The site of the University’s commencement ceremony each spring, Edwards Parade is named in honor of General Clarence R. Edwards, a professor of military science and tactics at Fordham in the late 19th century, when the University was known as St. John’s College. His work with the student cadets paved the way for the establishment of the Reserves Officers’ Training Corps at the University. The great lawn is affectionately known as “Eddies” by generations of Fordham students.