RAMAPO
FALL 2016
COLLEGE MAGAZINE
THE PATERSON CONNECTION
FROM THE OFFICE OF
THE PRESIDENT Poet Allen Ginsberg wrote, “The only thing that can save the world is the reclaiming of the awareness of the world.” He added that poetry has that capacity. I would add that so too does a liberal education. Ginsberg grew up in and around Paterson, New Jersey occasionally weaving elements of the city into his work. Those elements, at times harsh, surreal and even unforgiving, are some of the same elements that have drawn Ramapo College to become a presence in Paterson. In the pages that follow you will read about the many academic and service engagements our
“...a liberal education empowers and prepares students to deal with complexity, diversity and change.”
students, faculty, and staff have stewarded in the city. We have been fortunate to establish mutually beneficial partnerships there that have positively affected city residents and have fostered within our students a heightened awareness of self and the world. To borrow from the American Association of Colleges and Universities, a liberal education “empowers and prepares students to deal with complexity, diversity and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture and society) as well as in-depth study in a specific area of interest.” Ramapo College’s engagement in the city of Paterson is just one of the many compelling and rewarding ways in which we deliver on our mission as the state of New Jersey’s designated “Public Liberal Arts College” and our commitment to preparing students to be successful leaders for a changing world. Thank you for your continued support of the liberal arts and for your advocacy of a Ramapo College education.
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 Provost Kirsten DaSilva Vice President for Administration and Finance Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement Christopher Romano 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
(L-R): James Tedesco, Bergen County Executive, Tricia Baker, Co-Founder, Start the Conversation!, Former Governor and State
Ralph Mastrangelo Chair
Codey’s visit to Ramapo declaring the College “Stigma Free.”
Carolyn Merkel ’78 Alumni Association Board, Chair Ellen O’Rourke Friends of Ramapo, President
Senator Richard Codey, Board of Trustees Chair, George C. Ruotolo, Jr., and Board of Trustees member A.J. Sabath ’93 at Governor
FEATURES
p. 2
The Paterson Connection
RAMAPO MAGAZINE STAFF Cathleen Davey Editor-in-Chief
DEPARTMENTS
Mary Cicitta ’07, ’16 Production Editor
p. 8
College News
Angela Daidone Copy Editor
p. 14
Alumni Profile: Brad Finkel ’92
Janelle Ferraro ’14 Graphic Designer
p. 16
Faculty Profile: Carter Jones Meyer
p. 18
Foundation News
p. 24
Class Notes
p. 27
Athletics
p. 28
Upcoming Events
Carolyn Herring Photo Editor Contributing Writers Angela Daidone Rachel Pinton ’01 Contributing Photographers José Hernández ’98 Alexandra Simone 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: Lori Walker at 201.684.7115 Student Relations contact: Melissa Van Der Wall at 201.684.7456
Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Communications and Public Relations: Melissa Horvath-Plyman AVP Marketing and Web Administration
CORRECTION TO UPWARD BOUND CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS IN THE SUMMER 2016 RAMAPO MAGAZINE We inadvertently omitted Carol Frishberg’s important role in founding the Upward Bound Program. Since its founding at Ramapo nearly two decades ago—chemistry professor Carol Frishberg was the program’s original director, a position she held for 15 years. We regret the omission and humbly offer our apologies.
in this issue
Front cover: Joe Sarnoski Ramapo STEM educator and student Emely Perez
www.ramapo.edu
1
THE PATERSON CONNECTION
THE PATERSON CONNECTION BY: CHRISTOPHER HANN
A
t first glance, the verdant campus of Ramapo College, once part of a sugar baron’s thousand-acre estate, appears to have little in common with the city of Paterson, a former factory town a mere 19 miles to the south. During the academic year the well-manicured grounds of Ramapo’s sprawling campus fills with 6,000 students in pursuit of a college education and, beyond that, a foothold in the world at large. Paterson, meanwhile, is a densely populated city of 148,000 people, onethird of whom were born outside the United States, with a median household income less than half the state average and a poverty rate more than double the state average. Its 54 public schools enroll more than 29,000 students. Yet Ramapo collaborates with Paterson in a wide
2
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
variety of projects that have cut across academic disciplines and often shattered cultural stereotypes. Undergraduate nursing students receive invaluable training at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Paterson. A Ramapo professor coordinates teacher-training programs for Paterson science teachers. Ramapo Readers, a group of campus volunteers, provides thousands of books to Paterson schools. Ramapo students mentor elementary school students from Paterson who come to campus throughout the school year. Other students travel to Paterson once a week to teach students from prekindergarten through high school. And each summer the Upward Bound Math-Science Program brings dozens of Paterson high school students to live on campus during an academic boot camp designed to prepare them for college life.
come up to me and say, ‘I’m here because I wanted to find out who was sending all those books.’” - Kim Lorber A Culture of Care During the school year, about 30 undergraduate nursing students from Ramapo travel to Paterson each week to work a full shift at St. Joseph’s. They work in a variety of units—from pediatrics to oncology to medical surgical—and also run research projects, such as a recent study that measured how well the hospital’s patients were educated about use of their medication.
(L-R): Patrick Suddeth ’17, Arielle Saracinello ’17 and Kim Lorber, Associate Professor of Social Work gather books for the Ramapo Readers program
Kathleen Burke, the assistant dean of nursing programs at Ramapo, says the nursing students’ clinical experience at St. Joseph’s helps meet the College’s commitment to intercultural education. “Real-life experience, especially in northern New Jersey, includes working with a highly diverse population of patients and families,” Burke says. “The difference with St. Joe’s is that it’s a mission-driven institution. It clearly has a mission of working with the poor and underserved.” Today at least a dozen Ramapo nursing graduates work full time at St. Joseph’s,
Ramapo nursing students at St. Joseph’s Hospital
including MaryAnn Hozak, the director of innovative nursing practice and quality outcomes for St. Joseph’s Healthcare System. (Hozak earned a master’s degree in nursing in 2008.) “St. Joseph’s provides the clinical experiences for the student nurses,” Hozak says. “This is where they’re taking what they learned in the classroom or simulation lab and starting to experience it in practice, at bedside, with patients. It’s sort of where their education comes alive.”
Teaching the Teachers In 1994 Angela Cristini received a grant of nearly $2 million from the National Science Foundation to train 40 middle school science teachers, including 15 from Paterson. Cristini’s four-week summer program on the Ramapo campus, called Revitalizing Science Teaching Using Remote Sensing Technology (or RST2), used satellite imagery to help the teachers deliver lessons on meteorology.
“These teachers were so enthusiastic and learned so much content that they were able to take back to their classroom,” says Cristini, a professor of biology and the assistant vice president of Grants and Sponsored Programs at Ramapo. “You hear about teacher burnout, but these teachers were fabulous.” For Cristini, that first RST2 program launched a series of teacher-training programs that continue today. A second RST2 program, begun in the summer of 1997, again employed remote sensing technology, this time to study the Hackensack and Passaic River watersheds, enabling the Paterson teachers to develop lessons about key environmental issues in each river basin. More recently, Cristini coordinated the Paterson Middle School University Project, which twice a week brings environmental educators into two Paterson middle schools. This summer
PHOTO COURTESY: KATHLEEN BURKE
dream remains to one “ My day have a Ramapo student
www.ramapo.edu
3
THE PATERSON CONNECTION
Professor of Biology and Assistant Vice President of Grants, Angela Cristini, examines aquatic organisms from the Ramapo River with middle school students from Paterson.
“
This class has been a life-changing experience for me.” - Student Participant
Cristini received a state grant to fund a two-week program that taught 30 middle school science teachers from Paterson activities correlated to New Jersey’s newly adopted science standards. A similar program for second- and thirdgrade teachers is scheduled for next summer.
A Lesson in Urban Education Ramapo students who enroll in Student Literacy Corps, a four-credit course created and taught by Ellen Kaiden, spend one day each week working with students in one of two Paterson schools: P.S. 28, a pre-K to 8th grade school, or Eastside High School.
Thirty teachers from Paterson completed a 10-day Summer Institute at the Meadowlands Environment Center for the Math/Science Partnership Grant awarded to the College.
4
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
While the Paterson students receive valuable help in the classroom, the Ramapo students receive an eyeopening lesson in urban education. Kaiden, a professor of reading and education, requires each Ramapo student to provide 22 hours of classroom instruction—a fleeting transaction, perhaps, but one that often produces profound results. “This class has been a life-changing experience for me,” one student wrote. “It has been one of the best experiences of my life,” wrote another. In her twice-weekly classes, Kaiden
Professor of Reading and Education, Ellen Kaiden with students (L): Gisnelly Perez ’17, American Studies major and (R): Rachel Barrow ’19 Psychology, Teacher Ed. major
provides teaching strategies and sample lesson plans, but she says nothing beats being in the classroom.
part of a greater democracy,” Martin says. “There are so many ways you can exercise your civic duty.”
“No matter how much you read books or newspapers or do research,” she says, “it’s important to be immersed in the schools to gain an understanding of the issues—how much these children have the intellect and everything to move forward if they have the right kind of instruction to help them.”
