Manhattan College is a completely unique part of the educational process in the city. It is valuable both in terms of educational infrastructure and due to its rich history. The college was founded in May 1853 by five Brothers of the Christian Schools. They encountered difficulty with its location, as they chose a site near Canal Street in Manhattan. The college operated there for a while and then moved to Manhattanville. Read more about the launch and development of Manhattan College on manhattan1.one.
Religious and historical background
It is worth noting that the background of the Manhattan College dates back to the 17th century. At that time, the movement of Christian Brothers was popular, which was started by the outstanding French priest Jean-Baptiste de La Salle. It proposed a completely new method of education and included an unprecedented view of the teaching profession.
It was decided by the Christian brothers to teach social and practical subjects in their educational institutions to help students find their place in life. The new teaching method also inclined the students to the ethics of the Christian faith because the institutions had religious backgrounds.
The name Manhattan College was received by the educational institution in 1861, and two years later, it was founded by the Board of Regents of the State of New York. The future zest of Manhattan had an integral religious component because the educational program was combined with lessons of Catholicism. Together with the specialized subjects of professional training, lessons of the Lasallian tradition were periodically held.
In the 19th century, the Manhattan educational institution continued to actively develop. Thus a large number of teachers worked in the college in 1973. They taught students not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and humanitarian experience. Among them were students of the first generation, who had the opportunity to receive financial assistance from the state.
The territory of Manhattan College
To delve into the history of this educational institution, it is necessary to learn more about its location or campus. It was initially split into two parts, each within the Riverdale area. The first part of the general campus has access to the famous New York Van Cortlandt Park. Also, the center of the first (northern) campus is the so-called Square. It was named so due to its location in the center of four main educational buildings. The south campus (or the second part of the campus) consists of important educational buildings.
Despite World War II, which was held during 1939-1945, Manhattan’s College continued to develop. It got new educational subdivisions and the teaching staff improved their methods, which were used for the educational process. The college was designed not only for the students. Thus, a preparatory institution functioned there for high school students who were getting ready for intensive years of future studies.
Manhattan College underwent significant changes in 1973. The doors of an educational institution in the borough of New York opened for the first female applicants. The issue of forms of education was also resolved. It was decided to provide the opportunity to study for mostly resident students who will live in new dormitory buildings on the campus.
XXI century in the College’s history
With the beginning of the 21st century, the territory of the campus continued to expand and increase. Thus, the project of three new buildings was implemented, the function of which is to solve the urgent problem of modern students. They included two libraries and a building for a student community. Furthermore, other new projects are created to increase the capacity of the educational institution in terms of education and the settlement of students.
Specialists used modern technologies and methods during the construction of the buildings for students. Exterior and interior design make each building of the campus unique. Newly built premises have accessible and public infrastructural facilities, such as bookstores, libraries and newspaper offices. Students also have access to the gym and dining room. There is an opportunity to drink a latte in the coffee shop or buy the necessary vegetables in the supermarket.
On the territory of the so-called student island near the College, there are also free access sites because students must not only acquire knowledge but also stay in good shape. They can choose between basketball and volleyball. Students of Manhattan College can create teams and play football or other games on the renovated fields, which have been significantly updated and improved several times. Moreover, the College has agreements with neighboring parks, where one can engage in athletics or other physical exercises. By the way, events at the intra-university level are often held in nearby parks.
Modern Manhattan College
Let’s sum up the data about this educational institution located in Manhattan. First, it has a religious and historical background dating back to the XVII century. The Christian Brothers were inspired by the idea of creating a college because their educational movement was dominant in European countries, particularly in France, for a long period of time. The great way that was covered by this educational institution became a testimony to the level of education provided by the teaching staff and the level of the students.
Each of the representatives of the teaching staff and students is a mature person who can do practical research during the day and relax in the nearby park in the evening or join the team to play sports games. Such an atmosphere has been created for centuries. The numerous renovations and modernizations, which every building on the territory of the educational campus underwent, provided a perfect opportunity for the development of students.
The changes at this educational institution did not stop even for a year. The leaders of the College, together with the staff and students, have worked on powerful improvements in both the educational process and the atmosphere. A lot of time has passed since its launch but everyone stays devoted to the common cause.
Innovations that have become commonplace for Manhattan College are based on ancient traditions of the Christian Brothers. The modern professional and educational staff has only to improve the material base and teaching methods according to the challenges that arise nowadays.