Gabrielle Feneide Named Undergraduate Valedictorian at Manhattan University

Manhattan University today announced that Gabrielle (Elle) Feneide will be the University’s undergraduate valedictorian for the Class of 2026. She will be the student speaker at the May 16 ceremony to be held on the University campus.

A native of Longmont, CO (near Boulder), Feneide will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree, having pursued a double major in political science and English along with a minor in Religious Studies. Her GPA is 3.97.

A scholar-athlete, she transferred to Manhattan University at the beginning of her sophomore year to take advantage of the school’s swimming program.

“I had no idea what I got into since the first time I set foot on Manhattan’s campus was the first day of classes. However, every professor made me feel welcomed; each one is enthusiastic and really cares about the students. I knew then that I made the right decision.”

She holds records in swimming at Manhattan for the 100 meter freestyle and 50 meter backstroke.

An active member in several organizations besides swimming, Feneide is the Founder and President of the Just Peace Club where she organized and hosted events such as an op-ed writing workshop and engaged with a local family shelter for migrant families. This activism will carry through for her employment after graduation – she will be moving to Kansas to work on the 2027 Congressional campaign for Chris Carmichael shortly after commencement. Her future plans include law school, and a political career is a strong possibility.

Feneide is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha, Chi Alpha Sigma, Theta Alpha Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta and has been on the Dean’s Honors List every semester. She served as a volunteer babysitter and art class aide for the Waldo Family Shelter in Riverdale so the children’s parents could take English language classes. She also acted as a political campaign intern for Eleanor’s Legacy where she researched, fundraised, phone banked, and canvassed voters for various New York City political campaigns.

Kevin Ahern, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and Director of the Dorothy Day Center for Social Catholicism stated,

“There is a saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person. This fits well for Elle, an outstanding student leader who has inspired me by her willingness to get out into the community and put Manhattan’s Lasallian mission into practice.”

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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.