Summer 2018 Ramapo Magazine

SUMMER 2018

RAMAPO COLLEGE MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT’S CABINET Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. President Beth E. Barnett Provost Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kirsten Loewrigkeit Vice President for Administration and Finance Nicole Morgan Agard Chief Equity & Diversity Officer Director of Employee Relations Christopher Romano Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Michael A. Tripodi Vice President and General Counsel

FROM THE DESK of the PRESIDENT Dear Friends, The 2017-18 academic year at Ramapo College of New Jersey was one brimful with initiative, change, and achievement.

On May 10, the College conferred undergraduate degrees on 1,434 students at our Undergraduate Ceremony, and is excited to welcome these new graduates to our Alumni Association through the Association’s G.O.L.D (Graduates of the Last Decade) program.

Brittany Williams-Goldstein Chief of Staff and Board Liaison BOARD OF TRUSTEES William F. Dator Chair BOARD OF GOVERNORS Ralph Mastrangelo Chair Dr. Carolyn Merkel ’78 Chair, Alumni Association Board

One week later, the College delivered its inaugural Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony. Graduate students and their families and friends gathered for the Ceremony in the Bradley Center. The Ceremony conferred Master’s Degrees upon nearly 200 graduates and it featured, for the first time in the College’s history, the time-honored academic tradition of hooding graduate students.

RAMAPO MAGAZINE Cathleen Davey Editor-in-Chief

In addition to celebrating the Class of 2018, the commencement ceremonies this year also represented a bittersweet farewell to long-serving members of the College’s academic leadership. Provost Beth Barnett stepped down from the provostship after 12 years of service and Steve Perry, Dean of the School of Contemporary Arts, also stepped down after leading the School for 18 years. Both Beth and Steve will bring their expertise and talents to the classroom when they return to campus as faculty members.

Angela Daidone Copy Editor

This year, our students also spearheaded strategic initiatives including the establishment of a food pantry. I don’t mention this initiative lightly, it is emblematic of an issue that sadly confronts Ramapo College and higher education nationally. College student hunger and homelessness is an unacceptable reality of our time and the College’s capacity to meet student need, more broadly, will be imperative to our continued success and the success of our students.

The generosity and advocacy of our donors and friends continue to be integral to our efforts to deliver a high quality education to our students, to foster student health and safety, and to provide a campus environment that is optimal for study and work. Thank you for your continued support of the College.

Mary Cicitta ’07, ’16 Production Editor

Janelle Ferraro ’14 Graphic Designer José Hernández ’98 Carolyn Herring Alexandra Simone Contributing Photographers Elizabeth Brand Angela Daidone Contributing Writers This magazine can be made available upon request in alternate media. 201.684.7611.

Alumni contact and change of address: Joanne Favata, Director of Alumni Relations at 201.684.7115 Student Relations contact: Melissa Van Der Wall at 201.684.7457 Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications: Melissa Horvath-Plyman AVP Marketing and Web Administration

Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. President, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Track & Field stars Jeremy Hernandez ’18 and Amber Edwards ’18 enjoy a moment with President Peter P. Mercer during a reception at the Havemeyer House.

(L-R): Achyut Gautam ’19, Honorable Marlene Caride, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and Jen Noctor ’19

MENTOR DINNER The Honorable Marlene Caride, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, provided the keynote address at the Foundation Mentorship Leadership Dinner that was recently help on campus. Members of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors are sharing their expertise and offering professional advice as mentors to the scholarship students, who come from a variety of majors including Accounting, Social Work and Political Science. Caride encouraged the mentees to push themselves outside of their comfort zones.

Academic Achievement recipient Anthony Cockerhan-Williams ’18, President Mercer and Outstanding Achievement Award recipient Bridgett Buckalew ’18, at the luncheon honoring EOF graduating seniors

in this issue SUMMER 2018 | COLLEGE MAGAZINE FEATURES 2

Arching + Commencement | Celebrating the Class of 2018

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Ramapo's Partnerships Help Students with Autism

DEPARTMENTS 11

Alumni Spotlight | Dr. Bridget A. Taylor '86

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College News | New Provost, Diversity Training, Scholars Day

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Foundation News | Distinguished Citizens Dinner, Run with Color, Scholarship Dinner

20 Athletics | What A Year It Was 22

President Mercer and Andrew Herrera ’18 recipient of the Reverend William Mercer Scholarship named in memory of President Mercer’s father

Alumni News + Class Notes

ON THE COVER

FOLLOW RAMAPO ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Class of 2018 graduates are all smiles at the timehonored tradition, Arching Ceremony.

facebook.com/RamapoCollege

(L-R): Sierra Stokes, Psychology; Matthew Medrana, Psychology; Stephen Geerlof, Accounting; Keivon Hemmings, Music; Plamen Bletsova, Mathematics

RamapoCollegeNJ RamapoCollegeNJ www.ramapo.edu

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ARCHING | COMMENCEMENT

CELEBRATING THE

Ramapo's Time Honored Tradition, Arching >

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony >

tudents, faculty and staff, along with family and friends, filled the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., to cheer on the 1,434 graduates who received their undergraduate degrees at Ramapo College of New Jersey’s 2018 Commencement Ceremony on May 10.

Haiti, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Nepal, South Korea, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.

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Graduates, who were among the school’s largest-ever graduating class, were encouraged to savor the moment.

“Take a moment. Look around and realize how special a college graduation is,” said William F. Dator, Chair of the Board of the Trustees, during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “This is all about you, it is all for you, and you’ve earned every bit of it.”

‘Look forward to your many successes’ In his remarks, Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer highlighted the diversity of the Class of 2018: 81 Educational Opportunity Fund Program participants; 14 veterans representing the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Army and the National Guard; 32 graduates of the Adult Degree Completion Program; 98 graduates affiliated with the Office of Specialized Services; seven Ramapo College employees; and international students from Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Ecuador, Ghana,

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Mercer applauded the graduates for their “energies over the years broadly invested in undergraduate research,” as well as their fundraising efforts for several causes, the establishment of a veterans lounge, campaigns to prevent sexual assault and to promote a stigma free campus, and for organizing rallies protesting discrimination and defending civil rights. He also highlighted the numerous athletics accomplishments.

“It has been my privilege to serve as your president and to come to know many of you, whether it be through your classroom work and presentations, your art, music or vocal performances, and your civic and extracurricular engagement,” Mercer said. “I have every confidence in your capacity and your tenacity and I look forward to your many successes.”

This year’s ceremony included special recognition of Susan and Nicholas Vallario, who were presented with honorary degrees. The Vallarios have provided extraordinary support and leadership to enhance the academic excellence of the College and the engagement of the students. Their significance contributions are evident through

Class of 2O18

> Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Congressman Josh Gottheimer gives the keynote address at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

exemplary volunteer service and generous philanthropy. “Susan and Nick have treated learning as a lifelong passion,” said Mercer. “They have been so generous in their time and support of Ramapo College in ways that have thoughtfully fostered opportunity, mentorship and growth for our students.”

‘Open up your mind’ Commencement speaker Congressman Josh Gottheimer applauded the tremendous growth of the College, thanked family and friends for supporting the graduates, and even gave a verbal high-five to the men’s basketball team for reaching the NCAA D-3 Final Four.

However, his message to the graduates was one of advice as they move to the next stage of their lives.

“Sometimes you need to feel a little uncomfortable or know that it might not work out, but it’s okay to make smart mistakes,” he added.

The Congressman also warned that life is like “running an ultramarathon,” adding, “You need to pace yourself – but never stop climbing the mountain. In other words, don’t rest on your laurels.

Today is just the beginning of your education, not the end. Don’t stop learning new subjects or new skills.

You’ll likely switch jobs at least 15 times over your career and you’ll probably end SOMETIMES YOU NEED TO FEEL A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE up in a field that doesn’t even exist today.

That can be frightening – or exciting.”

“

OR KNOW THAT IT MIGHT NOT WORK OUT, BUT IT’S OKAY TO MAKE SMART MISTAKES.”

-- CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOTTHEIMER

“Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks…whether that’s going for the next promotion, changing jobs or speaking out,” he said, evoking the words of the late Robert F. Kennedy: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly.”

“I urge each of you to open your mind, lift your head from your phones, hold back on that [social media] post and talk to your neighbor. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn and accomplish.”

Gottheimer concluded by saying that their accomplishments were “truly remarkable” and urged the graduates to hug friends and family, and go celebrate. “With you in charge, in the greatest country in the world, I know that our best days will always be ahead of us.”

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ARCHING | COMMENCEMENT

‘We Can Make a Difference’ During his time at Ramapo College, there were very few moments where Keivon Hemmings took a back seat. Hemmings, the Commencement student speaker — nicknamed “Mr. Ramapo” — was indeed an omnipresent force of nature. In between his studies, he gave campus tours to prospective students and their families; he served as a Resident Assistant and helped recruit other candidates; and he spearheaded the College’s Concert Band, prompting President Mercer to remark that he “plays a mean trumpet.”

(L-R): Edward Petkus, Dean of the Anisfield School of Business, Jennifer Finaldi ’09, ’18, and Timothy Landers, Director of the MBA Program

Indeed Mr. Ramapo’s gregarious and enthusiastic personality was infectious as he addressed his fellow graduates. “Ramapo has prepared us well for the world outside of academia, with its motto of ‘Pushing Boundaries.’ There’s nothing less than a quality liberal arts education rooted here at Ramapo. We learned a lot!” He noted the endless amount of opportunities available to students to showcase their many talents and pursue their passions.

