The message John Bennett posted on the MU Student Engagement Instagram account announcing his departure.
@MUSTUDENTENGAGE / INSTAGRAM
Grace Cardinal, Editor-in-Chief
John Bennett, the associate vice president of student life at Manhattan University, left his position after 15 years on Jan. 8. Bennett announced his departure to the MU community via the Student Engagement Instagram page.
In the Instagram post, Bennett wrote, “Thank you for some amazing years and memories back at Manhattan. It’s been an honor to work with all our students, from alumni to current Jaspers. Good luck this spring semester you’ll do great.”
Bennett assisted in the planning of many campus events, including Open House, Spring Fest, Manhattan Madness and many more. Through planning these events, Bennett worked closely with student organizations, particularly student government.
Student body president and senior Jazi Riley was one of the many individuals who worked closely with Bennett during his time at MU.
“John’s number one quality that was recognizable from miles away is how he centered students,” Riley said. “He had a way of explaining stuff and not underscoring an issue at all, not saying ‘this isn’t a problem’, but transforming a problem into ‘there’s no worry about it.’ All the decisions he’s making, and the ones he’s supporting are always student centered.”
The announcement of Bennett’s departure came as a surprise even to those who had close working relationships with him.
“It was a surprise to me, especially because we weren’t back at school,” Riley said. “I found out a day before his last day, so it was very shocking.”
While there is currently no information on when a search party may commence for a replacement, students who have previously worked with Bennett hope that some specific qualities are sought out in a new candidate.
Audrey Daniels, vice president of academic affairs on student government, hopes to find a candidate with as much care for the campus community as Bennett had.
“Definitely someone who cares as much as John did,” Daniels said. “He cared so much about this campus and the experience that students were having. So definitely someone who is dedicated to that, but is also okay with realizing that there are a lot of things that are the way that they are and have been for a long time. And change is good, and change is fine, but coming in with lots of great ideas is awesome when it’s done in a way that is collaborative with the student body and with his or her new coworkers.”
While generally not commenting on personnel matters, the Office of the President sent an email to The Quadrangle stating, “We were saddened at John’s decision to leave Manhattan University. We wish him only the best as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey.”
Both Riley and Daniels, in addition to the president’s office, wished Bennett all the best with his future endeavors, and hope that despite an abrupt departure, he is doing well.
“I hope the circumstances of whatever led to such an abrupt departure, I hope he finds peace about it, and it doesn’t disrupt him or stay with him, because this place has been with him for a decade or more,” Riley said. “To not have in your everyday something you’ve had for so long has to hurt your heart. Even if you’re the strongest person ever, [it] has to hurt your heart, and that is someone who does not deserve a broken heart at all, not whatsoever. I hope that he’s spending these days happy… and I hope that he finds peace about it, and he gets back tenfold after this. He deserves all the good karma in the world.”
As for what students can expect following Bennett’s departure, Daniels had a reassuring message.
“As E-board for student government, we’re going to do everything in our power to make sure that, especially for seniors, this last semester still goes somewhat according to plan, and that the student body can look forward to things as normal,” Daniels said. “Continuation of events and planning is still very much happening. So we’ve got your back, even without John.”
*Editor’s Note: Bennett did not respond to requests for comment by the time of publication.