Two Manhattan University Alums Elected to Prestigious National Academy of Engineering
Manhattan University proudly announced that two of its graduates – Milo Riverso, ’81, Ph.D., P.E., and Thomas Z. Scarangello, ’79 and ‘82, P.E., have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2026. Election to the prestigious organization is among the highest professional distinctions awarded to an engineer in the U.S.
According to the NAE website, membership recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to “…engineering research, practice, or education….and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.”
Part of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), NAE’s mission is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by recognizing the expertise of the most accomplished engineers.
Milo Riverso, a 1981 graduate of Manhattan University as well as its 21st President, is a senior executive with over 45 years’ experience leading complex organizations in program management, design, construction, and education.
As the President of Manhattan, he oversaw the transition from a college to a university, among other accomplishments. He is a past President and CEO of STV Group, Inc., where he oversaw a workforce of 2,300 and drove exponential growth in revenue, ultimately leading to a landmark partnership with The Pritzker Group.
Prior to his tenure at STV, he was the President and CEO of the New York City School Construction Authority where he transformed the infrastructure serving over one million students. Riverso served as Chair of the National Academy of Construction, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), the New York Building Congress, and holds executive leadership positions with the National ACE Mentor Board and Columbia University’s Center for Buildings, Infrastructure, and Public Spaces.
He is a registered Professional Engineer with master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Purdue University. He stated, “I am deeply humbled by this recognition and attribute this accomplishment to the rigorous academic training I received at Manhattan University and Purdue University which laid the foundations for a wonderful career.”
Thomas Z. Scarangello, who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan University and a Professional Degree in Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, is a Managing Principal and Senior Advisor at Thornton Tomasetti (TT) – a firm that optimizes the design and performance of structures, materials, and systems for projects of varying sizes and complexities.
He served as TT’s Chairman and CEO for over a decade and guided its expansion into advanced digital practice, automation, and integrated project delivery. Scarangello has been responsible for many of the world’s most complex and recognizable building projects, including long-span stadium and arenas, high-rise towers, and resilient infrastructure.
He is a past Chair of the New York Building Congress; a member of the National Academy of Construction as well as the Structural Engineering Association of New York; a Trustee of St. Patrick’s Cathedral; a member of the Board of Advisors of Columbia University’s Center for Buildings, Infrastructure, and Public Spaces; on the Board of Directors of the Urban Design Forum, and a member of the Board of Trustees at Manhattan University.
Scarangello stated, “I am deeply honored to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Manhattan University played an important role in shaping my early foundation as an engineer, and I was fortunate to follow in the footsteps of mentors such as Charlie Thornton and Richard Tomasetti, both Manhattan alumni and NAE members whose leadership and commitment to engineering excellence had a profound influence on my career.”
Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., President of Manhattan University, stated, “It is an honor to add Milo and Tom to the ranks of Manhattan graduates who have received this high recognition in the engineering community. We are so very proud of their accomplishments and the contributions each of them has made to the engineering profession and to Manhattan University.”
Echoed NAE President, Tsu-Jae Liu, “Election to the National Academy of Engineering is the highest professional honor accorded to an engineer in the United States. It recognizes engineers whose technical achievements and leadership have made a lasting impact.”
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About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.