“THERE’S NOTHING LESS THAN A QUALITY LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION ROOTED HERE AT RAMAPO.” - Keivon Hemmings

(L-R): President Mercer, Board of Trustees Chair, William F. Dator, Nicholas Vallario, Susan Vallario and Provost Beth Barnett

Hemmings also noted the many initiatives at the College, such as becoming stigma-free and hosting events like Pridefest to celebrate “the beauty within humanity, ultimately encouraging us to embrace and accept our differences.” He touted the student body’s commitment to give back to the community and to help people, “regardless of whether we received a tangible return or not.”

He encouraged the Class of 2018 to work together as alumni and keep relations made at Ramapo strong and intact.

“I look forward to a future where our indelible connections will not be cut by the blade of inaction, quoting the words of Anne Frank: ‘Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.’

“We, as individuals, can make a difference. We just have to trust ourselves enough to realize the fiery candles we became, and will remain to be.”

Student Speaker Keivon Hemmings

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Professor Carter Jones Meyer carries the College mace.

William F. Dator, Chair of the Board of Trustees and James Batelli, Chief of the Mahwah Police Department

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNIZED Fifty-nine students were recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments during the annual Academic Achievement Ceremony at the Sharp Theater in the Berrie Center on May 9.

Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer presided over the ceremony.

Professors Anne DeGroot and Julie Norflus-Good with Brenda Hernandez and her family.

Brenda received her Master’s in Special Education. Her family members, who are from Puerto Rico and were living without power for eight months, flew in for the Graduate Programs Commencement Ceremony.

Graduate Degrees Conferred The College celebrated its inaugural Graduate Programs Commencement during a separate ceremony in the Bill Bradley Center on campus on May 17. Hundreds of family members and friends packed the Arena to cheer on the 241 graduates who received their master’s degree in the College’s eight graduate programs. Jacqueline Paladino, a non-traditional student who returned to college in 2014 after a 23-year hiatus, carried the Masters Programs gonfalon to mark the beginning of the ceremony.

Jacqueline was a member of the first graduating Master of Science in Accounting Class at Ramapo.

In his address, President Mercer said that the College’s masters students bring to campus “their own distinctive energies and contributions,” adding that it was time to thank them in their own ceremony.

He asked the graduates to look back and “ask whether 15 years ago you would ever have imagined sitting here today. Yet you are – through a combination of skill, drive, adaptability and serendipity, you took advantage of what came your way. And you will do so again, aided by a Ramapo education that has given you formidable skills that enable you to analyze and solve problems across a broad societal range,” President Mercer said. “The best predictor of future behavior and success is prior behavior and success.”

James Batelli, Chief of the Mahwah Police Department was presented with an honorary degree. “It is under the Chief’s leadership that the Mahwah Police Department has worked extensively with the College on matters including safety, emergency preparedness, the opioid epidemic and community policing,” said President Mercer. “Our campus is safer, healthier and a more vibrant place to live because of him.”

“I am pleased and impressed with today’s program and your accomplishments,” said President Mercer. “It is events like this that make my job easy, whether I am advocating for more funding from the legislature, promoting the College to prospective students or donors, or sharing our accomplishments with regional employers and graduate schools.”

Students were recognized by their respective deans in each of the College’s five schools.

In addition, the American Federation of Teachers Local 2774 presented its AFT Graduate School Scholarship Award. This year’s recipient was Daniel Plessner ’18, an economics major in the Anisfield School of Business.

Stephanie Guzman ’19 received the Henry J. Frundt memorial Scholarship Award, given to a second- or third-year student with an interest in labor studies, social justice or Latin American studies. Five students were presented with the Lee Sennish prize, given annually to graduating female students who demonstrate outstanding fulfillment or visibly improved academic performance over the period of enrollment. They were Nicole Ammirato, Yasmin Angon, Lindsey Gray, Rosalexa Liriano and Sierra Stokes, all 2018 graduates.

For a complete listing of the honorees and photos, visit ramapo.edu/aac

www.ramapo.edu

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Vertical farming allows year-round crop production that efficiently uses space, energy and water.

RAMAPO’S FOCUS ON PARTNERSHIPS HELPS STUDENTS WITH AUTISM TO THRIVE

By Teri Gatto

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HE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) recently issued a report stating that the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children has tripled since 2000. Today in the United States, 1 in 59 children is identified as having ASD. That number rises to 1 in 34 in New Jersey.

“I wanted to create something, but I did not know what that something was,” recalled Norflus-Good, director of the Master of Arts in Special Education Program and associate professor of Teacher Education at Ramapo. “I wanted my students to experience more of what it is like to work with children on the spectrum.”

The National Institutes for Mental Health (NIMH) describe ASD as a “developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior.”

It occurs across all ethnic, racial and economic groups and is considered a “spectrum” disorder because of the wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms it manifests.

In her view, bringing together her students and children on the spectrum would be a win-win; but how to make it happen?

And while researchers are still looking for a cause, Ramapo College is working in partnership with other institutions to assure that people with ASD have the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

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One day Norflus-Good, who is also president of the New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children (NJCEC), found herself speaking with a member of The Forum School, a private school in Waldwick, N.J., that specializes in working with children with autism and related conditions.

Practical Experience Makes the Difference

“The Forum School serves children on the spectrum from ages 5 to 21,” says Norflus-Good. “And during our conversation I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing if my students could work with Forum students?’”

The question had been on Julie Norflus-Good’s mind for months – how to get her students majoring in special education to interact with youngsters with autism and related behavioral challenges?

Three years later, Norflus-Good is overseeing a thriving program that enables Ramapo and Forum students to get together on a continuing basis.

Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

The Forum students arrive every Monday at Ramapo to meet with the special education majors. Since autism is a condition with a wide range of ability levels, each Ramapo student interacts with only one or two of the visiting students at a time.

“The Forum students receive individualized attention while the Ramapo students gain a hands-on understanding of what it means to work with youngsters with special needs,” says Norflus-Good.

At the beginning of the semester, she creates activities for the Ramapo students to use with the visiting students but by the end of the semester, the Ramapo students are creating their own lessons.

“For their final project of the semester, our students create individual projects or lesson plans for other Ramapo students to use with the Forum children,” explains Norflus-Good. “The creator of the lesson plan will then observe to make sure that their colleague is executing the lesson plan correctly.”

But the students’ interactions go beyond the classroom. Since people on the spectrum often have poor communication skills, the Ramapo students work with the youngsters to help them navigate social situations.

“After class, we join Forum students in the cafeteria and we all have lunch together,” says Norflus-Good. “All my students bring their lunch, but this is not free time, this is also work time.” They help the Forum students learn how to navigate purchasing a snack, for example.

“The Ramapo students show the youngsters how to choose a snack, ask for the item, count the change, pay, and even how to put the change back in their wallet. They also explain when to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ ” says Norflus-Good. “These are things that we all take for granted but are very important skills for children on the spectrum to learn.”

Lunch is also the time when Forum youngsters learn other important social skills, such as how to sit and how to talk during lunch.

“After the Forum children leave, my students will debrief. If one of the children was having a difficult time, we discuss what could have been done to make it easier for the child, and what we could have done better,” says Norflus-Good. “We talk about the positive and negative aspects and what we can improve upon.”

Seeing first-hand the influence they are having on the Forum children has a transformational impact on the special education students. “My students learn patience, flexibility and joy,” notes Norflus-Good. “They get very excited when one of their Forum students learns something new, or when a low-verbal student says ‘good-bye.’ The skills my college students learn can transfer to other areas, such as working emotionally disturbed children, or those with ADHD. It just comes with learning what good teaching is.”

Mark Nicholas, working at Mahwah Bar and Grill, will be a REED Next participant.

students on the autism spectrum [Oakland, N.J.]. We discussed ways we could help adults 21 and older who were on the autism spectrum,” recalls Angela Cristini, a Ramapo professor of Biology and Assistant Vice President for the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs. “They were concerned about the lack of services, opportunities and funding for adults with autism and wanted to create an initiative to help them.”

That initial conversation led to two key projects: Day Program Helps Develop Important Life Skills Beginning in September 2018, Ramapo will serve as a home base for adults with autism 21 and older who are in the REED Next Day Program. The program is designed to help individuals on the autism spectrum by providing job training, employment placement and community integration.

Vertical Farms Venture Benefits Abound

With programming taking place on the College campus, the participants will have the unique opportunity to be in a real-world setting and gain experiences that will help them further develop life skills.

“Several years ago my colleagues, Mike Edelstein and Ashwani Vasishth introduced me to folks at REED Academy, a school for

“Ramapo provided REED Next with a large conference room and a big area in the Lodge, near the student dormitories, so there will be www.ramapo.edu

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students around,” says Cristini. “The program participants will have the opportunity to come to the campus to meet with their mentors before going to their jobs. The will also be encouraged to have lunch on campus or just relax and socialize with their peers or with the Ramapo student community.”

Additionally, Ramapo will be providing jobs for REED Next participants.

“I see Ramapo becoming a home base, not just for the students who will be working on campus, but to many others as REED places more and more people in the vicinity,” Cristini said.

“This is a brand new endeavor,” she adds. “In the near future, I can see adding Julie Norflus-Good and her special education majors to the program – I think there is great potential there.”

Produce with Purpose “As the Director of Educational activities at the Meadowlands Environmental Center, I thought it would be really interesting to develop a curriculum around urban agriculture and food literacy,” notes Cristini. MEC will now operate a small vertical farm, which uses the same technology as Greens do Good, a social enterprise that will dedicate its profits to REED Next.

