Ambassador Charles Gargano ’79, makes generous donation towards Manhattan University
Andrew Mannion Senior Writer
This past December, Manhattan University (MU) received a $1 million donation from Ambassador Charles A. Gargano, a member of the class of 1979. In recognition of the gift, the red brick arches flanking Memorial Hall will be designated as the Charles A. Gargano, P.E. ’79 Arches.
A native of Italy, Gargano moved to Brooklyn at four years old. After high school, he pursued higher education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, before completing a second master’s degree in civil engineering at MU.
Gargano has held a variety of positions throughout his career. After earning his professional engineering license, he served as the deputy administrator of the Urban Mass Transit Administration in 1981, where he has played a major role in various major federal transportation projects. Gargano later became the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago from 1988 to 1991. After that role, he became the vice chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In that role, he helped rebuild New York City after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Beyond this gift, Gargano has also established a scholarship for students at MU. The scholarship is intended to assist high-achieving students with financial need.
Ambassador Gargano has been a strong representative of the Jasper community. His contributions have supported the university’s core mission: provide higher education to its students. President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D, spoke on Gargano’s representation of the university.
“Ambassador Gargano has worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens are granted the same possibilities for success, not just the privileged few,” Bonato said. “He is a public servant in the truest sense, combining vision with execution, heart and strategy. The mission of MU prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement and service to their fellow human beings. Ambassador Gargano is our mission personified.”
This impact extends to students through alumni-supported improvements across campus. Student Government President, Patrick Kantor, shared with The Quadrangle how alumni contributions have impacted his education.
“One of the more noticeable features is the incredible infrastructure that alumni donations help build,” said Kantor. “As an engineer, having the opportunity to use the labs in Higgins really helps better my understanding of the concepts I’m learning, and I’m sure other students have experienced this as well.”
The MU alumni association plays a central role in the university community, with alumni networks connecting Jaspers across New York City and multiple industries. Kantor spoke on the effects of a strong alumni association and Gargano’s efforts to improve this connection.
“It’s the part of this school that I feel quite strongly about,” said Kantor. “There are limitless opportunities within New York City through fellow Jaspers, and Ambassador Gargano is an incredible example of this. Our school has an unparalleled alumni network compared to its size.”
In an article published on the university’s website, Gargano described his connection to the university and why he supports the institution that provided his civil engineering education.
“My heart is always with Manhattan University, and being a permanent part of the brick and mortar solidifies my belief that with an education and those who help along the way, it is possible for anyone to succeed and, in turn, provide others with the tools for success,” Gargano stated in the university’s article. “Manhattan isn’t just a place to get a diploma; it’s a community where men and women from all walks of life learn from the examples set by the Christian Brothers. It is a true honor to be part of this legacy of service through the gift of education.”