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Library
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High-Tech
The College’s Mary Alice and Thomas O’Malley Library recently was updated with 100 state-of-the-art computers. The upgrade continues Manhattan’s commitment to having the latest technology across all of its programs and ensures that all students have access to computing technology needed in today’s competitive, high-tech global environment. The new systems have access to the Internet at bandwidths of up to 100 megabits per second via the College’s own high-capacity optical “dark fiber” network and will be loaded with a rich array of application software in support of the College’s five schools — arts, business, education, engineering and science.
The 100 new computers in O’Malley are Dell Optiplex GX620 systems running under Windows XP Pro. They feature dual core Intel processors, one gigabyte of memory, ultrafast hard drives, a DVD/CD-RW drive, optical mouse and 17-inch flat panel digital LCD monitors. In addition, there are enhanced keyboards with smart card readers.
When not using one of the new systems, students may connect their own PDAs or notebooks to the JasperNet wireless network from virtually anywhere on campus, or enjoy high bandwidth wired into their residence halls.
Reunion Day
on campus
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Honors Teachers
Teachers took time off from the classroom to reconnect with each other at the first alumni/teacher reunion day held for Jasper graduates on Manhattan’s campus in October. The event was jointly sponsored by the school of education, Mu Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta Pi and office of alumni relations. “We live in a world where education matters more now than it has ever mattered before,” said Brother Raymond Meagher, assistant professor of education, in his opening remarks to nearly 40 alumni. “Today we need extraordinary teachers who can help all students — who have more extensive needs than ever before — to acquire the increasingly complex knowledge and skills they are going to need to lead successful lives.” According to Br. Ray, the alumni/teacher reunion day was meant to provide teachers with the opportunity to network and “celebrate what they’re doing every day.” The event featured interactive workshops and keynote speakers, such as Pamela K. Buckley, executive director of Kappa Delta Pi, who discussed Honoring the Teaching Profession. The workshops focused on topics that impact today’s teachers. These forums enabled teachers to share their work experiences, define professional challenges and seek solutions with the support of their peers. “How to Become an Untouchable in the 21st Century,” a workshop led by Br. Ray, examined how to balance the demands of being a modern teacher and honor the vocation’s truest ideals. He described “competence, confidence and passion” as important teaching qualities. In another session, Dr. Karen Nicholson, associate professor of education, covered classroom management and discipline.
“Respect is the thread that runs through everything,” Nicholson says, highlighting one of the most popular themes of her workshop. Elementary, middle school and high school teachers, ranging from beginners to veterans, attended her workshop to discuss the importance of sharing mutual respect with their students. This respect stems from consistent lesson preparation, setting clear learning expectations for students and exuding poise and confidence in the classroom. Nicholson says another concern of teachers is how to keep a class interested when you have students from a variety of backgrounds and interest levels. Teaching strategies that appeal to one student may not work for another. Br. Ray says teachers found the workshop discussions to be rewarding. Stefanie Boffoli ’04 is one such teacher who attended the event and shared her experience as part of a presentation about the “Politics of First-Year Teaching.” “The alumni event was great for Manhattan College,” she says. “There isn’t always a time when new teachers can speak to other teachers who came out of the same program and entered the profession. It provides a very real image of what teaching is going to be like...it lets the new teachers know what to expect.” The College intends to expand alumni/teacher reunion day in the future. “For a first time event, the reunion day was a success,” says Dr. William Merriman, dean of the school of education. “We hope to get even more people involved next year.”
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