2008 Woodie Awards
Riverdale Rowdiness Surprises MC Students, Including Some of the Accused
Brian O'Connor
Issue date: 11/15/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
After accusations of student rowdiness in Riverdale appeared in The Riverdale Press and News 12: The Bronx, many students questioned the reported behavior of fellow students. Among them were several students accused of malfeasance by local residents.
Responding to the article Vandalism, Booze, and Sex printed in the Riverdale Press, Timo Hughes, wrote in a Letter to the Editor that, "It was quite a surprise to see a front-page story alleging Manhattan College students participating in a variety of deviant activities […] big deal - a local resident positions closed circuit cameras around his house."
Many students, upon hearing about the concerns of Riverdale residents, said that they were concerned that a small group of students could be presenting a poor representation of Manhattan College within the community. Some feared that the actions of a few outspoken students may shape residents' perception of the entire student body, which many felt would have devastating effects.
Where some were surprised and concerned about the college's reputation in Riverdale, one Manhattan College parent voiced her perspective on the issue in a Letter to the Editor to the Riverdale Press.
"It seems that bashing Manhattan College and its students has become a favorite pastime for the reporters of the Riverdale Press," writes Marie O'Shea, parent of a Class of 2009 student.
Some students echoed O'Shea's concerns, citing the community service initiatives sponsored by Manhattan College. Campus Ministry and Social Action, a prominent group on campus, sponsors service trips, local food runs, and Bronx community service activities.
"Why don't you assign one of your reporters to investigate the students who participate in the Campus Ministry programs and other social justice organizations that exist and flourish at Manhattan College?" she continued.
Students and parents are not the only members of the Manhattan community that have expressed their concerns about the allegations of misbehavior in Riverdale. Dr. Colette Geary, Dean of Students, sent letters to students living in and outside of college housing that were accused of reckless behavior. The letters, sent to residents living at Greystone and Tibbett Avenue, addressed the allegations of the articles, and sought positive resolutions to the complaints.
"I would like to meet with you within one week to discuss this situation, as I am interested in your perspective on this situation. I cannot have a complete understanding of this matter without the benefit of your input. The College is very concerned by these public allegations of offensive student behavior, and I hope to work with you to resolve this matter quickly and completely," she said in the letter addressed to residents on Tibbett Avenue.
Responding to the article Vandalism, Booze, and Sex printed in the Riverdale Press, Timo Hughes, wrote in a Letter to the Editor that, "It was quite a surprise to see a front-page story alleging Manhattan College students participating in a variety of deviant activities […] big deal - a local resident positions closed circuit cameras around his house."
Many students, upon hearing about the concerns of Riverdale residents, said that they were concerned that a small group of students could be presenting a poor representation of Manhattan College within the community. Some feared that the actions of a few outspoken students may shape residents' perception of the entire student body, which many felt would have devastating effects.
Where some were surprised and concerned about the college's reputation in Riverdale, one Manhattan College parent voiced her perspective on the issue in a Letter to the Editor to the Riverdale Press.
"It seems that bashing Manhattan College and its students has become a favorite pastime for the reporters of the Riverdale Press," writes Marie O'Shea, parent of a Class of 2009 student.
Some students echoed O'Shea's concerns, citing the community service initiatives sponsored by Manhattan College. Campus Ministry and Social Action, a prominent group on campus, sponsors service trips, local food runs, and Bronx community service activities.
"Why don't you assign one of your reporters to investigate the students who participate in the Campus Ministry programs and other social justice organizations that exist and flourish at Manhattan College?" she continued.
Students and parents are not the only members of the Manhattan community that have expressed their concerns about the allegations of misbehavior in Riverdale. Dr. Colette Geary, Dean of Students, sent letters to students living in and outside of college housing that were accused of reckless behavior. The letters, sent to residents living at Greystone and Tibbett Avenue, addressed the allegations of the articles, and sought positive resolutions to the complaints.
"I would like to meet with you within one week to discuss this situation, as I am interested in your perspective on this situation. I cannot have a complete understanding of this matter without the benefit of your input. The College is very concerned by these public allegations of offensive student behavior, and I hope to work with you to resolve this matter quickly and completely," she said in the letter addressed to residents on Tibbett Avenue.