Ramapo Magazine Summer 2015 by Ramapo College

Summer 2015

RAMAPO COLLEGE MAGAZINE

from the office of the president PETER P. MERCER, Ph.D.

We certainly have much to celebrate at Ramapo College this time of year. More than 1,400 graduates received their degrees at our 57th commencement ceremony. Of special note, Clifford Denis and Roselaure Charles graduated this year. As recipients of the Ramapo College Haitian Student Scholarship, a fundraising effort led by our service-oriented faculty and staff, Clifford and Roselaure joined Ramapo in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. A service orientation, however, is not unique to the College’s faculty and staff. Ramapo’s dear friends and supporters, Elaine and Mike Adler, through their service and philanthropy across many interest areas and organizations, have made a positive impact on so many lives. With Ramapo, the Adlers are helping to develop the next generation of caring and compassionate health care professionals. In May, we officially dedicated the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence and, in the fall, our students will begin their studies in state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. The Adler Center dedication ceremony was made even more special with the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, joining us for the day. Thomas Butler ‘08, ’11, Justice Sotomayor’s godson, graduated from our nursing program in 2011 and she presided over our commencement ceremony in that year. Sharing with the College that her mother worked as a nurse and her brother is a doctor, Justice Sotomayor has a first-hand appreciation of the importance of compassionate quality health care.

“

With Ramapo, the Adlers are helping to develop the next generation of caring and compassionate health care professionals.

Finally, in addition to the aforementioned causes for celebration, the response to Ramapo’s just concluded Comprehensive Capital Campaign was most heartening. Reinforcing the value of a Ramapo College liberal arts education, more than 13,500 donors enabled the College to exceed our fundraising goals and raise more than $56.1 million!

Sincerely,

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

contents COLLEGE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. President Beth E. Barnett, Ed.D. Provost Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement Christopher Romano, Ed.M. Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Michael A. Tripodi Vice President and General Counsel BOARD OF TRUSTEES George C. Ruotolo, Jr. Chair BOARD OF GOVERNORS Frances K. Hackett ’80 Chair Carolyn Merkel ’78 Alumni Association Board, Chair Audrey Newman ’93 Friends of Ramapo, Chair

RAMAPO MAGAZINE STAFF Cathleen Davey Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Hudik Executive Editor

Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer was named 2015 Humanitarian of the Year by The Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. during its annual dinner celebration on May 7 at The Ridgewood Country Club. The award honors an individual who exemplifies “service above self to educate the community.” Dr. Mercer was selected for his significant work in advancing higher education, the legal profession and health and human services. Proceeds from the event benefited the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA), a non-profit specifically chosen by Dr. Mercer, and the educational and humanitarian-aid projects of the Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. Pictured with President Mercer are Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of NJCASA, and Matthew Nolfo, president of the Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M.

Mary Cicitta ’07 Managing Editor Carolyn Herring Photo Editor

FEATURES

Janelle Ferraro ’14 Graphic Designer

p. 2

Contributing Writers Stephen J. Hudik Angela Daidone Brian Aberback Rachel Pinton Contributing Photographers Alexandra Simone Stefanie Murphy ’16 Renée Renna José Hernandez ’98 Christina Crescimanno ’14 Island Photography This magazine can be made available upon request in alternate media. Requests should be directed to 201.684.7611. Alumni contact and change of address: Rayna Wendell at 201.684.7115 Student Relations contact: Melissa Van Der Wall at 201.684.7591

Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Communications and Public Relations.

Ramapo Celebrates Class of 2015: Commencement Coverage More than 1,400 students earned their degrees at the 57th commencement exercises. Grace Helbig ’07 delivered the keynote address.

p. 6

Faculty profiles: Michael Bitz and Scott Frees

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Ramapo College dedicated the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence. The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of The U.S. Supreme Court, attended the event.

DEPARTMENTS

p. 12 p. 26

College News

contents Class Notes

Cover Photo: The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, with Ramapo College nursing students at the dedication of the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence

www.ramapo.edu

COMMENCEMENT 2015

RAMAPO CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2015 MORE THAN 10,000 GATHER AT PRUDENTIAL CENTER FOR COMMENCEMENT More than 1,400 students earned their degrees at Ramapo College’s 57th commencement exercises on May 15. The students, joined by families, faculty and friends, celebrated their achievements and were congratulated for their outstanding accomplishments in and out of the classroom. At the Arching Ceremony the previous evening, the soon-tobe graduates walked through the Arch amid applause from family, faculty and guests, marking the culmination of their collegiate careers. They then attended receptions on campus for their respective schools. In his welcoming remarks at Prudential Center, George C. Ruotolo, Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees, told the graduates to enjoy the moment. “I encourage you to enthusiastically engage in today’s ceremony, sing, cheer and tweet with us,” said Chairman Ruotolo. “While this moment may pass by quickly, the Class of 2015’s legacy will grow over the coming years.”

SERVICE AND COMMITMENT Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer praised the graduates for their commitment to community service and the betterment of humankind. “Your time with Ramapo was peppered by calls for action,” said Dr. Mercer. “I am proud that so many of you responded to these calls with a sincere commitment to social justice.” Dr. Mercer cited student involvement in fundraising campaigns for cancer research, suicide prevention awareness, Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and relief for Nepal earthquake victims, among others. Clifford Denis and Roselaure Charles were among those who earned their degrees. They joined Ramapo College in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. “Their graduation today is as much representative of their intrinsic drive to shape a better world as it is of Ramapo College’s generosity of spirit, care and belief in the liberal arts as a path to a better world,” said Dr. Mercer. Dr. Mercer added that “Ramapo is proud of its commitment to international education, intercultural understanding and hands-on learning.” The Class of 2015 included international students from Bulgaria, China, Haiti, India, Nepal, Nigeria, Russia, South Korea, Spain and Turkey.

‘FOLLOW YOUR FEAR’ Grace Helbig, comedian and actress, offered one message to the 1,465 graduates during her commencement address: “Follow your fear.” “There are two kinds of fear,” said Helbig, who majored in contemporary arts at Ramapo and graduated summa cum

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

laude in 2007. “One is the physical kind of fear…The other kind is the idea that some dreams are off-limits. Paths you’re too afraid to take, that seem too uncertain, too unpredictable and just too uncomfortable.” Helbig, who was selected by the graduating class to offer the keynote address, said she experienced many moments of uncertainty and failure before her career as a YouTube and late-night TV star took off. “Failure is okay as an option because perfection is not a human thing to relate to. What I will tell you is this: Say ‘Thank you very much, failure,’ then put it in your pocket and move forward.” Helbig is the creator and star of It’s Grace (with more than two million subscribers), for which she’s been awarded a Webby. She is also the creator of the IAWTV and Streamy award-winning web series DailyGrace. Her talk show, The Grace Helbig Show, premiered in April. Helbig’s book, Grace’s Guide: The Art of Pretending to Be a Grown-Up, was a New York Times #1 Bestseller in its first week of release. She is currently listed as one of Variety’s Top 10 Comics to Watch, Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business, Forbes 30 under 30 and BuzzFeed’s 11 Awesome Up-And-Coming Funny Ladies You Should Know.

PASSION AND SUCCESS Ron DePoalo, Class of 1986, received the President’s Award of Merit, which recognizes distinguished accomplishments by Ramapo College alumni and friends of the College. “I encourage you to find your passion and act upon it,” DePaolo told the graduates. “I never thought 29 years ago that I would be where I am today, let alone speaking to you about it. Ramapo will always hold special memories for me.” DePoalo is the chief information officer for Fidelity Institutional, a business unit of Fidelity Investments. He joined Fidelity in 2008 and is responsible for the brokerage platform that serves Fidelity’s institutional, retail and workplace businesses. DePoalo received a bachelor of science in management information systems from Ramapo College and an MBA from Saint Peter’s College. He was ranked tenth in the Institutional Investor’s Trading Technology 40 for 2015. He was named to the WallStreet & Technology’s 2012 Gold Book, which recognizes Wall Street’s top technology leaders. In 2007 he was awarded CIO Magazine’s 100 Plus Award. Anthony Darakjy, an accounting major and international business minor, gave a rousing message to his fellow graduates. “At Ramapo, it mattered little how we arrived,” Darakjy said. “But it is how we are leaving and what we’ve grown to be that has made the experience magical and the future bright.”

Scott Frees, associate professor of computer science, 2015 Fred and Florence Thomases Award recipient, presented the mace, signaling the start of the commencement ceremony.

“

YOUR TIME WITH RAMAPO WAS PEPPERED BY CALLS FOR ACTION. I am proud that so many of you responded to these calls with a sincere commitment to social justice.” - President Mercer

Ronald E. DePaolo ’86, recipient of the President’s Award of Merit

College officials, Board of Trustees members and other members of the commencement platform party prior to the start of the ceremonies

“

Failure is okay as an option because

perfection is not a human thing to relate to. What I will tell you is this:

Say ‘Thank you very much, failure,’ then put it in your pocket and move forward.” - Grace Helbig ’07

Visit www.ramapo.edu/commencement/ for more coverage of commencement and arching.

Grace Helbig ’07 delivered the commencement address.

www.ramapo.edu

COMMENCEMENT 2015

STUDENT SPEAKER ANTHONY DARAKJY Anthony Darakjy, an accounting major and international business minor from Wyckoff, N.J., was the student speaker at commencement. He served as a Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees and studied abroad in China. He will be studying for his CPA exam this summer and begin working at Ernst & Young in the fall. When it came time to choose a college, Anthony knew that Ramapo had everything he was looking for: close proximity to New York City where he hoped to work after graduation; nearby to home and family; and an accredited business school that would be important for his future career. Once he arrived, he knew he made the right decision. “My experience at Ramapo has been incredible,” said Anthony. “Ramapo offers this amazing ability to get involved on campus because of its smaller size. It was easy for me to find clubs as well as meet so many people who helped make my experience outside the classroom wonderful.” Anthony was involved with Leaders in Service with Ramapo’s Student Government. He was a Student Trustee for two years and helped co-found the Building Tomorrow Club, a nonprofit organization that raises money to build schools for children in Uganda who otherwise have no access to education. He is especially proud of that accomplishment. “We made a fantastic push in the final months of my senior year and raised more than $3,500 to donate a classroom to be built on behalf of Ramapo College,” said Anthony. “It was an amazing feeling to know that we had the ability to give back and make a difference in so many students’ lives. I will cherish that forever.” Anthony said his experiences at Ramapo helped him on many levels. “I definitely grew more confident in my own abilities and manage my time. I learned I had the ability to lead and make a difference,” he said. “I cannot thank enough everyone who helped me get involved and stay involved. I don’t think I would have had the same experience had I been somewhere other than Ramapo.”

we have accomplished is “ What nothing compared to what we will become as we continue to learn, grow and experience life.”

