Ramapo Magazine Summer 2009

SUMMER 2009

COVER STORY:

Tomorrow’s Stellar Alumni: Stories From This Year's Honors Convocation Celebration PAGE 8 The Value of a Liberal Arts Degree: 14 of Ramapo's Most Successful Alumni Share Their Stories PAGE 2

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COLLEGE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. President Beth E. Barnett, Ed.D. Provost

On May 15, we held our 51st commencement exercises and welcomed an additional 1,317 Ramapo graduates into a special organization: the Ramapo College Alumni Association. And what makes this organization special is the unique credential that each of the 25,031 Ramapo graduates share, a liberal arts education.

To me, a liberal arts education is education that enlarges and engages the mind irrespective of the particular career or profession one may follow. Simply put, our graduates are taught how to think critically in order to analyze and solve problems that confront them in the everyday world.

In today’s economy that ability is more important than ever.

At a time when a college degree is seen as an entry-level qualification - the equivalent of a high school degree in the 1970s - our students are not graduating with only one defined knowledge area or skill set. Rather, they know how to think analytically, to communicate effectively and to lead.

And, as you are about to read, they do just that. The sampling of alumni that follows is but a microcosm of our large number of graduates who have benefitted from our four pillar approach to higher education: an interdisciplinary curriculum, international education, intercultural understanding and experiential learning. It is the impending emergence of these stories that make each commencement a special day in the life of Ramapo College.

PETER P. MERCER, Ph.D.

President, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Richard McDowell '77 with Peter P. Mercer (center) and Tia Haywood '08 at the 2008 Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) Reunion

2

Ramapo Magazine

Peter P. Mercer with Student Trustee Tom Ng on move in day

SUMMER 2009

Feature Pat Thomas ’80, General Curator of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, with one of his clients. Meet Pat and other successful alumni of note on page 2 in “The Value of a Liberal Arts Degree.”

Pamela M. Bischoff, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dorothy Echols Tobe, Ed.D. Chief Planning Officer BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton Chair BOARD OF GOVERNORS Robert Tillsley Chair Lisa A. Ryan Alumni Association Board Chair

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Margaret Mullen Friends of Ramapo Board Chair RAMAPO MAGAZINE STAFF Cathleen Davey Editor-in-Chief Anna Farneski Executive Editor Mary Cicitta Managing Editor Cynthia Burns News Editor

F E AT U R E S

2 8

Kathleen Mainardi Foundation Editor Carolyn Herring Photo Editor DESIGN: Words and Pictures Creative Service, Inc. 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: Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 STUDENT AFFAIRS CONTACT: Miki Cammarata at 201.684.7591 Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Visit our Web site at www.ramapo.edu

Feature

The Value of a Liberal Arts Degree: 14 of Ramapo's Most Successful Alumni Share Their Stories

Cover story

Tomorrow's Stellar Alumni: Stories From This Year's Honors Convocation Celebration

D E PA R T M E N T S

12 16 18 19 20 23 25 31 32 33

College news Faculty news Planned giving Grant news Foundation news Alumni news Class notes Courts and fields Datebook Q &A: Student Affairs

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

1

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

COLLEGE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. President Beth E. Barnett, Ed.D. Provost

On May 15, we held our 51st commencement exercises and welcomed an additional 1,317 Ramapo graduates into a special organization: the Ramapo College Alumni Association. And what makes this organization special is the unique credential that each of the 25,031 Ramapo graduates share, a liberal arts education.

To me, a liberal arts education is education that enlarges and engages the mind irrespective of the particular career or profession one may follow. Simply put, our graduates are taught how to think critically in order to analyze and solve problems that confront them in the everyday world.

In today’s economy that ability is more important than ever.

At a time when a college degree is seen as an entry-level qualification - the equivalent of a high school degree in the 1970s - our students are not graduating with only one defined knowledge area or skill set. Rather, they know how to think analytically, to communicate effectively and to lead.