Martin, a 2011 Ramapo graduate, put that premise to work last year when he helped coordinate a tutoring program for 25 third-grade students from Paterson, a collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Jersey. Every other week the Paterson students came to the Ramapo campus to meet in 90-minute sessions with students who volunteered to serve as tutors.
For Kaiden, the impact of Student Literacy Corps is self-evident. Today three of her former students are tenured teachers in Paterson public schools.
Lending a Big Hand “Civic duty can take many forms,” says Brandon Martin, who was until recently Ramapo’s coordinator for civic engagement and student leadership programs. “One of our biggest goals, through our programs and education, is to make sure our students, by the time they graduate Ramapo College, understand they’re
“I’m grateful for the experience because it changed me,” says sophomore Carolina Souza, who plans to continue as a tutor this school year. “It made me see things I didn’t see before.” Big Brother Big Sisters of Northern New Jersey also gave the tutoring program high marks. In July the chapter named Ramapo’s Civic and Community Engagement Center its Community Partner of the Year.
www.ramapo.edu
5
THE PATERSON CONNECTION
Raising Readers Kim Lorber has a dream. The dream took root in 2009, when Lorber, an associate professor of social work, founded Ramapo Readers, a small campus organization that collects used books from, well, from wherever its handful of student volunteers can find them. The volunteers divide the books according to subject matter and grade level, arrange them in boxes in a basement office inside the Birch Mansion on campus, and send them to public schools in Paterson. In seven years, Lorber says, Ramapo Readers has sent nearly 130,000 books. And that’s where Lorber’s dream comes in. “My dream remains to one day have a Ramapo student come up to me and say, ‘I’m here because I wanted to find out who was sending all those books,’” Lorber says. A few years ago Ramapo Readers also started collecting books for the parents of Paterson students. “We’re trying to promote family literacy,” Lorber says. “There are just so many benefits. I couldn’t be more thrilled with this little idea.” Eileen Shafer, Paterson’s deputy superintendent of schools, is equally thrilled. “We certainly welcome partnerships, throughout
the community, with higher education,” Shafer says. “This partnership has been extremely profitable for our schools, our students, our parents. This really impacts 29,000 students in the district.”
Onward and Upward Majeda Sultana’s family moved to America from Bangladesh when she was six years old. They settled in Paterson, a city teeming with immigrants from across the globe. Majeda was a bright student, but, like many bright students in Paterson, she gave little thought to a college career. All of which made her a perfect candidate for Ramapo’s Upward Bound Math-Science Program. Every summer the federally funded program provides for 65 Paterson students to live and study on campus for six weeks. They attend 90-minute lectures and take courses in Algebra 2, Precalculus, calculus, geometry, biology, chemistry, physics, English literature, even Latin. They also attend seminars on such real-world topics as financial literacy, career development, and the college admissions process. On Fridays they go on field trips—to a farm in upstate New York, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, to Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, among many other destinations. And during the school year they get additional assistance, including trips to colleges from Boston to Washington, D.C.
College “ Ramapo is the number
one choice for our students ... the students that do come here develop long relationships with the school.” - Upward Bound Director
Sandra Suarez
2016 Upward Bound students
6
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
(L-R): Lytisha Clements ’09, Professor of Chemistry Carol Frishberg and Milagros Ortiz ’09 at the Upward Bound Reunion in July
Since its founding at Ramapo nearly two decades ago—chemistry professor Carol Frishberg was the program’s original director, a position she held for 15 years—Upward Bound has served more than 500 Paterson students with some startling results. In 2014, when Paterson’s high school graduation rate was 74.2 percent, it was 100 percent for Upward Bound students. Moreover, from 2008 to 2015, 92 percent of Upward Bound students enrolled in college, including many at Ramapo. “Ramapo College is the number one choice for our students,” says Sandra Suarez, the Upward Bound director since 2012. “The students that do come here develop long relationships with the school.” Like Majeda Sultana. After attending three summers of Upward Bound, Sultana enrolled at Ramapo, where she continued to work as a counselor for the program. “I was basically on campus all year around,” she says. She graduated with a psychology degree in 2012, then spent the following year as the assistant director for Upward Bound. In 2015 she earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Columbia University, and today she’s a child and family therapist with the Children’s Aid Society in New York City. Meanwhile, her young brother, Masud Ahmed, attends Ramapo, and her younger sister, Tahmeda Sultana, a high school junior, is enrolled in Upward Bound.
“The varied partnerships the College has nurtured with Paterson have been a win-win for all,” says Cristini. From the nursing students completing their clinical rotations at St. Joseph’s, Ramapo alumni going on to become teachers in the Paterson schools, student volunteers collecting books for Paterson students, Paterson teachers improving their STEM skills, and high schoolers from Paterson taking classes on the Ramapo campus over the summer, the relationship between the two communities benefits all involved. Says tutor Carolina Souza, “I look back on my first day with (a student), and I realize we both gained so much from it.”
“
We certainly welcome partnerships, throughout the community, with higher education,” Shafer says. “This partnership has been extremely profitable for our schools, our students, our parents. This really impacts 29,000 students in the district.” - Eileen Shafer www.ramapo.edu
7
COLLEGE NEWS
DR. ED PETKUS, JR. APPOINTED DEAN OF THE ANISFIELD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer has appointed Ed Petkus, Jr. as Dean of the Anisfield School of Business. Petkus, an international educator, joined Ramapo in 2006 as a Professor of Marketing and directed the Marketing and International Business programs. Petkus was awarded the prestigious Bischoff Award for Teaching Excellence at Ramapo College in 2012 and served as Acting Dean of the Anisfield School of Business (ASB) in the spring of 2015. “Dr. Petkus' wealth of firsthand knowledge of our students, our academic programs, our many strengths and our challenges has positioned him well to approach the deanship with keen optimism and enterprising resourcefulness. I look forward to his leadership,” said President Mercer. Petkus has taught internationally at ISM University of Management and Economics in Vilnius, Lithuania and at the National Economics University in Hanoi, Vietnam. His research interests are in marketing education, non-profit marketing and sustainability.
AUTHOR CLAUDIA RANKINE DELIVERS OPENING CONVOCATION ADDRESS Acclaimed author and poet Claudia Rankine delivered the keynote address at the opening Convocation in September. Rankine discussed her book, Citizen: An American Lyric, which won the Forward Prize for Poetry, the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry (Citizen was also nominated in the criticism category, making it the first book in the award’s history to be a double nominee), the Los Angeles Times Book Award, the PEN Open Book Award, and the NAACP Image Award. A finalist for the National Book Award, Citizen also holds the distinction of being the only poetry book to be a New York Times bestseller in the nonfiction category. Rankine is also the author of several collections of poetry including Don’t Let Me Be Lonely; two plays including Provenance of Beauty: A South Bronx Travelogue; numerous video collaborations, and is the editor of several anthologies including The Racial
8
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
Imaginary: Writers on Race in the Life of the Mind. Rankine said that as a writer, one spends “so many hours on your own and often you are creating something out of nothing. Sometimes, you’re happy if 20 people come to a reading.” “With Citizen, however, it arrived at a time when there was public discussion on [racial issues in the news], and there was a communal moment of grief,” Rankine said. “So the response was very different, and the discussion became more and more complex.” Rankine offered some words of advice for aspiring writers. “There is no writing without reading, so read as much as possible. And do research. Many students think research is just for journalists but that’s not true. If you get comfortable with researching a topic, the practice of writing becomes easier and ultimately more rewarding.”
“In the ASB, we are proud to offer a distinctive combination of an accredited business education and a strong grounding in the liberal arts,” said Petkus. “Our students receive solid professional preparation in their fields, and they understand the role that business plays in the wider socio-cultural context. I am looking forward to leading our talented, innovative faculty in producing learning experiences that make our students uniquely creative in their approach to business, with a strong commitment to social responsibility.” Petkus earned his Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Tennessee and holds a B.S. in Biochemistry and Nutrition and an MBA from Virginia Tech. Prior to joining Ramapo College, he was the Bertie Deming Smith Distinguished Chair and Associate Professor of Business Administration at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia. He also served as Associate Professor at the University of Tampa and Boise State University. Originally from North Haledon, N.J., Petkus lives in Cold Spring, New York.