Vertical farming allows for year-round crop production while making efficient use of space, energy and water.

“I SEE RAMAPO BECOMING A HOME BASE ... AS THE REED ACADEMY PLACES MORE AND MORE PEOPLE IN THE VICINITY.” - ANGELA CRISTINI “We host field trips at the environmental center, and this will be an important educational experience for students.”

This unique program will further its reach through the newest initiative, the Mobile Food Lab, an exhibition-lab experience that connects kids and communities to healthy food. Working with REED and EcoSpaces Education (a program at Philips Educational Partners) staff, the Mobile Food Lab will reside at MEC and take “field trips” to urban schools throughout N.J. “Our new Mobile Food Lab will demonstrate urban farming and teach students about the science of food,” she explains. “They will also have an opportunity to actually prepare food, and work on an art project based on nutrition and food.” The launch date is set for October 2018.

A portion of the fees earned through the educational programs offered at the Environmental Center and the Mobile Food Lab will go to REED Next to support jobs for adults with autism.

“We hope to employ these adults to work at the Environmental 8

Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Bottom photos: Renditions of Mobile Food Labs

Center helping maintain our exhibits, caring for our animals and assisting with the maintenance of the vertical farm,” adds Cristini.

ENHANCE Gives Students an Added Boost Entering college can be a challenge for most students. But for those who are on the spectrum, a college environment can often present a unique set of hurdles.

Ramapo College’s new ENHANCE program is designed to help students with ASD to transition successfully from high school to college. Another goal is to keep current students academically and socially engaged so that they can fully enjoy their college experience.

Vertical farming uses vertically-stacked shelving for more efficient production of a variety of plants.

“ENHANCE was created because the number of Ramapo students who identified as having ASD has increased by more than 800 percent over the past seven years,” says Suzanne Calgi, a psychological counselor and coordinator for ENHANCE. “And while many of these students excel academically, they often have a deficit in social communication.”

A therapeutic support program, ENHANCE’s holistic approach focuses on social, emotional, and organizational growth to assist students on the spectrum to adapt and flourish in college and beyond.

“We individualize the program to meet each student’s needs,” explains Calgi. “I am a therapist. It is through talking to students and getting their stories that I begin to understand if they are suffering from anxiety, or having difficulty communicating with people. I also discover what has kept them from achieving in the past and what keeps them from making friends. Then I hone in on those issues and help to resolve them.”

Each student has a weekly appointment with Calgi to discuss their needs and to work on individualized goals. If needed, a student may request additional weekly sessions.

“Parent contact is a part of our program,” she adds. “I encourage my students to sign a release that will allow me to speak to their parents and most students do sign the release.”

Calgi also facilitates group meetings for students with the College’s Office of Specialized Services. “At those meetings we ask students for topics they are interested in discussing and that are relevant to them, such as friendships, dating, social media, texting, college stress, life stress, effective communication with college personal, life skills and independence,” she says. “Through these meetings the students get support not only from us, but also from each other.”

Another unique component of the program is its peer mentors, undergraduates who volunteer to work with ENHANCE students.

Professor Julie Norflus-Good and students in her special education class works with students from the Forum School

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FEATURE

“WE INDIVIDUALIZE THE [ENHANCE] PROGRAM TO MEET EACH STUDENT’S NEEDS.” - SUZANNE CALGI

(L-R): Deanna Moschella ’20, Jennifer Mendez ’20, Suzanne Calgi, LCSW, ENHANCE Program Coordinator, Eileen Camilo ’20 and Monika Weglarz ’21

“The goal of the peer mentors is to help ENHANCE students to integrate into the campus,” says Calgi.

says Calgi. “A peer mentor can often ease a student entry into the larger student community.”

She trains peer mentors on the basics of the autism spectrum, what things to look for, what issues might come up, and she makes sure they understand that each student is unique.

“The peer mentors receive four hours of training before they meet their peers, and then we have a weekly meeting where we discuss what is happening with the students. If an issue arises, mentors know that they can call me anytime.”

Peer mentors also introduce ENHANCE students to the various student organizations and if necessary will accompany them to a meeting. They create a bridge to campus activities and help the students to connect with other club members. Peers also help plan and lead weekend social events. In addition, they review the campus events lists, select the ones that might appeal to ENHANCE students, and offer to accompany them to those events.

A peer mentor will then meet with their ENHANCE student several times each week to eat lunch or just relax at one of the student gathering spots.

“We’ve noticed that our students tend to be very good academically, but the social aspects of campus life might be more difficult for them, so they often isolate themselves,”

“ENHANCE is in line with Ramapo’s strategic goal of creating a supportive environment for all, with particular consideration for underrepresented groups and we do consider students with disabilities to be underrepresented,” says Calgi. “I see ENHANCE expanding in the coming years.”

Recognition for making an impact Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer was presented with the REED Foundation’s Do Good Award at the organization’s annual breakfast in April. The award recognizes leaders in the community who make an impact and difference in the lives of individuals with autism by going above and beyond to do good.

“The main goal that drives everything we do at the REED Foundation is to provide resources to individuals with autism and their families, giving them access to the best education, housing and opportunities to be meaningful and active members of their community,” said Jill Nadison, CEO of the REED Foundation. “Dr. Mercer shares our vision of making sure adults on the autism spectrum have every opportunity to lead productive lives without barriers and we are overjoyed that our REED Next day program for adults will be housed on Ramapo’s campus.”

(L-R): Jill Nadison, CEO of the REED Foundation, and President Mercer

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

DR. BRIDGET A. TAYLOR ’86

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS HAS LED TO GRATIFYING LIFE’S WORK Dr. Bridget A. Taylor ’86 is a leading authority in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. She co-founded Alpine Learning Group 30 years ago and currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Paramus-based center.

Taylor was presented with the 2018 President’s Award of Merit, which names an outstanding alumna or alumnus at the College’s Commencement ceremony each year.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” said Taylor at the undergraduate ceremony at Prudential Center on May 10. “It was about 33 years ago that I took my first childhood disorders class at Ramapo where I was required to participate in an applied practicum placement assisting in a therapeutic program for children with autism. Little did I know that I would fall in love with working with children with autism or that it would be the beginning of a long, immensely gratifying career.”

Taylor earned her degree in Psychology from the School of Social Science and Human Services. After Ramapo, she went on to earn a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Columbia University and her doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a licensed Psychologist, and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and is on its editorial board.

Taylor also is a national and international presenter and serves in an advisory capacity for autism educator and treatment programs both locally and abroad. Throughout her career, she has published numerous articles on autism, including observational learning among children with the disorder in the journal Behavior Modification. She wrote, “If we are to increase the learning opportunities of children with autism in typical learning environments, clinical practice must incorporate learning objectives and instructional strategies to develop skills necessary to learn by observation,” adding that “more research is certainly necessary.”

Alpine Learning Group’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals with autism and their families by providing innovative, comprehensive and scientifically validated services across the life span. Taylor’s life work indeed is fulfilling that vision.

“Being able to give back to the community that gave me my start has been enormously professionally gratifying,” Taylor said. “You never know where one class or applied experience will take you. I will be forever grateful for my humble beginnings at Ramapo College.” www.ramapo.edu

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COLLEGE NEWS

HAITI’S CULTURAL ARTS LEGACY HIGHLIGHTED IN GALLERY DISCUSSION The Ramapo College Art Galleries hosted a discussion about the arts in Haiti and current controversies and politics. “Haiti’s Cultural Arts Legacy: Critique Response 2018” included presentations by Smithsonian Fellow in Haitian Art Dr. Peter Haffner and Haitian-American activist and writer Lionel Legros.

Artworks in Ramapo’s internationally renowned Haitian art collections were featured as examples of the rich cultural heritage of Haiti.

COLLEGE APPOINTS NEW PROVOST/VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS The Ramapo College of New Jersey Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Stefan Becker as the College’s next Provost/ Vice President of Academic Affairs, effective July 1, 2018.

“Dr. Becker brings to Ramapo a distinguished record in teaching, scholarship and administrative leadership as well as an unimpeachable enthusiasm for the mission, values and pillars of our College,” said Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer. “I look forward to working together with campus constituents in the weeks ahead to ensure that his transition in leadership advances thoughtfully.”

Dr. Becker comes to Ramapo from Herbert H. Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, New York, where he served most recently as Vice Provost for Academic Programs as well as professor of Earth, Environmental and Geospatial Sciences.

Previously he taught at the Graduate Center of CUNY in New York City and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Prior to that, he was a full-time researcher and lecturer of geography at Justus Liebig University in Giessen, Germany.

“What most attracted me to Ramapo was the emphasis on student success,” said Dr. Becker. “I am excited to be joining an institution that values every student as an individual and not just a number.”

He added that he is very impressed with the academic offerings, international programs and focus on preparing students for their lives after college.

“And I think it’s wonderful for students to learn in such a beautiful campus setting and have the advantage of all that New York City offers just a short ride away,” he said. “I am thrilled to be here at Ramapo and work with Dr. Mercer, the Board, administration, faculty and students.”

Dr. Becker completed his post-doctorate work in Human Bioclimatology at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; he received his doctorate in Natural Sciences and Geography at Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany, where he also studied Chemistry and Geography (majors) and Physics, Psychology and education (minors) for state examination, the equivalent of a master’s program.