And, as you are about to read, they do just that. The sampling of alumni that follows is but a microcosm of our large number of graduates who have benefitted from our four pillar approach to higher education: an interdisciplinary curriculum, international education, intercultural understanding and experiential learning. It is the impending emergence of these stories that make each commencement a special day in the life of Ramapo College.

PETER P. MERCER, Ph.D.

President, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Richard McDowell '77 with Peter P. Mercer (center) and Tia Haywood '08 at the 2008 Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) Reunion

2

Ramapo Magazine

Peter P. Mercer with Student Trustee Tom Ng on move in day

SUMMER 2009

Feature Pat Thomas ’80, General Curator of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, with one of his clients. Meet Pat and other successful alumni of note on page 2 in “The Value of a Liberal Arts Degree.”

Pamela M. Bischoff, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dorothy Echols Tobe, Ed.D. Chief Planning Officer BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton Chair BOARD OF GOVERNORS Robert Tillsley Chair Lisa A. Ryan Alumni Association Board Chair

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Margaret Mullen Friends of Ramapo Board Chair RAMAPO MAGAZINE STAFF Cathleen Davey Editor-in-Chief Anna Farneski Executive Editor Mary Cicitta Managing Editor Cynthia Burns News Editor

F E AT U R E S

2 8

Kathleen Mainardi Foundation Editor Carolyn Herring Photo Editor DESIGN: Words and Pictures Creative Service, Inc. 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: Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 STUDENT AFFAIRS CONTACT: Miki Cammarata at 201.684.7591 Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Visit our Web site at www.ramapo.edu

Feature

The Value of a Liberal Arts Degree: 14 of Ramapo's Most Successful Alumni Share Their Stories

Cover story

Tomorrow's Stellar Alumni: Stories From This Year's Honors Convocation Celebration

D E PA R T M E N T S

12 16 18 19 20 23 25 31 32 33

College news Faculty news Planned giving Grant news Foundation news Alumni news Class notes Courts and fields Datebook Q &A: Student Affairs

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

1

Feature

THE VALUE OF A LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE:

14 OF RAMAPO'S MOST SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI SHARE THEIR STORIES

W

By Chris Hann hen Peter P. Mercer was formally installed as president of Ramapo College in May 2006, he chose as the subject of his inaugural address a subject dear to his academic heart: the value of a liberal arts education.

The topic made sense. President Mercer began his life in higher education as a student at Huron College in Canada, a small liberal arts school affiliated with the University of Western Ontario. President Mercer studied English and philosophy at Huron, and he later returned to Western Ontario as a faculty member and administrator. Coming to Ramapo, he says, felt like completing a circle of sorts.

“I wanted to go back to my roots in a smaller college, which focused on undergraduate education, particularly in what might be described as the liberal arts, because that’s where I started, and I thought it was particularly valuable,” President Mercer recalls. “And the reason why I think it’s particularly valuable—it may even be more valuable today than it was when I started in 1971—is that in the intervening generation, an undergraduate degree has become almost an entry-level credential.”

2

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Today, President Mercer says, more and more students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree pursue some additional form of education, whether it’s graduate work, professional training or something entirely different. “But given that the undergraduate degree is now seen as the first of successive degrees, I think it makes particular sense to think of a liberal arts education as training for a very broad range of disciplines,” President Mercer says. “So what we try to focus on here are what might be described as the basic precepts for advanced education, and that is the ability to digest a lot of material relatively quickly, to extract from it what’s important, to be able to analyze the problems that it throws up and then come to solutions.”

In fact, says Anthony Padovano, a liberal arts education can itself provide solutions—in life and at work. Padovano, a distinguished professor of literature and philosophy and a founding faculty member at Ramapo, also teaches theology at Fordham University in New York City and the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey.

“A liberal arts education contributes so much to a person’s ability to evaluate what it means to be human,” Padovano says.

“The liberal arts education, I think, is invaluable in terms of building flexibility, being open to ideas, embracing a diverse society and organization.”

