Manhattanville University: A Legacy of Leaders and Innovators
Manhattanville University, a private institution in Purchase, New York, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1841. Originally established as the "Academy of the Sacred Heart" in Lower Manhattan, the institution has evolved significantly, embracing academic excellence, social justice, and a commitment to preparing ethical and socially responsible leaders. This article explores the university's journey, its notable alumni, and its enduring impact on the world.
From Academy to University: A Historical Overview
Manhattanville University's story begins over 175 years ago with the Academy of the Sacred Heart on the Lower East Side of New York City. In 1844, the boarding school relocated to Ravenswood in Queens, with aspirations of becoming a leading academy for young ladies. However, the location proved too remote, and in 1847, the Academy moved to the village of Manhattanville on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, occupying the former estate of Jacob Lorillard. It is from this location that the university derives its current name.
As New York City expanded, the rural village of Manhattanville transformed into a vibrant neighborhood in West Harlem. In 1917, the Academy received a charter from the Regents of the State of New York to offer undergraduate degrees as "The College of the Sacred Heart." The first baccalaureate degrees were granted in 1918, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history.
In 1949, the Manhattanville Board of Trustees purchased the Whitelaw Reid Estate in Purchase, New York, anticipating the need for expansion. The City College of New York acquired the Manhattanville campus to expand their facilities and Manhattanville was eventually given near $8.8 million ($8,808,620) for the Manhattan campus and buildings. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new campus in Purchase on May 3, 1951, and the new campus was completed in 1952.
In 1966, the college's board of trustees voted to amend the school charter and remove the words "of the Sacred Heart" from the official college name. This marked an important moment in the secularization of the college. By 1969, the college's charter was expanded to include the admitting education of both women and men. In 1973, the student academic experience evolved due to an important campus study funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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On April 3, 2024, Manhattanville College officially became Manhattanville University.
The Campus: A Blend of History and Modernity
Manhattanville University's 100-acre campus in Purchase, New York, is a testament to its rich history and commitment to providing a dynamic learning environment. The architectural centerpiece of the campus is Reid Hall, named after Whitelaw Reid, publisher and owner of the New-York Tribune. Reid Hall stands alongside academic buildings and residence halls around a central quad designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, also the designer of New York's landmark Central Park.
The campus also features Reid Castle, originally built by Ben Holladay and later rebuilt by Whitelaw Reid. The Castle was completed in 1892. The six original buildings on the new campus were Reid Hall; the library; Benziger Dining Hall; Brownson Hall, the main classroom building; Pius X Hall, the music building; and Founder's Hall, a dormitory.
The Ohnell Environmental Center, dedicated in 2006, includes a classroom housed within a LEED-compliant structure designed by Maya Lin, architect of the Vietnam War Memorial. The Berman Center, completed in 2008, houses the Communication and Media Department, the Berger Art Gallery, the student-run radio station MVL, the school newspaper, Touchstone, a dance studio, and a fitness center. In 2012, the institution opened Heritage Hall, a permanent exhibition of Manhattanville's history.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
Manhattanville University offers a wide range of academic programs to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates can pursue Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, choosing from 45 majors and minors. Graduate students can explore 75 graduate degrees and advanced certificates, including Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Professional Studies, Master of Science, and Doctor of Education degrees.
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The university also offers a variety of dual, student-designed, and interdisciplinary majors, providing students with the flexibility to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. In recent years, Manhattanville has expanded its offerings to meet the demands of the job market, including the establishment of a School of Nursing and Health Sciences and a Center for Design Thinking.
Manhattanville University is committed to providing students with a supportive and enriching learning environment. The university offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, including:
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Faculty Mentors
- Disability Services
- Health Services
- Academic Tutors
- Financial Aid Advisors
- Veteran Services
- Counseling
- Center For Inclusion
A Commitment to Social Justice and Global Citizenship
Manhattanville University has a long-standing tradition of promoting social justice and global citizenship. In the 1930s, the college took a strong position promoting racial equality, decades before the Civil Rights Movement. The university continues its work in social action through the Duchesne Center for Religion and Social Justice and the Connie Hogarth Center for Social Action.
The Center for Inclusion, established in 2017, fosters a campus culture that supports, values, and respects every member of the Manhattanville community, regardless of race, class, gender, age, sexual preference, abilities, nationality, religion, or beliefs. The university also partners with institutions across the world to offer a range of study abroad experiences, enabling students to become ethically and socially responsible global citizens.
Notable Alumni: Leaders and Achievers
Manhattanville University has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are some notable individuals who have walked the halls of Manhattanville:
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- Maria Shriver: An American journalist, author, women's rights activist, and former First Lady of California. She is a member of the prominent Shriver and Kennedy families.
- Ethel Kennedy: An American human rights advocate and member of the Kennedy family.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver: An American philanthropist and founder of the Special Olympics.
- Jean Kennedy Smith: An American diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to Ireland.
- James Badge Dale: An American actor known for his roles in "24," "The Pacific," "The Departed," and "Iron Man 3."
- Rose Kennedy: An American philanthropist, socialite, and matriarch of the Kennedy family.
- Joan Bennett Kennedy: An American socialite.
- Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt: An American socialite and mother of fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt.
- Jamaal Bowman: An American politician and former educator who served as the United States representative for New York's 16th congressional district.
- Rosemary Murphy: An American actress of stage, film, and television.
- Brittany Underwood: A Colombian American actress, director, and singer.
- Sila María Calderón: A Puerto Rican politician who was the governor of Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2005.
- Matt Braunger: An American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer.
- Mindy Grossman: The former CEO of WW International (formerly Weight Watchers).
- Karen Akers: An American actress and singer.
- Josie Natori: A Filipino-American fashion designer and the CEO and founder of The Natori Company.
- Barbara Farrell Vucanovich: An American Republican politician who was the first woman from Nevada elected to the United States House of Representatives.
- Nan A. Talese: A retired American editor and publisher.
- Carol Sauvion: An American crafts scholar and patron, and the executive Producer and director of the PBS documentary series Craft in America.
- Christine Choy: A Chinese-American filmmaker and professor at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
- Kitty Pilgrim: An international journalist and author, and former CNN anchor and correspondent.
- Carlon Colker: An American physician and celebrity doctor.
- Mary Hamilton: An African American civil rights activist.
- Gren Wells: A Kentucky-born filmmaker, screenwriter, and actress.
- Sook Nyul Choi: A Korean American children's storybook author.
- Terese Svoboda: An American poet, novelist, memoirist, short story writer, librettist, translator, biographer, critic and videomaker.
- Helen Steinbinder: The first female professor of law at the Georgetown University.
These alumni, and many others, exemplify the transformative power of a Manhattanville University education.
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