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Haffner recently received his Ph.D. in Culture and Performance from UCLA. His interdisciplinary arts-based research centers on “Haitian art” as a category constructed through complex global cultural dynamics that have informed the transnational production, exhibition, and circulation of the work of Haitian artists. Legros has taught at York College and Kingsborough Community College. A long-time activist, Legros founded L-Heurre Haitienne Radio at Columbia University, which he hosted from 1969 to 2002. He is a Haitian art collector and was friends with poet and Haitian art expert Selden Rodman, whose collection donations form the base of Ramapo College’s internationally renowned collections.

PETER CAMPBELL NAMED INTERIM DEAN OF CA Peter Campbell has been named Interim Dean of the School of Contemporary Arts, effective July 1, 2018.

Campbell, who joined Ramapo College in 2007, holds a Ph.D. in Theater from Columbia University and a Master of Fine Arts from the Columbia University School of the Arts. He has served as a Associate Professor of Theater History and Criticism, and has held several administrative roles at the College, including Director of the Honors Program and the First-Year Learning Community for students.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the other deans as well as the faculty,” said Campbell. “Together we can continue to reenergize the arts for our students. Ramapo definitely has the tools, the faculty and the resources to accomplish this.” He noted, in particular, the “tremendous growth” in the music production and visual arts disciplines.

“Our students are learning to think critically and work creatively – skills that will be an advantage as they move into their careers,” he said. “Keeping the arts in a liberal arts education is a mission that is really embraced here at the College. I look forward to working together with my colleagues to continue to build on what has developed into a most flexible and dynamic relationship among the schools.”

‘ROADRUNNERS GIVE BACK’ PROGRAM HONORED BY CIANJ AND COMMERCE MAGAZINE Ramapo College was recognized for its volunteer efforts when the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and COMMERCE Magazine recently hosted their Fifth Annual Chairman’s Reception – paying tribute to the kindness and generosity of organizations in the community.

COLLEGE HOSTS PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL HISPANISTAS CONFERENCE Associate Professor of Spanish Natalia Santamaria Laorden and Professor and Chair of Spanish at the Department of Modern Languages at Birmingham University Andrew Ginger

Ramapo College recently hosted the Eighth Annual Conference of the Nineteenth-Century Hispanistas XIX Network. The event marked the first time the prestigious conference was held in the United States.

Previously held in universities such as York University (Toronto), University of Kent (Paris campus) and Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich), the

network gathered for the first time in the United States to share the research of scholars from Europe and the Americas on the literature and history of nineteenth century Spain and Latin America.

Discussions were held in English or Spanish, depending on the topic.

The Nineteenth-Century Hispanistas XIX Network was founded in 2011, and has more than 200 members in Europe and the Americas. It holds annual events internationally, sometimes in collaboration with other organizations.

It aims to support work in nineteenthcentury hispanic studies as regards Iberia, Latin America and beyond. The event was supported by the Salameno School of Humanities and Global Studies at Ramapo College and organized through the Office of International Education.

THE COLLEGE'S OFFICE OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND COMPLIANCE DIVERSITY TRAINING The College recently welcomed Dr. Christopher Irving ’04 back to campus to conduct a diversity workshop for faculty and staff.

Dr. Irving, who recently was named the Superintendent of the Teaneck, N.J., Schools, served as the executive director and CEO of the Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership and Diversity in America, a nonprofit that provides training for schools and organizations.

Nicole Morgan Agard, Esq., Chief Equity and Diversity Officer, said "Dr. Irving led a discussion on micro-aggressions

“At Ramapo, our student-athletes excel on and off the field. It gives many of us great pride to celebrate their academic achievement, to cheer them on at sporting events, and to boast about the impressive range of their civic and community service,” said President Peter P. Mercer.

PHOTO COURTESY: AKDENIZ RYSMENDIEVA ’20

“We were delighted to bring the conference to Ramapo College, as part of the Year of Europe initiatives,” said Natalia Santamaría Laorden, Associate Professor of Spanish. “With a wide range of scholars coming from Stanford, John Hopkins or Birmingham University, the conference indeed lived up to its reputation of intellectual rigor and stimulating debates.”

Nominated by the Ramapo College Foundation, the "Roadrunners Give Back" initiative — a year-round student-athlete volunteer program — was among the thirty-nine entities, including leading manufacturers, retailers, hospitals, banks and colleges and universities, who were honored as “Champions of Good Works” at the gala reception, attended by more than 200 business executives.

(L-R): Tamika Quick ’03, Dr. Judith Springer, Associate Director of CMI, Dr. Christopher Irving ’04, Dr. Rita Johnson, Senior Trainer, CMI and Nicole Morgan Agard, Esq.

and other related topics and he provided the faculty with a thoughtful perspective of 'student life at Ramapo' as a former student of color. Both workshops were well attended and well received. We look forward to having Dr. Irving and his staff conduct diversity training for the College in the future."

Organized by the College’s StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SACC), athletes – nearly 350 in all — from each of the 20 men’s and women’s teams have participated in a wide range of community service activities for 20 years. Among those volunteer efforts: student-athletes held “Tacos for Texas and Florida” with other student organizations and collected $6,000 for hurricane relief victims; they held an oncampus event that raised $3,230 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; and each team donated and distributed Thanksgiving baskets to the Mahwah Center for Food Action for families in need.

In 2017, teams contributed in the collection of more than 10,800 canned food items that were distributed to food pantries by the New Jersey Athletic Conference’s “Cans Across the Conference” initiative; the annual Ramathon “For the Kids” raised $800 for Children’s Specialized Hospital; and athletes collected, wrapped and distributed hundreds of toys for the annual holiday Toys for Tots drive in conjunction with the Mahwah Police Department. In addition, they participate in the annual Relay for Life which raises tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research. www.ramapo.edu

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COLLEGE NEWS

STUDENT-ATHLETES AND GREEK SORORITIES PARTNER WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW JERSEY The student-athletes, along with many members of the athletic staff and Greek sororities of the College, joined forces with Special Olympics New Jersey in the spring for a special track and field event on the Mahwah campus. In the third year of the partnership, more than 60 athletes, which included children and adults with intellectual disabilities from across New Jersey, participated in a track and field competition through Special Olympics New Jersey, an organization dedicated to bringing pride into the lives of all involved.

More than 125 student and staff volunteers from throughout the campus helped organize and run the event, while many others cheered on the talented group of athletes. From the opening ceremony to the completion of the timed trial, it was a day filled with fun, laughter and some exciting competition.

“It was an outstanding day for the College, our Roadrunner Athletic Department and the many Greek sororities that worked together to host our third Special Olympics event on campus,” said Director of Athletics Harold Crocker. “A special thanks to all of our students and staff for taking time to participate with this project and to all those who helped make this event a success.”

RAMAPOUGH LENAPE NATION PHOTOGRAPHS FEATURED IN POTTER LIBRARY GALLERY The Women of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, an exhibition by Lisa Levart, was on display in the Potter Library Gallery on the College campus.

Levart has been creating alternative photographic portraits of women embodying poetic myths for well over a decade. This exhibition is a creative collaboration between the artist and women from the Ramapough Lenape Nation to uncovered long forgotten Lenape myths. Using these reremembered sacred stories as a foundation, artist Lisa Levart uses a technique of collaging image layers — metal, wood, water and concrete — into the images and then individually hand painting them with an encaustic medium of Beeswax and Damar Resin. The applied wax alters the final images, blending contemporary and ancient portraiture across the expanse of time.

This project was made possible with funds from the DeCentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the Arts Council of Rockland.

by Director and Associate Professor of Vocal Music Lisa Lutter, CantaNOVA was invited to join other area choristers to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction. The concert and three-day immersion experience highlighted the music of renowned composer Eric Whitacre who led the experience.

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VOCAL ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT LINCOLN CENTER

Twenty-one voices — 15 current students and six alumni — participated in the event, which featured 11 works by Whitacre.

Sophomore Jesse Hann performed a baritone solo in a piece titled “Cloudburst” which was Whitacre’s first big success and remains one of his most celebrated works, according to Lutter.

Ramapo College’s vocal ensemble CantaNOVA participated in a special event at David Geffen Hall (formerly Avery Fisher Hall) at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Led

CantaNOVA performs mostly a cappella and contemporary music but also enjoys other styles including classical, jazz and more.

The mixed-voice ensemble performs throughout the region.

Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Rose Hussain ’18 discusses her research project, “200 Years of Jane Austen.”

SCHOLARS' DAY CELEBRATES CREATIVITY (L-R): Reverend Mildred Farrar, Angelica Berrie, Melissa Gertz, President Peter P. Mercer and Pino Rodriguez

RUSS BERRIE MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD CELEBRATES HONOREES AT 22ND ANNUAL CEREMONY Unsung heroes from throughout New Jersey earned recognition for their compassion and concern for others as part of the 22nd Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award ceremony at Ramapo College on May 4. Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie, and managed and hosted by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award honors Garden State residents whose outstanding community service and charitable contributions made a substantial impact on the lives of others.

Pino Rodriguez of Camden was awarded the top prize of $50,000 for his efforts to provide a better quality of life for his children as well as his neighborhood. Recalling “gunshots every hour on the hour,” he searched for a solution to the crime, blight, and injustice his family experienced daily. The answer was to create shared pride, respect, responsibility, and accountability on his block. People who joined him were known as Block Supporters, and his concept grew into a program known as the Block Supporter Initiative, which now has 554 households participating.

Reverend Mildred Farrar of Paterson has been working in the Paterson community since the late 70's. Many years ago, when her 15-year-old daughter became pregnant, Mildred was there to guide her through that challenging time. Decades later, as Mildred's 82nd birthday approached, she decided she wanted leave a legacy to help other teen mothers. When her neighbor's house became available, she purchased it and created "Millie's Place: A House of Refuge," a place for teen and single mothers to gather, receive supportive services and create a path forward for their own families. The program incorporates financial literacy, mothering skills and tangible support such as food and clothing. Mildred is the winner of the $35,000 award.

After surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2004 that resulted in Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, Melissa Gertz of Ringoes endured countless surgeries and rehabilitative therapies. She emerged with an acute understanding of what it is like to be disabled and to fight endlessly for disability payments while incredibly ill, medicated, and just trying to get her life back in order. This experience led her to use her law career to help other disabled people, and she founded the Community Justice Center in 2009, an innovative legal services non-profit based in Trenton serving low-income/homeless disabled people and returning disabled veterans and their families. For her tireless advocacy, Melissa is the winner of the $25,000 award.

Cash awards of $5,000 were presented to: Edrick Alleyne of Eatontown, Eileen Goff of Fort Lee, Toba Grossbaum of Livingston, A’Dorian Murray Thomas of Newark, Jodi O’Donnell-Ames of Titusville, Don Quigley of Manalapan, Ethan Sandlofer of Upper Saddle River, and Carla Scarabino of Monmouth Beach. Their complete biographies can be found at ramapo.edu/news/press-releases

The sixth annual “Scholars’ Day: A Celebration of Student Creativity and Scholarship” was held in April in Friends Hall. Poster exhibits and presentations were given at the event.

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Scholars’ Day showcases some of the finest faculty-mentored student creativity and scholarly activities undertaken in 2017-2018.

There were 39 posters, with presentations made by students from all five of the College’s schools. Twenty-two majors were represented, with project topics ranging from “Subcanopy and canopy tree recruitment, mortality and growth rates in a hardwood forest in the New Jersey Highlands” to “From Twitter with Love: An Assessment of the Islamic State on Social Media.” This was a juried event and each poster was recommended by the convening group of the major or minor associated with the project. In addition, the Dean of each school selected one scholar to share both their poster and an oral presentation.

#RCNJReads

THE LEAVERS Lisa Ko, author

Get your copy at the Ramapo Bookstore, or visit ramapo.edu/bookstore

www.ramapo.edu

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANGELICA PASQUALI ’19

FOUNDATION NEWS

Eileen and Roy Putrino

HEARTFELT THANKS

Caption

RUNNING FOR A GOOD CAUSE Hundreds of students, alumni and running enthusiasts from the community joined together this spring to take part in the 5th Annual Run with Color, organized by the Student Government Association and Foundation Student Governor Sara Brown ’18. Participants ran or walked the scenic course that wound through the campus, and along the way were showered with brightly colored powder.

Proceeds benefited the Annual Fund, which helps to support student scholarships, faculty/student research and special projects.

BUSINESS PARTNERS: DIAL AMERICA Recognizing the importance of experiential learning and the value to both the student and the employer, DialAmerica Marketing, with headquarters in Mahwah, actively seeks Ramapo College interns. The company, which offers call center services anywhere in the United States, is a member of the Business Partners Program and provides tremendous support to the College.

“Ramapo College students are top notch,” said Mike Ronald Beaubrun, Manager of Call Center Operations. “We are always looking for ways to attract and retain new talent.”

This year ten undergraduate students worked at DialAmerica.

“We will conduct focus groups with Ramapo students in the fall, to help us learn more about what makes entry jobs attractive to new graduates,” added Beaubrun.

As a member since 1990, DialAmerica is one of the longest standing Business Partners in the program. The company consistently hires Ramapo graduates, and today more than 15 alumni work at the company.

Company President and CEO, Christopher Conway, is a member of the Foundation’s Board of Governors and serves on the Finance Committee.

Frank Conway, company Vice President, is also a member of the Board of Governors and serves as Chair of the Foundation’s Annual Golf Outing.

(L-R): Frank Conway and Chris Conway at their Dial America offices

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

The 18th season of the Performing Arts Dinner Series concluded a successful year with a performance by A.J. Croce. Foundation Board of Governors Chair Ralph Mastrangelo said, “We are most grateful to Roy Putrino for his chairmanship of the Performing Arts Committee for the last 10 years. Under his leadership, the Series has grown significantly and has brought many new friends and donors to the College.”

FOUR HONORED AT 36TH ANNUAL DISTINGUISHED CITIZENS DINNER (L-R): Wayne Hasenbalg, Charles P. Shotmeyer, President Peter P. Mercer and Peter Seminara ’00 (Not pictured is Mary R. Falvey ’82)

The 36th Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner was held this spring at the Rockleigh Country Club, Rockleigh, N.J. The event raised more than $206,000 for student scholarships, innovative research opportunities for student and faculty and to enhance the educational experience for Ramapo students.

Four outstanding individuals were honored for their commitment to higher education and significant contributions to their communities.

The 2018 honorees included alumni, Mary Falvey ’82, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, and Peter Seminara ’00, Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor and Senior Portfolio Manager,

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, as well as Wayne Hasenbalg, former President and CEO of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority and Charles P. Shotmeyer, President of The Shotmeyer Fuels Corporation.

The overall event sponsor was Wyndham Worldwide Corporation.

Additional sponsorship was received from: Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, Lauren and Peter Seminara ’00, Elaine Adler, PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, The Shotmeyer Fuels Corporation, UPS, BD, BMW of North America, LLC, Hackensack University Medical Center, Konica Minolta, Lakeland Bank, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Net-A-Porter Group, Stryker and Valley Hospital Foundation.

PRESIDENT'S PARENTS COUNCIL DINNER President Peter P. Mercer recently hosted the annual year-end dinner meeting for members of the President’s Parents Council in the Birch Mansion York Room. Chairperson Louise Riccobene reported on Council activities during the 2017-2018 academic year, which included participating on an Opening Day parent panel for new families, welcoming parents and answering questions on Family Day and attending President Mercer’s “State of the College” address. In addition, members contributed generously to both the annual fund and the Parents Council endowment, which annually provides two student scholarships.

the timeline for construction with the members. President Mercer thanked members of the Council for their generous contributions to the College including ambassadorship, leadership gifts and volunteerism.

The mission of the President’s Parents Council is to foster and sustain supportive relationships between Ramapo College and parents. This active group of parents represents a wide variety of Ramapo students and families.

President Mercer shared an update on the Middle States Accreditation process, the Provost Search and offered the most recent news on State support of higher education. President Mercer also talked about the importance of the new Ramapo College Learning Commons project. The transformation of the George T. Potter Library into a 21st century Learning Commons will create a facility that will become the heart and soul of the campus. The building model was on exhibit and Vice President Cathleen Davey shared detailed floorplans, fundraising plans and

(L-R): Kathleen Kranz, Jim Kranz, President Peter P. Mercer, Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer

www.ramapo.edu

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FOUNDATION NEWS

SCHOLARSHIPS and ALUMNI WHO GIVE BACK Hundreds of Ramapo scholarship recipients, parents and scholarship donors were welcomed on campus for the Annual Scholarship Dinner in April. “The dinner is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, and give them a chance to thank their benefactors in person,” says Cathy Davey, Executive Director of the Ramapo College Foundation. Among the many generous benefactors who attended are alumni who have chosen to give back to their Alma Mater through scholarships. Here are just a few of the alumni, together with their recipients at the event:

enhances

TOPKEN GIFT LANGUAGE LEARNING

Carol Schaefer ’84 supports students entering the mental health field through the Carol Schaefer Human Services Award.

Students and faculty at the College will now be able to more fully immerse themselves in language studies with the opening of the Topken World Language Lab, thanks to a generous gift from William and Marina Topken ’87 to the Ramapo College Foundation.

The new lab will provide students access to state-of-the-art language software, an increased number of language tutor hours, and a speciallydesigned space for optimum language learning. The facility’s design, with circular work spaces, will emphasize group interaction.

Marina, a 1987 American Studies graduate, taught and translated German at several language institutions in the area and tutored children in under-served schools in Paterson, New Jersey. She frequently returns to Ramapo to participate in the German language “happy hours” offered for students and staff throughout the school year.

“Learning and teaching languages is the conduit to better understanding people and their cultures,” Marina said.

“It is my way of giving back for the great experience Ramapo gave me.”

“Language conveys thought and is indispensable in what we do as a liberal arts college,” said President Peter P. Mercer. “It is vital to our curriculum; without it, we cannot function efficiently. I am most grateful to Marina and Bill, longtime generous supporters of the College, for helping to bring this capital project to fruition as well as establishing an endowment for language tutors.”

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Carol Schaefer Human Services Award

(L-R): Chuck Schaefer, Lori Nanni ’18, Carol Schaefer ’84, Cassie Palmer ’18

Suzanne Sykes ’06 came to Ramapo as a returning adult student, and through the Sykes Family Scholarship benefits other returning adult students such as Zurine Cadena Jiminez ’21.

Sykes Family Scholarship

55+

(L-R): Suzanne Sykes ’06 and Zurine Cadena Jiminez ’21

SCHOLARSHIPS ARE FROM ALUMNI & THEIR FAMILIES

Jeff Warren was a member of Ramapo’s first graduating class, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1973. He enjoyed a long career in health care, including government, hospital administration, pharmaceutical marketing, and consulting.

Among his philanthropic endeavors, Jeff and his family have chosen to support Ramapo students who face challenges through a physical or learning disability.

(L-R): Amanda Vanderputten ’20, Andrea Warren, Jeff Warren ’73, Talina Toscano ’20

Warren Family Scholarship

Marilyn J. Clark ’79 endowed a scholarship for students from single-parent households, and also funds an annual scholarship for students that are active volunteers in their communities.