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS RECOGNIZED Sixty students were recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments during the annual Academic Achievement Ceremony at the Sharp Theater in the Berrie Center on May 14. Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer presided over the ceremony. “I want to say thank you to our students who have contributed to the vibrancy of Ramapo College,” said President Mercer. “It’s evident how effective Ramapo College is in providing hands-on learning and access to invaluable resources. I am so impressed with your progress and your accomplishments.” Students were recognized by their respective deans in each of the College’s five schools. In addition, the American Federation of Teachers Local 2274 presented its AFT Graduate School Scholarship Award. This year’s recipient was Samantha N. Simone ’15, a theater major in the School of Contemporary Arts. Marissa G. Hatten ’16 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. Abigail J. Ameri ’15 was presented with the Lee Sennish Prize, given annually to a graduating female student who demonstrates outstanding fulfillment or visibly improved academic performance over the period of enrollment. For a complete listing of the honorees and photos, visit www.ramapo.edu/aac/ 4

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

–ANTHONY DARAKJY ‘15

Commencement

Clifford Denis ’15

Roselaure Charles ’15

Marquita Smith ’15 and Amanda Muti ’15

2 0 1 5 Members of the Class of 2015 are all smiles during the commencement ceremony on May 15.

Arching Ceremony

Charlie Ricketts ’15, literature major Members of the Class of 2015 walk through the Arch the day before commencement to mark the culmination of their academic careers at Ramapo College.

www.ramapo.edu

FACULTY PROFILES

Michael Bitz

Scott Frees

believe that every “ Istudent has an important voice and experience that must be incorporated into the curriculum.” MICHAEL BITZ

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education (Elementary Reading) Michael Bitz’s pioneering Comic Book Project and Scott Frees’ innovative work in the field of Human-Computer Interaction and Virtual Reality have had far-reaching impacts in Ramapo College classrooms and beyond. In recognition of their dedication to and advancements in their respective fields, Bitz and Frees were named the recipients of the prestigious 2015 Fred and Florence Thomases Award.

consultation with faculty and students make nominations for the award to the Provost, who reviews the nominations and forwards three names to the President for the final selection.

“It is quite an honor, and I’m excited to be recognized and truly grateful to everyone who nominated me and supported me,” said Bitz. “I’m thrilled to receive the award,” added Frees, associate professor of computer science. “There have been a lot of people who have helped me since I’ve gotten here. It’s been a big, collaborative effort.”

Bitz is an internationally recognized innovator in education. He launched The Comic Book Project in 2001 to engage young people in the process of planning, writing, designing and publishing original comic books. “Research demonstrated that integrating the arts with academic subjects opens students’ minds to new ideas about the world,” Bitz said. “There’s an endless resource in the creative ideas.”

The Fred and Florence Thomases Award was established in 1975 as an endowment from founding Ramapo College trustee Florence Thomases and her husband, Fred Thomases. Deans of academic units in

Bitz, who came to Ramapo in 2008, began the Comic Book Project as a pilot program in a New York City middle school while working toward his doctorate at Columbia

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

University. “There is a lot of evidence of a precipitous drop in reading skills and interest in reading at the middle school level,” Bitz said. “I wanted to try to address that problem by helping students love to write and be involved in the literary process.” The next year, the project was implemented citywide in Manhattan and Cleveland. The Comic Book Project continued to grow at an exponential pace. Today, the program is a national model for students in Grades K-12 that has reached more than 200,000 students in every state and in foreign countries including Australia, Nigeria, Canada and Mexico. Surprisingly, Bitz was not a comic book fan in his youth. “I didn’t read comics growing up,” he said. “But as an educator I

realized the value of comics from a literary perspective. Comic books have a lot of value for supporting struggling readers.” Students’ work can be purely creative fiction or based on issues in their communities. For instance, young adults have created comics based on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse in their neighborhoods. “There are aspects of academic reinforcement, social awareness and character development,” Bitz said. “We’re building a bridge between a love of reading and writing.” Students also learn about technology by writing, illustrating and publishing their work using cuttingedge computer software. Bitz has published two books on the project: “When Commas Meet Kryptonite: Classroom Lessons from the Comic Book Project,” and “Manga High: Literacy, Identity, and Coming of Age in an Urban High School.”

psychology,” Frees said. “It can be used to study PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) in soldiers. When you put somebody in a 3D environment we can study their every move and see how they react to different situations.” Frees said working with colleagues from other areas of study has been a great experience. “I’ve always liked Ramapo because the College promotes collaboration,” he said. “It’s exciting to work with a variety of experts in different fields and apply computer science to those other disciplines. I’ve learned a tremendous amount.” Most of Ramapo’s human-computer interaction and virtual reality research is conducted in the College’s state-of-the-art Virtual Reality Lab. Frees, the lab’s director,

was instrumental in its creation. In 2009, he secured a National Science Foundation grant which funded the equipment for the facility. Moving forward, Frees said he hopes to continue his research on bioinformatics and genetics through the prism of virtual reality. “We’re developing tools for researchers to be able to find patterns in our genes that we can target in drug therapies,” Frees said. “There are many challenges and opportunities to explore in virtual reality. People have a hard time using virtual reality. Some people get simulator sickness. There are limitations and I think I’m going to spend a lot of time in the future working on that and trying to mitigate those problems.”

“I believe that every student has an important voice and experience that must be incorporated into the curriculum, and the Comic Book Project helps ensure those voices are heard,” Bitz said. Frees, who has been teaching at Ramapo since 2006, has fostered an interdisciplinary method of exploring how humans interact with computers and using virtual reality as part of important research projects. His work involves finding methods to make computer interaction and virtual reality more easily accessible. “It can be about how we allow users to operate a computer, such as making the interfaces intuitive enough so that the user doesn’t have to go through arcane steps to access the software,” Frees said. “That’s what human-computer interaction is all about.” Frees’ virtual reality works encompasses several disciplinary areas. These include bioinformatics (biological studies that use computer programming as part of their methodology), chemistry and psychology. “We can use virtual reality to study chemical reactions, genetics and

“ It’s exciting to work with a variety of experts in different fields and apply computer science to those other disciplines. I’ve learned a tremendous amount.” SCOTT FREES

www.ramapo.edu

ADLER CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY

RAMAPO COLLEGE DEDICATES

ADLER CENTER FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE STUDENTS AND FACULTY WILL OCCUPY THE NEW FACILITY THIS FALL WHICH INCLUDES EXPANDED LABORATORY AND CLASSROOM SPACE

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THIS NEW CENTER WILL HELP SHAPE THE EXPERIENCE OF ALL THOSE WHO LEARN HERE.” - HON. SONIA SOTOMAYOR Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court

Ramapo College held a dedication ceremony for the new Adler Center for Nursing Excellence on May 8. Funded in part by a $2 million gift from longtime benefactors Mike and Elaine Adler, the Center will transform the experience of nursing and biology students (two of the top majors) on campus. The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, delivered remarks at the ceremony. “I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to come back to Ramapo to share in this dedication,” she said. “Ramapo is developing its students’ technical skills but it’s clear that the College truly cares about its students by providing emotional and professional guidance 8

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

before and after graduation. This new Center will help shape the experience of all those who learn here.” The 36,000-square foot Adler Center greatly enhances the student learning experience. The Center expands classroom, research and simulation laboratory space, enabling students to assess patients and to determine treatment. “The Adlers’ legacy and generosity will truly be paid forward as these women and men who benefits from the resources of the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence will in turn serve the physical and mental health care needs of our family members, friends, neighbors and perhaps ourselves in the years to come,“ said Chair of (Continued on page 10)

“

THE EDUCATION OF THESE STUDENTS, AND NOW STUDENT PRACTITIONERS AS WELL, IS VITAL. IT COULD MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.” - ELAINE ADLER

TIMELINE FOR ADLER CENTER FOR NURSING EXCELLENCE

Mike and Elaine Adler at the gift announcement on November 10, 2010

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 4, 2012.

Mike and Elaine sign the beam at the topping-off ceremony on October 17, 2013.

www.ramapo.edu

ADLER CENTER DEDICATION CEREMONY the Ramapo College Board of Trustees George C. Ruotolo, Jr.

“

TREATING THOSE IN A VULNERABLE PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL STATE, WITH COMPASSION AND DIGNITY, IS WHAT SETS APART THE VERY BEST.” - PETER P. MERCER President

“Nursing involves more than just acquiring expertise in a discipline,” said Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer. “Treating those in a vulnerable physical or emotional state, with compassion and dignity, is what sets apart the very best." The Adler Center is connected by an overhead walkway to the science complex. The College broke ground on the facility in October 2012 and held a topping off ceremony in November 2013. The Center also features an anatomy and physiology lab, computer labs, classroom and seminar space. In the Center’s simulation rooms, students will learn to address emergencies with computer-simulated patients. Nursing faculty will recreate medical scenarios that occur every day. Students are videotaped and receive feedback from instructors in order to improve skills, critical thinking and decision making. “The education of these students, and now student practitioners as well, is vital. It could mean the difference between life and death,” said Elaine Adler.