FRANCES K. HACKETT

Class of 1980

Kim Albano, ‘82

As a gifted young pianist, Kim Albano enrolled in Ramapo’s School of Contemporary Arts with a concentration in music. As it turns out, Albano entered the business world—today she’s vice president of customer operations for ESPN—but she says even her music-based education at Ramapo taught her lessons that she applies on the job.

“The stuff that I learned and the skills that I figured out have enabled me to transfer industries,” says Albano, who has also worked at Nestle and McCaw Cellular/AT&T Wireless. “It wasn’t like going to a music school. I really got a broad flavor for things I never would have learned in another place.”

“By making you sensitive to that, it makes you for the rest of your life a better worker and a stronger colleague, because it helps you sort out some of the essential issues of the human experience from the trivializing or myopic issues that actually sap our energy.”

The liberal arts, Padovano says, can even help make us happier. “Its point is to bring us to terms with the human equation in the way that leads to happiness,” he says.

“The more we come to terms with ourselves, the more we are not in conflict with ourselves, the more tranquility we have.

Because we start to act more naturally, if you will, more in accord with our nature.”

The distinguished alumni profiled who follow represent a head-spinning variety of professions and speak volumes to Ramapo’s success as New Jersey’s designated state college for the liberal arts. We asked them about their experiences at Ramapo and the ways in which the College helped prepare them for their careers.

Mary Falvey, ’82

Mary Falvey believes the semester she spent abroad in Ireland directly influenced her rise through the corporate ranks. “I brought my bicycle, I hitchhiked around the country, I took the bus to go to the post office to call my parents once a week,” she says. “It really made me very independent.”

Today Falvey is executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Wyndham Worldwide.

An English Literature major, she says she had no particular career plans while at Ramapo.

“I just thought a good liberal arts education—and I tell my son to this day—will help you in any field,” she says. “I thought it was a great basis for a springboard to a career in human resources.”

Cathy Benko, ’85

Anthony DeCarlo, ’77

“These people were really taking it on the chin to do this,” Benko recalls of her classmates. “And I give Ramapo a lot of credit for having an open door for those kinds of people. Who would have thought, two years later, I would be accepted into Harvard Business School?”

After earning a veterinary medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania, DeCarlo cofounded the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, today the nation’s largest, privately-owned facility. He’s quick to credit the Ramapo faculty. “They just wanted people to learn and be successful in their careers, and I owe those guys a lot,” he says. “They did the right thing by me. They gave me that second chance.”

James Gibson, ’77

Joseph Gilligan, ’92

At first Gibson thought he might pursue a career in the sciences. But after taking his first accounting class, he switched to economics. Today he embraces both worlds as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Research Triangle Institute in North Carolina, the nation’s second largest independent nonprofit research organization.

Today Gilligan is chief executive officer of Akadema Inc., a maker of baseball gloves, bats and apparel, and Pro Player Academy, a baseball teaching facility in Hawthorne, New Jersey. He started both businesses with his brother, Lawrence.

Another brother, Dan, runs the baseball academy.

Cathy Benko has started a business, earned an MBA from Harvard and written two books. As chief talent officer for the U.S. firm of Deloitte & Touche, she oversees a campaign to help employees balance their work and private lives. Yet when she graduated high school, Benko never even considered college. She had a full-time job when she enrolled in Ramapo’s weekend program in 1980.

Enrolling at Ramapo after spending a year at another college and a year off from school, James Gibson found his new classes “rekindled my spark of just loving to learn.”

“At Ramapo you came of age to absorb viewpoints and to learn how to think differently,” he says. “I didn’t fully understand it then, but over the years a liberal arts education was really important for the foundation for what I would later do.”

Anthony DeCarlo had already dropped out of another college when he enrolled at Ramapo, determined to succeed on his second go-round at higher education. “I was in a situation where I needed to get straight A’s,” DeCarlo recalls.

“I got one B.”

Like many Ramapo students, Joseph Gilligan worked full-time while attending night classes. Soon after graduating he took a job with Sony, and two years later he launched his own business.

