Brooke Della Rocco, News Editor
Manhattan University has announced the continuation and adaptation of the Jasper Safe program for the fall semester, originally created in January of 2025.
Jasper Safe is a program that focuses on establishing a network across small businesses surrounding the university to make students feel safer and more comfortable outside campus grounds. The program aims to create safe havens, letting students know by the green Jasper Safe sticker in the entryway of businesses that they can get the help or care they need there.
The official Jasper Safe sticker with information about public safety.
MANHATTAN.EDU / COURTESY
According to Inside Manhattan, “Upon entering the business, the individual can inform the business staff that they are a member of the Manhattan University community and need Public Safety’s assistance. The staff will contact the Department of Public Safety to either escort them to campus or ensure their safety by contacting NYPD for further assistance.”
The list of businesses involved has expanded significantly over the summer. The new list includes An Beal Bocht Café, Artizen NYC, Blackstone Bar & Grill, Broadway Joe’s Pizza, Bronx Ale House, Claudy’s Kitchen, Goodfellas Pizza, Jake’s Steakhouse, Jasper Deli, Jerry’s Barbershop, Kingsbridge Social Club, Lava House Café, Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, New Kam Sheng, New Riverdale Gourmet Deli, Parkview Sports, Riverdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Santa Fe Grill & Bar, Shamrock Wines and Liquors, Studio Delaj and Tortoise and Hare.
The program was established by Director of Public Safety William Cook and Associate Director of Public Safety Issan Rodriguez, who took inspiration from their own undergraduate years in New York City. Their respective alma maters had similar programs that they aimed to emulate.
Gerarda Shields, Ph.D., senior associate vice president of student life, dean of students and the organizer of the Jasper Safe program, spoke about the response the program has received from the Riverdale community.
“As you can see, it was overwhelmingly positive,” Shields said. “By presenting it in that way of saying ‘we want to continue to engage, and also will you help us promote the safety and welfare of our students?’ I mean, it’s kind of a win-win conversation for everybody, so it was pretty much always very well-received.”
There is no cost associated with signing up for Jasper Safe as a business. However, some businesses have incorporated new discounts specifically for students. Lava House Café just announced a 15% off deal for all MU students with a valid student ID, while Studio Delaj is offering 20% off for students on weekdays. Through the program, Goodfellas has announced weekday specials for students as well.
Shields spoke more about how this program will help foster the relationship between the school and the broader community.
“As part of the outreach for the program, it was ‘how can we better engage with you and how can we better make our students aware that you’re in the neighborhood?,’” Shields said. “That starting of the conversation was the Jasper Safe program, but in many ways, it’s morphed into ‘how do we create a culture of community?’”
Dave Lindsay, owner of Kingsbridge Social Club, a Riverdale restaurant staple, spoke about why he chose to be involved in this strategic partnership.
“Manhattan University is a neighbor of ours,” Lindsay said. “I have always looked at my restaurant as being a place [where] anybody can come and feel safe. So it’s a partnership that kind of happened naturally.”
The Jasper Safe program has officially become a selling point for MU’s Office of Admissions as well, incorporated into orientation and Welcome Weekend programs. Shields mentioned how she took students on a neighborhood foodie tour during Welcome Weekend, highlighting Jasper Safe businesses and trying some of their food.
Lindsay left the conversation with a call to action for businesses around the Riverdale community.
“I think that all bars and restaurants should open their doors for people that are possibly in trouble at the time and offer a safe place, at a place that they can know they will be taken care of,” Lindsay said.