The Honorable Sonia Sotomayor with Elaine and Mike Adler (seated) and members of the extended Adler family. (L-R): Saul Kravecas, Leah Ismaylov, Marie Adler Kravecas, Alex Kravecas, Olivia Ader, Russell Adler

Board of Trustee members with the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor (L-R) Student Trustee Josef Weikl ’16, Trustee Tom Zelante, Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, Trustee Susan Vallario, Chair of the Board of Trustees George C. Ruotolo, Jr., Trustee Gary Montroy, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees William Dator, Trustee Sharon Vichness and Student Trustee Kevin Ng ’16. Seated: President Mercer and Justice Sotomayor

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

The Nursing Program at Ramapo consists of three major academic tracks: a traditional pre-licensure BSN track in nursing, the RN-to-BSN track for nurses returning to school for a BSN degree and a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Approximately 550 students are currently enrolled in the programs. The Nursing Program plans to add two more MSN degree offerings, family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration, in the near future. Cathleen Davey, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the Ramapo Foundation, said of the Adlers: “They believed in Ramapo College before many people knew our strengths. They understand passion and commitment in a way that is rarely seen.”

“According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, simulation capability is a critical experience for nursing students who will be expected to be much more prepared as they enter the profession,” said Dr. Kathleen Burke, assistant dean for nursing. “By 2020, the demand will be for nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level,” she added. Nursing remains one of the most indemand degrees with more than 500,000 positions for registered nurses expected to become available by 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. An aging population that is living longer with greater need for nursing care is responsible for the growth. Hospitals are also driving the growth, requiring higher educational standards and training for nursing professionals. The Institute of Medicine (2011) has called for 80 percent of all U.S. nurses to hold bachelor’s degrees or higher by 2020.

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...SIMULATION CAPABILITY IS A CRITICAL EXPERIENCE FOR NURSING STUDENTS WHO WILL BE EXPECTED TO BE MUCH MORE PREPARED AS THEY ENTER THE PROFESSION.” - KATHLEEN BURKE Assistant Dean for Nursing

(L-R) Thomas Butler ‘08, ‘11, the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor and Kathleen Burke

ABOUT THE ADLERS

Elaine and Mike Adler are philanthropists, business entrepreneurs, visionaries and community leaders. The Franklin Lakes, N.J. couple have been generous supporters and benefactors of Ramapo College of New Jersey for more than 25 years, in addition to many other organizations. Their service and dedication have improved the lives of thousands of individuals through the years. In May, they were honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals of New Jersey as Philanthropists of the Year. In 2003, Mike and Elaine created the Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood, N.J. In 1993, Mike suffered a stroke that left him with aphasia, a communication disorder affecting one third of all stroke survivors. The Center provides support services and therapy to those coping with aphasia as well as their caregivers. Since that time, the Adler Aphasia Center has added two satellite centers in West Orange and Israel. Five aphasia communication groups are now in place in Bridgewater, Maywood, Morristown, Scotch Plains and Union. The lives of members of the Ramapo College community have been greatly enriched by Mike and Elaine. The College recognized the Adlers in 1993, awarding them with honorary degrees in 1999. Students in Ramapo's Theater Arts program have a fullyequipped, state-of-the-art theater to practice lighting, sound and staging techniques in the Adler Theater, thanks to Elaine and Mike's generosity. In addition to their annual support and sponsorships of the College's fundraising events, the Adlers established a significant endowment to award student scholarships to needy students. Elaine and Mike have given of their time, talent and treasure to numerous organizations. Mike has served on various UJA Boards and for more than 10 years served as a member of the Executive Board of Hackensack University Medical Center. He has been honored by and serves on the board of the National Aphasia Association. Elaine has shared her leadership with the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism in Medicine, the Center for InterReligious Understanding, USA Toy Library Association at The Children's Aid and Family Service, Hadassah, Gilda's Club, Community Resource Council and Ramapo College Foundation. Together, she and Mike support the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, the Bergen PAC, Englewood Hospital and Holy Name Medical Center. www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS

BEN LEVY RECEIVES FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR AWARD Ben Levy, director of international education at Ramapo College, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant to Japan for International Education Administrators this summer, the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship board announced. Levy will learn about the Japanese Higher Education System, society and culture, as well as establish networks for Ramapo College and Japanese colleagues. He is one of 10 in this specific program grant and one of the approximately 1,100 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in 2014-15. He has served as the Director of International Education/Senior International Officer at Ramapo College since 2010 and has worked in international education for more than 14 years. Currently, he serves as co-chair for the Academic Working Group of the Overseas Security Advisory Council, the U.S. Department of State. Levy received a B.A. in environmental studies in 2001 from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and holds an M.A. in sustainable

development in 2006 from the School for International Training, Brattleboro, Vermont. He is actively working toward the completion of a Ph.D. in higher education internationalization with Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy.

PRESIDENT MERCER APPOINTED TO COLLEGE AFFORDABILITY STUDY COMMISSION Governor Chris Christie appointed Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. to serve on the College Affordability Study Commission. The 10-member panel is charged with examining issues and developing recommendations to increase the affordability of higher education. The Commission will examine issues including: • The creation of an Accelerated Medical Degree Pilot Program to offer high performing high school students interested in pursuing a medical degree or graduate-level science or engineering degree the opportunity of receiving that degree earlier than would be possible under a traditional program; • The creation of an Affordable Degree Pilot Program to permit 12

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

“

Higher education provides the pathway to opportunity that will enable this generation of students to contribute to society.” - PETER P. MERCER President

students to earn a baccalaureate degree at a discounted tuition rate through a degree program partnership between a county college and a four-year public institution of higher education; • The creation of a Pay It Forward Pilot Program to replace the current system of charging students tuition and fees for enrollment at public

institutions of higher education and instead allow students to pay back a percentage of their income for a certain number of years; • Various methods to increase the performance of the New Jersey Better Educational Savings Trust (NJBEST); • Changes to the New Jersey College Loans to Assist State Students (NJCLASS) Program to make the program more consumer-friendly for student and parent borrowers; and "Higher education provides the pathway to opportunity that will enable this generation of students to contribute to society," said President Mercer. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the commission.”

ASB ALUMNI NETWORKING ROUNDTABLE

EXHIBITION OF SCULPTURE BY JAY WHOLLEY The Piero/Leonardo Project: Recent Work by Jay Wholley opened in the Kresge Gallery at Ramapo College of New Jersey in February with a reception and talk by artist Mimi Weinberg. The exhibition continued through April. It featured a number of large sculptures influenced by the works of Piero della Francesca and Leonardo da Vinci and created by Wholley, a long-time professor of art at Ramapo College. Wholley received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an MFA from the University of Colorado. His work has been featured in several one-person shows across the country. He also had university exhibitions at Rutgers, SUNY Binghamton, New York and others. His work has been exhibited in the Whitney Biennial at the Whitney Museum in New York, the

Alumnus Kelvin Crunby ’11 (center) talks with students at the Anisfield School of Business Alumni Networking Roundtable held in March. Eighty-seven students participated and 22 alumni shared their time, career experiences and wisdom. According to Karen Norton, assistant to the dean, ASB, “The students found our alumni to be incredibly approachable and eager to help them and share their ‘pearls of wisdom.’”

Detroit Institute of Art, the Trenton Museum and the Aspen Museum of Art. His work has been reviewed and reported about in major publications including Arts Magazine and the New York Times. Professor Wholley is a founding member of the Ramapo College faculty. He has taught at Ramapo College for 41 years. This program was supported in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

AARON LORENZ APPOINTED DEAN OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND HUMAN SERVICES Associate Professor Aaron Lorenz has been appointed Dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services at Ramapo College, effective July 1. Lorenz earned a B.A. in political science from California State University, Chico, an M.A. in political science from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His research and writing focus on constitutive theory, with particular attention to law and popular culture broadly, and law and music narrowly. Lorenz’s publications include his book Lyrics and the Law: The Constitution of Law in Music, as well as numerous articles and book reviews.

“I look forward to working with my many talented colleagues,” said Lorenz. “It remains our goal to ensure that our students have a life-altering experience and to prepare them for the various challenges in their respective disciplines.” Prior to coming to Ramapo College, Lorenz taught Legal Studies at UMass. He joined Ramapo College in 2007 as an assistant professor of law and society and received tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2012. He has taught 20 different courses at Ramapo College, including “Death Penalty in America,” “Constitutional Liberties” and “Lyrics and the Law.”

www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS

RAMAPO COLLEGE RESPONDS WITH SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF NEPAL EARTHQUAKE In the days following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake on April 25 in Nepal, Ramapo College responded by offering support for the victims of the tragic event and extending a hand to the College’s 18 Nepali students whose lives were disrupted and forever changed. The College held a memorial service on April 30 in the Sharp Theater of the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts. The service included the playing of the Nepal National Anthem and personal accounts by several of Ramapo’s 18 Nepali students. The memorial service was followed by a candlelight vigil at the Arch. Ramapo College President Peter Mercer said: “We have an obligation to do all we can to support the people of Nepal because we have 18 brothers and sisters living with us at Ramapo College.”

Ramapo College students, faculty and staff gathered for a candlelight vigil following the earthquake in Nepal.

