About Manhattan University
Mission & Strategic Vision
At Manhattan University, our mission shapes everything we do — from the classroom to campus life and service to our community.
Rooted in the Lasallian Catholic educational tradition, Manhattan University prepares students to lead lives of purpose, professional achievement, and service to others.
Mission Statement of Manhattan University
Manhattan University is an independent Catholic institution of higher learning that embraces qualified men and women of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of Manhattan University is to provide a contemporary, person-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. The University pursues this mission through programs that integrate a broad liberal education with concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences or with professional preparation in business, education and engineering.
Established in 1853 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the University continues to draw its inspiration from the heritage of John Baptist de La Salle, the innovator of modern pedagogy and patron saint of teachers. Among the hallmarks of this Lasallian heritage are excellence in teaching, respect for human dignity, reflection on faith and its relation to reason, an emphasis on ethical conduct, and commitment to social justice.
Our Mission
Manhattan University is an independent Catholic institution of higher learning that welcomes qualified men and women of all faiths, cultures, and traditions.
Our mission is to provide a contemporary, person-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for:
- lifelong personal development
- professional success
- civic engagement
- service to others
The University fulfills this mission through programs that combine a broad liberal education with specialized study in disciplines across the arts and sciences, as well as professional preparation in business, education, and engineering.
The Lasallian Tradition
Founded in 1853 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Manhattan University continues to draw inspiration from the educational vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers and pioneer of modern pedagogy.
Lasallian education emphasizes:
- Excellence in teaching and learning
- Respect for the dignity of every person
- Reflection on the relationship between faith and reason
- Ethical leadership and conduct
- A commitment to social justice and service
These values guide the educational experience at Manhattan University and shape the community we share.
Mission Office
The Office of Mission helps ensure that Manhattan University's Lasallian Catholic identity remains an active and visible part of campus life.
The office supports programs, initiatives, and partnerships that strengthen the integration of mission into:
- academic life
- student formation
- community engagement
- service opportunities
Mission Week 2026
Living Our Lasallian Mission
Our Lasallian values are at the heart of everything we do at Manhattan University. Mission Week offers meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to come together in service, reflection, and community.
Throughout the week, members of the Manhattan University community are invited to participate in activities that reflect our shared commitment to faith in action while honoring the Lasallian call to dignity, justice, and care for others.
Join us as we celebrate our mission and strengthen our commitment to serving others.
Mission Week is an opportunity for all members of the campus community to gather in service, reflection, and connection while living out the Lasallian values that guide our university.
We encourage everyone to save the date and participate in these meaningful opportunities throughout the week.