Manhattanville University Athletics: Tradition and Triumph

Manhattanville University, a private institution in Purchase, New York, boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 1841. Originally known as the "Academy of the Sacred Heart" in Lower Manhattan, the institution has evolved significantly, relocating to its present location in 1952 and achieving university status in April 2024. A key component of the university experience is the Department of Athletics and Recreation, dedicated to fostering student-athlete development and ensuring the intercollegiate athletics experience is integral to the educational mission of the college.

A Commitment to Holistic Development

The Manhattanville College Department of Athletics and Recreation believes that the intercollegiate athletics experience is integral to the educational mission of the college. The Department also works to assure that athletes are reflective of the student body, and are treated as all other students with the same regard for their academic achievement, commitment to community service and their overall personal development.

Athletic Program Overview

Manhattanville currently offers a wide array of sports programs. These include men's and women’s basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's ice hockey, men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's indoor and outdoor track, as well as baseball, field hockey, softball, women’s volleyball and soon to be added, women's rugby. Over the years, many of the College’s athletic teams (NCAA Division III) have achieved great success, participating in numerous conferences, regional and national championships; while many individual athletes have gone on to earn national recognition. Because of this success, achieved with demanding schedules, Manhattanville continues to enjoy the reputation of one of the finest small College programs in the East.

Intramural and Recreational Opportunities

Manhattanville College Intramurals and Recreation provides a wide variety of recreational offerings to the campus community. All students and staff are welcomed to participate in activities and events. Intramural leagues such as flag football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, etc., are offered in five-week leagues throughout each semester. In addition to competitive leagues, a variety of sport and eSports tournaments as well as pick-up nights are offered throughout the academic year. A full-line of fitness classes including ballroom dancing yoga, high intensity interval training, boot-camp, and Zumba, are also available to students and staff, running once or twice per week in either Kennedy Gymnasium or the Movement Room in Founder’s Hall. Open recreation hours in all of our facilities are posted on GoValiants.com under the “Intramurals & Rec” tab. Students and staff are encouraged to take advantage of utilizing these spaces during open hours.

Coaching Staff and Compensation

Manhattanville's athletic programs are supported by a dedicated coaching staff. The head coaches of men’s teams make about $51,770 on average, and the yearly average salary of women’s team head coaches is $53,826. There are also 24 assistant coaches of sports at Manhattanville.

Financial Performance of Athletic Programs

The financial performance of Manhattanville's athletic programs is noteworthy. This means the team turned a profit of $323,721, which is great since many schools have to declare a loss. The net profit or loss can vary with each sport. On the plus side, this means that the program made $6,247 in net profit for the school. This means the program turned a profit, making $20,521 for the school. So, the program was a moneymaker for the school, bringing in $1,641 in net profit. This equates to a net profit of $1,678 for the program. So, the program was a moneymaker for the school, bringing in $11,958 in net profit. This means the program turned a profit, making $3,354 for the school. That is, the program raked in a net profit of $3,594 for the school. On the plus side, this means that the program made $2,701 in net profit for the school. This equates to a net profit of $2,783 for the program. This means the program turned a profit, making $14,867 for the school. This means the program turned a profit, making $12,852 for the school. That is, the program raked in a net profit of $2,783 for the school. So, the program was a moneymaker for the school, bringing in $2,783 in net profit. That is, the program raked in a net profit of $5,879 for the school. That is, the program raked in a net profit of $10,539 for the school. So, the program was a moneymaker for the school, bringing in $6,021 in net profit. On the plus side, this means that the program made $726 in net profit for the school. This means the program turned a profit, making $535 for the school. On the plus side, this means that the program made $5,190 in net profit for the school.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships are available in Women’s Volleyball, Field Hockey, Women’s Hockey, Softball, Women’s Lacrosse, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Hockey, Men’s Soccer, Men’s Lacrosse, Baseball, Golf, Tennis, Cross Country/Track, Athletic Training, Athletic Communications, Strength and Conditioning, and Facility Management.

A Look Back at Manhattanville's History

Manhattanville University traces its origins to an Academy of the Sacred Heart founded over 175 years ago on the Lower East Side of New York City. In September 1844 the boarding school moved to Ravenswood in the Astoria section of Queens. Archbishop John Hughes counted "upon Ravenswood becoming the leading Academy for young Ladies" in the Archdiocese of New York. However, within two years the location proved too remote. Of particular concern was that students were often deprived of the Mass. In 1847, the growing Academy relocated to the former estate of Jacob Lorillard in the village of Manhattanville on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in what was then a rural village. It occupied this site from 1847 to 1952 and it is from this location that the university derives its current name. At that time, the village of Manhattanville was still eight miles north of New York City, which clustered around the south end at the Battery of Manhattan Island. By the time of the American Civil War, (1861-1865), the Manhattanville Academy counted 280 girl pupils. Over the next century New York City expanded, transforming the area from a farming village to a neighborhood in West Harlem. The Convent Avenue campus was located between 130th and 135th streets. The western border was Convent Avenue and its eastern border St. Nicholas Terrace. In 1949 proceedings began to incorporate the campus into the existing City College campus. Today it is known as the South Campus of City College.