“What I got out of Ramapo was a good broad background of different things,” Gilligan says. “I was in communications, so I learned a lot through the marketing classes I took. I think what Ramapo College gave me was that excitement to strive to be better.”

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

3

Feature

THE VALUE OF A LIBERAL ARTS DEGREE:

14 OF RAMAPO'S MOST SUCCESSFUL ALUMNI SHARE THEIR STORIES

W

By Chris Hann hen Peter P. Mercer was formally installed as president of Ramapo College in May 2006, he chose as the subject of his inaugural address a subject dear to his academic heart: the value of a liberal arts education.

The topic made sense. President Mercer began his life in higher education as a student at Huron College in Canada, a small liberal arts school affiliated with the University of Western Ontario. President Mercer studied English and philosophy at Huron, and he later returned to Western Ontario as a faculty member and administrator. Coming to Ramapo, he says, felt like completing a circle of sorts.

“I wanted to go back to my roots in a smaller college, which focused on undergraduate education, particularly in what might be described as the liberal arts, because that’s where I started, and I thought it was particularly valuable,” President Mercer recalls. “And the reason why I think it’s particularly valuable—it may even be more valuable today than it was when I started in 1971—is that in the intervening generation, an undergraduate degree has become almost an entry-level credential.”

2

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Today, President Mercer says, more and more students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree pursue some additional form of education, whether it’s graduate work, professional training or something entirely different. “But given that the undergraduate degree is now seen as the first of successive degrees, I think it makes particular sense to think of a liberal arts education as training for a very broad range of disciplines,” President Mercer says. “So what we try to focus on here are what might be described as the basic precepts for advanced education, and that is the ability to digest a lot of material relatively quickly, to extract from it what’s important, to be able to analyze the problems that it throws up and then come to solutions.”

In fact, says Anthony Padovano, a liberal arts education can itself provide solutions—in life and at work. Padovano, a distinguished professor of literature and philosophy and a founding faculty member at Ramapo, also teaches theology at Fordham University in New York City and the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey.

“A liberal arts education contributes so much to a person’s ability to evaluate what it means to be human,” Padovano says.

“The liberal arts education, I think, is invaluable in terms of building flexibility, being open to ideas, embracing a diverse society and organization.”

FRANCES K. HACKETT

Class of 1980

Kim Albano, ‘82

As a gifted young pianist, Kim Albano enrolled in Ramapo’s School of Contemporary Arts with a concentration in music. As it turns out, Albano entered the business world—today she’s vice president of customer operations for ESPN—but she says even her music-based education at Ramapo taught her lessons that she applies on the job.

“The stuff that I learned and the skills that I figured out have enabled me to transfer industries,” says Albano, who has also worked at Nestle and McCaw Cellular/AT&T Wireless. “It wasn’t like going to a music school. I really got a broad flavor for things I never would have learned in another place.”

“By making you sensitive to that, it makes you for the rest of your life a better worker and a stronger colleague, because it helps you sort out some of the essential issues of the human experience from the trivializing or myopic issues that actually sap our energy.”

The liberal arts, Padovano says, can even help make us happier. “Its point is to bring us to terms with the human equation in the way that leads to happiness,” he says.

“The more we come to terms with ourselves, the more we are not in conflict with ourselves, the more tranquility we have.

Because we start to act more naturally, if you will, more in accord with our nature.”

The distinguished alumni profiled who follow represent a head-spinning variety of professions and speak volumes to Ramapo’s success as New Jersey’s designated state college for the liberal arts. We asked them about their experiences at Ramapo and the ways in which the College helped prepare them for their careers.

Mary Falvey, ’82

Mary Falvey believes the semester she spent abroad in Ireland directly influenced her rise through the corporate ranks. “I brought my bicycle, I hitchhiked around the country, I took the bus to go to the post office to call my parents once a week,” she says. “It really made me very independent.”

Today Falvey is executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Wyndham Worldwide.

An English Literature major, she says she had no particular career plans while at Ramapo.

