News

If you were in the vicinity of Fox Chase Road on October 10, you likely heard the roaring cheers and loud car horns of the graduating class of Manor College. The College held its annual 2020 commencement ceremony in a different way this year. Typically, the entire campus community, including the graduating class along with their families, join together in the gymnasium. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College held the 69th Commencement ceremony in the parking lot for a drive-in style, on Saturday, October 10 at 1 p.m. While the new, socially distanced format did change the amount of hugs and handshakes that were able to be shared, this shift in modality did not at all take away from the accomplishments of the graduating class. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Danielle Preston, a Philadelphia Market Audit Leader at RSM US LLP and Manor College Board of Trustees member. Student speakers included Jamal Utqi, Manor’s first-ever Bachelor degree graduate and Privish Sadaqat, a top-notch student who immigrated to the United States from Pakistan just two years ago. Both speakers mentioned how grateful they were for their experiences at Manor and how their fellow graduates should be so proud for accomplishing so much during a pandemic.  Leslie Turner, Business Leader and former executive for the Hershey Company, Coca Cola Company and Clinton Administration, addressed the crowd, lined up in cars, tuning in through an FM radio station. A common theme in Turner’s speech was the importance of memories. She stressed the significance of always remembering this special occasion as it is one of the most meaningful days in a student’s life. A standout quote worthy of noting was, “Don’t stop here. Keep dreaming; keep defying the odds”.  The majority of Manor’s students and therefore graduates are first-generation—so, graduating from college is an especially notable achievement. Faculty and staff were among the crowd, as well. Fran Stevenson, Public Safety Officer received the Board of Trustees Staff Award.  Jaime Simpson, Director of EFDA Program, won the Board of Trustees Faculty Award. Rabiya Dharsi, an adjunct faculty member, won the Seminak Award. Stevenson stated, “It was both a gratifying surprise and an honor to receive this award. I feel so blessed to have the continuous support of the Manor College community.” Danielle Preston, Board of Trustee member and Master of Ceremonies stated, “I am very blessed to have been a part of such a joyous occasion. There was such a great energy as we were able to celebrate the successes of our 2020 graduates. I’m proud to be part of an institution that continues to be innovative while navigating the recent challenges.” The College community is immensely proud of the graduates.

Kathy McGuriman is an alumna of the first and only 240-Hour FULLY ONLINE PA Real Estate Broker Pre-Licensing program offered exclusively at Manor College. McGuriman is currently a full-time REALTOR® and president of the Montgomery County Association of REALTORS®. We had the chance to ask her a few questions about her experience in the program.  What influenced your decision to enroll in this program?  I was looking for something online and this program fit that criteria. Most real estate courses are in-person—with my schedule, an online program worked best. Ayisha Sereni, a PA Licensed Real Estate Broker, Education Provider, and REALTOR®, created the program to fill a void in the real estate education sector. Ayisha, actively licensed since 1995,  also serves as the Lead Instructor. Interacting with an active Real Estate Broker and REALTOR® was a value-added perk!   What was your favorite aspect of the program?  Another aspect I enjoyed was being able to work at my own pace. I liked the flexibility of the online coursework and being able to do it when and where I wanted. My husband travels a lot before COVID-19 and most of my free time is at night, so it worked.    Is there something about this program that sets Manor apart from other real estate programs?  The curriculum sets it apart. Each course is different and contains the most up-to-date resources that we can use in the field! Other programs just don’t offer the flexibility of online learning with the comfort of a personalized and interactive learning experience.    How do you think this program has helped you advance in your career?  The education I’ve received in this program has helped make me into an even more knowledgeable REALTOR®. It has helped bring my career to the next level in residential real estate sales.    What is an accomplishment in real estate that you are particularly proud of?  I have a good reputation and lots of clients return to me—that is the biggest accomplishment!    What advice would you give to someone who is interested in enrolling in the program but hesitant?  My advice is to just do it! You don’t have anything to lose. If you are still hesitant just try one class. If you are concerned financially, take a course with lesser credits at first.    Any last comments about the course?  The process of enrolling in the course was extremely easy! The curriculum and materials were easy to download. Whenever I had a technical glitch the Information Technology team at Manor was very quick to help!   

