School seal that was created back when the school was called Manhattan College.
MISHA JABAL-ABADI / THE QUADRANGLE
Misha Jabal-Abadi Asst. Production Editor
In recent years, a series of changes have reshaped Manhattan University’s (MU) community and extended its reputation beyond Riverdale. The expansion of professional programs, ongoing campus renovations and an increasingly diverse and evolving student body have collectively influenced the university’s academic and professional landscape.
One of the biggest effects of these changes have been the amount of outreach to prospective students. Stephen J.Pugliese, Ph. D., VP of Enrollment Management and Marketing, explained that from his perspective the biggest change following the name change was the number of students interested in coming to MU.
“I see a more vibrant campus from this and I also see higher notoriety from our peers, meaning the colleges that we compete against in the New York area as well.” Pugliese said.
The most notable thing is the expansion of the school’s international footprint. Being called a university is getting the attention of more international students. Pugliese explained that colleges in other countries were seen as “secondary schools,” so the switch to university put the school on more [application] lists.
Rani Roy, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Business Operations, shared a similar perspective. She explained that with the name change, the school has become more accessible to international students.
“One of the major reasons why we did this is because in many other countries, college is not considered the same as university,” Roy said. “That designation is often used for the end of high school or for a “pre-university.”
Roy also noted how ‘university was a more fitting name than college.’ Based on the Carnegie classification system, the school was already classified as a university before it officially made the name change.
“We were already considered by Carnegie classification, a master’s comprehensive university at that time,” Roy said. “What that means is we already have undergraduate programs and graduate programs that are really strong, we have a number of professional areas, including engineering and business.”
When it comes to the current campus community, not much has changed. Jaspers now are the same as any Jasper before. Though many older Jaspers will refer to the school using its old name. Christina MacNair, Associate Director of Residence Life, mentioned that in her time here one piece of feedback she consistently hears from residents is how supportive and present their RA’s are. Many students have made connections to their RA’s, which in turn helps build a stronger community following the Lasallian mission of MU.
“There’s been a focus on creating inclusive, low-barrier events that bring students together while also connecting them to campus resources and opportunities.” MacNair said.
The Lasallian mission is a part of the core values of the school and will continue to be so as a long-standing tradition. Most traditions of the school will not be changed based on the name change. Just as the seal of the school in Memorial Hall will remain to say Manhattan College.
“So I do think there’s an element of keeping some of that history while still honoring our legacy, and while still honoring some of that legacy, while we move forward as a university still known as Manhattan College to some,” Roy said.
Despite ongoing changes, from new research initiatives to campus renovations, the core values of MU’s students remain consistent. The sense of community that welcomes new Jaspers each year continues to endure, reinforcing the idea that being a Jasper extends beyond one’s time on campus.