“I just thought a good liberal arts education—and I tell my son to this day—will help you in any field,” she says. “I thought it was a great basis for a springboard to a career in human resources.”

Cathy Benko, ’85

Anthony DeCarlo, ’77

“These people were really taking it on the chin to do this,” Benko recalls of her classmates. “And I give Ramapo a lot of credit for having an open door for those kinds of people. Who would have thought, two years later, I would be accepted into Harvard Business School?”

After earning a veterinary medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania, DeCarlo cofounded the Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, today the nation’s largest, privately-owned facility. He’s quick to credit the Ramapo faculty. “They just wanted people to learn and be successful in their careers, and I owe those guys a lot,” he says. “They did the right thing by me. They gave me that second chance.”

James Gibson, ’77

Joseph Gilligan, ’92

At first Gibson thought he might pursue a career in the sciences. But after taking his first accounting class, he switched to economics. Today he embraces both worlds as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Research Triangle Institute in North Carolina, the nation’s second largest independent nonprofit research organization.

Today Gilligan is chief executive officer of Akadema Inc., a maker of baseball gloves, bats and apparel, and Pro Player Academy, a baseball teaching facility in Hawthorne, New Jersey. He started both businesses with his brother, Lawrence.

Another brother, Dan, runs the baseball academy.

Cathy Benko has started a business, earned an MBA from Harvard and written two books. As chief talent officer for the U.S. firm of Deloitte & Touche, she oversees a campaign to help employees balance their work and private lives. Yet when she graduated high school, Benko never even considered college. She had a full-time job when she enrolled in Ramapo’s weekend program in 1980.

Enrolling at Ramapo after spending a year at another college and a year off from school, James Gibson found his new classes “rekindled my spark of just loving to learn.”

“At Ramapo you came of age to absorb viewpoints and to learn how to think differently,” he says. “I didn’t fully understand it then, but over the years a liberal arts education was really important for the foundation for what I would later do.”

Anthony DeCarlo had already dropped out of another college when he enrolled at Ramapo, determined to succeed on his second go-round at higher education. “I was in a situation where I needed to get straight A’s,” DeCarlo recalls.

“I got one B.”

Like many Ramapo students, Joseph Gilligan worked full-time while attending night classes. Soon after graduating he took a job with Sony, and two years later he launched his own business.

“What I got out of Ramapo was a good broad background of different things,” Gilligan says. “I was in communications, so I learned a lot through the marketing classes I took. I think what Ramapo College gave me was that excitement to strive to be better.”

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

3

Feature (L-R): Joey Salvia, Michael Kay, Don La Greca

Shelley Gray, ’77

Although Shelley Gray earned a fine arts degree from Ramapo, she made sure to take a business course each semester, believing someday they would come in handy. It was a prescient move. Since 1986 Gray and her husband, Roger (Ramapo class of ’76), have run Center Line Studios in upstate New York, building stage designs for the likes of Lincoln Center, the New York City Opera and Broadway plays.

“You have to market yourself,” Gray says, recalling those business classes. “You have to keep your accounting.”

Ramapo stoked her entrepreneurial spirit, Gray says, particularly theater instructor John Jay Moore, who routinely took students to see plays in New York City. “Jay taking us to those shows and taking us backstage,” she says, ‘you just felt, ‘I can do this.”

Carolyn Merkel, ’78

As a chemistry major at Ramapo, Carolyn Merkel says she learned to consider the sciences through the prism of a liberal arts education. “There was much more of a philosophical underpinning to the understanding of science,” she says. Merkel worked as a scientist for Pepsi-Cola and for McNeil Nutritionals LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, before cofounding Mariner Analytical, which provides scientific consulting for businesses and government agencies.

“My work life was pretty nontraditional for a scientist,” she says. “I spent a lot of time working with people in sales, marketing and quality assurance, and I was always comfortable translating my background and experience because of the knowledge I had that this did all interrelate.”