TWO TRACKS ADDED TO MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING PROGRAM Ramapo College’s Nursing Program launched two new tracks in the Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Administrator and Family Nurse Practitioner this fall. These tracks will be offered in addition to the MSN Nursing Education track. “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 Nurse Administrator track prepares students for leadership and managerial positions in healthcare. According to the American Nurses Credentialing Center, hospital administration and nursing leaders are being called upon to lead and implement specific strategies to retain experienced nurses and to create a partnership environment that advances the practice of nursing by establishing appropriate management structures within the healthcare system. The Nursing Administrator track addresses industry needs through its curriculum and experiences and offers nurses the knowledge and expertise necessary to achieve the goals of addressing the management of nursing teams, staff and other duties. Half of the 20 U.S. occupations projected to grow the fastest over the next few years are in the health services fields. Employment in healthcare administration is expected to grow fastest in
practitioners’ offices and in services for home healthcare. The job outlook for healthcare administrators is strong, with the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 22 percent growth nationally in the profession from 2010 to 2020, well above the 14 percent average for all occupations. The Family Nurse Practitioner track prepares students to serve in Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner positions in hospital and independent care settings. Upon program completion, students may sit for advanced practice certification and state licensure. In 2015, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the federal agency focused on improving access to care and strengthening the health care workforce, stated that it is projecting a shortage of 20,400 primary care physicians in 2020. The Family Nurse Practitioner track is being offered to meet the demand for family and primary care physicians in the region. The program is offered in a flexible format and allows practicing Nurses to achieve their career goals and take on new roles in the changing way family and primary care is provided now and in the future. A study by Medical Care estimates that nurse practitioner jobs will rise 94 percent by 2025. Photo above: Undergraduate Nursing students with (center:) Assistant Dean of Nursing Kathleen Burke, longtime donor and benefactor of the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence Elaine Adler and President Peter P. Mercer
WELCOME CLASS OF 2020 Ramapo College of New Jersey welcomed its incoming students to campus for the fall 2016 semester with the traditional Arching Ceremony on September 4. Approximately 950 students were applauded as members of the Class of 2020. President Peter P. Mercer greeted each student as they walked through the Arch, symbolizing their entry to Ramapo College. Also new to campus this semester are 38 international students -- including 33 freshmen, one graduate student and four exchange students -- representing 14 countries (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Brazil, Honduras, India, Italy, Japan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Turkey). “Ramapo College is a truly global community and we welcome students from all over the world,” said Rajesh Adhikari, Director, International Students and Scholars at Ramapo College. “International students bring a lively mix of cultures, ethnicities and languages to the campus community. Ramapo’s welcoming and inclusive environment is sure to make all students feel right at home.”
Incoming International students display flags from their home countries.
www.ramapo.edu
9
COLLEGE NEWS
PHOTO COURTESY: HOBSONS
Starfish Retention Solutions software platforms by Hobsons to connect staff and faculty across campus to encourage student success, ensuring that both at-risk and those on track receive they support they need to complete their studies.
Fourth from the left (back row), Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Chris Romano, accepted the Hobsons Award on behalf of Ramapo College. Fourth from left (front row), Student Success Coordinator Tracey Bender, with Hobsons staff
COLLEGE RECOGNIZED FOR INNOVATIVE STUDENT RETENTION INITIATIVE Ramapo College was recently recognized as the winner of the 2016 Hobsons Education Advances Award for its accomplishments in increasing student retention and establishing a campus-wide “success network.” The College will be named the Admissions and Student Success winner during the annual Hobsons University user conference.
“It’s rewarding to see how the technology has had such a positive impact on our students,” said Joseph Connell, Director of Student Success at Ramapo College. “Our goal is to connect the student with all parts of the College and to allow us to holistically aid those students in their educational endeavors.” In the fall of 2013, Ramapo tapped Hobsons technology to replace its paper-and-pencil early alert system with a comprehensive early alert plan that has increased communication between the College and at-risk students, enabling advisors and faculty to support struggling students in real-time. Since then, the percentage of academic warning first-year students meeting with their advisors regularly each semester has increased from less than 20 percent to 62 percent. The College was recognized as a Rising Star by Hobsons in 2014 for its efforts. “The success at Ramapo College reflects the importance of strong campus culture, and the thoughtful application of technology to advance institutional strategy,” said Stephen M. Smith, President of Advising and Admissions Solutions at Hobsons. “We are proud to support Ramapo College in its work to expand postsecondary opportunities for all students, and applaud the tireless work of the administration, staff and faculty.”
“We are honored to receive the 2016 Hobson’s Education Advances Award. Over the last five years, our campus has focused on developing a culture of academic advisement and harnessing technology to foster student success,” said Christopher Romano, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at Ramapo College. “This award reaffirms Ramapo’s commitment to personalized attention and developing the whole student.”
Said Connell, “We owe thanks to our faculty and staff who are dedicated mentors to students and who are focused on helping each student achieve their desired goal.” Romano added, “As a result, we have seen our four-year graduation rates increase due to the campus-wide commitment to student success. This work supports the College’s strategic plan to increase firstyear retention to 90 percent and a six-year graduation rate to 75 percent.”
Ramapo College, which has achieved an 88 percent retention rate and 61 percent four-year graduation rate in recent years, is using
The College will be awarded a cash prize, which will go toward funding Ramapo’s student success efforts.
KRAME CENTER PARTNERING WITH CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS AT UMASS MEDICAL SCHOOL The Krame Center for Contemplative Studies and Mindful Living at Ramapo College of New Jersey is pleased to announce that it is partnering with the Center for Mindfulness (CFM) at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. CFM has been a pioneer in the mindfulness movement and in bringing Jon KabatZinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course to tens of thousands of people. This partnership will enable the Krame Center to offer many new and exciting programs to the community. In addition to our speaker series and eight-week MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction courses, the Krame Center is offering the MBSR Fundamentals Professional Education program for future MBSR instructors and many other exciting fall programs. "Ramapo College is pleased to be home to the Krame Center and the Krame Center's partnership with the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School is noteworthy,” said Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer. “Strategic partnerships among like organizations, as in this case, have the very real capacity to foster 10
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
(L-R): Bill Krame, Florence Meleo-Meyers and Catherine Krame
innovation, enhance visibility, and more broadly promote the benefits of a liberal education." 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 at Ramapo College of New Jersey, for learning and applied research in contemplative and mindfulness practices for the betterment and well-being of individuals, organizations and society. For information, visit www.ramapo.edu/kramecenter/
Brett Masteller Warren joins the faculty as an assistant professor of Music (Production) in the School of Communication Arts. Most recently, Warren was a lecturer at State university of New York at Oneonta, where he focused on audio arts production and studio assistantship. Previously, he was an instructor at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, and College of DuPage and Northwestern University, both in Illinois. He also was the resident audio engineer and (Seated): Assistant Professor of Management Nikhul Varma, Assistant Professor of Art (Sculpture) Joel Weissman; technical director for various performance (Standing): Professor of Social Work Kathleen Ray and Assistant Professor of Accounting Karen Wallace centers in New York and has worked on dozens of electro-acoustic compositions and NEW FACULTY BRING EXPERTISE select concert performances. He received his B.A. and master’s from the State University of New York at Ramapo College is pleased to welcome new faculty members Buffalo and embarked on doctoral studies in Music Technology for the 2016-2017 academic year. “Each brings to Ramapo their at Northwestern University Bienen School of Music in Evanston, subject matter expertise, a desire to promote learning, and real Illinois. concern for our students,” said Provost Beth Barnett. “We are proud to add these individuals to our existing roster of faculty Kathleen Ray joins the faculty of the School of Social Sciences who serve as outstanding teachers, advisors and mentors to the and Human Services as an assistant professor of Social Work. Ramapo College students.” Her areas of expertise are research in cognitive rehabilitation Donna Carrazzone joins the faculty as assistant professor of Nursing in the School of Theoretical and Applied Science. She has 10 years of experience in nursing education at the undergraduate and graduate level and 25 years as an advanced certified family nurse practitioner. She received her B.S. from Felician College in Lodi, N.J., an M.S. from Columbia University in New York City and DNP from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, N.J., where she served as assistant clinical professor. Previously, she was a certified school nurse for the Garfield, N.J., Board of Education and Nurse Manager for High Mountain Health in North Haledon, N.J. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
and reintegration of veterans who have suffered various warrelated illnesses and injuries and teaching of social work practice, military social work and psychopathology, among others. Ray has served as lecturer at Rutgers University MSW program and field instructor at Columbia, Boston and Monmouth universities. Her professional experience includes social work and research at the Veterans Administration in East Orange, N.J., and in private practice as a psychotherapist. She earned her B.S. from Binghamton University, a master’s from Columbia University and her Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Joy de los Reyes joins the faculty as assistant professor of Marketing in the Anisfield School of Business. She has 10 years’ experience in the healthcare industry in strategic marketing, project management, sales execution and sales training through the Johnson & Johnson management Development Program. She served as adjunct professor at several New Jersey institutes of higher education, focusing on introductory and international marketing at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She received her B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University and MBA from New York University, Stern Executive School of Business.
Nikhil Varma joins the Anisfield School of Business as an assistant professor of Management. Varma’s teaching experience was at HEC Montreal where he focused on courses in operations, supply chain and project management and business analysis. He also served as consultant and resident trainer for several companies in Montreal, Quebec, where he developed training courses, managed client engagement and developed training strategies. He earned his bachelor’s from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Jharkhand, India; a master’s of applied science at Concordia University, Montreal, and an MBA at HEC Montreal. He expects to complete his Ph.D. in Business Administration/Operations Management from HEC Montreal.
Patti Mandel joins the faculty as an assistant professor of Marketing in the Anisfield School of Business. Most recently, she was with Brand Growth Strategies Consulting, Woodcliff Lake, N.J., whose clients included Ronald MacDonald House, Jewish Family Service and various consumer goods companies where she focused on brand strategy, program optimization and market positioning. She served as the director of corporate marketing for Reckitt Benckiser, a Parsippany, N.J.-based global consumer goods firm and was brand manager for key product lines. She was adjunct professor at Pace University, New York City, and visiting lecturer at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., where she earned her B.S. and MBA.
