Meet the Peer Leaders

Manhattan University's 2025 New Student Orientation team is available to help answer any questions you may have during your orientation to the campus.

We're here for you.

  • Danielle Anderson
    sofia rosa

    Hometown: Yonkers, New York

    Major/Minor: Biology

    MU Involvement: I am involved in the Biology Club and I volunteer at a Methodist home in my spare time.

    Why Did You Choose MU: I chose Manhattan University because my favorite chemistry teacher in high school highly recommended it. They talked about the incredible academic environment and opportunities that are available for science students.

    Favorite Thing About MU: My favorite thing about Manhattan University is the study groups people form when it comes to a difficult class. Everyone works together and has the same agenda to support and help one another succeed.

  • Amy Forster
    Amy Forster

    Hometown: Los Angeles, California

    Major/Minor: Adolescent Special Education and English (double major)

    MU Involvement: On campus I compete for the University’s Mock Trial team as an attorney. Additionally, I am the assistant production editor for the Quadrangle student newspaper, and serve as co-vice president of campus and community for Kappa Delta Pi, the international education honor society. I am also involved in Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society, and I am a Branigans summer research scholar.

    Why Did You Choose MU: I found MU in a random book at an estate sale when I was 8 years old and decided it was for me. It was always in the back of my mind when applying to college and when I came to visit, the campus and community just felt like home.

    Favorite Thing About MU: Everyone who works here! The professors and staff are so kind and caring; they do everything in their power to help you succeed.

  • Leahni Fuentes
    Leahni Fuentes

    Hometown: Riverdale, Bronx

    Major/Minor: Electrical engineering (major), Mathematics (minor) 

    MU Involvement: I am a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers. I am also on the Women's Rowing Team, and am a member of the Society of Hispanic Engineers.

    Why Did You Choose MU: I joined Manhattan University because I enjoyed the small school environment and the community. The school also has a great engineering program and amazing professors who are passionate and incredibly smart.

    Favorite Thing About MU: My favorite thing about Manhattan University is the school life during events, especially the basketball games. It becomes incredibly lively and really shows the Jasper spirit!

  • Ashley Karlosky
    ashley karlosky

    Hometown: Saugerties, New York

    Major/Minor: Communication (with a concentration in integrated marketing communications) and a minor in digital media art

    MU Involvement: I am heavily involved in the LGBTQ+ group on campus as the student worker at the Pride Center. I am also the president of Rainbow Jaspers, and an intern for the Woman and Gender Resource Center.

    Why Did You Choose MU: I chose MU because of the networking and internship opportunities they offer. As a Communication student, it is crucial for me to gain experience in a work environment during my degree, which ultimately compelled me to choose MU.

    Favorite Thing About MU: My favorite thing about MU is the micro communities that exist on campus through clubs, interests, and majors. It ensures that everyone can find their place here, a home away from home.

  • Olivia Mansour
    Olivia Mansour

    Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

    Major/Minor: Chemical engineering (major), chemistry and mathematics (minors)

    MU Involvement: I am the vice president for AIChE: the American Institute for Chemical Engineers, and a member of the Society of Women Engineers, Chemists’ Club, Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society, and the Women's Rowing Team. I am also a host on WRCM, the University's radio station. 

    Why Did You Choose MU: I chose MU because of their great engineering programs and the welcoming environment of a small school. I came here for a chemical engineering night for prospective students and all the faculty and students were so welcoming and supportive!

    Favorite Thing About MU: My favorite thing about MU is the community and the people here. I have amazing roommates and have met some of my best friends here through different clubs and classes. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, and the professors here really care about the students.

  • Jehudiel Mbolo
    sofia rosa

    Hometown: Douala, Cameroon

    Major(s): Biology and psychology 

    MU Involvement: I am a member of the Men’s Rowing Team, Biology Club, Black Student Union, and vice president of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national honor society for health pre-professionals. Furthermore, I am the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences student representative of the strategic planning committee (SPC), and chaplain at the school chapel.

    Why Did You Choose MU: As an international student, I needed a vibrant community that would help me feel at home, but also be mindful of the cultural differences. MU was a great pick as they push the students out of their comfort zones to explore different horizons while forging strong bonds with other students. I do not regret it!

    Favorite Thing About MU: The small classroom sizes make it so easy to bond with your professors. Not only do they get to know you by name, but also share their experiences and expertise with you. They are a reliable resource for recommendations and general counseling.

  • Thomas McGovern
    Thomas McGovern

    Hometown: Trumbull, Connecticut

    Major/Minor: History

    MU Involvement: Air Force ROTC, WRCM Radio

    Why Did You Choose MU: I liked the city, location, and overall atmosphere!

    Favorite Thing About MU: The sense of community because everyone is so welcoming to each other and it seems like everyone kinda knows each other so everyone has a place to fit in. Especially in the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, classes and departments are small so you really get to know the classmates in your major and your professors.

  • Colin O'Donnell
    colin o'donnell

    Hometown: Wilmington, North Carolina

    Major/Minor: Marketing (major) and management (minor)

    MU Involvement: I’m heavily involved in the MU Players as the dance captain/choreographer, a member of the Management Club, and I’m also on the E-Board of the Marketing Club as the sponsorship chairperson.

    Why Did You Choose MU: I always wanted to live in New York City and knew that going to college here would be my best bet. I am also going to be a fourth generation graduate from Manhattan University, so I wanted to continue my family’s legacy here.

    Favorite Thing About MU: I love the campus and the area we live in. We’re technically in the city but also in a much more calm area, so we get the best of both worlds. I also love the campus life and the clubs. The best way to meet people is by joining the clubs and I’ve met many of my friends through them.

  • Sofia Rosa
    sofia rosa

    Hometown: Riverdale, Bronx

    Major/Minor: Biology (major) and pre-health (minor)

    MU Involvement: I am a member of the Biology Club and Tri-Beta Club, work as a tutor for the Amber Charter School, and volunteer at the Methodist Home for Nursing and Rehabilitation across from Jasper Hall on weekends.

    Why Did You Choose MU? I always knew I wanted to stay in the city, so choosing a university close to home felt like the perfect fit. What drew me to MU was the close-knit community, which would allow me to get to know all students in all majors and my professors at a personal level.

    Favorite Thing About MU: I love that there are so many different affinity clubs; it creates a space where everyone can find a community and feel like they belong. I also love how close we are to the city.

  • Marina Stavrou
    sofia rosa

    Hometown: Riverdale, New York

    Major/Minor: Marketing

    MU Involvement: On campus, I’m on E-Board for the Marketing Club serving as the social media coordinator. In addition, I am also a part of the Hellenic Student Association and Women in Business.

    Why Did You Choose MU: I chose MU because of its location, the O'Malley School of Business, and the community.

    Favorite Thing About MU: My favorite thing about MU is the community. Everyone here is so welcoming and kind to each other. I also love how the classes are small. Your professors actually get to know you, and It helps me stay focused and more engaged.