Tradition and Innovation
Since its founding in 1853, Manhattan College has been committed to providing students with the timeless values embodied in a Lasallian Catholic education, while keeping an eye on the future. Now more than ever, Manhattan College is embracing innovation and reaffirming St. John Baptist de La Salle’s mission in a 21st century context. Change is already visible in the blueprints of the state-of-the-art Raymond W. Kelly Student Commons, in new learning-living communities on campus, and in the service opportunities available to students. During the next decade, a detailed strategic vision will serve as the guiding force behind Manhattan College’s Renewing the Promise campaign.
Renovations in Riverdale
A new $40 million student commons will operate as the flagship of Manhattan College’s campus, providing much-needed resources for a student body that is majority residential. The multi-story facility will feature a wireless lounge with couches, a bookstore, café, dining venue, meeting rooms and space for student activities offices. In addition, the design and structure of the building will ensure LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and match a commitment to green living on campus.
In newly renovated and updated classrooms throughout campus, students now have the opportunity to hone their expertise in a number of new programs. Responding to a growing consumer demand, the school of engineering has initiated its new cosmetic engineering program – the first of its kind in the nation. Students can also choose from two new majors – labor studies and art history – and will soon be able to deepen their understanding of faith with a Catholic studies minor. The College continues to strengthen graduate advancement through its transformed school of continuing and professional studies and a new five-year graduate MBA program in the school of business.
To enhance the connection between living and learning, Manhattan College launched the Arches program in fall 2011, a close-knit community of 108 freshmen students who live, attend class and participate in local service projects together, while fostering personal and professional growth in a unique setting.
Beyond the Bronx
Manhattan College has also pledged a renewed dedication to helping those in need through its many service opportunities around the city, country and world. Campus Ministry and Social Action continues to sponsor service trips to the world’s poorest communities through its Lasallian Outreach Volunteer Experience (LOVE), but has also added fair trade education and fundraising as a way for students to aid the world without leaving campus. Jaspers are increasingly creative in their means to make an impact, from engineering water filtration systems for villages in Africa, to promoting solidarity among Christians, Jews and Muslims through an expanded Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education Center.
A Growing Community
Furthering St. John Baptist de La Salle’s mission to provide education to the needy, the College continues to award scholarships to deserving high school students and in the last two years, became a Post-9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon partner, a program that provides financial assistance to veterans.
Manhattan College has pledged to be widely recognized as among the best institutions of its kind by 2025. Inspired by recent achievement in national rankings, the College continues stronger than ever in its campaign to renew the promise of a Lasallian Catholic education while looking forward to a bright future.