In the early 20th century, higher education opportunities for women increased as many formerly academies, seminaries, institutions and lower schools transitioned to the status of colleges. Shortly before the United States declared war on the German Empire and entered the First World War, on March 1, 1917, the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Manhattanville received a Provisional Charter from the Regents of the State of New York to offer undergraduate degrees as "The College of the Sacred Heart". The first baccalaureate degrees were granted in 1918. The Absolute Charter was signed May 29, 1919.

As the college grew, the city of New York also expanded northward, toward the far north end of Manhattan Island towards the Harlem River transforming the surrounding area from a rural village to diverse residential/commercial communities of Manhattan bordered by the Harlem and Morningside Heights neighborhoods. In the 1930s, the Manhattanville student body consisted of approximately 200 female students. Though small, the college made headlines across the country for taking a strong position promoting racial equality decades before the Civil Rights Movement of the late 1950s, into the 1960s and 1970s. Alumnae response to a racially integrated but all-female student body was mixed and somewhat controversial for a time. While the vast majority of letters praised Manhattanville for its courageous action, college president Grace Dammann viewed the negative responses as an opportunity to open hearts and minds. Manhattanville would continue its work in social action first through the National Federation of Catholic College Students and to this day with the Duchesne Center for Religion and Social Justice and the Connie Hogarth Center for Social Action.

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As was the case for many colleges following World War II, neighboring City College of New York (CCNY-part of the City University of New York) struggled to accommodate the growing college student population on its campus. In 1946, the Mayor of New York City formed a special commission to investigate the resource needs of the city's public education institutions. In February 1949, The New York Times reported that City College was campaigning to acquire the Manhattanville campus to expand their facilities. The same month, CCNY distributed a pamphlet, entitled "No Other Place to Go: A City College Plea for Purchase of the Manhattanville Property". The New York City Board of Estimate agreed and deeded the campus to City College via the legal process of condemnation and eminent domain. In September 1949, the Manhattanville Board of Trustees purchased the Whitelaw Reid Estate, north of the city in suburban Westchester County. The next two years saw condemnation proceedings work through the New York State Supreme Court system. Manhattanville was eventually given near $8.8 million ($8,808,620) for the Manhattan campus and buildings.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new campus near Harrison, in Purchase, New York on May 3, 1951. With additional facilities and space to grow, the student population increased from 400 women students in 1950 to 700 students by 1960. Over the course of the next decade, the student population doubled once again, reaching 1,400 students by 1970. In 1966, the college's board of trustees voted to amend the school charter and remove the words "of the Sacred Heart" from the official college name. This marked an important moment in the secularization of the college. Between 1966 and 1970, the Manhattanville administration oversaw the gradual removal of Catholic symbols and traditions from the campus. Although the college had been operated by an independent board of trustees since its founding in 1841, it was strongly identified with the Church and these changes were difficult for the community. By 1969, the college's charter was expanded to include the admitting education of both women and men. In 1973, the student academic experience evolved due to an important campus study funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Interviews with the Manhattanville community led to the development of the Portfolio System, a personalized and guided self-assessment charting the development of each student.

In 1965, the college introduced its first graduate program, a Masters of Arts in Teaching and in 1993, the first graduate programs in business were offered. The first doctoral program was introduced in 2010 with the Ed.D. On April 3, 2024, Manhattanville College became Manhattanville University.

The Campus

Manhattanville purchased its current 100-acre campus in 1949. The first European owner of the parcel of land was Ben Holladay who bought the estate in the 1860s and named its Ophir Farm after a silver mine in Nevada. The Holladay family built a mansion called Ophir Hall, family chapel, and several outbuildings. In 1888 Whitelaw Reid and his wife Elisabeth Mills Reid purchased the property. Whitelaw was editor of The New York Tribune and served various political positions including ambassador to France and England. Elisabeth was the daughter of Darius Ogden Mills, founder of The Bank of California. The Reids remodeled the existing Ophir Hall and outfitted it with the latest home luxuries, including electricity. However, shortly before completion, faulty wiring sparked a fire that destroyed the home on July 14, 1888. The Reids rebuilt under the direction of the famed architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. This home was designed in the style of a gothic castle and built onto the existing foundation. The Castle was completed in 1892. A three-story addition including the East Library and West Room was completed in 1912. Whitelaw Reid died while serving as the ambassador to England in 1912. Elizabeth Mills Reid died in 1931 and the contents of the house were auctioned in 1935. Reid Castle was dedicated to Elisabeth Mills Reid on September 19, 1969.

