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THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MANHATTAN UNIVERSITY | SINCE 1924
Volume CXI, Issue 3
MU Hosts Annual President’s Dinner
The Board of Trustees and other members of the Jasper community joined together for the celebration. @MANHATTAN.EDU/ INSTAGRAM
Manhattan University Beta Alpha Psi Wins Second Place for “Best Practices” at National Convention
This past weekend, Beta Alpha Psi traveled down to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete in the 2025 BAP Conference which included students Grace Martin and Kathy Vu taking home second place in their presentation of “Best Practices: Impacting Inclusiveness in Your Chapter.” Held at the Crowne Plaza in Atlanta, the national convention is aimed to bring together some bright business minds who are still undergrad students. This provides students with the opportunity to share ideas and gain advice between like minded peers. The conference is centered around bringing together chapters across the country, and to share ideas on how to be a great professional in the
business world. After winning second place, Martin and Vu have been invited to compete at the international conference in San Antonio, Texas. “Winning second place has demonstrated how much we have accomplished as an honor society, especially as a smaller university,” Martin said. “Although other schools had impressive events, I think we stood out by emphasizing how we integrated a variety of majors, clubs and initiatives within our chapter. We also highlighted the diversity of our members and the unique barriers we face as a smaller university in the Bronx, which no other schools had touched upon. I think our members will feel more motivated to stay engaged and take initiative as their dedication makes a big impact.” A chapter placing this high certainly brings its fair share of recognition. Having been so
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highly rated on a national level, Vu spoke about how earning second place speaks to the success of the club. “This brings recognition to our chapter and highlights our commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment,” Vu said. “For our chapter members, being able to see our chapter succeed on a national level encourages more members to get involved and take on leadership roles that continue to drive our efforts of creating an inclusive community.” Also presenting at the conference were Andrew Berg and Roen Crameri with their presentation on “Best practices: Impacting your Community.” The presentation covered the different impacts that Beta Alpha Psi has on the Riverdale community. Berg spoke on his presentation in San Antonio. __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
Manhattan University Welcomes Kenneth Sumner as New Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Elizabeth Kalaj Senior Writer
Manhattan University has welcomed a new provost to the Jasper community. Kenneth Sumner, Ph.D., now serves as the provost and vice president of academic affairs as of Jan. 27, 2025. In his previous role, Sumner served as associate provost and acting dean of the graduate school at Montclair State University. Throughout his professional career, he has also served as the chair of Montclair’s psychology department and co-chair of their University Strategic Plan. The search committee for the new provost consisted of various administrators, students and faculty including associate provost and English professor, Bridget Chalk, Ph.D. The search committee focused largely on distinguishing candidates who had experience in higher education leadership with an understanding of the Manhattan University community, including its Lasallian values, academic structure and student identities. In addition, the committee considered the position’s relationship to faculty. “One thing that is so compelling about Dr. Sumner [is that he] has a Ph.D. in organizational psychology,” Chalk said. “He has not only had experience as an administrator, but he is also an expert in how to maximize
the productivity and efficiency of a structure, motivate, incentivize, organize and build sustainable structures. I think all of those things are essential for the role, being that the provost has an aerial view of the whole institution.” When speaking to The Quadrangle, Sumner agreed that his psychology background will contribute to his future success in this role. “I have learned to approach things by taking what I have learned from my scholarly endeavors and interpersonal experiences and I can try and make things better,” Sumner said. “One thing about me is I am a hopeful person by nature. I am always hoping for change, hoping to make things better for students specifically.” Sumner was originally drawn to the job opening because of the reputation that President Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., shared about the institution. Sumner and Bonato had worked in the same administration at Montclair State University, which greatly contributed to him applying. Sumner expressed that the interview process for the administrative position was rigorous and tough in many ways, but meeting the different students and getting the opportunity to talk to them is what ultimately compelled him to accept the offer and join the MU team. “When I came out of the meeting with the students, I left thinking, ‘God, this place __________________________ CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
IN A&E:
IN SPORTS:
MU Manhattones on Search for New Members
Jasper Swim and Dive Celebrate Senior Meet
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