City Council candidate Frank Morano is calling on Wagner College to restore former President Donald J. Trump’s rescinded honorary degree and consider becoming the home of his future Presidential Library—arguing that the moves could elevate the college’s profile and strengthen its connection to Staten Island.
In a letter sent to Wagner College President Dr. Jeffrey A. Doggett, Morano, a lifelong Staten Islander and Republican candidate in the April 29th special election for the South Shore Council seat, made a case for the college to reverse its 2021 decision. Wagner rescinded Trump’s 2004 honorary degree just two days after the events of January 6th, without offering a specific rationale.
“Wagner College has a proud tradition of academic excellence, and I believe it should also stand for openness to diverse viewpoints,” Morano wrote. “President Trump’s ties to Staten Island are well known, and reversing this decision would not only reaffirm Wagner’s commitment to free thought, but could also strengthen the school’s relationship with many in our community.”
Trump delivered Wagner’s commencement address in 2004 at the height of his popularity following the first season of “The Apprentice.” In his speech, he spoke fondly of visiting Grymes Hill as a child with his father, who owned nearby property. Trump also praised Wagner’s campus as one of the most beautiful in the country.
Morano suggested that, beyond restoring the degree, Wagner could take a bold step toward becoming a national symbol of intellectual inclusion by offering to host Trump’s future Presidential Library.
“Such a partnership could draw national attention, increase enrollment, and establish Wagner as a campus willing to engage with history in all its complexity,” Morano said. “It would also bring economic and cultural benefits to Staten Island.”
The proposal comes amid a high-profile race for the South Shore’s Council seat—one of the most conservative districts in the city. Morano is running on the “SI Patriotism” line and has been endorsed by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and most of the Staten Island Republican establishment. His GOP opponent, Griffin Fossella, is the son of Borough President Vito Fossella and is running on the “We the People” line.
While the contest has featured frequent references to Trump, Morano’s letter to Wagner represents the most direct policy-oriented overture to the former president’s legacy on Staten Island.
The college has not responded publicly to Morano’s letter. Wagner College’s decision in 2021 to revoke Trump’s honorary degree was part of a wave of similar actions by institutions following the Capitol riot, but critics have pointed out that the revocation was never clearly explained.
Morano concluded his letter by offering to discuss the proposal further with college officials, emphasizing that reconnecting Wagner to Staten Island’s broader community—and to one of its most famous past commencement speakers—could be a win for all involved.
