What Happens Here Matters
Manhattanville Awarded $1 Million Challenge Grant
For New Student Center for Creative Arts
Manhattanville College has received a $1 million challenge grant earmarked for the construction of the new Student Center for Creative Arts. The terms of the award require the college to raise an additional $5 million by September 2008.
Awarded by the Kresge Foundation, the challenge grant is designed to help nonprofit organizations reach their fundraising goals. Kresge grants are made primarily to institutions that offer access and opportunity to disadvantaged populations.
Manhattanville College was one of only 17 higher education institutions to receive a grant and one of only 6 colleges to receive a grant at the $1 million level. Throughout its history, Manhattanville has been dedicated to delivering the promise of a top-tier higher education to those who would otherwise be left behind.
“This support comes at a strategic time for the college as we expand our facilities and offerings to students and the broader community,” said Richard Berman, president of Manhattanville College.
The highly anticipated Student Center for Creative Arts is the first major new academic building to be added to campus in over 40 years. The Kresge Foundation also encourages the construction of so-called “green” buildings and the new Center is on track to achieve Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Buildings Council. The use of environmentally sustainable building materials and innovative construction strategies will conserve energy use and reduce the Center’s operational costs.
“The building will be the perfect venue for students to practice and develop their artistic skills and talents, celebrate the rich diversity of the student population and bridge gaps in understanding by encouraging an open dialogue and cross-cultural exchange,” said Berman. “It will also help expand Manhattanville's partnerships with global non-profit organizations, businesses and the community by providing a prominent place to discuss and debate issues of the day.”