Manhattan College Awards Over 800 Undergraduate Degrees At 164th Commencement

RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Manhattan College awarded over 800 undergraduate degrees in some 40 major fields of study from its five schools in arts, business, education, engineering and science on Sunday, May 21.  Students who completed their studies in September 2005, February 2006 and May 2006 participated in the ceremony.

During the ceremony, an honorary Doctor of Education degree was presented to John M. Fahey, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society and a 1973 graduate of Manhattan College.  A native of Washington, D.C., Fahey joined National Geographic in 1996.  In the past decade he has overseen National Geographic’s entry into cable television, as well as the international expansion of National Geographic magazine, which is now published in 28 languages.

In his speech, Mr. Fahey said, “In a world that is increasingly interconnected – whether it’s economic, environmental, security, energy sourcing  -- an isolationist approach to life doesn’t cut it.  We need an informed citizenry.  Realize everything that Manhattan has prepared you for, but most importantly, use the rich gift of your exquisite education wisely, for all generations to come.”

Founded in 1853 by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Manhattan College is an independent, Catholic co-educational college in the Lasallian tradition, located in the Riverdale section of Bronx, New York.