Karen Wallace joins the Anisfield School of Business as an assistant professor of Accounting. Wallace’s teaching experience includes Iona College in New Rochelle and Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, both in New York, where she focused on managerial and financial accounting and statement analysis, computer applications for accounting and advanced business entity taxation and taxes and business strategy at the graduate level. She is the principal at Karen Wallace CPA, in New York City and served as senior manager for several large firms in New York City. She also is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. www.ramapo.edu
11
COLLEGE NEWS
(L-R): Thalia Holst ’19, Jennifer Daniel and Jackie Daniel both class of ’20 (Right): Nine-month old Dylan Romano is all smiles as he picks his Halloween pumpkin.
OKTOBERFEST ENJOYED BY ALL Annual Oktoberfest kicked off on Thursday, October 6 with a variety of events at the Bradley Arena. Co-sponsored by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Student Government Association, After Dark, and other student organizations, attendees participated in a dodgeball tournament, ZORB soccer, rock wall climbing, pool, Smash Bros Tournament,
corn hole games, volleyball/knockout for lots of prizes. Friday’s events included a chalking competition, haunted mansion and FallFest at the Laurel Courts. Saturday was Family Day that included a carnival at the Bandshell and a Pink-Tie Formal was held in the evening. The weekend of fun wrapped up on Sunday with a trip to Six Flags Fright Fest.
RAMAPO COLLEGE BESTOWS 20 EMPLOYEES WITH PRESIDENTIAL STAFF AWARDS President Peter P. Mercer announced the recipients of the Ramapo College President’s Staff Recognition Awards on June 3. The President’s Staff Recognition Program consists of three award categories: Staff Excellence in Service, Staff Leadership, and the Team Project Award. “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 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 2016 recipients of the Staff Excellence in Service Award are: Joan Richards, Director of Nursing Simulation, noted for her commitment to high quality student learning, for launching the Simulation Center in the recently opened Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, and for her impact beyond the Ramapo campus with groups such as Valley Hospital. Linda Checchi Kavan, Coordinator of Events and Conferences, recognized for her excellent service and for consistently going above and beyond expectations to deliver support to the students, faculty, staff, and renters who run programs at Ramapo. Vincent Tomaselli, Public Safety Officer, commended for greeting everyone on campus with respect and a smile. His 12
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
warm, helpful and patient personality was described as an embodiment of Ramapo’s mission and values. The Staff Leadership Awards are presented to individuals who assume leadership roles and successfully effect positive change. The 2016 recipients are: Suzanne Badawi, Director of Field Education in the Social Work program; Ellie Esposito, program assistant in the Master of Business Administration program; Janelle Ferraro ’14, program assistant/graphic designer. The Team Project Award is awarded to a group of employees who achieved a significant outcome or completed a significant project. It is further focused on recognizing collaboration across units/departments. The Team Project Award was presented to 14 representatives of the College’s divisions of Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Institutional Advancement. Team members collaborated to design and develop a “leave-behind” publication for local businesses and community groups to highlight and summarize the many ways Ramapo can partner with external constituents. Team members included: Mary Cicitta ’07, ’16, Sandra Diaz, Rosa Diaz-Mulryan, Danielle Graziani, José Hernández ’98, Melissa HorvathPlyman, Robert Josic ’07, ’09, Timothy Landers, Patricia Laprey, Alexandra Simone, Debra Stark ’94, ’02, Lori Walker, Rayna Wendell, and Charles Willett. The award winners were recognized by the College’s Board of Trustees at its meeting on June 27.
Ramapo College and the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) hosted a one-day “Passport Caravan” event, offering Ramapo students U.S. passports free of charge. Approximately 150 students took advantage of the opportunity. The event was held to encourage students to study abroad. Ramapo offers opportunities for students to take coursework, conduct
PHOTO COURTESY: FRANK RINCON ’17
‘PASSPORT CARAVAN’ OPENS TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Student Joshua Mitwol ‘19 gets his passport.
research and/or complete internships in more than 60 countries. Approximately 10 percent of Ramapo College’s graduating students participate in study abroad programs each year. The event was part of CIEE’s support of Generation Study Abroad™, an initiative to make study abroad possible for more United States students by breaking down the three major barriers to study abroad: cost, curriculum and culture.
RAMAPO OPENS YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA The College celebrated the year of Sub-Saharan Africa 20162017 with an opening ceremony in September. African food, performers and speakers were part of the activities that opened the year-long celebration that will include community events, academic offerings for faculty and students, book clubs, guest speakers, film screenings and international travel opportunities, among others. In 2015 Ramapo College launched a Strategic Plan for Comprehensive Internationalization. In addition to specific targets within the plan, each academic year will also have a specific region of focus. Through these regional foci, our goal is to increase global awareness and the multitude of opportunities and initiatives the College is involved. For a comprehensive list of events, visit www.ramapo.edu/international/year-sub-saharan-africa/
RAMAPO SELECTED FOR BEST PRACTICES BY CIANJ AND COMMERCE MAGAZINE
PHOTO COURTESY: CIANJ
Ramapo College was recently recognized by Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey and COMMERCE Magazine at the organization’s Third Annual Best Practice Conference. Business leaders throughout the state were asked how they use teamwork and collaboration to
(L-R): Vice President of Institutional Advancement Cathleen Davey accepted the CIANJ award on behalf of Ramapo College, pictured with Martin Kafafian
drive success and what winning strategy encourages staff to pursue a common mission, goal or achievement.
Ramapo’s response included the following reflection from President Peter Mercer: “To foster interdisciplinary collaboration and service excellence on campus, the College’s Team Project Award was established in 2015. The Award is focused on recognizing collaboration across the College’s units/departments. Winning teams demonstrate (1) completion of a significant outcome or project in support of the College’s Strategic Plan, (2) collaboration, (3) the breaking down of explicit or implicit barriers, (4) creative thinking, and (5) a diverse team composition. Additionally, the award recipients are formally recognized at the Board’s annual June meeting. The winning team in 2015 was recognized for implementing a system of early alerts regarding student academic progress. The team was comprised of ten faculty and staff from across the college’s three major divisions.” President Mercer’s initiative was chosen from a field of 115 entries which was
reviewed by a panel of judges comprised of representatives of higher education and business in New Jersey. More than 150 executives participated in the conference which featured a keynote speech from Jonathan Gilliam, a national security expert and former U.S. Navy SEAL, who often appears as a CNN commentator. CIANJ represents more than 900 corporate members and works to advance free market principles. “It makes so much sense to focus on best practice because they are at the core of what we do at Commerce and Industry Association,” said Martin Kafafian, managing partner at the Beattie Padovano law firm, who chairs the CIANJ board of directors. “CIANJ is all about helping business grow and thrive. What better way to accomplish that, than to share best practices, the experience – the knowledge and lessons learned by running a business.” www.ramapo.edu
13
ALUMNI PROFILE
ALUMNI PROFILE
BRAD FINKEL ’92
Everything is ‘Sauce-Um’ for Hoboken Farms and alumnus Brad Finkel ’92
Brad Finkel recognized early on the importance of the very basis of business economics, namely supply and demand. When he was a student at Ramapo College living in Pine Hall, he and his friends “couldn’t even get a pizza delivered” after 9 p.m. So after talking to the owner of a local sandwich shop in Mahwah, a lightbulb went on. “I made an arrangement to buy sandwiches and cookies from the guy and keep them in a little fridge I bought 14
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
for my dorm room,” said Finkel. “I made flyers and put them under the doors in the dorm and pretty soon I got so busy selling sandwiches, I actually had my pals take orders and help me deliver. The students loved it.” This was not the only foray into the food biz for Finkel, who graduated in 1992 with a degree in arts management from the School of Contemporary Arts with aspirations
PHOTO COURTESY: BRAD FINKEL
of making the music scene as a bass guitarist. On the weekends, he delivered edible goods, such as artisan breads and fresh mozzarella from Hoboken-based markets, to homes in the suburbs. “I needed to offset the fact that I had no real income. The music thing was fun but, well, that wasn’t going very far and I still needed to pay for school,” he said. One of his weekend customers, who had recently become the economic development coordinator for Englewood, N.J., invited Finkel to participate as a vendor in the city’s farmer’s market. “I brought with me 50 loaves of bread and 50 pounds of mozzarella,” said Finkel. “We sold out in an hour. The next week, I brought double and sold out in half an hour.”
Finkel, founder and owner of Hoboken Farms, has since grown the business to serve 30 New Jersey farmers’ markets a week -- more than 700 a year – mostly in Hudson, Essex, Union and Bergen counties. Oh, and along the way, he opened a retail sandwich shop in Summit, set up juice bars for Equinox Fitness locations and developed an awardwinning marinara sauce that the Wall Street Journal named “Top in the Country” and celebrity chef Buddy Valastro called “the absolute no holds barred best sauce ever!”
Not a bad endorsement. “I never set out to make sauce but we were selling homemade raviolis and other pasta products and customers wanted to know if we were going to sell sauce to go with them,” Finkel said. “So I asked one of the farmers at another table to sell me a case of some ugly tomatoes and I went home and cooked.” Even the labels are fun, with one spot that reads “Guaranteed Sauce-Um,” a play on the word “awesome,” and tiny print boasting “The most glorious sauce in the ever-loving universe.” Finkel’s sauce caught the attention of some folks at a food industry conference who asked if he was interested in bringing his product to market. Two years and about $10,000 later (and after obtaining approval by the Food and Drug Administration) he had a few hundred jars of sauce ready to go. Before long, distributors started calling and today, Hoboken Farms sauces (there are three varieties: Big Red Marinara, Big Boss Vodka and Big Basil) are available at Whole Foods, ShopRite, Kings Food Markets as well as the local farmers markets.
