President Bonato speaks to JPHP members in Smith Auditorium
JOSHUA REICHARD / THE QUADRANGLE
Joshua Reichard, Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor
As the fall semester begins, The James Patterson Honors Program (JPHP) at Manhattan University (MU) is gearing up for a busy year ahead. The program hosted its second event of the school year, “JPHP Meets the President” on Aug. 31.
The event, the first in JPHP’s history, comes as the program enters its second year and welcomes its second group of members from the university’s largest freshman class in recent years. JPHP was started in the fall 2025 semester with support from James Patterson ‘69, and was designed as an opportunity to provide select students with academic, and professional opportunities to enhance their college experience.
“Inspired and supported by one of MU’s most illustrious graduates, best-selling author James Patterson ’69, JPHP provides students with curated academic and leadership workshops, as well as professional development opportunities including internships, mentorships and research experiences,” reads the University’s website.
Michele Saracino, Ph.D., serves as the executive director of JPHP. She was excited to welcome President Bonato to the event and introduce him to the audience.
“President Bonato leads the university with a strong commitment to student success, academic excellence and the Lasallian values that define our Jasper community,” Saracino said. “We are grateful that he’s joined us today to meet you all, answer your questions, share his perspective on life and life at MU.”
President Bonato gave a brief speech to the audience in between personally introducing himself to the attendees. In his speech, he touched on the honors program.
“This is one of the most exciting things to me at MU, JPHP,” Bonato said. “And if I didn’t think that before, I definitely think that now after going around and speaking with some of you very impressive young people.”
After being asked why he chose to become president of MU, Bonato went into detail about his professional career and how he became president.
“The answer is pretty simple, I never wanted to leave college,” Bonato said. “I had such a great experience in college that I never wanted to leave, so I never left. I went to graduate school, stayed in college. I became a professor, became an administrator, became president.”
President Bonato also spoke to The Quadrangle after the event where he emphasized his positive view of JPHP, and praised students involved with the program.
“I consider JPHP to be more than just an honor society,” Bonato said. “I see it as a leadership development program. I know it’s only in its second year, but I’ve been very impressed with the students that I’ve spoken with today.”
Bonato added that he values James Patterson’s involvement with his alma mater, especially with his continued support of the program.
“[Patterson] not only comes himself to speak to students, he’s helpful in attracting other great speakers,” Bonato said. “He’s very involved with how well [JPHP] is going and checks in all the time. I know he keeps close tabs on how it’s going”
Bonato also touched on the day’s event, and his positive experience meeting students and answering their questions.
“I hope people found it somewhat interesting, the questions were great questions, deep questions about leadership, about what I think is important in higher education and why I’m here.” Bonato said. “I’m not here just because it’s a good job. I’m here because I really do care about the lives of all [students] and [their] success.”
Students who attended also found the experience to be valuable. Aiken Ramos, a junior civil engineering major and a peer mentor for JPHP, found the event to be a good opportunity for students.
“All the events, in my opinion, are wonderful opportunities to find something that could be useful,” Ramos said. “Whether it’s a speaker series event or just coming and hanging out with other JPHP students.”
To keep up with upcoming JPHP events and opportunities, follow the program on Instagram @jphp_mu.