Rajesh Adhikari, associate director of international students’ and scholars’ services, introduced at the memorial service a short video showing before-and-after images of the areas affected by the earthquake. “The devastation is incomprehensible,” said Adhikari. “More than eight million people have been affected, with 1.2 million left homeless.” Seventeen days later, the Nepali students awoke to news that a second earthquake of 7.3-magnitude struck their country, adding to the destruction. They gathered with College staff members in the Roukema Center for International Education for a moment of silence and prayer. “When all this happened I had mixed feelings because I didn’t know how to feel,’’ said Bishal Regmi ‘18. “I didn’t know if I had to feel happy because my family is safe, or sad because my country is in ruins.” William Dator, vice chair of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees and past president of the Bergen Highlands Ramsey Rotary, was present at the gathering. He said the Rotary established a fund of $10,000 to help the students. “I know you have a lot of worries about what’s going on at home, but we are here to support you and to provide any help that you need to stay here,’’ said Dator, adding that the Rotary would continue to work with the College’s fundraising efforts. Rajat Sainju ’18 said he came to Ramapo to learn how to

(Top Row, L-R): Pragun Tuladhar ’18, Bishal Regmi ’18, Shauharda Khadka ’15, Rajesh Adhikari, associate director of international students’ and scholars’ services, William Dator, vice chair of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees, Sujil Maharjan ’17 and Shazia K.C. ’16 (Bottom Row, L-R): Safal Shrestha ’17, Rajat Sainju ’18, Princep Shah ’17, Binaya Panta ’16 and Vivek Pandey ’17

help his people at home. “Now I’m here and I can’t do anything to help them,” said Sainju, an engineering physics major. “But my prayer is that whatever is donated, whatever is raised will go to the people in Nepal. I will make sure it does.” Princep Shah ’17 thanked the Ramapo community for their prayers and support efforts. “Words cannot express how grateful we are for your friendship and support for the people of Nepal,” said Shah. Fundraising events included an outdoor concert at the Bandshell on May 1, sponsored by the College Programming Board and the Student Government Association. In addition, the SGA, Counseling and Health Services, the Office of the Provost, the Roukema Center for International Education and other departments coordinated a “Stay Strong Nepal” campaign, established support groups and arranged for summer housing provisions, among other efforts. To learn more about Ramapo College’s support efforts, visit www.ramapo.edu/ccec/nepal-earthquake-relief/

(L-R): Princep Shah ’17, Pragun Tuladhar ’18, Nischal Khatri ’18, President Peter P. Mercer and Rajat Sainju ’18

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

To date, more than $13,800 has been raised.

STAFF RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS

Stephanie Jones

Alexandra Simone

Venus Hewing

The President’s Staff Recognition Program consists of three award categories. The Staff Excellence in Service Award is presented to individuals who provided exemplary service by fostering cooperation, collaboration and open communication among college constituents. The Staff Leadership Award is presented to Ramapo College staff members who assumed a leadership role and successfully effected positive change. The Team Project Award is a new category and is awarded to a group of staff members who achieved a significant outcome or completed a significant project. “It brings many of us tremendous satisfaction and joy when we are recognized for doing excellent work, for going above and beyond the call of duty, for exceeding expectations, or for motivating a colleague,” said President Peter P. Mercer. “Ramapo College is fortunate to be home to many talented and compassionate personnel whose extra efforts and exemplary service make the College a great place to work and study.” The 2015 recipients of the Staff Excellence in Service Award are Stephanie Jones and Alexandra Simone. • Jones, technical library assistant in the George T. Potter Library, was lauded for her supervision and mentorship of student aides. • Simone, social media strategist & content manager in Marketing and Web Administration, was recognized for her expertise and substantial guidance she provided regarding the

Karen Norton

Patricia Williams

College’s alumni social media outlets. The 2015 recipients of the Staff Leadership Award are Venus Hewing, Karen Norton and Patricia Williams. • Hewing, psychological counselor, was recognized for displaying excellent leadership in chairing the Third-Year Student Engagement Committee in its inaugural year. • Norton, assistant to the dean in the Anisfield School of Business, was recognized for her leadership in the College’s Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business reaccreditation. • Williams, team implementation specialist in the Instructional Design Center, was commended for developing instructional videos to help faculty members understand how to make their course materials accessible to all students. The Team Project Award was presented to the College’s Connect Implementation Team. • The Team included faculty and staff from the College’s divisions of Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs and Administration and Finance. One of Ramapo’s student success initiatives, Connect is aimed at providing a system of early alerts regarding student academic progress to academic and faculty advisors as well as coaches and mentors. The team members include Joseph Connell, Tracey Pastorini, Bill Johnston, Sandi Cohen, Jackie Skrzynski, Yvette Kisor, Rob Mentore, Aaron Lorenz, Jeremy Tiegen and Tim Haase.

MICHAEL MCCARTHY TO CHAIR RAMAPO BUSINESS PARTNERS PROGRAM Ramapo College Foundation is happy to announce that Mr. Michael McCarthy, Senior Director, Controller for Stryker Orthopaedics, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, has been named to the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors and will serve as the new Chair of the Ramapo Business Partners Program. Mr. McCarthy has held a number of leadership positions within Stryker Orthopaedics 2005. He is an accounting and finance leader with experience managing and mentoring accounting and finance professionals. With Big 4 experience, Mr.

McCarthy has comprehensive knowledge related to compliance and transparency and mergers and acquisitions. His work has received special recognition which included being one of 25 participants company-wide to be selected for the inaugural Stryker Accelerated Leadership Development Program. Prior to joining Stryker, Mr. McCarthy gained experience across diverse business sectors by managing international logistics for P&O Nedlloyd Container Line as well as his work in the audit department of KPMG. www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS

SYMPOSIUM ON MEDICARE AND MEDICAID Ramapo College hosted a symposium, Medicare and Medicaid: Reform or Abolish to Provide Better Health Care Outcomes, in April. The keynote speaker was Laurence J. Kotlikoff, president of Economic Security Planning, Inc., a company specializing in financial planning software and William Fairfield Warren Professor at Boston University. Professor Murray Sabrin of Ramapo College served as moderator for the event which included panelists David Knowlton, president and CEO, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute; Dr. Gail Reilly, medical director of the Parker Family Health Center, a nonprofit free clinic that provides medical care for uninsured patients; Dr. Lois Copeland, a private practitioner in Hillsdale, N.J., and past president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons; and Dr. Alieta Eck, private practitioner and co-founder of Zarephath Health Center, in Franklin, N.J.

(L-R) Nicole Ramires â&#x20AC;&#x2122;14, Havemeyer Edible Garden Founder Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer and Mike Voight

HAVEMEYER EDIBLE GARDEN AT RAMAPO COLLEGE OPENS The Havemeyer Edible Garden at Ramapo College opened for the 2015 season with a day of yoga, nutrition and gardening. The event on April 26 attracted a variety of visitors who took part in several activities, including an outdoor yoga session led by Kula for Karma and members of the Ramapo College yoga community. Visitors also heard a talk on mindful eating presented by Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer. Participants later helped in the cleanup and planting of the garden.

The garden was established by Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer and his wife, Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, in 2006. The garden was established in response to a call for public institutions of higher education in New Jersey to initiate educational programs to prevent childhood and adolescent obesity. The garden is the foundation for a curriculum that provides Ramapo students experience in sustainable eating and nutrition.

JOB FAIRS HOSTED AT RAMAPO COLLEGE

Cynthia Templeton of Push to Walk talks with a student at the Contemporary Arts job fair hosted by the Cahill Center. Twenty organizations and more than 150 students attended the fair.

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

Denis Ng provides information about the Peace Corps to a student attending the Humanities and Social Services job fair.

RAMAPO COLLEGE, HUMC HOST INAUGURAL CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

(L-R): John Campion, Suzanne Campion, Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer

(L-R): Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer, Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, Suzi Turner, Ellie Turner, Maggie Turner, Christopher Turner, vice president, Prestige Management Services

Ramapo College, in conjunction with Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) Foundation and sponsored by Prestige Family of Dealerships, held the inaugural Concours d’Elegance automobile show on June 6. Proceeds from the event benefited the Ramapo College Foundation and Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. Ninety vintage, classic and collectible cars were featured in the exclusive gathering that drew more than a thousand spectators to the campus. Owners displayed their cars for competition in 10 categories. “I want to thank Prestige for its sponsorship and all the hard work in putting together this event,” said Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer. “And I want to thank Hackensack University Medical Center for joining us and recognize them for the superior world-class healthcare they provide.” Cars ranged from classic Ford Thunderbirds, Jaguars and Porsches to Messerschmitt microcars, pre-1964 British and Italian sports cars. John Campion of Wyckoff, who with his wife Suzanne,

brought their Dino Ferrari, said he wasn’t daunted with the rain that threatened a postponement earlier in the day. “Cars are meant to be driven, so I wasn’t concerned with the weather,” said Campion, whose car took top honors in the Italian Class. “It turned out to be a beautiful day and this is a great show.” John Fitzgerald, executive vice president and chief development officer for HUMC, said, “There’s nothing better than to look at these gorgeous cars in the beautiful foothills here in Mahwah. We’re very grateful to be here for this wonderful event.” Peter Bush, host of the “Afternoon Show” on the heritage classic rocker 95.9 The Fox, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Dave DeLuca was chief judge for the event. Event sponsors included: Presenting Sponsor -- The Shops at Riverside; Gold Sponsors -Reliable Carriers, Inc., Motorcar Manor, Vanguard Dealer Services, Konica Minolta; Silver Sponsors -- Sagemark Consulting, Infante Associates

THEORETICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCE STUDENT RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

2015 PI SIGMA INDUCTION

Student Brian Wlodawski ‘15 discusses his research project with Carolyn Merkel ‘78.

(L-R): Ian Godfrey ’18, Carol Villavicencio ‘18, Rachel Wood ’15, Assemblyman Tim Eustace ’78, David Ermann, Amanda Fiorilla ’15, Adam Schwartz ‘16

The 14th Annual TAS Student Research Symposium highlighted faculty and student collaborative work in the theoretical and applied sciences. Keynote speaker Sherri Ann Mason, Ph.D., of SUNY Fredonia, discussed the environmental concerns of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. The day-long symposium was held in the Trustees Pavilion.

The 2015 Pi Sigma induction, honor society for political science, took place in March. Assemblyman Tim Eustace spoke at the event. www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS SUCCESSFUL WOMEN SERIES

Guests of the Successful Women Series were invited to the first annual book club discussion. Attendees received a copy of The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle before the event and participated in a discussion moderated by Carol Bowman, assistant professor of education (elementary education). (L-R): Kim Palmeri, Sharon Pierson and special guest Catherine Krame

INTERNATIONAL MASK SPECIALIST HOLDS WORKSHOP

JUDSON BREWER ADDRESSES ‘MINDFULNESS’ Judson Brewer, the director of research at the Center for Mindfulness UMass Medical School, was the key speaker for two presentations at Ramapo College in March. The event was sponsored by the Krame Center for Contemplative Studies and Mindful Living at Ramapo College. Dr. Brewer discussed “The Neurology of Addiction” and “How Mindfulness Can Help Us Change Habits and Live Happier, Healthier Lives.” “Mindfulness helps us see how we’re reacting to the world. When we see that, we can become better learners,” said Dr. Brewer. “A center like this at a college is critical. It helps students learn who they are experientially.”