“
The lessons I learned at Ramapo will last me a lifetime.”
“That’s what we’re best known for now,” Finkel said. For all of Finkel’s success, he admits he didn’t know what to expect when he entered Ramapo College. “I was
dyslexic so I wasn’t always the best student. Thankfully, I received a lot of assistance along the way from the special services office at the College and from my professors.” He beams when telling the story of classes he had at Ramapo. “It was the very first macroeconomics class of the semester. The professor walked in and wrote just a few words on the board: ‘Buy low, sell high. Unlimited want with limited resources.’ Then he walked out. A few minutes later he walked back in and said, does everyone get it? No? Okay, open to chapter one and we’ll start.’ We didn’t know what to make of him at the time but think about it: that’s business ABCs.” Finkel also recalled fondly a music professor he had at Ramapo, Harold Lieberman, a renowned trumpet player whose professional career included performing with Benny Goodman and the rock group Pink Floyd. “Oh, I loved listening to Harold but he always told me, ‘When you’re soloing, make statements.’ That’s what I thought about most when I started my business. Not being just one of the crowd but standing out and making a statement whenever you get the chance. I still follow those words. The lessons I learned at Ramapo will last me a lifetime.” Finkel recently visited Ramapo when he accompanied an old school chum who said she wanted to show her children the campus. “I was amazed and really impressed at how much the college had grown. It was so great to come back after all those years. And I’m sure the students now are getting the same good advice I got when I was here.” www.ramapo.edu
15
FACULTY PROFILE
FACULTY PROFILE
CARTER JONES MEYER
Making America’s Past ‘More Real’ is Her Passion Step into Professor Carter Jones Meyer’s office and you are greeted by a life-size standing cutout of Gene Autry, the “Singing Cowboy.” Small figurines of General George Custer and Teddy Roosevelt bobble their heads from a bookshelf. On the walls there are framed photos and artifacts depicting a time when young men were encouraged to go west. It’s easy to see where Meyer’s passion lies. “I absolutely love the American West and that time period when our country was expanding, geographically and industrially,” she said. Her courses in the Salameno School of Humanities and Global 16
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
Studies focus mainly on the history of the United States from the late 1800s through the first three decades of the 20th century. This fall, she is teaching U.S. History II and Historiography. Meyer, who began her career at Ramapo College 24 years ago, uses many of the interesting items she has in her office as teaching aids of sort for her classes. “When I come in with a piece of art from the Southwest or a poster of Buffalo Bill or music from the early jazz era, it forms a connection across time,” she said. “It’s a way to break down any stiffness or formality that the students may feel and helps bring
them in more realistically to the topic.” Among the more unusual items is an original framed poster that announces the holder’s membership with the NRA — and it’s not the one most people know. You can’t miss the bright orange background with blue eagle logo and giant lettering. “No, it’s not the gun people,” she laughed. “The NRA, the National Recovery Administration, was formed in 1933 as a New Deal Agency by President [Franklin] Roosevelt to help jumpstart the economy and stimulate consumer spending. But in 1935, it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.” This framed poster as well as many of the other things, she explained, “help provide a lens into another time for students. And it certainly is a great conversation starter when students come into my office.” Other items that readily grab students’ attention are a framed photo of the Marx Brothers— Groucho, Harpo and Chico—and a poster of Disney’s animated anti-Nazi propaganda short film, “Der Fuehrer’s Face,” which shows Donald Duck slinging a rotten tomato at a Hitler caricature. “Students are amazed when I tell them that Walt Disney was very political,” Meyer said. “This is all part of our history, the music, art, film. And I use them as a departure into broader issues, an entryway into the past.” Meyer, who also is the chair of the organizing committee for Ramapo’s annual Scholars Day presentation, readily admits that her students aren’t nearly as intrigued when they enroll in her historiography courses. “They think it’s boring, but it’s so important to understand the tools, the research, analytics and how to write and document historical events,” Meyer stated. She said trips to places such as the New York Public Library and the New York Historical Society do wonders for sparking their interest. “Students
I come in with a piece of art “ When from the Southwest or a poster of Buffalo Bill or music from the early jazz era, it forms a connection across time.” put gloves on and are able to examine original documents, which really gives them a closer look at how historians have interpreted the past over time. History becomes more real.” Meyer returned from a trip this summer to the American Southwest, where she visited, among other places, the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest of its kind to display expressions of the American Indian culture and art. On one of her office walls are two Hopi Kachina dolls she brought home: a Kashari (clown) and Hospoa (roadrunner). “I had to buy the roadrunner, how can I not bring back a roadrunner?” Meyer mused.
www.ramapo.edu
17
FOUNDATION NEWS
TD BANK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES JULY 2016 The July 2016 TD Bank Summer Concert Series featured a diverse mix of talented tribute bands again this year. Over 13,000 guests enjoyed performances every Thursday in July outside on the Bandshell lawn or in the Bradley Center during inclement weather. Neighbors sang along and danced to musical tributes to Bruce Springsteen, the Eagles, Billy Joel and Chicago. A spectacular fireworks show was presented by Garden State Fireworks. The Concert Series is hosted by Ramapo College and sponsored by TD Bank with additional support from the Bergen Barracudas Swim Team, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Rockland Electric Company and the Friends of Ramapo.
RAMAPO CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE In benefit of Ramapo College and Hackensack University Medical Center
CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE JUNE 2016 Ramapo College was the site for the Concours d’Elegance in June. The second annual event showcased rare and vintage automobiles and celebrated the art and engineering of significant cars by select marques from collections of local and regional owners giving a special emphasis on 100 years of BMW. Cars were judged in the 10 classes: Rare BMW Models; Early BMW Motorcycles; BMW 2002; New and Vintage BMW M cars; ‘60s American Muscle Cars; Retired Race Cars; Rally Cars; Lamborghinis; Ferraris; and Microcars. Distinguished judges awarded prizes for Best in Show as well as Best in Class for each of the ten categories. Motoring enthusiasts of all ages attended the event that benefited Ramapo College and the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. 18
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
The Prestige Performance Group (L-R): Mark Juron, Trent Hindman, Shinya MIchimi, Chris Turner and David Seabrooke
Visitors also took advantage of free health screenings, including blood pressure readings, body mass index calculations and derma scan screenings by representatives of Hackensack University Medical Center. Representatives of the College hosted campus tours and an art exhibition. The Concours d’Elegance is chaired by Foundation Board member and President of Prestige Management Services, Chris Turner. Sponsors included Prestige Family of Fine Cars, Konica Minolta, Lincoln Tech and Spindrift Classics. Proceeds from the event support student scholarships and special College projects.
(L-R): Dr. Peter P. Mercer, Barbara Marino, Chair of the Board of Trustees, George C. Ruotolo, Jr., Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors member, Chris Conway and Chair of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors, Ralph Mastrangelo
GOLF OUTING JULY 2016 More than 140 golfers participated in the 29th Annual Foundation Golf Outing was held in July at the North Jersey Country Club in Wayne. Not even a sudden summer thunderstorm dampened their spirits, as they enjoyed snacks and refreshments in the lovely clubhouse before resuming play after an hour-long delay. Prizes were awarded for low team and individual scores, longest drive and closest to the pin. Golfers also tried their hand in a putting and chipping contest, and they cast their bids in a silent auction.
During the dinner portion of the day, President Peter P. Mercer took the microphone in leading a live auction, and a good time was had by all. Sponsored by Century 21 Construction and the Anthony J. Marino Family, the Golf Outing raised an estimated $98,000 to support student scholarships and fund special campus projects. Special recognition was given to our premier sponsors, Stryker, Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets, DialAmerica, BMW of North America, LLC, UPS and O’Connor Davies, LLP.
ALUMNI ENJOY CAMARADERIE AT ANNUAL BARBECUE Alumni, and their families and friends attended the Annual Alumni Barbecue held in July. Alumni representing the class of 1974 to our most recent 2016 graduates enjoyed delicious food and camaraderie at the Trustees Pavilion. The evening also provided an opportunity for alumni to connect with their classmates, network to make new connections, browse through yearbooks, and enjoy the photo booth and family activities. Tours of the new Adler Center for Nursing Excellence and renovated buildings were offered and alumni were impressed with all the updates. Following the event, guests remained on campus to enjoy the season’s first TD Bank Summer Concert.
(L-R): Lauren Finaldi ’11, Jessica Finaldi ’11, ’14 and Diana Ohene ’10
(L-R): Melissa ’09 and Steven Pardalis ’09
www.ramapo.edu
19
FOUNDATION NEWS
President’s Parents Council members: Brendan Talian, Lynne Thompson, Katherine ’18 and Richard Talian
(L-R Seated): Phil and Linda Cennerazzo (L-R Standing): Murray and Florence Sabrin
(L-R): Nancy Weikl and Student Trustee Josef Weikl ’16
ANNUAL APPRECIATION BARBECUE The Annual Appreciation Barbecue was held on July 21 for the Board of Trustees, the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors, the President’s Cabinet, Deans, Alumni Advisory Board members, Friends of Ramapo Board members and President’s Parents Council along with the Institutional Advancement staff. The event commemorates and thanks those who have contributed and supported Ramapo’s success during the year.