4

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Frances K. Hackett, '80

Fran Hackett has moved up the corporate ladder since her graduation from Ramapo nearly three decades ago. Today she’s a vice president at Prudential, and she credits her time at Ramapo for teaching her how to take on a variety of tasks within the organization. It’s a lesson she tries to impart to Ramapo students in her role as chairwoman of the alumni advisory board at the Anisfield School of Business.

“The liberal arts education, I think, is invaluable in terms of building flexibility, being open to ideas, embracing a diverse society and organization,” Hackett says. “I never got pigeonholed in my career. I credit a lot of those opportunities to the benefit of the liberal arts nature of the education at Ramapo.”

Glenn Micalizio, ’96

“My story highlights the ability to move on to highpowered academic institutions from Ramapo and still be able to compete,” says Glenn Micalizio.

Does it ever. Micalizio earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, moved to Harvard on a fellowship, then taught in Yale’s chemistry department. Today he’s an associate professor at Scripps Florida, a biomedical research institute.

As a chemistry undergrad at Ramapo, Micalizio worked full-time to pay his own way, including a job as an analytical chemist at Ceiba-Geigy, arranged with the help of Ramapo professor Dr. Kwesi Aggrey. “That’s what really turned me on, having the opportunity to work with Ph.D.’s,” Micalizio says. “They set me along the right path.”

Donald La Greca, ’92

Pat Thomas, ’80

He hasn’t slowed down. Today La Greca is a mainstay on ESPN Radio in New York. He’s a co-host of the Michael Kay Show and host of preand post-game shows for the New York Jets and New York Rangers.

Today he’s the zoo’s general curator. Having earned a Ph.D. in biology from Fordham, he’s also an adjunct professor at Columbia University. In the 1990s he taught as an adjunct at Ramapo.

Not long after arriving on campus, Donald La Greca turned his focus to Ramapo’s campus radio station, WRPR. He never looked back, working as news director and sports director and hosting a heavy-metal music show.

It would be difficult to overstate the connection between Pat Thomas’s education at Ramapo and his career at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo. After all, he started at the zoo on an internship. “I absolutely fell in love with it,” Thomas says, “and ended up never leaving.”

“I didn’t want to spend half of my education waiting for the opportunity to do stuff,” LaGreca says of his early experience at WRPR. “And I felt Ramapo gave me the opportunity to do that.”

Thomas says he always knew he wanted to work with animals. “Ramapo kind of met all of my needs,” he says, “in terms of offering a program to provide me with an education to get me started in my field.”

Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, ’99

Laura Wellington, ’87

Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, whose father, Sieudial, is the assistant chief of Public Safety at Ramapo, is a resident in the Pathology Department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Although he was a double major at Ramapo—chemistry and physics —the close-knit nature of the campus enabled him to make friends with many biology professors as well. When he applied for medical school, some of them wrote letters of recommendation.

“They’re really good letters because they really know you as a person,” Ramkissoon says. “One true thing about a small liberal arts college that often goes unsaid is how much interaction you have with the faculty and how much interest they take in your life and your career.”

“Everything that I do every day, all day long, is attributed back to some form of marketing,” says Laura Wellington.

The former Ramapo marketing major has plenty on her professional plate these days. Wellington runs financial and consulting firms that she started with her late husband, Dean, and these days she’s busy with her newest creation, “The Wumblers,” an animated TV series that imparts lessons about social responsibility to a pre-school audience.

She says the marketing lessons she learned at Ramapo still apply. “That’s where the liberal arts education comes in,” she says. “You’re not locked into thinking in one way. All day long we brainstorm, we create, we strategize. How quickly we’ve grown is a testament to how well we do that.”

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

5

Feature (L-R): Joey Salvia, Michael Kay, Don La Greca

Shelley Gray, ’77

Although Shelley Gray earned a fine arts degree from Ramapo, she made sure to take a business course each semester, believing someday they would come in handy. It was a prescient move. Since 1986 Gray and her husband, Roger (Ramapo class of ’76), have run Center Line Studios in upstate New York, building stage designs for the likes of Lincoln Center, the New York City Opera and Broadway plays.

