Lasallian Catholic Heritage
We are a Lasallian Catholic university offering a transformative education that touches your mind and heart. We strive to promote faith, respect, education, community and social justice.
How it Started
Saint John Baptist de La Salle was born into a wealthy family in Reims, France during the 17th century. He was well-educated, held a doctoral degree and was an ordained priest at the Cathedral of Reims. However, De La Salle found himself called to serve the poor and disadvantaged, specifically children, whose lack of access to education was perpetuating poverty.
Responding to these needs, he began to establish schools. He lived the remainder of his life among the poor, ministering to his teachers (his Brothers) and touching the minds and hearts of his students so that they might lead more purposeful lives.
De La Salle’s commitment to education as a means to lift the disadvantaged out of poverty has impacted generations of students around the world. Our Lasallian community is built on this commitment to education, to generosity of spirit, and of the power of education to change lives.
On Campus and Beyond
The Lasallian community extends well beyond our campus. When you attend Manhattan University, you become affiliated with an international network of Lasallian institutions that span the globe. Our students take advantage of this network in a number of ways:
- Study abroad programs hosted at foreign Lasallian universities
- Funded research projects that focus on specific Lasallian topics
- Service trips to work at Lasallian schools and communities
- Post-graduate opportunities to serve in Lasallian communities
Alannah Boyle '18, Philosophy & Peace Studies Double MajorComing to Manhattan University, I didn't think the fact that it was a Catholic school would affect me at all. I had no idea what it meant to be Lasallian. But what I am now involved in — it all revolves around the Lasallian values of Manhattan University. I am so grateful I ended up in this wonderful place which has allowed me such incredible opportunity to grow as a Catholic, and more specifically, a Lasallian.