Manhattan College is Now Manhattan University: Why the Name Change and What It Means

Manhattan College Rebrands as Manhattan University: A Move for Prestige and Enrollment

Manhattan College, located in the Bronx, is making a major change after 171 years: it's changing its name to Manhattan University. The school's president, Milo Riverso, explained the rationale behind the rebranding, stating that **"There’s more prestige associated with a university than a college."

The hope is that the more prestigious-sounding name will attract more international students, who often perceive colleges as less rigorous than universities. The school currently has about 5% international enrollment and aims to increase that to 15-20%.

This shift is part of a larger trend. A 2022 study revealed that 122 four-year colleges transformed into universities between 2001 and 2016, reflecting a growing desire for colleges to elevate their standing and attract a broader pool of students.

The name change also signals a growth strategy for Manhattan University, which is seeking to expand its undergraduate population to 3,300. The school's enrollment has decreased since the pandemic, and the new name is expected to help them regain their former size.

While the name change is seen as a positive step by some, others express concerns about the potential impact on alumni and the perception of the school among prospective students.

Amtrak's Summer of Delays: A Century-Old Infrastructure Problem

Amtrak passengers have been facing frustrating delays this summer, highlighting a significant problem: the aging infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor. Many of the tracks haven't been modernized since they were electrified a century ago, leading to breakdowns and delays.

One particularly severe incident in June, when a circuit breaker exploded in New Jersey, resulted in a widespread power outage that halted trains between Philadelphia and New Haven, Connecticut. This incident, on one of the hottest days of the year, left thousands of Amtrak passengers stranded.

While Amtrak has acknowledged the infrastructure issues and pledged to work more cooperatively with New Jersey Transit, there are no immediate plans to update the electrical system. The replacement parts for the substation that failed in June are not expected to arrive until later this month.

The age of the infrastructure raises the question: why hasn't Amtrak modernized its systems? This question remains unanswered, leaving passengers to navigate the ongoing challenges of an antiquated rail system.