Renowned international mask specialist Alaric Chagnard conducted a mask-making workshop with students in the spring. Chagnard’s arrival was in conjunction with the preparation for April performances of Voltaire’s Candide, which was co-directed by Rafael Bianciotto, Ramapo College’s Fulbright Scholar-in-Residence, and Terra Vandergaw, associate professor of theater. Candide was performed in original masks designed by the students in the workshop. Chagnard has crafted sculptured masks for theater, circus and dance performances on the international stage. He specializes in the European style mask and clown work which has its roots in commedia della arte. He has worked with Bianciotto’s Paris-based Zéfiro Théâter Company. Chagnard’s visit was supported by a grant of Ramapo College’s Schomburg Visiting Scholars Program. Working in the School of Contemporary Arts, Bianciotto also performed his original work, “Clown Tango,” and consulted with faculty on strengthening the physical theater and mask work. In addition, Biancotto’s theater company performed its newest work entitled, “Preuve D’Amour/Prueba de Amor/Proof of Love,” on campus in February.

He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and has spoken on mindfulness at national and international conferences. His work has been highlighted in Time magazine. He has been featured on Tedx Talk and “60 Minutes” with Anderson Cooper. The mission of the Krame Center for Contemplative Studies and Mindful Living is to support faculty, staff and students while also serving the greater community as a distinctive center for learning and research in contemplative and mindfulness practices.

Visit www.ramapo.edu/news/campus-videos/ to view an interview with Brewer. International mask specialist Alaric Chagnard held a mask-making workshop with students in preparation of the spring production of Candide. (L-R): Chagnard (in mask), Michael Terebush ’15, Rafael Bianciotto, Ramapo College Scholar-in-Residence, and Megan Garrett ’16

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

INTERDISCIPLINARY INITIATIVE TO ASSIST HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS Ramapo College nursing students received first-hand training in how to deal with the special needs of Holocaust survivors who may exhibit symptoms of late-onset Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). The initiative was an effort among Ramapo College’s Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, the College’s Nursing Department and Jewish Family Service of North Jersey. The 10 students participating in the program worked with experienced social workers to recognize, understand and interact with PTSD sufferers in a caring and effective manner. Senior nursing students prepared meals for Meals With a Mission. (L-R): Danielle Caliolio, Gabrielle Caltabiano, Brandon Bulman, Elizabeth Biroc, Marina Palladino and Nicole Evangelista

“Participating in this project hopefully provided students with skills that may be transferable to other situations and groups as they continue their careers in the nursing field,” said Dr. Kathleen M. Burke, assistant dean of nursing at Ramapo. Late-onset PTSD is an affliction that may be experienced by the survivors of genocides, wars, civil turmoil and sexual abuse, among other forms of human distress. The initiative’s was to expose students to a population with very diverse experiences and to prepare the students for situations they may encounter professionally.

Senior nursing students worked with late-onset PTSD genocide survivors. Back row (L-R): Jacqueline Franklin, Jillian Firth, Justin Barredo, Katie Balsamo, Mollie Dlugasch Front row (L-R): Dona Cyril, Judith Dauer, Karen Comiso, Cathleen Carbillas, Marissa Gentile

Ramapo nursing students participated in several other community-based programs this spring, said Dr. Burke, including creating specialized recipes and preparing meals for Meals with a Mission in Garfield and performing various duties at area hospitals and medical centers.

TEN HONORED AT 19TH RUSS BERRIE AWARD FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE CEREMONY The 19th Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference ceremony was held on May 1 at the Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts at Ramapo College. This year, 10 individuals from throughout New Jersey were honored and received monetary awards for their outstanding contributions to the community. The Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference is a program of public recognition of uncommon acts on behalf of the common good. Dominique Lee of Newark, N.J., received the $50,000 award for his innovative program that transformed several of Newark’s South Ward elementary schools and offered support services to hundreds of school children and their families. Linda Gillick of Toms River, N.J., accepted the $35,000 award for her tireless efforts that led to environmental cleanup of toxic sites in New Jersey. Anthony Bevivino of Villas, N.J., received the $25,000 award for collecting and distributing linens and clothing which benefited more than 25 organizations and countless individuals in need in Cape May County.

Runner-up awards of $5,000 were presented to seven individuals for their acts of unusual heroism and community service. They were: Brian Meersma of Princeton Junction, Eileen Griffith of Chester, Paige Alenick of Woodcliff Lake, Tom Cash of Short Hills, Evangelia “Poppy” Davis of Cherry Hill, Dora Arias of Summit and Anne Ciavaglia McMahon of Hasbrouck Heights. www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK TRIPS PROVIDE REWARDING EXPERIENCES

Front Row (L-R): Panel memebers Peter Cammarano, Lynn Haynes, Roger Cohen and Robert Peden with students who visited the State House for Ramapo College Day.

LEGISLATIVE VISITS In April, more than a dozen student leaders visited Trenton for Ramapo College Day at the State House. Students listened to a panel discussion on the budgeting process featuring Peter Cammarano, former Chief of Staff to Governor Richard Codey and current lobbyist with CLB Partners; Lynn Haynes, former Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel for Senate President Steve Sweeney and current lobbyist with Advocacy & Management Group; New Jersey Assistant Treasurer for Tax Policy and Revenue Analysis Dr. Roger Cohen and Robert Peden, Deputy Director of the New Jersey Office of Management and Budget. Students also sat in on an Assembly Health and Human Service Budget Committee meeting and met with staff from the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities regarding higher education funding. Assemblyman Robert Auth also brought students onto the floor of the Assembly Chambers. Earlier in the semester, the Student Government Association sponsored a variety of events for Higher Education Awareness Week. Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer and New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities Executive Director Michael Klein participated in a roundtable discussion on the state budget. Student organizations also 20

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

Senator Kevin O’Toole

sponsored discussions about various proposals at the state and federal level related to funding higher education, improving access and reducing student debt. Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, chair of the New Jersey Assembly Higher Education Committee, spoke to students, faculty and staff about key issues facing higher education and how to become more engaged in the process. Senator Kevin O’Toole spoke to students as part of Asian-Pacific Islander Month and Civic Engagement Week. He discussed several topics, including diversity on campus and in the workplace.

Ramapo College students engaged in a variety of community service projects during Spring Break 2015. Teams of students traveled to several locations, including Keansburg and Highlands, New Jersey; Asheville, North Carolina; Rutland, Massachusetts; Albuquerque and Abiquiu, New Mexico; and Aranjuez, Costa Rica. Students volunteered in projects including building homes for hurricane victims, planting edible gardens and working with school children in rural locations. Ramapo College’s Alternative Spring Break programs focus on addressing a particular social issue such as poverty, education reform or environmental sustainability. Some alternative break trips explore other ways, such as role plays and simulations or think tanks, to work toward the common good. Trips are usually about one week in duration. Along with performing service, the groups also learn about the culture, customs and socio-economic conditions of the places where they are volunteering. Participation in alternative breaks also contributes to self-discovery, self- growth and working as a part of a team with a common goal. Visit www.ramapo.edu/ccec/alternative/ for more information on alternative spring break trips.

Senator Bob Singer met with students and discussed the challenges facing higher education institutions in New Jersey and how students can become involved in public service. Deputy Secretary of Higher Education Gregg Edwards also visited the campus and provided insight into the budgetary process. Visit www.ramapo.edu/news/ campus-videos/ to view interviews with visiting legislators.

From left, Connor Jewett ‘15, Sarah Brodt, graduate assistant, and Derrel Murray ‘16 dig a garden bed in Asheville, North Carolina.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ON TAP Ramapo College’s 2015 TD Bank Summer Concert Series has a lineup that promises to entertain a wide range of music fans. All concerts start at 8 p.m. on the Bandshell Lawn. In case of rain, concerts will be held in the Bradley Center Arena. Concerts are free; Parking is $5 per vehicle. Dates and performers include: THURSDAY, JULY 9 - “RACHEL ALLYN BAND” Fireworks immediately follow, weather permitting.

THURSDAY, JULY 16 – “THE HAPPENINGS” / FEATURING BOB MIRANDA (Fireworks rain date)

The Ramapo College Student Government Association held its 5K Run With Color, which raised $5,500 to benefit the Ramapo College Foundation Annual Fund. The fun event, held on the College’s picturesque campus, attracted more than 170 students and alumni, who were covered with different colored biodegradable cornstarch and FDA-approved dyes at various stations throughout the course.

THURSDAY, JULY 23 – “BOBBY AND THE JETS” THURSDAY, JULY 30 – “TUSK” The Ramapo College Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of additional concert sponsors Liberty Mutual Insurance, Rockland Electric Company and the Friends of Ramapo. For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/summer-concert

RAMAPO COLLEGE RETENTION RATES EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Ramapo College has exceeded expectations in retention of first-year students, according to a report issued by www.eduventures.com The report, which analyzed more than 1,100 institutions in the United States for the 2014-15 school year, compared predicted retention rates based on academics, affordability and social factors with actual retention rates. Ramapo was listed as a “moderate over performer” based on its actual retention rate of 87 percent, exceeding its predicted rate of 83 percent.

“Retention is a key student success metric demonstrating an institution’s ability to deliver on its promise across all areas of the College,” said Christopher Romano, vice president of enrollment management and student affairs. “This has been a main strategic priority for us, and we are pleased to continue to see positive results.” Now in its 45th year, Ramapo College welcomed its largest-ever freshman class last fall. The Class of 2018 includes 980 students.