(L-R Seated): Joanne Santoro, Margaret Mullen Gensch; (L-R Standing): Stan Richmond, Laura Roberts ’81, Kieran Scott, Ellen O’Rourke, John McKendry, Audrey Newman ’93, Joe and Mary ’82 Ippolito, Al Gensch and Frank Rodriguez
LIFELONG LEARNING AT BRANDYWINE Sarah Beane Ricca, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a member of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors gave an economics seminar “US & World Markets Update” at Brandywine Living as part of the company’s Lifelong Learning with Ramapo College of New Jersey Bringing College to You….initiative. Residents were engaged in a discussion about current activities in the financial markets here and abroad and how it impacted financial planning. A lively Q/A session followed about global topics and the effect on the U.S. economy, the presidential elections and personal portfolios. Brandywine Living is one of the many business partner relationships established with the Ramapo College Foundation that helps support student scholarships and college programs. Brandywine residents following up with Sarah Beane Ricca after her Economics seminar on the personal impact of today’s economic climate.
20
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWMENT NEWS Recently, the Ramapo College Foundation received scholarship and endowment gifts from donors with close ties to the college. The Rosanne DeMicco Memorial Scholarship was created by Ralph and Elizabeth Mastrangelo, in memory of Mr. Mastrangelo’s sister. Mr. Mastrangelo has been a member of the Ramapo College Board of Governors for many years, and currently serves as its Chairman. The endowed scholarship will benefit students enrolled in the Masters in Special Ed program. “Rosanne was a beloved teacher, and focused on helping children with special needs. This award will help honor her memory as an extraordinary educator and recognize her devotion to young students,” said Mastrangelo. For Madeleine Ehlert Williams, food was an expression of love when she was growing up. During her university years, she explored food from a multi-faceted perspective. “I took interest in food and culture, therapeutic nutrition, as well as food science and research,” said Williams, sister-in-law of President Peter P. Mercer. By endowing a scholarship at Ramapo, Williams hopes to “give students with passion for the study of food and nutrition the opportunity to further their studies in the field.” The Madeleine Ehlert Williams Food and Nutrition Scholarship will benefit students who volunteer in organizations that help educate people about food and nutrition or students wishing to travel to other countries to study food and culture. Robin Keller, graduate of the College, parent of two Ramapo alumni and Director of Applications in the Information Technology Services Department, is also an accomplished artist. In 2014 “My hope is to she recognized the need to encourage Ramapo provide an outlet for alumni students in their artistic with a fine arts background to show their work, and to share endeavors, and build their professional experiences lasting ties between with current fine arts students. She created the Various Visual Ramapo alumni and Artists program as an annual current art students.” award, started building the program, and recently decided - Robin Keller ’98, ’02, ’07 to endow the Various Visual Artists fund. “My hope is to encourage Ramapo students in their artistic endeavors, and build lasting ties between Ramapo alumni and current art students,” said Keller ’98, ’02, ’07. College publications director, Mary Cicitta ’07, ’16 established a scholarship in honor of her parents, Louise and Luciano Cicitta. “My parents didn’t receive much formal education, and encouraged all of us to continue our education,” says Cicitta, “and as a result we all went on to earn undergraduate and post-graduate degrees.” Cicitta passed that love of learning on to her own children, Matthew Cicitta ‘16 and Kelly Blake ‘16, both Ramapo graduates. It was Matthew’s experience in the teacher education program that motivated Cicitta to start this scholarship. The Louise and Luciano Cicitta Student Teaching Scholarship will recognize a student with a passion for teaching others and a commitment to working with K-12 students.
DID YOU KNOW?
$700,000 In fiscal year ’17 more than $700,000 is available FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
$90,000+
In fiscal ’16 RAMAPO COLLEGE ALUMNI contributed $90,000+ to support named student scholarships
20
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS
were established in fiscal year ‘16
More than
400
SCHOLARSHIPS were awarded to RAMAPO STUDENTS during the 2015/2016 academic year www.ramapo.edu
21
FOUNDATION NEWS
NEW GRANTS More than $428,000 in public and private grants were awarded to the College during the summer months. A number of funders renewed their support for programs on campus, including the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for public performances at the Berrie Center, and the TD Bank Foundation support for nursing tutors. Dr. Catalin Martin received a grant of $151,144 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to acquire a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR). “The spectrometer will be used for studying semiconductors with strong spin-orbit coupling, and ceramic and organic thin films,” says Martin. “We expect to attract collaborators and users from major research institutions and also help train Ramapo students in advanced research capabilities.” Professor of Finance Murray Sabrin received renewed funding from both the Institute for Humane Studies (HIS) and the Charles Koch Foundation for his work. The HIS grant, made
possible by the John Templeton Foundation, provides $7,000 for two symposia, one on monetary policy and deflation, and the other on Thomas DiLorenzo’s book, “The Problem with Socialism.” The Koch Foundation grant will provide $18,000 in funding for Professor Sabrin to conduct research and write a preliminary manuscript for a book tentatively titled “The Next Revolution: Personal Social Responsibility and Financial Independence.” Cathy Hajo ‘85, Director of the Jane Addams Papers Project, received a grant of $200,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The award will be used toward Hajo’s work to create a freely available, digital edition of Jane Addams’ correspondence and writings from 1901 to 1935. The most historically significant texts will receive special treatment, including transcription, detailed annotation, and a narrative theme. Undergraduate students will be actively involved in the project, gaining practical experience in historical research, writing, public history, and digital humanities.
BARLOW PRIZE AWARD TO RAMAPO MUSIC PROFESSOR Ramapo College Assistant Professor of Music Gilad Cohen has been named the recipient of the prestigious Barlow Prize presented by the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University. Cohen’s application was selected from 346 submissions from 31 countries. He will receive $12,000 to compose a major new work for violin and piano in 2017. “The Barlow Prize is unique in that it offers a series of premieres by top-notch performers alongside the generous commission,” Cohen said. “During the composition process, I always like to imagine how the performers might play each passage, thus it will be inspiring to write the new piece while taking into consideration the unique voices of the musicians who will be premiering it.”
Leadership donors and Ramapo parents, Kathleen and James Kranz attended the Stephen & Mary Birch Fellowship Dinner hosted by President Peter P. Mercer at the Havemeyer House on September 28, 2016.
22
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
Cohen’s music has been performed by groups such as the Brentano Quartet, the Mivos Quartet, the Israeli Chamber Project and the Nash Ensemble of London, among others.
(L-R): President Peter P. Mercer, Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors members Carolyn Merkel ’78, Michael McCarthy, and Chair Ralph Mastrangelo
RAMAPO COLLEGE MISSION AWARD Two members of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors were presented with the Mission Award at the July meeting. Carolyn Merkel ’78 and Michael McCarthy were lauded for their outstanding service. “We are so appreciative of the leadership roles taken on by both Carolyn and Mike, and their extraordinary commitment to help further the goals of the Foundation,” said Chair Ralph Mastrangelo. Carolyn Merkel’s ties to Ramapo College began with her time here as a student. Merkel graduated from Ramapo in 1978 with a degree in Chemistry. She continued at NJIT and Columbia, where she earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry. She is president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and serves on the School of Theoretical
and Applied Science (TAS) Alumni Advisory Board (past chair). She was a Distinguished Citizens Dinner (DCD) honoree in 2003 and received the President’s Award of Merit in 2004. Carolyn is owner of Mariner Analytical LLC, a consulting firm for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Michael McCarthy has been a member of the Board of Governors since 2015. He chairs the Business Partners Committee and serves on the Finance Committee. In addition to his work with the Ramapo College Foundation, he also serves on the Business Advisory Board for the Anisfield School of Business (ASB), and has served on various search committees on behalf of the College. Mike is a senior director, Financial Planning & Analysis at Stryker Corporation.
(L-R): Erin Hallock ’11, Graduate Student Services Specialist, Glenn A. Messina ’85, M.B.A., Cynthia A. Cappell ’83, Esq., President Peter P. Mercer, Chelsea Binns ’00, Ph.D., Keith Dawkins ’94, Meghan Gregory, Undergraduate Student Services Specialist and Patrick Thomas ’80, Ph.D.
On October 8, 2016, during Ramapo College’s Family Day, a panel of alumni representing each school, spoke to parents about their experience at Ramapo and how their education helped in their success. The panel discussion took place during the breakfast in the Trustees Pavilion.
NEW FRIENDS OF RAMAPO PRESIDENT, ELLEN O’ROURKE Ellen O’Rourke was elected president of the Friends of Ramapo for the upcoming year. Ms. O’Rourke joined the Friends of Ramapo as a Friends PLUS member in Fall 2011. She has been a board member since July 2013. She has audited courses, attended an array of campus lectures, performances and art gallery shows, supported Friends of Ramapo events and the summer concerts since joining. Ellen ‘65, has her B.A. in Education/Social Studies from the College of St. Elizabeth and her Master’s in Education from Seton Hall University. She retired in 2003 after 43 years of teaching across many disciplines and communities, having taught her last 30 years in the Paterson school system. She participates in many community-based efforts, having volunteered at Oasis, and is an ardent supporter of human rights and immigration issues around the world. She is a Reiki practitioner. Ellen and her husband Dr. Kieran Scott, professor at Fordham University, are seasoned world travelers and adventurers.
www.ramapo.edu
23
CLASS NOTES
WHERE WE ARE
&
what we are up to in justice administration from the University of Louisville. DEBRA A. MCGAULEY (Economics) has been named director for the Center for Enhancing Abilities in Washington Township; it is a day program for adults with special needs.