Marilyn J. Clark Scholarship Endowment Marilyn J. Clark Scholarship for Student Support

(L-R): David Davila ’20, Marilyn J. Clark ’79, Sabrina Santamaria ’19 and Cathleen Davey, Executive Director of the Ramapo College Foundation

$

SCHOLARSHIPS FROM ALUMNI

SCHOLARSHIPS HELP FUND STUDY ABROAD AND TRAVEL TO INTERNSHIPS

$165,000+

“As a graduate of the EOF Program, I wanted to help Ramapo students who share a similar dream,” says Dr. Daniel Jean ’97, who with his wife, Dr. Aneesha Jean ’00, created a scholarship for EOF students who originate from the Jeans’ hometowns of Newark and Paterson. One of this year’s recipients, sophomore Janiya Wade, plans to put her degree to work in Newark, and give back to the community where she was born and raised.

Drs. Daniel and Aneesha Jean EOF Advantage Scholarship (L-R): Dr. Daniel Jean ’97, Janiya Wade ’20 and Dr. Aneesha Jean ’00

450+

AWARDS GIVEN THIS YEAR

Audrey I. Newman’s experience in Children’s Aid and Family Services of New Jersey in Paramus, was the impetus for this scholarship, which is awarded to a student in the School of Social and Human Services.

Audrey I. Newman Scholarship

(L-R): Melanie Schlosser ’19, Audrey I. Newman ’93, John McKendry and Anaiis Gonzalez ’18

REMEMBERING ROBERT B. HIDEN JR., AND FRANCIS J. RODRIGUEZ Two distinguished members of The Ramapo College Foundation, both stalwart supporters of the College, recently passed away. Robert B. Hiden Jr., who died on February 12, 2018, was a valued member of the Foundation, lending his wisdom and expertise to several committees. In 2015 he and his wife Ann made a gift to the Foundation to create the Hiden Family College Honors Endowment Fund, a scholarship that has provided much needed assistance to Honors students for study abroad fees, tuition assistance and stipends for research projects.

Francis J. Rodriguez became active with the College in 1994 when he volunteered to tutor students and joined the Friends of Ramapo, where he served as president and remained active in the group. He was also a valued member of the Foundation’s Board of Governors since 2004, and together with his wife Judith supported multiple scholarships, capital campaigns and the performing arts. Frank passed away on March 4, 2018. www.ramapo.edu

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ATHLETICS

WHAT A YEAR IT WAS! The Ramapo College athletics teams enjoyed incredible success on the playing field this winter and spring. Two national champions, two pitchers signed professional baseball contracts, the first Final Four appearance in 27 years, and a pair of NCAA tournaments were among the highlights of the Roadrunners men’s and women’s teams. For a complete list of team and individual accolades, visit ramapoathletics.com

ALL-AMERICAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS Seniors Amber Edwards and Jeremy Hernandez made the history books for their accomplishments as members of the Women’s and Men’s Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams for the 2018 season.

The highlight of their Roadrunner careers came in February when each claimed the national title for the triple jump and mile, respectively, at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Birmingham, Alabama. The week before in Boston, Hernandez set a new NCAA D-3 record for the mile with a time of 3:59:01, the first D-3 athlete to break the four-minute mile indoors.

To punctuate their stellar four years with Ramapo College, Edwards and Hernandez each earned All-American status after competing in the NCAA 2018 Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Wisconsin in May.

FINAL FOUR FEVER Jeremy Hernandez ’18

After dropping the season opener, the Roadrunners strung together nine straight wins to kick start what would be a “season for the books.” Ranked among the nation’s best early on by D3hoops.com, Ramapo never lost its stride and earned the top seed in the New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament, eventually besting rival William Paterson University for the NJAC crown.

That win earned Ramapo an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament and the Roadrunners kept the momentum going with a pair of impressive wins in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the first and second rounds. They brought that win streak home as Ramapo was chosen to host the NCAA Sectional rounds. An enthusiastic home crowd witnessed three consecutive victories to propel the Roadrunners to the first Final Four appearance since 1996. Although falling to Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Ramapo’s season was a resounding success with the Roadrunners finishing with an overall 25-7 record, including a 14-0 record at home, and a Number 6 ranking in NCAA Division III.

SOFTBALL EARNS A SHOT

Amber Edwards ’18

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

The women’s softball team earned an at-large bid in the NCAA D-III Championship Tournament after making its fourth straight appearance in the NJAC tourney. Although the Lady Roadrunners (25-13) finished third in the NJAC standings, they garnered a Number 2 seed in the NCAA East Region tournament, which was held at Ithaca College in New York. They split the opening contests in the double-elimination tournament but fell in a heartbreaking marathon 11-inning 3-2 loss to Manhattanville College to end the season with a 27-15 record. Three players – sophomore first baseman Jackie Howarth and senior pitchers Katrina Buczkowski and Christina Brizek — were named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III All-Region Team.

Christopher Moseley ’18

ROADRUNNER KUDOS Men’s Tennis Senior Captain Willen Feygin was named the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the year for the third straight season. He also was named to the GNAC 1st Team All-Conference Singles and 2nd Team AllConference Doubles with partner senior Adam Patrovics.

The Roadrunners won their sixth straight GNAC Conference Championship and appeared in their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament.

Men’s Volleyball Senior Garrett Fitzsimmons made the Continental Volleyball Conference 2nd Team AllConference. This was the first season the Roadrunners competed in the CVC. Previously, they competed in the Skyline Conference.

Men’s Swimming

Cory Heitler

Krista Verrino ’21

SEASON OF STATS The men’s baseball team compiled an impressive list of noteworthy statistics for the 2018 season. But none were more stunning than a no-hitter hurled by junior right-hander Cory Heitler in game one of a double-header against NJAC rival Rutgers-Newark on April 21. It marked only the third ever no-hitter by a Ramapo pitcher and the first since 1985. Heitler fanned 11 batters along the way to the 2-0 win. Despite falling in the title game of the NJAC Tournament—their third appearance in four seasons--the Roadrunners earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Regional Tournament. They eventually suffered a 7-5 loss to the top seed UMass Boston in the semifinal round of the double-elimination tournament, wrapping up the season with a 35-15 record. Along the way, junior outfielder Joe Maugeri laced his ninth triple of the season to set a Roadrunners single-season record. Maugeri and Heitler both were named to the NJAC All-Conference Team.

Two members of the Roadrunners Baseball Team are packing their bags and heading to the Cincinnati Reds. Cory Heitler of Fair Lawn was selected in the 34th round of the Major League Draft, and Jerry D’Andrea of Ridgewood was signed to a free agent professional contract.

Rookie Sean Flannery was named to the New Jersey Athletic Conference AllConference 2nd team for his accomplishments in the 200-yard breaststroke. The 200-yard freestyle relay team, 400-yard freestyle relay team and the 200-yard medley relay team each received NJAC AllConference honorable mentions.

Women’s Swimming Senior Maggie Herbert was named NJAC Women’s Swimmer of the year, the first in Roadrunner program history to earn the title two times during her career. Herbert competed in the 50-yard freestyle and 200yard freestyle events and was a member of four relay teams for Ramapo.

Heitler, a junior right-handed pitcher, went 8-2 with a 2.34 ERA this season, including tossing a no-hitter, only the third Ramapo player in the program’s history to do so. D’Andrea, a left-handed pitcher, enjoyed a stellar career at Ramapo, posting a 2.77 ERA and earning the top spot on the all-time list for career saves with 10. He recently graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. www.ramapo.edu

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

FOUNDATION GRANT ALLOWS ALUMNA AND STUDENT TO CHRONICLE THE DEVASTATION OF CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

Top (L-R): Eva Fazzari ’07 and Katelyn Bethke ’18 Bottom left: Photo by Eva Fazzari ’07

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Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

Eva Fazzari’s ’07 interest in photographing domestic fires goes back many years, when she first photographed the remains of a burnt-out home in nearby Hackensack. This spring, Eva, an adjunct professor of Photography at the College, and student Katelyn Bethke ’18 received a grant from the Ramapo College Foundation to travel to northern California and

PHOTO BY KATELYN BETHKE ’18

ALUMNI SP OTLIGHT

capture the aftermath of the historic wildfires in the region.

They visited several communities that were virtually wiped out by the devastation. Along the way, Eva and Katelyn met up with another graduate of Ramapo, Pete Konikowski ’14, who lost his Big Sur home to fire in 2016.

mudslides, loss of jobs because of long-term road closures, and damage to the awe-inspiring Californian landscapes,” Fazzari says. Despite the widespread devastation, the two were moved by the resilience and optimism of the residents. “My hope is that the residents know their stories are far-reaching and unifying.”

“The project went way beyond the loss of homes and displacement due to the fires, to the resulting floods and deadly

To view more photographs, please visit: evafazzari.com/california or kateabby.com/inferno

www.ramapo.edu

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CLASS NOTES

where we are

&

what we are up to

1979

1983

BRIAN G. BASS (Contemporary Arts) recently received the Arnold Swanberg Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the American Medical Writers Association (AMVA), for contributions to the field of medical communications and distinguished service to the medical profession. Brian is an author and presenter in the field of medical writing as well as a mentor to those beginning their careers in the profession. He is a fellow and past president of AMWA and a member of its board of directors and chair of its communications committee. Brian founded his business, Bass Global, Inc., in 1989, which provides medical writing services in the areas of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and related fields.

