Nader as part of FSC’s Homecoming events to talk to a packed gymnasium of students, faculty, staff, and die-hard New York Giants fans.
Manning told the audience, “I just encourage you; little things can make a big difference.” Manning supports several organizations, such as Tackle Kids Cancer with the Hackensack University Medical Center, the March of Dimes, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the American Red Cross, and the Robin Hood Foundation, where he most recently helped with the organization’s massive fundraising efforts for COVID-19.
When asked about mental preparation, Manning quoted previous New York Giant Head Coach Tom Coughlin, stating, “He believed that you didn’t win football games on Sunday. You won football games Monday through Saturday—in your work, in your practice, in your field of study,” a message FSC students can relate to.
Manning signed off with a last bit of advice for the audience. As a leader, when things go bad, “You’ve got to be willing to take the blame and put it on your shoulders. I think it’s just earning that respect from your teammates. Once you’ve done that, you can be a leader.”
Giancarlo Esposito
Celebrated television, film, and stage actor, director, and producer Giancarlo Esposito was welcomed to campus in February as part of FSC’s Black History Month celebration. “FSC concluded its celebration of Black History Month in stellar fashion,” said Frank Rampello, FSC student advocate. “Attendees walked away with a few life lessons, fun insider tales from behind the camera, and a fresh outlook on building a more inclusive perspective.”
Esposito, who starred in hit television shows such as Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, and The Mandalorian, offered this advice to the standing-room-only crowd: “All you have to do is show up with all of your being, be present, listen, be a collaborator, take criticism. Don’t take it personally. It may feel that way, but don’t take it personally. Enlist collaborators, enlist all the help you need to get where you know you belong. Create your intention every day that you live, and all will come to you.”
Esposito’s message about being proud of your heritage and embracing your culture was heard all over campus. Audience members left the event feeling empowered. He ended with one final piece of advice: “If, in your life, you don’t feel this level of passion that’s being exhibited to you tonight, if you don’t feel a kernel of that passion in your own life, then find a way to connect with it.”
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