After moving from Manhattan, the new Manhattanville campus relocated to suburban Purchase, New York in Westchester County. The new campus was completed in 1952. The six original buildings on the new campus were Reid Hall; the library; Benziger Dining Hall; Brownson Hall, the main classroom building; Pius X Hall, the music building; and Founder's Hall, a dormitory. The increasing student population led to the addition of a second dormitory (Spellman Hall) in 1957. The Kennedy Gymnasium, also completed in 1957, was made possible through a grant from the Lieutenant Joseph Kennedy Jr. Foundation. The Kennedy family dedicated the gymnasium in honor of their daughter, Kathleen, Marchioness of Hartington. The dedication for both the Kennedy Gymnasium and Spellman Hall were held October 27, 1957, and was presided over by Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York. In attendance were Joseph P. Kennedy, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy ‘11, Jean Kennedy Smith ‘49, and Ethel Skakel Kennedy ‘49.

For the first decade in Purchase, the campus worship space was located in the West Room of Reid Castle. The new chapel was completed in 1963. On September 26, 2006, the Manhattanville community dedicated the Ohnell Environmental Center. The center includes a classroom housed within a LEED-compliant, non-invasive structure designed by Maya Lin, architect of the Vietnam War Memorial. In 2008 the Berman Center was completed. This building currently houses the Communication and Media Department, the Berger Art Gallery, the student-run radio station MVL; the school newspaper, Touchstone; a dance studio and a fitness center. In 2012 the institution opened Heritage Hall, a permanent exhibition of Manhattanville's history.

Academics

Manhattanville offers the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees to undergraduate students and the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Professional Studies, Master of Science, and Doctor of Education degrees to graduate students. Undergraduates can choose from 45 majors and minors, while graduate students can explore 75 graduate degrees and advanced certificates. In addition to its 45 majors and minors of undergraduate study, Manhattanville University offers 75 graduate master's degrees and certificates and an Ed.D. in the School of Education. The university also offers Master's of Science degrees, a Master of Fine Arts, and a range of dual degree programs.

In 2019 the school began exploring the possibility of opening a nursing school as the nearby College of New Rochelle had permanently closed. In fall 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manhattanville opened its nursing school. During its first year, in 2020, Manhattanville's School of Nursing and Health Sciences admitted more than 120 nursing students. In January 2021, the institution added a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program that welcomed its first students in the fall 2021. In 2021, Manhattanville announced that it reached an agreement with Concordia College to acquire the school's Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech) program and the Rad Tech students from Concordia transferred to Manhattanville to complete their degrees. In November 2021, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for its Bachelor of Science programs in Nursing.

Library Resources

The Rare Book and Manuscripts Room preserves both manuscripts and printed materials from the Manhattanville University Library. The rare book collection consists of approximately 2,400 titles that span the history of the book in the United States and Europe. Subject fields represented include history, religion, literature, biography, and philosophy. The collection also includes other formats such as periodicals, Jewish pamphlets, government documents, maps, and manuscripts. Particularly noteworthy are five incunabula, and several bound manuscript volumes. The latter include individual collections of psalms and prayers intended as an aid to private devotion, known as the Books of Hours.

Pius X School of Liturgical Music

The Pius X School of Liturgical Music was opened in 1916 and closed in 1960. It was founded by Justine Ward, who had developed teaching methods for Gregorian chant emulating the techniques of the monks in Solesmes, and by Georgia Lydia Stevens, a musician and nun. Faculty over the years included Ward, Achille Bragers and André Mocquereau. Thousands of music teachers studied at the school, including Cecilia Clare Bocard and Thomas Mark Liotta. The school's namesake was Pope Pius X, a devotee of sacred music who initiated reform of the liturgy in the 20th century.

Residence Halls

Manhattanville has four three-story residence halls, all located on the east side of the Quad. Founder's Hall offers single and double rooms with bathrooms shared between two neighboring rooms. Spellman Hall offers single, premium single, and double rooms with community bathrooms on each floor. Spellman is mainly reserved for first-year students, unlike the other three halls which house mainly upper-class students. Dammann and Tenney Halls offer suite-style rooms for either four or six students, with a shared living room and bathroom.

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