339

(L-R): Tara Zahorenko ’15, Carol Schaefer ’84, a long-time College benefactor, and Jessica Barrows ’15

FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

IN FISCAL YEAR 2015 STUDENTS, DONORS RECOGNIZED AT ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP DINNER The Ramapo College Foundation held its annual Scholarship Dinner in April in the Bradley Center. The event recognizes several hundred student recipients and the generous donors who provide Ramapo’s students with the opportunities to achieve their educational goals.

[$449K]

This year, 339 students received scholarships that totaled more than $499,000. Students earned scholarships for excellence in and out of the classroom. Students are recognized for excellence in the classroom, involvement on campus and community service.

AWARDED IN FOUNDATION

SCHOLARSHIPS IN FY ‘15 www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS

FOUNDATION HONORS FOUR AT 33RD

Distinguished Citizens Dinner The Ramapo College Foundation honored four individuals for their professional achievement, commitment and community service at its 33nd Annual Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner at the Rockleigh Country Club in Rockleigh, N.J., this spring. Approximately 360 people were in attendance for the gala event, which raised more than $180,000. Proceeds from the annual event benefit student scholarships, faculty and student research opportunities and campus capital projects. Honorees were Vincent Colman, vice chairman and the leader of PwC’s Assurance Practice; Louis M. Bevilacqua, vice president, business finance of Consolidated Edison Company of New York; Vincent Forlenza, chairman, chief executive

(L-R): Walter Colman, Vincent Colman, Jeanmarie Colman, Jack McElligott, Judy McElligott, Christopher Colman, Samantha Deutsch, Kevin Colman, Connor Colman

Vincent Forlenza, chairman, chief executive officer and president of BD

(L-R): Louis M. Bevilacqua, Vincent P. Colman, Chair of the Ramapo College Board of Governors, Francis Hackett ’80, President Peter P. Mercer, Dr. Jackie Ehlert-Mercer, Alison Banks-Moore ‘77, Vincent A. Forlenza and Chair of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees George C. Ruotolo, Jr.

officer and president of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company); and Alison Banks-Moore ’77, chief diversity officer for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Colman, of Mahwah, N.J., has more than 30 years of experience serving large multi-national companies in the areas of accounting, auditing, financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions and risk management. He served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Ramapo College Foundation. He was named to the College Board of Trustees in 2014. Bevilacqua, of River Edge, N.J., joined Con Edison’s Energy Management Department in 1980 and has held a variety of positions. In his current role, he is responsible for general accounting, accounting research and procedures and financial reporting. Bevilacqua is a member of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors and chairs the Audit Committee. Forlenza, of Franklin Lakes, N.J., joined BD in 1980 and has held a number of senior leadership positions in the United States and Europe. He is active in various professional and community associations. 22

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

Banks-Moore ’77, of Parlin, N.J., has more than 30 years of experience in human resources. She earned her bachelor’s in contemporary arts from Ramapo College and is a member of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors. At the event, BD Chairman Forlenza announced a commitment of $150,000, including $25,000 as a dinner sponsor and $125,000 to establish the endowment. The BD Minority Achievement Scholarship Endowment will support eligible students are entering freshmen from underserved communities in New Jersey who have demonstrated potential for success through their high school testing, class standing, GPA or standardized test scores. The program is open to students planning on majoring in a STEM field or nursing. With this latest gift, BD renews its generous support of the program which the company funded at Ramapo for nine years. During that time, 41 minority students, many of whom were the first in their families to attend college, benefitted from the BD scholarship endowment. Additional dinner sponsors included PwC, Stryker, Rockland Utility Company and the Colman Family.

THE ICEMEN COMETH….AGAIN Intercollegiate Ice Hockey Returns to Ramapo College after 31-Year Hiatus After a 31-year hiatus, Ramapo College is bringing back ice hockey. The “Roadrunners Ice Hockey Club Team” will represent the college starting with the 2015-2016 season. Information sessions and try-outs will be held in the fall. This self-sustaining intercollegiate ice hockey club team will be a Division III club program affiliated with the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and USA Hockey and will be regionally affiliated with the Metropolitan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC). The team will compete in a 22-to-24 intercollegiate game schedule from October to February. In addition to the MCHC schedule, non-conference Division III and Division II competition will be scheduled to maximize the number of games per season. The original program ran from 1972-1984 and included two championship seasons. Nine players, two coaches and two teams have been inducted in the Ramapo College Athletic Hall of Fame. Staff members are: • Head Coach Dave Gritschke played goalie from 1976-1980. He has played on several semi-pro teams and with the New York Rangers as practice goalie. • Assistant Coach Russ Tricoli set numerous Roadrunner records, including Most Career and Season Goals and Most Career and Season Hat Tricks. • Assistant Coach Jim “Knobby” Nardello was the team’s second leading scorer during the 1983-84 season as a

Former members of the Ramapo College ice hockey teams gathered for their 37th reunion in April. The Roadrunners alumni team faced off against the Fairleigh Dickinson University alumni squad at Sport-O-Rama Rink in Monsey, N.Y., followed by a reception in the York Room in the Birch Mansion. Ice hockey will return to Ramapo as an intercollegiate club team for the 2015-16 season.

defenseman and was named to the MCHC West Division All-Star Team. • General Manager Art Chill was part of Ramapo’s ice hockey program since its inception. He was its first goaltender; after graduation in 1974 he joined the staff as assistant coach and became head coach in 1975, leading the team to a league title. Anyone interested in participating or donating can find more information at the program’s official website www. ramapoicehockey.com or you can contact General Manager Art Chill at achill@ramapo.edu

SENIOR BASEBALL PLAYERS RECEIVE DEGREES AT SPECIAL COMMENCEMENT Ten members of the Ramapo College baseball team officially received their degrees during a special commencement ceremony held on campus on June 8. The ceremony was held because the baseball players missed the College’s commencement exercises on May 15 since the team was playing in the NCAA Division III College World Series in Wisconsin.

ceremony and included the processional and presentation of candidates, took place in the H-Wing Auditorium and was followed by a reception in Friends Hall.

The event, which began with the traditional senior arching

Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer congratulated the graduates and urged them to “not allow the anxiety of the unknown to encumber you.”

“Along with a wedding, a birth of a child or a World Series game, this moment will stay with you for the rest of your lives,” said William Dator, vice chair, Ramapo College Board of trustees, in his welcome remarks.

“In addition to your athletic and academic accomplishments, you made significant contributions on and off the field,” said President Mercer. “May you continue to push boundaries and may you be blessed in years to come.” Anthony Darakjy ’15, who gave the student message at the May 15 ceremony, offered the graduate message. Head Baseball Coach Rich Martin said he was overwhelmed with the evening’s events.

[L-R]: Kyle Doerr, Scott Peschiani, Dan McEldowney, Rich Policastro, Scott Shields, Brandon Berger, Chris Werr, Mark Doyle, Tom Portesy

“This is an amazing night and I’m so appreciative that the College did this for my guys,” said Martin. “These players are proud to have the Ramapo name on their chests. I couldn’t be happier or more proud of them.” www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES AND MEETING CHALLENGES Senior Kim LaPenta excelled in the classroom and on the softball diamond for Roadrunners Kim LaPenta, a recent graduate and all-star softball player for Ramapo, has struggled her entire life with a laundry list of medical conditions that for some would warrant living in a bubble. But Kim never let her conditions, including a severe allergy to dairy, asthma, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) and supraventricular tachycardia get in her way. It began on a cold winter evening during a family trip to see the Rockefeller Center tree. Kim, then just eight years old, went into anaphylactic shock after unknowingly eating parmesan cheese in fried calamari. Her father rushed to her side and frantically began CPR. Doctors resuscitated Kim three times and eventually induced a coma. Not knowing how long she went without oxygen, doctors told Kim’s mother they did not know the extent of her injuries. After waking 24 hours later, young Kim’s drive for sports was evident. She immediately told doctors she had to play in her basketball game the next day. Kim cannot eat any dairy or come in contact with utensils used to prepare other foods. She struggled through middle school and high school with anxiety and panic attacks when it came time to eat. She would often forego lunch for fear of becoming ill. Her allergies made traveling with teams a challenge. After earning 11 varsity letters at Butler High School, Kim thought about passing up on college sports. She worried about living in a dorm and not being able to prepare her own food. She thought about commuting to school. However, when Ramapo made arrangements for her to live

let her conditions stop her from “ ...never striving to be the best she can.” in an apartment with a kitchen, she knew she had to stay involved with softball, the sport she grew to love. Kim finished her college career as one of the top softball players of all time at Ramapo. She was a three-time All-NJAC recipient who led Ramapo this past season in doubles and sacrifice bunts and was third on the team in runs scored, hits and RBI. Kim excelled in the classroom as well, with a 3.5 GPA and a double major in psychology and law. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology and to pursue a career in law enforcement. “It’s definitely made me a lot stronger,” Kim said. “It is difficult, but there are people who are dealing with things much worse.” Now 21, Kim says she has suffered a handful of severe reactions, including two in college. Kim carries an EpiPen with her wherever she goes. She is still uncomfortable eating out but says she will “never let her conditions stop her from striving to be the best she can” in whatever life has in store for her.

STUDENT ATHLETES EARN HONORS ACROSS SPORTS The Roadrunners made a splash this past year with 133 student-athletes being awarded All-Conference honors from the New Jersey Athletic, Skyline, and GNAC Conferences. A few Roadrunners earned top honors from the conferences for their outstanding efforts with their respective teams. In the Fall, rookie Jeremy Hernandez ’18 was named NJAC Rookie of the Year in men’s cross country, while fellow rookie Larysa Iwaskiw ’18 earned the same honor for her efforts on the volleyball court. After the Winter sports concluded, Thomas Bonacum ’17 was named NJAC Rookie of the Year for men’s basketball and Hernandez again received a top honor as NJAC Most Outstanding Athlete for indoor track and field. In the same sport, Michael Begen ’17 was tabbed as Field Athlete of the Year. 24

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

Lauren Keller ’15 and Julia Housel ’18 were named Swimmer and Rookie Swimmer of the Year, respectively, while rookie Justin Feigeles ’18 was named Rookie of the Year in men’s volleyball by the Skyline Conference. The Spring teams brought in additional top honors from the NJAC and GNAC conferences. Walker Larson ’16 was named NJAC Pitcher of the Year, while Alexis Appezzato ’15 was named NJAC Outstanding Athlete of the Year for track and field. Hernandez was again tabbed as Most Outstanding Athlete, this time for outdoor track and field, while rookie Michael Abelev ’18 was tabbed as GNAC Rookie of the Year for men’s tennis. Congratulations Roadrunners on a fantastic 2014-2015.

