Manhattanville College Hosts Accepted Students Day

PURCHASE, NY - (August 11, 2021) – Dozens of incoming first-year students enjoyed a taste of campus life as Manhattanville College hosted its first accepted student day since before the pandemic.

The college welcomed 130 incoming students and their families for a fun-filled day of food, ice breakers, and a small taste of what the “Valiant” experience is like.

Jessica Tully, the director of Undergraduate Admissions, in her welcome to families acknowledged that it had not been an easy road getting back to in-person learning. This is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic forced colleges to go remote that Manhattanville has seen signs of the active and robust campus life for which it's known.

Parents and students alike were eager to participate in events that educated them about the unique and student-focused programs that exist on campus, while also engaging in some good old-fashioned fun with a tie dye event and scavenger hunt designed to get students interacting and learning about what makes this liberal arts college so special. In many ways, the day was not just a return to a sense of normalcy for these incoming freshmen, but also a welcome reprieve from the grueling days of lockdown.

"I'm excited to see what he’s able to go out and do on his own with independence I know he’s ready for,” said Tara Zegers, parent of Joseph Zegers, who chose the college because of its community feel, small campus, and dedication to providing students individualized attention regarding their learning needs. Joseph, who graduated during lockdown, spoke to the opportunity and promise that in-person education at Manhattanville presents, saying, "It was the only campus that felt like home."

Cindy Porter, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer, said the days’ activities were designed to help future classmates get to know one another, and help build a vibrant and diverse community on the Manhattanville campus.

Jessica Stewart, an admissions counselor who graduated from Manhattanville while the college was remote, said, "I'm excited to get students back on campus. Manhattanville is a community so getting students on campus is the best way to get them to feel that community sensibility.”

While students were socializing, parents had the option to learn about aspects of the campus like Residence Life, Academic Advising, and Health Services. Guided by enthusiastic volunteers, one student worker candidly shared with a parent that she was, "Excited to be back in class with professors and meet with more than one friend at once, especially those who commute."

As transfer student Shantea Gordon put it, "My college had a partnership with Manhattanville, but the truth is that the college grew on me. I'm excited to get to socialize and just learn about the campus. It's as simple as that."

About Manhattanville College: Manhattanville College is a small, private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social justice. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of bustling Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to robust entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its primarily residential and diverse student body. The College serves more than 1,500 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 35 countries and 40 states. Founded in 1841, the College offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from more than 70 graduate and certificate programs and a doctorate in educational leadership. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and 20 NCAA Division III teams. To learn more, visit www.mville.edu.