Manhattan University announces a donation of $1 million from Ambassador Charles A. Gargano, a 1979 Masters graduate from its School of Engineering. The towering red brick arches that flank Memorial Hall and offer a welcoming spirit to the iconic Quadrangle on the campus have been important structures for over 100 years and will henceforth be called the Charles A. Gargano, P.E. ‘79 Arches. The gift was finalized in December 2025.
Ambassador Gargano had a varied and significant career. He served as the deputy administrator in 1981 for the Urban Mass Transit Administration (UMTA), the U.S. Ambassador to Trinadad and Tobago from 1988 to 1991, and from 1995 to 2007 was the Vice Chairman of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. In the latter position in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, Ambassador Gargano spearheaded the reconstruction of lower Manhattan, earning the moniker as New York States’s “Economic Czar”.
Born in Avelino, Italy, his family emigrated to the United States when he was four years old, settling in Brooklyn. He received his BS and MBA from Farleigh Dickinson University and, in 1979, earned his MS in Civil Engineering from Manhattan University. He also was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science from Manhattan in 2011.
Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., President of Manhattan University, stated,
“Ambassador Gargano has worked tirelessly to ensure that all citizens are granted the same possibilities for success – not just the privileged few. He is a public servant in the truest sense, combining vision with execution, heart, and strategy. The mission of Manhattan University prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Ambassador Gargano is our mission personified.”
In addition to this most recent gift to the University, Ambassador Gargano dutifully served on the University’s Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2007 and in 1996 the Ambassador Charles A. Gargano Scholarship was founded by a group of friends; the scholarship consistently supports bright Manhattan University students in need of financial aid.
At the dedication ceremony, Ambassador Gargano stated,
“My heart is always with Manhattan University, and being a permanent part of the brick and mortar solidifies my belief that with an education and those who help along the way, it is possible for anyone to succeed and, in turn, provide others with the tools for success. Manhattan isn’t just a place to get a diploma; it’s a community where men and women from all walks of life learn from the examples set by the Christian Brothers. It is a true honor to be part of this legacy of service through the gift of education.”
***
About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.