NATIONAL SUCCESS THIS SPRING FOR THE ROADRUNNERS The Ramapo College Roadrunners saw much success this spring season as the men’s tennis, softball, baseball and track and field teams made appearances at the national level. The baseball team received an at-large bid into the NCAA Championships. After winning the New England Region, the team headed to the World Series for the first time since 1984. Ramapo finished the season at 33-16 overall. It was the 11th time the program went to nationals and the fourth time under the direction of Head Coach Rich Martin. Walker Larson ‘16 and Christopher Werr ‘15, along with Joe Venturino ‘16, were named to the 2015 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team. Larson was named ABCA Mid-Atlantic Pitcher of the Year and a First team honoree. He also earned D3baseball.com All-America Third Team and D3baseball.com Mid-Atlantic First Team honors. Larson wrapped up his collegiate career being named to the ABCA All-American Third Team. Venturino was named ABCA First Team All-American, ABCA First Team All-Region and D3baseball.com First Team All-America. Werr was named to the ABCA Mid-Atlantic Third Team and D3baseball.com Mid-Atlantic Second Team. Men’s tennis won the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championship for the third straight year and earned the conference’s first ever automatic bid to the NCAA Championships where they wrapped up the season at 15-3 overall. Head Coach Raza Baig was named GNAC Coach of the Year while Mike Abelev ’18 was named GNAC Rookie of the Year. Abelev and Willen Feygin ’18 earned GNAC First Team All-Conference for doubles play and Jacob Khodakov ’15 earned GNAC First Team singles for his play this season. After winning the College’s first New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship in softball, Head Coach Bridgette Quimpo led her team to the NCAA Championships where they wrapped up the year at 28-14-1. It was the program’s sixth appearance at the national competition, its first since 2008. Melissa Moreno ’16 was named NFCA First Team All-Region for her success on the field while fellow Roadrunners Katrina Buczkowski ’18 and Jaclyn Lima ’15 were named to the NFCA Second and Third teams, respectively. Alexis Appezzato ’15 and Cristina Cristea ’15 made appearances at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships. After being named NJAC Most

The baseball team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships after winning the New England Region.

The softball team won Ramapo’s first New Jersey Athletic Conference championship and earned a spot in the NCAA championships.

Outstanding Athlete, NJAC First Team All-Conference, winning the NJAC Championship and earning the Ramapo College Career Award, Appezzato placed 15th overall in the javelin at the highest level of competition. Cristea finished the heptathlon 17th overall and was the NJAC Champion, earning First Team All-Conference honors in the event. Rookie Jeremy Hernandez ’18 was a two-time NJAC Most Outstanding Athlete this year. He won the NJAC Championship in the 800-meter run and earned All-American honors as he placed third in the event at nationals. He made his second appearance at the national competition in his short collegiate career. Visit www.ramapoathletics.com for season recaps and more coverage.

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CLASS NOTES

WHERE WE ARE

what we are up to 1974

in the corporate world and earned two master degrees and a Ph.D. With the exhibit, Dr. Sommerfield realized her dream of pursuing her passion for painting. She is a member of the New York Society of Women Artists and the National Associaton of Women Artists.

GERI LANDAU SQUIRE

(International Business) has joined the law firm of Cohn Lifland Pearlman Hermann & Knopf LLP as a partner, where she practices family law. She had managed a solo practice for 10 years. Geri earned her law degree from Seton Hall University. Geri’s appoinment appeared recently in the New Jersey Law Journal’s “New Partners Yearbook.”

PAULA WALSH (Psychology) is program director of Heightened Independence and Progress (HIP).

HANNS MEISSNER (Literature)

published, “Creating Blue Space, Fostering Innovative Supports for Persons with Developmental Disabilities” in 2013.

JAY A. ZIMMER (Sociology) has

been named chief executive officer of the Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living in Danville, Calif. Jay has had a long and successful career as an executive and senior manager in the healthcare sector.

1975 JANET ARIEMMA (Instrumentation Science) was elected to Mahwah Township Council.

LAUREN CARSON (Sociology) is a new representative to the State of Rhode Island General Assembly. She is employed by the advocacy group, Rhode Island Clean Water Action.

1977 ED CHAPEL (Sociology) has been named senior vice president at NJEDge.net, a non-profit technology consortium of academic and research institutions in New Jersey which supports and facilitates innovative and productive use of technology.

1981 Assemblyman Tim Eustace

1978 NEW JERSEY ASSEMBLYMAN TIM EUSTACE (Psychology)

(D-Bergen/Passaic) was honored by Rotary International in April with the “Service Above Self” award for his longstanding commitment to community service. Dr. Eustace has been a member of the organization for 29 years. In Maywood,where he resides, he has supported many projects benefitting youth and senior citizens. He and his partner, KEVIN WILLIAMS ‘74 (Psychology), have contributed to the organization’s international efforts in Kenya by building classrooms, digging a deep water well and providing food and health care at a primary school. They also provide scholarship support to graduates of the school.

CAROL SOMMERFIELD (Fine

Arts) exhibited her artwork at the Bronxwille Women’s Club in March. Called “Landscapes: Light, Color, Reflection,” the show featured 40 of her landscape paintings and pastels. After graduating from RCNJ, Dr. Sommerfield pursued a successful career as an executive

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

RANDI BLUMBERG (Psychology) is a board member of Glen Rock’s Board of Education and is running uncontested for re-election.

JUNE LANGILL SHAW (Human Ecology) and her husband, John Shaw, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in December 2014. They had a quiet family celebration at their home. Both are World War II veterans.

1985 CURT BENEDETTO (Business Administration) has been named the manager of Weichert Realtors’ Ramsey office. Previously, he was a sales associate for Coldwell Banker in Ramsey.

SIMON BLOM (Industrial

Relations) was elected president of the board of directors for the Verde Valley Senior Center in northern Arizona.

JORGE COMAS

(Communication Arts) was inducted into the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame at the 79th Annual Hot Stove League Baseball Dinner on February 8.

JOE MONACO (Finance) is

an information technology applications development manager in payroll systems at UPS. Joe chairs the Anisfield School of Business alumni advisory board. He participates annually in the ASB alumni roundtable. Joe is also a parent; daughter, Lindsay, is a sophomore; she has not yet declared a major. Joe lives in Waldwick, N.J. and attended the UPS Alumni Breakfast in April.

1991 MATT CARCICH (Literature) has

been named chief executive officer and president at Freedom Bank. The bank, established in 2008, is headquartered in Maywood, N.J. and has an office in Guttenberg, N.J.

1992 MATTHEW DAVIS (Communication Arts) is running for freeholder for Morris County. Davis is a senior communications consultant with Verizon.

ELIZABETH HARZ (American/

International Studies) was named president of media at Adara, Inc. in June 2014. She leads media sales and operations globally and heads the company’s corporate and trade marketing efforts in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Adara is a global travel data and anaytics platform headquartered in Mountain View, Calif.

DEBRA MCGAULEY-EICHHORN (Economics) is seeking reelection for Montvale’s board of education.

IN MEMORIAM BARBARA M. SOLESKY ’73

MANUEL A. ALVAREZ ’85

BRUCE ADAMS ’75

DAVID O. ESPITIA ’85

LOIS M. THUOR ’76

CHRISTOPHER G. MORRIS ’85

DENNIS L. O'CONNOR ’77

MARGARET L. CAPUANO ’87

MAUREEN SIMES ’77

EDWARD B. CODY ’90

POMPEO FAVA ’78

PATRICIA M. SISCO ’90

WALTER PADLEY ’78

EILEEN BIBAS ’93

JOHN A PUGLISE ’79

ANN MARIE MARRA ROBERTSON ’95

CATHERINE R. GROSS ’82

SUSAN VERHOVEN ’95

ELEANOR E. HALLSTROM ’82

KATHERINE E. GOLZ ’96

GREGORY C. PIERCE ’82

JOHNNY OCAMPO ’96

ROBERT K. ROMO ’82

BARBARA CONRAD ’99

JUDITH O. ODO ’83

FREDERICK HETTINGER ’01

ROBERTA LEIBOW ’84

DANIEL J. LAVAGNA ’07

URI G. LICHTMAN ’84

BRADLEY JOSEPH MC NAMARA ’13

BRAD MC NAMARA REMEMBERED Ramapo College mourned the loss of Brad McNamara, who passed away in March. McNamara, of Pompton Lakes, N.J., graduated from Ramapo College in May of 2013 with a degree in business administration and finance and a minor in international business. He was a member of Global Roadrunners and held a 3.3 grade point average. He also was a four-year member of the men’s track and field team, excelling in pole vaulting. In 2012 he earned a 3rd place ribbon at the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships, clearing 4.35 meters to earn Honorable Mention recognition. Head coach Mike Jackson remembers McNamara "as one of the kindest guys on the team who always made everyone smile and laugh. He will be greatly missed by everyone here at Ramapo." He is survived by his mother Cindy and father Gene, and brothers Jon and Erick. McNamara was 23.

1994

2OOO

KEITH DAWKINS

CHRIS CHUDYK (Accounting) was named to 2014 NJ Biz magazine’s “Top

(Communication Arts) was recently elected president of the newly formed Ridgewood High School Alumni Association.

Forty Under 40” list.