Engineering has been a longstanding career option for students who are interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this field is projected to grow, with an estimated 139,000 new jobs by 2026. Manor College recognizes this significant growth and has launched a Engineering Science associate’s program.  What is the program?  The Engineering Science program consists of courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering design and more. There are two tracks to choose from—Engineering Science Transfer Track and a Career Track. The Engineering Science Track will prepare students to enter a Bachelor’s degree-granting program while the Career Track will help students launch their career with an associate’s degree in Engineering Science. Some possible career opportunities with this program include: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, test engineering and more!  Why should students choose this program?  Manor prides itself on providing an accessible and affordable education. College is an investment. 94% of students at Manor receive financial aid. Scholarships, grants and work study positions are also available—we want education to be as readily available as possible. In addition to our price tag, students receive personalized attention which sets them up for success upon graduation. Manor College’s Engineering Science program can also provide students with the opportunity to prepare for the rigorous curriculum of an engineering program they choose. Manor’s instructors and advisors can work with students to help determine their career path.  “Manor College is continuing to provide more opportunities for our students. We are excited to launch two new Associate programs in Engineering. These will be the first new programs since our successful launch of Bachelor’s programs in 2018. These programs will allow students to either start a career as an Engineer Technician or build a strong foundation to continue their education is an Engineering Science program.”, stated Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Marc Minnick. Are you interested in learning more about this program? Contact the Office of Admissions today at admissions@manor.edu. More information on the Engineering Science program can be found here.

Vet Tech students returning to campus are learning what their daily work routine will look like when they graduate as Certified Veterinary Technicians. Being a Vet Tech means many long hours and hard work. Caring about animals has to be the most important objective for Vet Techs—they have an extreme amount of pressure put on them and have to be “on” at all times while they are working. Dr. Stephanie Marks would like people to know that Vet Techs are essential employees.  Dr. Stephanie Marks, Program Director of Veterinary Technology, stated,  “I think it’s important for people to realize, Veterinary professionals are essential workers. Whether it’s a pandemic, blizzard, hurricane, or other natural disaster, animals rely on us for medical care. The vast majority of careers in the veterinary medical field can not be done remotely, or socially distanced from the general public and colleagues.  As a teaching institution, we have a responsibility to prepare these future essential workers on how to stay safe while continuing to provide necessary medical care to animals.”  Tamia Gladney, current Vet Tech student added, “The Vet Tech instructors  at Manor have not only enforced but taught me the significance of professionalism. Every class is handle as if we are in a professional setting, which instills the natural tendency for me to be professional at all times” It is impressive the number of hours these students have put in, to prepare themselves to provide care for animals. Manor College Vet Tech students receive extensive training through their classes and labs. The pandemic our world is facing right now will surely change the future of Vet Techs and hopefully shed more light on how Vet Techs are essential employees.  Manor College offers an Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Practice Management. Learn more about our programs. 

Manor College has recently been welcomed into the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA), a national organization for the intercollegiate athletic programs of community, junior, and small colleges across the United States. Manor has previously been a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and will remain in that association for men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field.  Manor’s acceptance into the USCAA will allow junior and senior students to play on the College’s athletic teams. In the past, athletes had to transfer to another school to continue playing their sport of choice.  Eight sports will compete in the USCAA: baseball, men and women’s basketball, men and women’s cross country, men and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball.  John Dempster, Manor College’s Athletic Director stated, “I am absolutely thrilled to continue our athletic journey with the USCAA.  Being in his conference gives our athletes the opportunity to stay right where they want to be and that is here at Manor College.  This move is historical for the college as our upperclassmen can now compete athletically while working toward their bachelor’s degree which is our ultimate goal.” Shawn Wood, a current student stated, “I’m really looking forward to my second year playing soccer here at Manor and having such an amazing coach and Athletic Director like John Dempster who gives a fair chance to every player here. I’m looking forward to being able to mentor incoming students in the future.”  The Athletic Department and the entire Manor College Community is thrilled about this exciting news! To learn more about athletics at Manor College, visit manorbluejays.com.