Brother Jasper, the inspiration behind Manhattan University’s mascot.
Nicholas Melendez, Staff Writer
Every year, Manhattan University (MU) produces a brand-new class of graduates who, upon graduation, can apply the skills that they’ve developed over the years within their professional career. Brother “Jasper” is not only the mascot of this institution, but also a title that students at MU slowly earn. The Quadrangle reached out to different graduates of MU to question them on their experience here at the university and journey to becoming a Jasper.
Brooke Dellarocco ’26, an alum in communication with a concentration in public relations, first noted that one of the main things she learned since graduating is just how unique campus culture is at MU.
“It’s very rare that you find a college in New York City that is so well connected to the city but also has a campus that you can walk around,” Dellarocco said.
Many universities in NYC do not feature a feasible campus, with most city colleges simply offering classes in a slew of connected buildings that are scattered amongst businesses, living spaces and retail stores. Dellarocco notes that a small university with an actual campus that offers creative and recreational spaces for students allows the formation of a tight-knit community.
Dellarocco stated another positive she experienced while becoming a Jasper was just how close in proximity MU is to the city, the number one job hub, a characteristic of MU that heavily competes with universities located farther away from a populous city. She was able to benefit a friend of hers through such connections.
“I just set up one of my friends at an internship in New York City and she’s able to commute every day and [be there] when she needs to.” Dellarocco said.
Still, Dellarocco felt as though she didn’t fully fall in love with the school until her senior year. This time allowed her to build connections and a community with other fellow Jaspers. For her, “being a Jasper” means a community that extends past graduation.
“If you are walking on the street and someone says Jasper, your ears perk up because that’s someone from your extended community,” Dellarocco said. “I’ve had conversations with people in Connecticut who have a bumper sticker on their car that says “Jasper,” and they graduated 20 years ago.”
John O’Connor, 23, an alum business with a concentration in management, currently works at MU as a graduate admission specialist. Despite working at the university, he also remains connected through his tight friend group of MU graduates and campus alumni events.
O’Connor is also an active member of Players, serving as the choreographer for all the musicals at MU. He spoke to The Quadrangle about the rarity of a campus like MU.
“You don’t typically see a small liberal arts college in New York City that also doubles as a Division I athletic school with a strong Greek life, and also really strong performing arts,” O’Connor said. “I truly believe that there is something for everyone at the school and you really have the opportunity to find your place and find your people here.”
The only drawback O’Connor mentioned was the lack of consideration that companies give MU graduates during a job application process.
“I would say that not enough people take us into consideration during the application process, I feel like people look towards the larger more well-known schools and really sleep on Manhattan when we have so much great things to offer.” O’Connor said.
Though this is something that can be improved through the vast alumni network of Jaspers, according to him.
“When we have so many great things to offer here, [a] positive tightknit community, a full campus in New York City… Riverdale is an amazing community,” O’Connor said. “The more you explore the community, the more you realize that there are opportunities everywhere for you.”
Like Dellarocco, O’Connor also didn’t find his love for MU after the first year; he was sent home during his freshman year due to the pandemic, though he rejoiced with his friends upon their return to campus in the following year. For O’Connor, he eventually realized the “Jasper” identity lies within having his eggs in many baskets.
“Being a Jasper truly means to be a jack of all trades,” O’Connor said. “I do think this truly is an uncommon place as I mentioned before; you can be a little bit of everything. I don’t think one person is one thing here; I think you have people who really delve into so many different communities on campus, whether it’s athletics, whether it’s performing arts, whether it’s academic, they really is a way for you to be.”
Brylee Watkins ’24, an alum in communication with concentrations in media production and public relations and assistant coach of the Jasper Dancers, also remains closely connected to MU.
Watkins was a member of the Jaspers dance team when she was a student and has remained supporting the team, as she is now going into her third season as the assistant coach. She shared that she finds it important to advance the program for the future generation.
“The dance team is why I came to Manhattan, so it’s really special to continue building the program for our future Jaspers!” Watkins shared in her statement to The Quadrangle.
Similar to Dellarocco and O’Connor, a common characteristic about MU that Watkins also mentioned during her interview was the close-knit community of the Jaspers.
“It’s a relatively small campus so you get to know your classmates really well!” Watkins wrote to The Quadrangle. “The people I met during my four years are still some of my very best friends to this day.”
The trait of a small campus only further deepens the connections students share. Watkins said that a primary positive of being a Jasper is just the amazing people that she has met, learning something new from everyone she’s encountered at this institution.
Though Watkins shared that amongst the many positives of this university community, there do tend to be some drawbacks.
“Manhattan [University] has lacked the resources to give ALL Jaspers the best experience possible. Whether that support is financial, emotional, creative, etc,” Watkins wrote in a statement to The Quadrangle.
She “fell in love” with being a Jasper the same time she fell in love with her dance team; they made a vision board during her first practice, a yearly tradition. The coach explained to everybody what their motto, “All In,” meant to her – following this, each dance member described what it meant to them.
Watkins felt like she had many shared passions and motivators with her peers, making her feel like she had found a home away from home.
“I remember feeling like all of us had such similar passions and drives and I felt so at home.” Watkins wrote to The Quadrangle.
For her, this shared mindset and passion among students shaped her experience at MU. She is reminded of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s speech after the Knicks won the NBA championship this year, summarizing the message she took away from him.
“Being a Jasper means grit & determination… constantly being considered the underdog but determined to always rise to the occasion.” Watkins wrote to The Quadrangle.
At first, The Quadrangle sought to find out what defines being a Jasper to the MU community – is it having a connected community, or the vast alumni network? The small, yet charming, campus nestled within the neighborhood of Riverdale, or the university’s proximity to one of the most populous cities in the US?
After speaking to its community, it is clear that being a Jasper is different for each student; everyone experiences a different journey to becoming a graduate at this institution. But, an underlying theme present from all the statements and conversations with Jasper alumni – being a Jasper gives you a community to rely on, long past graduation.