PAMELA B. BANKERT (Psychology) has been recognized by the Expert Network as a distinguished lawyer. Pamela is a partner at Lawson & Weitzen, LLP on Cape Cod, Mass., where she focuses on family and probation litigation. Pam has served in various court-appointed roles including guardian ad litem, conciliator and as a pro bono attorney through the Barnstable County Attorneys Representing Children program.

For twelve years she served as the representative for the Barnstable County Juvenile Court First Justice on the child fatality review team. She earned a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law.

THOMAS C. GOSS (Literature) has joined Heartland Veterinary Partners as lead veterinarian at the Chippewa Animal Hospital in St. Louis, MO. NORA MUCHANIC (Contemporary Arts) has retired as a reporter from 6ABC in Philadelphia after a long and successful career in broadcast news. She joined the station in 1986 as a New Jersey correspondent and hosted a public affairs program, "Perspective NJ.�

ROGER J. MULLER, JR. (Environmental Studies) received the President’s Award from the Professional Association of Dive Instructors for his outstanding dedication, commitment and achievement in diving and lifelong diver education.

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1987 PATRICIA L. WADORS (Management) has joined the board of directors of Zenefits, based in San Francisco, Calif.

The company offers cloudbased software to businesses for human resource administration.

Pat also recently joined ServiceNow, Inc., a publiclytraded cloud computing company headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., as chief talent officer. Previously, she was chief human resources officer and senior vice president, global talent organization at LinkedIn.

1989 GARY BOROWIEC (Business Administration) was elected to the Denville Township Council.

He is a founding partner of Atlas Advisory Group LLC in Cranford.

The firm focuses on tax laws and alternative investment strategies.

Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

1993 FAITH C. ARMONAITIS (Communication Arts) has franchised TAPinto Hasbrouck Heights, Wood-Ridge and Teterboro which provides local news coverage to residents of these communities. Faith is the former community editor for the Daily Voice in Bergen and Passaic Counties.

1994 SCOTT R. ILLIANO (Business Administration) has been named baseball coach at Wayne Hills High School. He has had a long and successful career as a coach at West Essex and Caldwell High Schools. His book, "Our Time, a High School Baseball Coach's Journey," reflects on his experience coaching the West Essex baseball team that won the Greater Newark Tournament championship in 2006. He is an educator at West Essex High School.

JAMES J. SEXTON (Psychology) had his first book published, "If You're in my Office, It's Already Too Late," by Henry Holt. The book focuses on lessons on relationships and marriage gleaned from his 17-year career as a divorce attorney.

1997 KENNETH LITCHULT (Economics) has joined Provident Bank as vice president, relationship manager with the bank's Healthcare Financial Services Group. Previously, he was vice president in the Healthcare Financial Services Group at Valley National Bank.

1999 MONZUR HAQUE (Physics) has joined Tri-County Surgery in Portland, Ind. A captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, he serves as a surgical house officer at Easton Hospital in Easton, Penn, where he is completing a surgery residency.

Monzur taught high school physics and calculus before

attending medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society for Vascular Surgery and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

SHANNON HOBBY-PSENSKY (History) was nominated by Sparta High School officials for Princeton University's Distinguished Secondary School Teaching Award. Shannon is a special education teacher at Sparta High School.

2000 CLAUDINE L. BRYANT (Communication Arts) performed her play, "Temporarily Yours" at the Jersey City Theater Center in November. The play was also recently featured at the 12th Annual One Festival in New York City as well as at various solo show festivals such as Emerging Artists One Woman Standing Series. After graduation, Claudine studied acting at the William Esper Studio and later at the Acting Studio and Primary Stages.

KEITH P. SANZARI (Sociology and Social Science) was named officer in charge of the Oakland Police Department upon the retirement of the police chief in January. Keith joined the police department in 1998. He was named lieutenant in 2000.

He holds a master's degree in human resources training and development from Seton Hall University.

2001 KIMBERLY G. CONTOS (Political Science) has been named manager of emergency preparedness at Jersey Central Power & Light. Kim joined JCP&L in 2007 as a supervisor of customer accounting. She later worked for the Human Resources Department as distribution technical supervisor.

2002 BIANCA THOMPSON-OWEN (Law and Society) received the Thomas H. Kean EOF Outstanding Alumni Award at the Educational Opportunity Fund Professional Association of New Jersey's Spring Conference in March. She earned a master's degree in counseling at New Jersey City University where she received an outstanding research award for her thesis on counseling programs in New Jersey prisons. She is enrolled in the Doctor of Education program at Rowan University, where she is a member of the National Graduate School Honor Society. Professionally, she serves as the assistant dean for enrollment management and student success, and director of the EOF program at the Rutgers School of Health Professions. Bianca also serves on several regional and state higher education committees and has received the following recognitions: School of Health Professions Employee of the Year; UNC-Women Making a Difference Award; and Emerging Leader Award for the American Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

2003 UCHENNA OFODILE (Political Science) has joined MTN Group as chief executive officer of Lonestar Cell in Liberia, the largest wireless telecommunications network in the country. Uche had been regional head Africa, Express Wifi for Facebook and also held the position of CEO for Tigo DRC. In 2017, she was named one of "50 Women to Watch"

by Global Telecom Business magazine.

2004 CHRISTOPHER C. IRVING (Political Science) has been named superintendent of the Teaneck Public School District.

He had served as interim superintendent of Passaic

County schools and is former president of the Paterson board of education. Dr. Irving was the head of the Passaic County workforce development board and served as the director of the Ceceilyn Miller Institute for Leadership and Diversity in America, a nonprofit that provides training for schools and organizations. He holds a master's degree in public policy and international affairs from William Paterson University and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Seton Hall University.

2007 DERRICK W. LIEB (Nursing) received the 2017 Nurse Leader Award from the Organization of Nurse Executives of New Jersey. Derrick was recently named director of the Emergency Department and Clinical Decision Unit at Valley Health System in Ridgewood.

Previously, he was manager of Valley's Orthopedics Department. He earned an M.S. degree in health care management from the College of Saint Elizabeth and is enrolled in the D.N.P. program at Rutgers University.

2008 ERICA VANAUKEN COLACE (Environmental Studies) is the new executive director of Grow It Green Morristown. She is responsible for overseeing the Early Street Community Garden, the Urban Farm at Lafayette and a greenhouse at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Morris Township. Erica previously worked for the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference and was outreach and education director for the N.J. Highlands Coalition. She taught science to students with disabilities at the Meadowlands Environment Center.

2009 DOMINICK M. BELFIORE (Business Administration) is among ten individuals

selected to receive the 2017 National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Advancing Professionals Award. The award was established in 2012 to recognize top performers in contract management who are under the age of 40.

2011 SCOTT GRASSO (MSET) has been promoted by New Age Marketing, Inc. to territory brand manager of the company's newly-opened second Charlotte, N.C. location in Huntersville.

Scott joined the company in 2016 as assistant director of its Mint Hill office.

LAURA M. HAHN (Communication Arts) has joined the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce as director of government relations. She previously was legislative liaison for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Prior to that, she was legislative director and chief of staff for former Assemblywoman Donna Simon and also worked as an aide in Governor Christie's Office of Constituent Relations.

2013 JARED W. FISCHER (Political Science) joined Land Solutions Inc. in the Naples, Fl. area as a licensed sales associate where he focuses on commercial development.

JOANA GONZALEZ (Social Science) is a member of the board of the New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (NJAPPA). Joana is director of professional development and associate director of learning and development, Facilities Division at Montclair State University. Joana also holds an M.B.A. from Montclair State.

LEANDRA M. TEJEDOR (Communication Arts) was honored by the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson Chapter with its fourth annual Juliette Gordon Low Leadership

Award. The Award, named for the organization's founder, honors a Girl Scout alumna between the ages of 21 and 35 who has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader in her chosen profession or through volunteer work in the community. Leandra co-founded VidCode which provides computer programming curriculum to middle and high school students, the majority of whom are girls. Leandra was also recently named to the Forbes list of "30 under 30 in Education."

ROSS B. YELLIN (Political Science) is CEO of Disability Allies and the Young Adult Community Inclusion Center in East Brunswick. Ross founded the organization two years ago. It provides employment coaching and services to people with special needs.

Ross, who has embraced his own disabilities, started the organization as a way to empower others with similar challenges. He and the Inclusion Center were featured in a Home News Tribune article published in April.

2014 STEPHEN M. CONLEY (Music) co-wrote the song "Space Between," which appears on the Disney movie, "Descendants 2," released in July 2017. The song debuted on Billboard's Top 200 Albums at #6, on iTunes Albums at #1 and on Billboard Soundtracks at #1.

BRYAN J. SULLIVAN (Contemporary Arts) has joined Next Generation Services in Roseland as a business development representative.

The company administers selfdirected retirement plans. Bryan holds an M.B.A. in marketing and finance from New Jersey City University and has held marketing positions at Falcon, Singer P.C. and Akadema.

www.ramapo.edu

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CLASS NOTES

2015

IN MEMORIAM

AMANDA IANNUZZI (Theater) appeared in the play "Reasons to Be Pretty" presented by Drama Geek Studios at the Performing Arts Center at Sussex County Community College last November.

2017 ALEXANDRIA J. RIGOLI (Accounting and Mathematics) has been hired by the Major League Baseball team, the Miami Marlins, as a pro scouting assistant; she is the first woman to work in baseball operations for the Marlins. While a member of the Ramapo College softball team, Alexandria interned with the Hudson Valley Renegades, held a finance internship with Major League Baseball and was a baseball operations intern with the New York Mets.