1995
1975
SCOTT B. BAUER (Economics) is the new director in the electronic services group at CLSA Americas, LLC, a brokerage and investment group headquartered in Asia. Scott was director of electronic and program sales and trading at Cowen Group.
1986
DANIEL P. MCHUGH (Business Administration) is running for reelection to the Wyckoff board of education. He works as a field agent for the Knights of Columbus Insurance Agency. Dan holds an M.B.A. in finance from Montclair State University.
VINCENT MARCHESE (Sociology) is a professional photographer whose photo of the former Christian Admiral Hotel in Cape May appeared on the cover of the July 2016 issue Cape May Magazine.
JOSEPH V. FLORIO (Finance) has published a children’s book, “Faith, Blossoms and Honey Bees.”
1990
ALLYSON MILLER (Communication Arts) has joined Phelps Memorial Hospital Center in Tarrytown, N.Y., as director of Marketing/Communications. Most recently, Allyson served as vice president of business development at St. Barnabas Hospital Health System. Prior to that, she was vice president of marketing and business development at CarePoint Health.
1992
GREGORY C. BROWN (Fine Arts) is the new chief of police for the town of Leesburg, Virginia. Greg has been with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office since 1997, serving in many capacities, including deputy director, overseeing all basic law enforcement training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. He holds a master’s degree 24
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
1997
MARCELLA RUNELL HALL (Social Work) has been named vice president of student life and dean of students at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. Marcella had served as dean of students at the college since 2014. She earned an M.A. in higher education from New York University and a doctorate in social justice education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
2000
JAMES L. HYER (Political Science) is a recipient of an “Above the Bar” award sponsored by the Westchester County Business Journal. He was also named to its 2016 “Leading Attorneys under 40” list. James is a partner with Bashian & Farber LLP in White Plains, N.Y., focusing on discrimination and civil rights violations, matrimonial and court actions and estate and trust litigations. In 2015, he was selected
by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the “10 Best in Client Satisfaction.” He also provides pro bono services to the LGBT community and those with housing issues. He earned a J.D. from Pace University School of Law. JUDITH KEYES (Business Administration) has been promoted to vice president/ training officer at Atlantic Stewardship Bank. She holds an M.B.A. from Grand Canyon University. Judith is a member of the Wyckoff-Midland Park Rotary and the Northern N.J. Chapter of the Society of Training and Development. She is past president and a current board member of Paterson Habitat for Humanity.
2001
SHAWN M. DOWIAK (Literature and Psychology) has been named director of fraternity and sorority life at East Tennessee State University. Shawn is a member and former executive director of Tau Delta Phi Fraternity, and he is a member of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. He holds master’s degrees from Teachers College at Columbia University and from Seton Hall University as well as a doctorate in higher education administration from St. Peter’s University.
2002
LACEY ADAMS (Accounting) has joined Guidewell Financial Solutions in Baltimore, Maryland as director of accounting and finance. Lacy worked for the past four years at Healthcare Access Maryland. MICHAEL E. MAITNER (Business Administration) has joined LoCorr funds as a regional vice president in charge of the Mid-Atlantic region. Previously, he was senior vice president, regional sales director for Roosevelt Investments.
2008
JESSICA D. OFFER (Accounting and Economics) has been promoted to senior manager at the accounting firm of WithumSmith+Brown, PC. Jessica works in the firm’s Morristown office. Previously, she was a manager specializing in audit and advisory services within the financial services and manufacturing/distribution industries as well as employee benefit plan audits.
2009
ANDREW MARTINS (Communication Arts) is the new managing editor of the Hillsborough Beacon and Hopewell Valley News, publications of Packet Media in Princeton. He has also worked for the Jackson Times and Toms River Patch.
I started school in 2008, I made lifelong friends, learned things I’d never have imagined, and pushed myself further than I ever could have dreamed possible. Ramapo set me up for success in many ways and I’ll always be thankful for the lessons and memories made here.” – Takanari is now a senior accountant at WithumSmith+Brown. Takanari received an honorable mention at the NJCPA’s 30 under 30 Awards in August 2015.
2015
2013
THALIA LOPEZ (Nursing) “The nursing program at Ramapo College was a challenging program that incorporated a variety of learning methods, such as: hands on simulation lab experience, exams, tutoring, clinical rotations, evidence-based projects, and proctored exams. The last two years required a lot of time and dedication. Thanks to the exceptional and caring faculty, I was able to successfully complete this program. The professors were always available for any questions or concerns I had; and I am truly grateful for all the support. I couldn’t be any happier with my choice of Ramapo College’s nursing program.” Thalia received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Nursing and graduated with Latin honors. She is a member of the Nursing Student Organization, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Delta Phi Epsilon. She has now become a member of the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau. She successfully completed her clinical rotations and is part of the Emergency Department Ambassador Program. Thalia accepted a Nurse Residency position as a fulltime, cardiac nurse at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J.
PETER BYLSMA (Law & Society) has been promoted to full-time patrol officer by the Manalapan Police Department, where he will be assigned to the field training program. Peter joined the department in 2015 as a special law enforcement officer.
JOSEPH P. ROONEY (History) has been named director of admissions and recruitment at Cumberland County College in Vineland. Prior to his new appointment, Joe was associate director of admissions for the Ross University School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine in Houston, Texas.
2011
CAITLIN P. HESS (Biology), a biology teacher at Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich Township, N.J., has been named the new varsity coach of the girls’ cross country program. She had been an assistant for both the boys’ and girls’ teams for the past four years. Caitlin has also served as the swim coach. KATHERINE T. THORN (Psychology; MAEL ’14) is elementary supervisor for grades K-5 for the Randolph Township Schools. Katherine had been supervisor of technology instruction and integration for the Roseland School District.
2012
TAKANARI TANAHASHI (Accounting) “Coming to Ramapo was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When
MICHELLE REGNA (Communications Arts) “The most important thing I learned at Ramapo was how to get in touch with my creativity. My professors were always pushing me to go further, to think harder. After graduation, it wasn’t easy finding work. But with an on campus job at CSI Design and an internship at Cosmopolitan on my resume, I eventually was hired full time at People magazine in January ’14. It wasn’t long before I realized that I wasn’t using the creativity that I had just spent the last four years fostering. But I persevered and continued to work towards my real dream of working at BuzzFeed, a place where creativity is embraced to the fullest. That dream came true when I left People and started as an Editorial Fellow at BuzzFeed. It truly is everything I dreamt of and more, and I feel incredibly blessed to be there. I’m proud of my journey and thankful for all the people who helped me get there.”
ROBERT POLICHT (American Studies) “Ramapo was a great place to start my academic career. The professors encouraged me to seek continuous improvement and stay hungry in my education, and I was launched to new heights.” Robert received his Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at Arizona State University. He completed his Master’s in www.ramapo.edu
25
CLASS NOTES one year while interning, working for his family’s business and volunteering for his local fire department. Robert was awarded by ASU the Outstanding Graduate Award for the Cross-College Program for the College of Public Service and Community Solutions and recognized as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
MARK SCOTT MACQUESTEN (History) was sworn in as a Franklin Lakes police officer on June 21, 2016. He previously worked in the automotive industry.
MARRIAGES 2003
ANTHONY E. MCGILCHRIST (MAEL YR?) has been named girls’ basketball coach at Paramus Catholic High School. He was the athletic director at Dwight Morris High School in Englewood. Anthony has a B.A. in health and physical education from William Paterson University.
KEVIN P. STOKES (Communication Arts; MSET ‘13) married Jennifer Ann Cantwell on May 21, 2016 at the Basilica of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Southampton Village, N.Y. Kevin is principal at East Brook Elementary School in Park Ridge. Jennifer works in legal compliance at AIG.
2016
2011
ALYSON V. ANGSTREICH (Psychology) and Michael J. Chananie (Business Administration ‘12) married on May 29, 2016 in N.J. They met on campus seven years ago.
Santamaria is a graduate of Hackensack High School in Hackensack, New Jersey. She earned a B.A. in international studies with a minor in human rights and genocide studies in May 2016 from Ramapo College.
BIRTHS 2006
During the first three months of her service, Santamaria will live with a host family in Morocco to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. Santamaria will be sworn into service and assigned to a community in Morocco, where she will live and work for two years with the local people and partner organizations on sustainable, community-based development projects that improve the lives of people in Morocco and help Santamaria develop leadership, technical and cross-cultural skills that will give her a competitive edge when she returns home. Peace Corps volunteers return from service as global citizens well-positioned for professional opportunities in today’s global job market.
CRISTINA A. (Mathematics) and MARK W. WARD (History, ‘07) welcomed their son, Edward “Eddie” James on October 15, 2015.
