Even as president, Gardner eats lunch every day in the school cafeteria and regularly walks the campus, where he engages with students, faculty and staff.

This article originally appeared in Crain’s New York Business on January 10, 2023.

Illustration credit: Crain's New York Business - Brother Daniel Gardner

Illustration credit: Crain’s New York Business

Riverdale, NY – Brother Daniel Gardner is the president of Manhattan College, a 170-year-old, 3,500-student, independent Catholic liberal arts college in Riverdale. Gardner, a member of the teaching order De La Salle Christian Brothers, began his career as a high school teacher but soon moved into administrative work, where he said he found his true skills. He was named interim president in July 2022 and president in September of that year. This year Manhattan College celebrates the 170th year since its founding, the 100th anniversary of its Bronx campus and the 50th anniversary of admitting women students.

The college, founded in Manhattanville in 1853, counts among its notable alumni New York Stock Exchange President Lynn Martin, American Express Chairman and CEO Stephen Squeri, former Chairman and CEO of Con Edison Eugene McGrath, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly—along with 28 former members of the baseball
team who made it to the major leagues and eight basketball players who played in the NBA.

For the full story, visit Manhattan College’s website >