TOGETHER WE ARE #MANORSTRONG

HERE IS A ROUNDUP OF GOOD NEWS, GREAT STORIES AND MOMENTS FROM 2025.

Athletics Wrap

The Blue Jays were flying high in 2025. Men’s Basketball and Men’s Soccer each won the Eastern States Athletic Conference championship in 2025 and a total of seven Blue Jays were named to United States Collegiate Athletic Association All-American teams.

A Practical Nursing Graduate’s Journey Inspired by Her Son’s Diagnosis

Vanessa Calderon ‘25 found her calling as a nurse through her son Roman’s diagnosis with Cerebral Palsy. “Being around Roman and his care team sowed me just how important and impactful medical care is,” she said. Calderon is among Manor’s first graduating class of Practical Nursing students.

A Former High School Dropout Finds an Opportunity to Help Others at Manor College

Brandy Torres left high school during the COVID pandemic after “losing his mojo” with online learning. At the behest of his girlfriend, Torres went back to high school a year later, excelled and enrolled at Manor College in Fall 2025. He made the Dean’s List and hopes to create a career helping others in situations like he once was.

‘Every Smile Has a Story’: Inside a Manor College Student’s Career Switch

Ashley Norwood had a passion for nursing, but it wasn’t until working overnight clinical shifts that she realized the profession might not be for her. Even with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Norwood returned to college, enrolled at Manor and began studying Dental Hygiene in Fall 2025.

Manor College to Debut Two New Sports in 2026

In May, Manor College announced growth in the Athletics department with the addition of two new sports, Women’s Flag Football and Men’s Volleyball. Athletic Director John Dempster ‘99 said the two sports are emerging locally with noted growth on the high school level. Both teams are set to play their first games in Spring 2026.

Manor College 2025 Commencement

Out of Options, One Manor College Grad Fought Back and Found Purpose

Yorlenny Vaca Lazo ‘25 served as the Student Speaker for the 2025 Commencement. Her Manor College journey and a career in Criminal Justice stems from her own background dealing with years of abuse, harassment and frustration from a controlling ex-boyfriend. Her goal is to help others facing similar life struggles.

From Quiet Beginnings to Campus Leader: A Manor College Student’s Path Toward Personal Growth

Sofiia Ogerchunk came to the United States after the war in Ukraine began in 2022. She enrolled in Manor College in Fall 2023 and became involved as a Presidential Ambassador, Captain of the Dance Team and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She credits the institution with helping her come out of her shell.

Elkins Park Woman Receives Manor College’s Mother Josaphat Medal

Natasha Moore of Elkins Park received the 2025 Mother Josaphat Medal, the highest award a student can receive while at the institution. More is a junior Business Administration major at Manor. The Mother Josaphat Medal is a student award presented to a Manor College student who exhibits a responsible lifestyle evidenced through reverence, respect and service.

Honoring One of Manor’s Own

The 2025 Evening with Manor honored longtime faculty and board member Jane Zegestowsky. The ceremony took place in Manor College’s library in November 2025 with more than 120 people in attendance. Listen to Jane’s acceptance speech.

‘The Nest’ Debuts at Manor College

In February 2025, Manor College launched “The Nest: Stories About Life After Manor College.” The Nest is a podcast series featuring host Kelly Peiffer as she speaks with Manor College alumni. The debut season featured 33 episodes across YouTube and Spotify.