IN MEMORIAM
26
Richard Dowling ‘74
John S. Ballou ‘79
Roger H. Nafash ‘84
Judith L. Shaw ‘75
Patricia Brennan ‘82
Andrew F. Latincsics ‘89
Robert D. Gormley ‘76
Arlene H. Salzberg ‘82
Fausta G. Weir ‘98
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
Ramapo College alumna Andreina Santamaria has been accepted into the Peace Corps and has departed for Morocco to begin training as a youth development volunteer. Santamaria, 22, will live and work in a community to empower young people in her community in acquiring life and leadership skills.
2014
DANA C. NATHANSON (MSET) was married to Alexander H. Rosenthal on July 24, 2016 in Livingston. Dana is a first grade teacher at Crescent Elementary School in Waldwick. JOSELYN CHAVEZ (Law and Society) “I studied abroad in Bangalore, India for the 2015 spring semester. Ramapo College’s faculty-led South India Program was honestly the best program I could have chosen. Spending my spring semester in Bangalore was truly an amazing experience. Learning about a different culture through books is different from actually experiencing it. Living in a tremendously different environment, such as India, changed my worldview, opened my eyes to a new culture and definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I can honestly say my semester in India changed the person I am and helped me grow. Studying abroad is an experience you can’t understand until you’ve done it. It truly does affect the way you see the world and treat those around you.”
PEACE CORPS NEXT STEP FOR ALUMNA
Santamaria joins the 187 New Jersey residents currently serving overseas in the Peace Corps and more than 5,000 New Jersey residents who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.
ATHLETICS
FORMER NBA PLAYER TALKS OF ADDICTION AND SOBRIETY Chris Herren’s message of stardom, alcohol and drug addiction and the long road to sobriety held the audience riveted when the former NBA player spoke to more than 1,200 who gathered in the Bradley Arena on the Ramapo College campus on October 3. “Rebound, the Chris Herren Story” was funded through a grant by the Mahwah Municipal Alliance. Herren was a high school basketball legend from Fall River, Massachusetts, who was named to the 1994 McDonald's All-American team. Herren realized his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA when he was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 1999 and traded to the Boston Celtics after his rookie season, only to lose it all to the nightmare of drug addiction—first alcohol, then cocaine and OxyContin, and finally heroin. “I used to sit in auditoriums like this, listening to guys like me and say to myself, ‘I’ll never be that guy.’ But here I am,” Herren said. “If I can get through to even one person ... then my visit here today will have been worth it.”
The audience was mesmerized by Herren’s recounting of his path to addiction and his subsequent loss of career, family and almost his life. Alcohol and drug-free since August 1, 2008, he has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all else. He has shared his harrowing story of abuse and recovery in his memoir, Basketball Junkie, as well as in numerous interviews throughout the Emmy nominated ESPN Films documentary Unguarded, of which he is the subject. Following his talk, Herren spent time answering questions from the audience and posed for photos with members of the College’s athletics teams. “Chris Herren’s message resonates with all audiences,” said Mahwah Chief of Police James Batelli. “He was a professional athlete who lost everything. But the most important message you can take away from this is how he got his life back on track.”
LADY CAGERS WALK TO CURE
JUVENILE DIABETES The Ramapo College women's basketball team participated in the “Make Type 1 Type None 5K” walk in Randolph, New Jersey, on September 25.
SWIM TEAM PARTICIPATES IN
‘METERS FOR MIKE’ The Ramapo College men's and women's swim teams participated in “Meter's for Mike” at Belmar Beach in Belmar, New Jersey, in September. Michael Heaney, whom this event honors, was a former swimmer from the College of New Jersey. Mike suffered a traumatic brain injury in April 2012 that left him in a coma until he could no longer keep up his fight and passed away in November 2013. Friends, family, alumni and the swimming community as a whole quickly helped to organize a 1,500-meter ocean
swim to help Mike's family with his numerous medical bills. After Mike's passing, the money raised by this annual event has gone towards supporting charities aiding in the research of traumatic brain injuries. In its short existence, the swim has grown to one of the largest ocean swims in New Jersey, with hundreds of swimmers participating each year. This year, more than 800 swimmers participated in the event.
The Lady Roadrunners walked at the County College of Morris for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Head women's basketball coach Mike Eineker’s nineyear-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age four. The team donated $1,982 to JDRF. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a person's pancreas loses the ability to produce insulin, a hormone essential to digestion. In the United States, more than 15,000 children are diagnosed each year. The JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes has raised an estimated $1 billion to date.
The Ramapo College swim teams have supported the fundraiser for the last few years. www.ramapo.edu
27
PHOTO COURTESY: © JEFF GOLDBERG/ESTO
UPCOMING EVENTS AT RAMAPO
THE ANGELICA AND RUSS BERRIE CENTER FOR PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS CHANUKKAH FESTIVAL OF LIGHT Saturday, December 10 | 8 p.m. EILEEN IVERS: A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 11 | 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. MICHEL LAUZIÈRE’S SCIENCE OF SOUND Thursday, January 12, 2017 | 10 - 11 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. SIRIUS QUARTET Saturday, January 21, 2017 | 8 p.m. AMY HELM Saturday, January 28, 2017 | 8 p.m.
JARROD SPECTOR & KELLI BARRETT Saturday, April 29, 2017 | 6:30 p.m. Dinner For more information, contact Liz Kloak at lkloak@ramapo.edu or visit www.ramapo.edu/dinner-series
THE RAMAPO COLLEGE ART GALLERIES CLOUD COVER Now through December 13 | Kresge and Pascal Galleries For tickets and other information, visit www.ramapo.edu/berriecenter
THE BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS Sunday, January 29, 2017 | 3 p.m.
KRAME CENTER FOR CONTEMPLATIVE STUDIES AND MINDFUL LIVING
NEW YORK THEATRE BALLET Saturday, February 11, 2017 | 8 p.m.
MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION WINTER SESSION Saturdays, January 14 - March 11 | 9:30 a.m. - noon
THE BLACK MARIA FILM AND VIDEO FESTIVAL Friday, February 17, 2017 | 8 p.m.
MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION SPRING EVENING SESSION Thursdays, February 23 - April 20 | 7 - 9:30 p.m.
STEVE RILEY AND THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS Saturday, February 18, 2017 | 8 p.m. LES PAUL FESTIVAL WITH FRANK VIGNOLA TRIO AND VINNY RANIOLA AND GARY MAZZAROPPI Saturday, February 19, 2017 | 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/berriecenter
17TH ANNUAL PERFORMING ARTS DINNER SERIES CHRIS COLLINS AND BOULDER CANYON TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF JOHN DENVER Saturday, December 3 | 6:30 p.m. Dinner 28
PAT HAZELL’S THE GOOD HUMOR MEN Saturday, March 25, 2017 | 6:30 p.m. Dinner
Ramapo College Magazine | Fall 2016
MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION SPRING DAY SESSION Fridays, February 24 - April 28 | 9:30 a.m. - noon For more information, visit www.ramapo.edu/kramecenter
CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROJECT MANAGEMENT BOOT CAMPS Wednesdays, November 30 and December 7 | 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. ADVANCED PM BOOT CAMP Mondays, December 5 and December 12 | 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Register at www.ramapo.edu/cipl/pmbootcamp
TRAVEL WITH RAMAPO PROFESSORS
Learning Journeys (a division of Perillo Tours) in association with Ramapo College of New Jersey presents a new program: Travel With Ramapo Professors IRELAND: A Literary Experience with Professor Donald Fucci | April 22 - May 2, 2017 ITALY: Culture & Cuisine with Professor Erick Castellanos | May 17 - May 27, 2017 SPAIN: Treasures of Art & Architecture with Professor Yolanda del Amo | May 21 - June 1, 2017 ISRAEL: The Holy Land: Art & Archaeology | May 21 - June 1, 2017 EACH TOUR IS LIMITED TO 25 TRAVELERS For land prices, airfare and other information, contact Laurie Sickles, Learning Journeys, powered by Perillo Tours, Inc. 855.784.7687 or lauriesperillotours.com Coordinated by The Ramapo College Foundation
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, N.J. 07430-1623 www.ramapo.edu
www.ramapo.edu/give Join the conversation at #RamapoGives
annual fund
“
As student leaders, we understand the importance of philanthropy and encourage our fellow students to give back to the College because it is essential to improving the Ramapo experience.” - Princep Shah ’17 (Student Governor) and Sarah Brown ’18 (Alternate Student Governor) Princep Shah ’17 and Sarah Brown ’18
Like most colleges and universities, tuition does not cover the true cost of the Ramapo experience. Philanthropy plays a critical role in the operation of the Ramapo College Foundation and it begins with the Annual Fund. Gifts to the Annual Fund are important to Ramapo’s success because they enable the Ramapo College Foundation to meet immediate needs to fund student scholarships, faculty research grants and special campus projects, each and every year. Above all, participation matters most. Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to participate, at any level, and be a part of our culture of giving.
JOIN US BY MAKING YOUR GIFT TO THE 2016-2017 ANNUAL FUND TODAY BY VISITING
www.ramapo.edu/give Questions? Contact Dawn Lozada, Director of the Annual Fund, at dlozada@ramapo.edu or 201.684.7141.