On the Move, Morning ’Til Night
On Saturday, Jaspers who boarded overnight were treated to breakfast in Thomas Hall’s Locke’s Loft. Later that morning, they joined other alumni and guests for a full slate of activities including an estate-planning seminar, additional campus tours, wine tasting and anniversary photos in front of Squeri Hall.
For the first time, the weekend included a Jaspers Rolling Bites Food Fest, with food trucks and picnic tables in McNeil Courtyard. The offerings included Walter’s Legendary Hot Dog Stand from Mamaroneck, New York, and Brooklyn Burgers, along with an open-air bar.
Also that afternoon, the University hosted a new 40th Anniversary Reception in addition to the traditional Golden Jaspers Brunch. The class of 1984 assembled in Jasper’s Tavern to relive key moments from their years at the Riverdale campus. They also expressed their dedication to the University — and its Lasallian Catholic educational mission — by making a very generous class gift of $250,000.
“It was wonderful,” said Eileen Kreussling, a member of her 1984 class committee. “I just retired from the financial services industry, so this was the first year I was really able to participate so fully.” Being on campus again, she noted, was “very much like being home.”
Members of the special anniversary classes of 1974 and prior years gathered for the Golden Jaspers Brunch in Kelly Commons. Brother Robert Berger, FSC, a 1973 graduate and associate professor of religious studies, delivered the invocation. First, he extended his own greetings. “I know a number of you ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “and you haven’t changed a bit.”
Every graduate of 1974 received the Brother C. Thomas Medal. Alumni representing their 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th and 75th-year classes were given special anniversary plaques. “Being here was a must,” said John G. Danaher ’74, a member of his 50th anniversary class committee. “How many times do you celebrate an anniversary like this?” Danaher later joined Vincent G. Riverso ’74, P.E., Esq., and Marybeth McCall ’74, M.D., to present the University with a $600,000 class gift.
After the presentations, Milo Riverso ’81, Ph.D., P.E., former president of Manhattan University, addressed his fellow Jaspers. “I am absolutely delighted to spend this Reunion Weekend with you,” he said, sharing many of Manhattan’s recent achievements — including high national rankings, ongoing student success and renewed institutional strength. “We have you to thank,” he said.
Also addressing milestone-anniversary alumni, Mauriello noted that this year marked the 10th anniversary of the Kelly Commons. “We owe this — and every one of Manhattan’s ongoing achievements — to all of you,” he said.
As in previous years, attendees later gathered in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers for a Reunion Vigil Mass, followed by the Reunion Weekend Dinner Dance. Graduates, their families and friends enjoyed a buffet and musical entertainment under tents on the Quad. “It was beautiful,” said Kreussling. “The breezes, the music, just being together — we stayed under those tents for a long, long time.”
view reunion photos
Only two weeks after the graduating classes of 2024 received their Manhattan degrees, the Riverdale campus hosted an equally rousing celebration of Jasper pride as more than 420 alumni and their guests returned to their alma mater for the annual Reunion Weekend.
before the pandemic. “Manhattan alumni are widely known for their loyalty and enthusiasm,” Mauriello said. “And our 2024 Reunion Weekend was a perfect example. It was an impressive crowd, and frankly, their energy was contagious.”
dinner and dancing on the Quad — this year’s attendees were treated to several new activities. “We always roll out the green carpet for our Jaspers — Kelly green, of course,” said Louis Calvelli, director of alumni relations, referring to the University’s traditional colors. “This time, there was even more to do, and we were gratified by how much they said they enjoyed it.”