Left to Right — Nikita Shany, Juliana Bambina, Julia Meyer and Leyla J. Mercado. GRACE NARIANI / COURTESY
Leyla J. Mercado Features Editor and Asst. Social Media Editor
In recent years, Manhattan College’s (MC) transition to Manhattan University (MU) has coincided with a broader shift in the student experience. The change brought an evolving institutional identity, reshaping what it means to be a Jasper within a newly redefined campus environment.
On Aug. 1, 2024, following approval by the New York State Board of Regents, MC officially became MU, a rebranding that caught many in the community by surprise. While rumors had circulated across campus, no formal confirmation preceded the announcement. In the aftermath, “MU” memes quickly circulated among students, and adjusting from “Manhattan College” to “Manhattan University” became an immediate, if uneven, transition.
The name change slowly ended up meaning more to the student body than many may think. Despite always being a Jasper, such changes resulted in a different college experience for everyone no matter what year or major. It was a change that came with promotional tiktok making on the quad and a bigger community that consisted of far more events intended to connect students who never thought they’d cross paths.
Naya Tuli, ‘25, an MU alumna who majored in sociology and minored in philosophy, is now pursuing her graduate degree: a masters in clinical mental health at MU. Tuli spoke to whether or not her identity as a student has remained tied to MC, or if she felt any form of personal connection to the new name.
“Personally, my identity as a student will always be tied to MC because that is where my journey truly took shape.” Tuli said. “When I think back to applying to MC, it brings a sense of nostalgia and pride, especially now as a graduate student reflecting on the past four years. I was part of the Class of 2025, working toward receiving a MC certificate, and that name carries meaning for me in a way that cannot be replaced”
Not only does Tuli hold MC’s importance with her, she acknowledges that change is typically guaranteed, especially when it comes to such a long standing institution like MU.
“At the same time, I recognize that names evolve, and with that comes a shift in perspective. It made me realize how many people across different years share the same diploma, yet experience the school in completely unique ways. Some people will only ever know it by its new name, and that is not necessarily a bad thing it is just different.”
Tuli then spoke to what MC truly means to her personal journey.
“For me, MC will always represent something comforting.” Tuli said. “It reminds me of the lessons I have learned, the growth I have experienced, and the people I met along the way. No matter what the institution is called moving forward, that personal connection will always stay with me.”
Knowing the emotional tie that lies behind MC is enough to realize just how profound this new form of renovation can actually be. Whether symbolic or as something meant to have a long-term impact in MU’s future, Tuli understands the principle of what it can be.
“I see the name change as both symbolic and something that could have a long-term impact,” Tuli said. “Symbolically, it marks the beginning of a new era for the school. Change can feel uncertain, and even a little scary, but it is often necessary for growth.”
Further speaking to the everlasting effect on being a jasper, Tuli discussed the benefits of what the identity shift ultimately came, and continues to come with.
“In terms of long term impact, I think it may reflect new adjustments and improvements that are meant to benefit the school in ways it may not have before,” Tuli said. “A name change like this usually signals expansion, development, and a shift in how the institution positions itself for the future. New eras can definitely bring uncertainty, they can also bring opportunity. And honestly, I believe that sometimes those changes no matter how unfamiliar at first end up being worth it for everyone involved.”
Lizbeth Valentin, a senior psychology major and minor in political science, spoke in depth of what MC truly meant to her and how exactly these sentiments have grown to change over these times of change. Valenin has learned that not only does the name change establish a new student experience, but it further affects the professional life that follows it.
“I felt my identity was tied to that name since I first came here with MC as the name. It [MU] makes the college sound more serious, and recruiters seeing I went to a university helps me stand out.” Valentin said. “The name carries a certain weight making the college sound more prestigious. The mention of university catches their attention, making me more confident in applying to full time jobs after I graduate.”
With the transition from MC to MU having an encompassing effect on all of those a part of the MU community, Valentin further discussed the insight she’d provide to the institution’s newcomers.
“If I had to explain the transition from MC to MU to someone who never attended, I would say it signifies a shift towards growth,” Valentin told The Quadrangle.
Valentin further added to how exactly this change strengthens the possibilities and future generations at MU.
“The change meets the needs of students today,” Valentin said. “This change is about evolving the identity of the school while still holding on to its core values and sense of community. While it may feel different for those who have a strong connection to the college’s past, the transition opens up new possibilities for current and future students.”
For students like Matthew McClure, a junior sound studies major and minor in marketing, being an underclassman during the name change allowed him to realize the impact it’d have on his day-to-day routine. As a freshman experiencing MC, the shift to MU and what the university has now grown to be, such has led to a whirlwind of emotions.
“I had a lot of clothes that had MC on it so it was kind of weird being like, ‘no, it’s actually MU, even though all my clothes say college,” McClure said. “That was the weirdest part, then it took some getting used to. It definitely feels different, especially with all the changes that have gone on but I think what makes it different is all the people that have come and gone.”
As a variety of the student body has experienced different versions of the MU, for students the conversation of the name change was always followed by an explanation as to why. McClure shared how he would explain the shift to someone who never attended MU or MC and what he’d say.
“What does it really mean?” McClure asked. “It means that they’re adapting to an everchanging world, and that they’re trying to meet the demands of the United States of America in 2026 … It [the name change] is symbolic of a shift towards professionalism in a world where it’s increasingly harder to get jobs.” McClure concluded.
He further spoke to how he thinks MC turning into MU will affect how outsiders view the school.
“Again, it’s a shift towards professionalism.” McClure said. “I think that it embodies something more to people, because, you know, it shows that there’s a commitment to higher education and a value of learning.”
For students, MU is an experience rather than a place. It allows for growth, students seeing themselves through different versions of who they are and understanding that MU is the basis for the individuals that we will one day become.
“From my perspective, while the name may shape first impressions, what truly matters is the substance behind its academics, opportunities, and the people who represent the school,” Tuli said. “And personally, no matter what others call it, I will always feel like a MC student at heart.”