Edwin Y. Bedrossian ’75 John H. Haase ’75 Barbara J. Doyle ’78 Susan Cerelli ’79 Elvera Coakley ’80 KRISTEN POTANKA (Sociology, 2010; MALS, 2012) and BRIAN FRIED (Sociology, 2010) welcomed a son, Luke Conrad Fried, on December 28, 2017.

MARRIAGES

BIRTHS COLLEEN FREUND LIBERTZ (Psychology, 2009) and her husband, Daniel Libertz, welcomed a daughter, Ruby, on July 8, 2017. The family lives in Pittsburgh, Penn.

SAMANTHA (PRYOR) HERMACK (Visual Arts, 2006) and her husband, Brent, welcomed their second daughter, Madelyn Grace, on December 6, 2017. Madelyn joins big sister, Caroline.

ADRIAN AILEY (Social Science, 2012) and REBECCA UNANGST (Psychology, 2013) were married on September 3, 2017 at the Architects Golf Club in Lopatcong. Adrian was sworn in as a North Brunswick police officer in February and is completing a field training program. He is a recent graduate of the Cape May County Police Academy. He also served a 15-month deployment in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

Rebecca is a math teacher at Highland Park Middle School in Highland Park, N.J. BRIELLE ANNE KANE (Business Administration, 2010) married James Alexander Nagy on September 9, 2017 in Pompton Lakes. Brielle is vice president of Donnelly and Sproul Insurance Agency in Glen Rock.

GARY F. MILLER (Biology, 2008) and LEAH C. MILLER (History, 2007) announce the birth of their son, Jake. Jake joins older brother, Nathan.

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LINDSAY R. LYONS (Nursing, 2011) married Brian Whitley on May 19, 2017 in Garner, N.C. Lindsay is employed as a critical care nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit at Duke University Hospital.

Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

KRISTIN POTANKA (Sociology, 2010; MALS, 2012) married BRIAN FRIED (Sociology, 2010) on August 20, 2016.

KERI L. RAND (Literature, 2008) married Michael Perri on August 11, 2017 at Rock Island Lake Club in Sparta. Keri is employed by SPi Global as a digital content producer.

DIANA C. SENSALE (Social Science, 2010) married Bruce Neira on July 8, 2017 at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park in San Diego, Calif. Diana received an M.A. in sociology from William Paterson University and a J.D. from California Western School of Law. She is a member of the California Bar Association and practices law with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego.

THOMAS A. SMOLINSKI (History, 2015) married Janine Norbut on October 28, 2017.

KEEP RAMAPO UP-TO-DATE

Send us your class notes by visiting ramapo.edu/alumni

KEEP UP WITH @RamapoAlumni

Philip M. Ashare ’81 Evelyn J. O’Brien ’85 Helen T. Von Glahn ’85 Andrew W. Eller ’87 Barbara Hinrichs ’96 Patrick J. Dunn ’97

AFTER COLLEGE

87%

OF RAMAPO ALUMNI ARE

EMPLOYED OR IN

GRADUATE SCHOOL WITHIN ONE YEAR

ALUMNI NEWS

TAKE ME OUT THE BALLGAME More than 100 Ramapo alumni gathered in the Bronx recently to cheer on the NY Yankees. “Coming together on nights like this make me realize that I made friends for life during my time at Ramapo,” said Pete Tuohy ‘15, who met up with several other of his former track and field teammates. “Great seats, great people, and a great game,” added Monica Torres ‘17, who attended the game with her sister, current student Jessica Torres ‘19. The Yanks went on to win the game, 4-3, over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Alexa Marques ’14 and Jeffrey Fantacone showed their Ramapo pride at the Yankees game

La Greca headed straight to the radio station to recreate his "nostalgic pose." Later that day he tweeted the before-and-after photos shown above.

(L-R): Parents Bob and Barbara Whiteman, alumnus Anthony Siciliano ’10 and his wife Kristin, Jame Sorace ’84, Jacqueline Wilhelm ’16, Catherine Armstrong ’16 and Carolyn Merkel ’78 were among just some of the many guests who enjoyed the afternoon.

ALUMNUS DON LA GRECA OF RADIO & TV COMES TO RCNJ

WINE TASTING AT TORNE VALLEY

RCNJ Office of Alumni Relations along with Ramapo radio station WRPR played host to a star-studded panel as Don La Greca ’92 monitored a panel of sports broadcasters on campus this spring.

Alumni gathered on May 19 at Torne Valley Vineyards to sample a variety of local wines and food specialties. The festive and beautiful setting provided a unique occasion to reconnect with old friends and meet alumni from various years.

Students listened intently to La Greca, co-host of the Michael Kay Show, currently broadcasting on both ESPN Radio and the YES Network, as he led the discussion on careers and the competitive nature of the industry. The panel consisted of ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan, New York Giants media correspondent Brandon London, and CBS and 247Sports editor Rick Laughland.

WRPR's Student Executive Board members Jacqueline Hermes ’20 and Kyle Bandilla ’20 worked with alumnus Randy Zellea ’03 to organize and promote the event. www.ramapo.edu

27

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. JACQUELINE EHLERT-MERCER

TRAVEL WITH RAMAPO

Travelers of the Southern France trip.

TRAVELERS DELIGHT IN CULTURE OF

Southern France The journey to southern France was magnifique in the words of travelers Ralph and Liz Mastrangelo and Pam and Peter McBride. The trip, led by President Peter P. Mercer and Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, began in Nice and ended in the vineyards of Provence in the shadow of Mont Ventoux.

President Mercer challenged the guests to open their minds as they explored modern art through tours and lectures at the Chagall and Matisse museums in Nice, the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the Matisse Chapel in Vence, the Picasso museum in Antibes, the Cezanne's Atelier in Aixen-Provence, and the Vincent van Gogh foundation gallery in Arles.

These outings and learning experiences were intertwined with visits led by Dr. EhlertMercer to local food markets, as well as food and wine tastings where guests were steeped in the local culture. Participants also visited the market in Aix-en-Provence led by a French chef where they tasted and purchased ingredients later used in their cooking class. Wearing their new custommade aprons, guests learned to prepare a three-course Provencal meal, which was enjoyed by the group with paired Provençal wines. One of our guests, Kathleen Kranz, summarized her cooking experience perfectly: "What a great time learning to make lava cake with friends. Now I can wow 28

Ramapo College Magazine | Summer 2018

everyone in New Jersey when I make it for them. I did not know it was this simple.”

Gastronomic highlights included visits to Michelin star restaurants; Alain Lorca in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Mickael Feval in Aix-enProvence, Les Bories in Gorde, and Le Vivier in L'isle sur la Sorgue; as well as a tour of the terroirs and tasting of the wines of Provence, Châteneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Beaumes de Venise and Lirac.

Participants also experienced a guided tour of a 100-year old olive oil mill and enjoyed an olive oil tasting and a tour of a 900-year old Cisterician Abbey where lavender and honey are still being produced by the resident Monks. They enjoyed shopping at one of the largest Provençal markets at L'isle sur le Sorgue, playing a game of pétanque and relaxed with a reception at the end of the day.

Nice featured unrivaled vistas of the Mediterranean from the 4-star rated guest rooms and in Provence, guests were welcomed by breathtaking views of the vineyards and Mont Ventoux from Relais Chateux.

The Mercers were aided on the tour by Italian native Massimo Ragusa who expertly handled the logistic arrangements of the trip.

The Foundation and the travelers are most grateful for the research, planning and flawless execution of this trip, largely due to the Mercers' focus and expertise.

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

Millicent Gang Anisfield

1925-2017

For more than 30 years Millicent Gang Anisfield was an incredible leader and supporter of Ramapo College.

She served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees and after many years of service as a Trustee, she joined the Foundation Board of Governors.

Millicent greatly valued Ramapo's commitment to diversity and early on created an endowed scholarship fund to provide need-based scholarships.

She later established a gift for a lecture series and provided capital support for the Center for Performing and Visual Arts.

Most notably, Millicent and her latehusband, Richard, provided a major gift in 2006 to help build the Anisfield School of Business (ASB), endow the deanship and provide a most generous endowment for ASB student

scholarships. Her scholarship support has helped hundreds of Ramapo students earn their degrees.

Millicent and Richard again provided a significant gift to complete the ASB fifth floor including the global trading lab. In 2008, The Board of Trustees awarded Millicent and Richard honorary degrees from the College. Millicent was also honored by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals as "Philanthropist of the Year" (The New Jersey Chapter).

Her legacy will continue with a recent major gift to support the Learning Commons, a project that will transform the campus and impact all Ramapo students in the years to come.

"The College will be forever touched by Millicent's leadership and generosity," said President Peter P. Mercer.

“

THE COLLEGE WILL BE FOREVER TOUCHED BY MILLICENT’S LEADERSHIP AND GENEROSITY." -PRESIDENT MERCER

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, N.J. 07430-1623 www.ramapo.edu

GRADUATES OF THE LAST DECADE THE NEW GOLD STANDARD The Office of Alumni Relations at Ramapo College has initiated a new program specifically geared for recent graduates of the College who are in the early stages of their professional careers or pursuing advanced education.

The GOLD Program — GRADUATES OF THE LAST DECADE — is multi-faceted. Alumni will have: • access to opportunities for professional development and networking; • more opportunities to socialize with fellow recent alumni; • an occasion to give back by supporting current Ramapo students in their transition from college to career; • a chance to support the College’s Scholarship and Annual Fund programs in a more meaningful way.

For information and to become involved as a GOLD alumni, visit ramapo.edu/alumni/gold