Manhattan College alumni gathered in Riverdale to celebrate the College’s 145th Reunion Weekend from June 6-8.
Friday afternoon, returning alumni geared up for the weekend in Jasper’s Tavern at Café 1853 before disbursing to several evening events.
The class of 1989 enjoyed a special silver dinner in Dante’s Den in Thomas Hall and marked its 25th anniversary by presenting a $50,000 donation to the College. Meanwhile, young alumni from the 10 most recent graduating classes gathered for dancing, drinks and karaoke in Smith Auditorium.
To celebrate their golden year, the class of 1964 and prior years set sail on the New York Harbor, spending a beautiful evening cruising past the city skyline. Reconvening Saturday morning in Smith Auditorium, the class of 1964 enjoyed a panel presentation of faculty reflections by Brother John Muller, Rentaro Hashimoto, Frederick Schweitzer and James Mueller ’62. Afterwards at the golden anniversary brunch, the class, led by committee co-chairs Bill Horn, Mike McMorrow, Rich Scarlata and Pete Sweeney, presented a gift to the College of $300,000.
“I want to thank you all for all that you do in so many ways to support the College,” said President Brennan O’Donnell. “This [gift] is only one of the many, many ways in which our wonderful alumni network really makes Manhattan College what it is out in the big world. By our fruits we are known, and you are our fruits. You're carrying the Jasper spirit out into the world.”
During the course of the weekend, O’Donnell also recognized members of the anniversary class with the Brother C. Thomas Jubilarian medals. The commemorative awards are named for Brother Cantiduius Thomas, former president, who supervised the College’s move from 131st Street in Manhattan to its present location in Riverdale.
More than 500 alumni, family and friends of the College participated in the weekend’s schedule, which also included a barbecue lunch on the Memorial Hall courtyard, a wine tasting, a performing arts showcase highlighting students and alumni and a Reunion Vigil Mass in the Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers.
Before a celebration dinner on the Quadrangle, Jaspers gathered excitedly in Smith Auditorium to watch the running of the Belmont Stakes, and finished off the evening dessert and dancing.
“I’ve gone to different colleges for coursework throughout the years,” said Bob Finnerty ’64, who traveled from Denver to attend his first reunion at the College in 50 years. “But Manhattan is the one school I identify with the most. And my experience when I came back just compounded the strong feeling I have for Manhattan.”