Dr. James Harten, assistant professor in the School of Education and Health, passed away Monday, March 24.

Students and faculty in the School of Education and Health held a candlelight ceremony and vigil in his memory on the evening of March 25 that drew a crowd of over 100 people.

His colleagues remember Harten as a teacher with a strong connection to his students who was dedicated to what he did. Harten traveled to Riverdale daily from his home in Old Saybrook, CT, to teach. They described him as a man invested in the lives of his students and Lasallian in the way he approached his work and his relationships with those around him.

He is remembered for his sense of humor, his penchant for talking politics and his love for the game of basketball. Harten would often come out to watch the Manhattan College basketball games and support the team.

Harten taught a variety of upper-level education classes at Manhattan College for over a decade after completing a successful high school teaching and administrative career at Albertus Magnus High School and the Eastchester School District. Previously, he earned his bachelor’s degree from CUNY Hunter College, his master’s degree from Pace University and his doctorate in education from St. John’s University.

Harten is survived by three sons and four grandchildren and his funeral took place on March 29 at St. John Church in Old Saybrook.