ANTHONY CRESPO

1997 ROBERT SKEAD (Finance) published a young adult novel, “Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies,” on February 3.

1999

(International Business) has been appointed principal of East Aurora High School in Aurora, Ill., effective July 1. He had been assistant principal at Proviso West High School in Hillside, Ill.

JESSICA UMSTOT (Literature) is running for Hasbrouck Heights town council.

named principal of East Brook Elementary School in Park Ridge, N.J. for the 2015-16 school year. Kevin is currently assistant principal in the Oradell Public School District.

2OO3

BRIAN T. WILSON

ZOE BALDWIN (Political

Science) has been named state project director for U.S. Senator Cory Booker. Most recently, she served as the senior transportation specialist for the late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg. Previously, she was the New Jersey advocate for the tristate transportation campaign and legislative director for N.J. State Senator Loretta Weinberg.

(Contemporary Arts) is major and planned gifts officer at Youth & Shelter Services Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving youth and families in central Iowa.

2OO4 ELYSS FRENKEL (Educational

Technology) is running for Fair Lawn’s Board of Education.

UCHE OFODILE (Political

RUTH KERMISH-HALL (Environmental Science) has been named executive director of the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance.

the orphaned children of Flying Kites Global in Kenya. Peji’s trek included an exclusive vegan diet and the use of vegan gear.

2OO1 WILBERT PEJI (Psychology)

trekked the Everest Base Camp in Nepal last May and raised $5,000 towards a scholarship for

Science) is the new general manager of Tigo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

KEVIN STOKES (Contemporary Arts), ’13 (MSET) has been

2OO5 KRISTEN CAMMARANO

(Mathematics) was named West Essex High School’s Governor’s Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. www.ramapo.edu

COLLEGE NEWS Kristen has taught mathematics at West Essex for eight years and is an advisor of the Math League and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions).

LORI LALAMA (MSET)

TITHVEASNA “JOHN” CHUM

DANIELLE MACDONALD (Theater) and her sister, NICOLE MACDONALD (Theater), directed

(Business Administration) was promoted to assistant surface transportation controller for the New York State Department of Transportation.

TIMOTHY FORD (Law and

Society) was promoted to sergeant in Union Township, N.J. Timothy is certified as a drug recognition expert and has won several departmental awards for bravery as well as the N.J. Division of Highway Traffic Safety’s “Top Gun” award.

LAUREN HENDERSON (Business Administration) was promoted to chief financial officer of CastleBranch Corporation in Wilmington N.C., one of the nation’s largest background screening and compliance management companies.

GRANT KENNEDY (Economics) was appointed sales director of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s North America, East Division.

2OO6 DAMIEN CONNERS (Political

Science) was appointed executive director of Excel Bridgeport, an organization working to ensure a world class education for all Bridgeport children. Damien previously served as the national executive director and chief operating officer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Inc. (SCLC).

2OO8 ASHLEY L. CORNETT (Biochemistry) earned her doctorate in molecular biology from Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in May 2014. Dr. Cornett is now technical application scientist for BioLegend, a biotechnology company based in San Diego.

was named Clifton’s 2015 Teacher of the Year. Lori teaches at Christopher Columbus Middle School.

the Old Brick Reformed Church’s production of “Godspell.”

NICOLE SMITH (History) selfpublished her first children’s book, “Could My Teacher Be a Superhero?” which is now available on Amazon.

MICHAEL TOMCZYK

(Communication Arts) visited Sacred Heart School to speak to students about bullying. Michael works as a producer at NBC.

2OO9 SARANNE WEIMER (Law and

Society) has joined the law firm of Jackson Lewis PC as an associate. She focuses her practice on the representation of management in employment litigation matters. Saranne received her J.D. from Seton Hall Univeristy where she served as a senior associate editor of the Seton Hall Law Review.

KIMBERLY STANTON (Nursing)

was promoted to lieutenant in the U.S. Navy on June 1, 2014 while serving in Afghanistan. Kimberly has since returned and is a nurse at the USN Hospital in Sigonella, Italy. This winter, she will be stationed in San Diego.

2O11 ANDREW BROWN

(Communication Arts) has been named head coach of the Union College women’s volleyball program. He had been head coach of women’s volleyball at Saint Peter’s University. Andrew served as assistant coach for men’s volleyball at Ramapo College for three seasons.

2O14

VINCENT GAGLIANO

JANELLE FERRARO

(Psychology and Social Science) has been appointed managing partner of Lucas Group, an executive recruiting firm, in its accounting and finance practice group. He will be joining the Tampa, Fla., office.

MELISSA SINCLAIR (History)

participated in the New York City Marathon on November 2, 2014 and completed the race in four hours, 19 minutes and 55 seconds. Melissa is a first grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School in Ridgefield Park, N.J.

(Communications Arts) accepted a position in the Publications Department at Ramapo College as a graphic designer in January. Janelle, who began in the Publications Department as a student aide, is responsible for a variety of college-wide publications and is the lead designer on the Ramapo Magazine. In her position, she has been recognized with multiple design awards.

CHELSEA VOLYN (Business

Administration) has been appointed prevention educator of Prevention Connections, a program at the Family Guidance Center of Warren Country.

2O1O CHRISTINE HARRIS (Social

Science) recently launched the event planning company, Grace Event With Style. Grace Event With Style specializes in all events big or small. Harris would also like to give special thanks to BEE JACKSON ’10 for introducing her to Ramapo College.

GRETCHEN KASER (Literature) has been named director of the Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J. Gretchen, who holds an MLIS degree from the University of Pittsburgh, previously spent six years at the Lee Memorial Library in Allendale, N.J., where she served as director.

ARMY RESERVE SPEC. ASHLEY LARA (International Business) graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Ramapo College Magazine Summer 2015

CRISTHIAN VERA (Economics) is pursuing a master of arts in economics at Rutgers, N.J. with a concentration in cconomic development.

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BIRTHS 1994

Parish in Dover, N.J. James is a supervising environmental health specialist with the County of Morris. The couple lives in Mine Hill, N.J.

JOELY POLOKOFF (Business

Administration) and partner, John Zarra, gave birth to a girl, Zialyse Kendred Zarra on July 29, 2014.

2OO5 KRISTINA FESSEL-LYNCH (Business Administration) and her husband, David, welcomed a son, Grayson David, on November 2, 2014 at St. Peter’s University Hospital.

MARRIAGES & ENGAGEMENTS 2OO1

2OO3

JENNA ROMATOWSKI (Business Administration) married Daniel Brandon Turley on October 4, 2014 in Annapolis, Md. Jenna is pursuing a masters degree in supply chain management at Towson University in Maryland and is a logistics manager for the United States Government.

DARRYL AUSTIN (Political

Science) married Francesca Perkins on November 15, 2014 in New Orleans. Austin is a lawyer and counsel at the Newark law firm, Eric S. Pennington P.C.

2OO7 KATHARINE COMPTON (Visual Arts) and DANIEL LEECHAN (Political Science)

are engaged. Katharine works for Bank of America as a UX prototype developer, and Daniel works for the Social Security Administration as an automation efficiency expert. An August wedding is planned.

JAMES DEACON (Environmental Studies) married Michelle Karner on August 30, 2014 at St. Mary’s

KARA EBENHACK (Communication Arts) is engaged to Brian Johnson. Kara is employed by the Dumont Board of Education. A Summer 2015 wedding is planned.

2O11 NOELLE NOCERA (International

2OO8

Business) is engaged to

FRANKLIN PACHAY, JR. (Biology) and JONELYN R. PLANILLO ’09 (Accounting)

were married on April 13, 2014. The couple met their freshman year at Ramapo College and have been together ever since. They reside in Springfield, N.J.

2O1O EMMY BLACK (Music) married

Nicolas Luna on October 26, 2014 at the Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City. Emmy is manager of client relations for the Orchard, a music and video company based in New York.

MITCHELL GORBUNOFF (Political Science).

SEAN STRATHY (Literature)

and Jennifer Queliz were married on April 12 in Nanuet, N.Y. Sean works for the educational pubilshing division of Pearson. Jennifer is a senior public affairs officer with the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York.

2O12 COLLEEN STEEL (Psychology)

and Lt. Weston Boose held their wedding reception on May 25, 2014 following Weston’s return from Afghanistan.

STUDENT VETERAN HONORED May 15 was an extra special day for Richard Sensbach ’15. In an afternoon ceremony at the Bergen County Administration Building in Hackensack, Sensbach was among 11 military veterans honored during the annual Military Appreciation Month Ceremony. Later that evening, he received his degree during Ramapo College’s 2015 Commencement ceremony at Prudential Center in Newark.

Richard Sensbach ’15, left, received a medal of recognition from the Honorable John S. Hogan, Bergen County Clerk, during the Military Appreciation Month ceremony in Hackensack.

“This is really overwhelming, all of it,” said Sensbach, a political science major with a minor in international business. “I’m so proud to be here, and

I’m excited about [the commencement] ceremony. It’s been a lot of work but definitely worth it.” Sensbach joined the United States Air Force upon graduation from Kinnelon High School in 2006. He was a member of security forces and was stationed domestically in North Dakota and Colorado before deploying to South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. He enrolled in Ramapo College in 2011. He is currently employed with Matrix Design Group Inc., in East Hanover, N.J., and is working in project management with fiber optics networking.

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

ual n n A h t 8 2 ng Golf Outi

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awards dinner

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please join us for the

28th Ann ual Foundatio n Golf O

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at the north jersey countr y club, wayne, n.j.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

20, 2015 monday, july ub ey country cl the north jers j. wayne, n.

registration begins at 10 a. contest, open m. (prestige bm dr w skills start, recept iving range) followed by a noon shotgu ion at 5 p.m. an n d awards dinn er at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by the marino fa mily and cent ury 21 constr uction please respon d by monday, ju visit www.rama ly 6. po call liz kloak .edu/golf-outing/ at 201.684.7612 or email liz at lkloak@rama po.edu in case of rain , please phon e 20 1.684. 9 a.m. the morn ing of the golf 7611 after outing.