“You have to market yourself,” Gray says, recalling those business classes. “You have to keep your accounting.”

Ramapo stoked her entrepreneurial spirit, Gray says, particularly theater instructor John Jay Moore, who routinely took students to see plays in New York City. “Jay taking us to those shows and taking us backstage,” she says, ‘you just felt, ‘I can do this.”

Carolyn Merkel, ’78

As a chemistry major at Ramapo, Carolyn Merkel says she learned to consider the sciences through the prism of a liberal arts education. “There was much more of a philosophical underpinning to the understanding of science,” she says. Merkel worked as a scientist for Pepsi-Cola and for McNeil Nutritionals LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, before cofounding Mariner Analytical, which provides scientific consulting for businesses and government agencies.

“My work life was pretty nontraditional for a scientist,” she says. “I spent a lot of time working with people in sales, marketing and quality assurance, and I was always comfortable translating my background and experience because of the knowledge I had that this did all interrelate.”

4

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Frances K. Hackett, '80

Fran Hackett has moved up the corporate ladder since her graduation from Ramapo nearly three decades ago. Today she’s a vice president at Prudential, and she credits her time at Ramapo for teaching her how to take on a variety of tasks within the organization. It’s a lesson she tries to impart to Ramapo students in her role as chairwoman of the alumni advisory board at the Anisfield School of Business.

“The liberal arts education, I think, is invaluable in terms of building flexibility, being open to ideas, embracing a diverse society and organization,” Hackett says. “I never got pigeonholed in my career. I credit a lot of those opportunities to the benefit of the liberal arts nature of the education at Ramapo.”

Glenn Micalizio, ’96

“My story highlights the ability to move on to highpowered academic institutions from Ramapo and still be able to compete,” says Glenn Micalizio.

Does it ever. Micalizio earned a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, moved to Harvard on a fellowship, then taught in Yale’s chemistry department. Today he’s an associate professor at Scripps Florida, a biomedical research institute.

As a chemistry undergrad at Ramapo, Micalizio worked full-time to pay his own way, including a job as an analytical chemist at Ceiba-Geigy, arranged with the help of Ramapo professor Dr. Kwesi Aggrey. “That’s what really turned me on, having the opportunity to work with Ph.D.’s,” Micalizio says. “They set me along the right path.”

Donald La Greca, ’92

Pat Thomas, ’80

He hasn’t slowed down. Today La Greca is a mainstay on ESPN Radio in New York. He’s a co-host of the Michael Kay Show and host of preand post-game shows for the New York Jets and New York Rangers.

Today he’s the zoo’s general curator. Having earned a Ph.D. in biology from Fordham, he’s also an adjunct professor at Columbia University. In the 1990s he taught as an adjunct at Ramapo.

Not long after arriving on campus, Donald La Greca turned his focus to Ramapo’s campus radio station, WRPR. He never looked back, working as news director and sports director and hosting a heavy-metal music show.

It would be difficult to overstate the connection between Pat Thomas’s education at Ramapo and his career at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo. After all, he started at the zoo on an internship. “I absolutely fell in love with it,” Thomas says, “and ended up never leaving.”

“I didn’t want to spend half of my education waiting for the opportunity to do stuff,” LaGreca says of his early experience at WRPR. “And I felt Ramapo gave me the opportunity to do that.”

Thomas says he always knew he wanted to work with animals. “Ramapo kind of met all of my needs,” he says, “in terms of offering a program to provide me with an education to get me started in my field.”

Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, ’99

Laura Wellington, ’87

Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, whose father, Sieudial, is the assistant chief of Public Safety at Ramapo, is a resident in the Pathology Department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Although he was a double major at Ramapo—chemistry and physics —the close-knit nature of the campus enabled him to make friends with many biology professors as well. When he applied for medical school, some of them wrote letters of recommendation.

“They’re really good letters because they really know you as a person,” Ramkissoon says. “One true thing about a small liberal arts college that often goes unsaid is how much interaction you have with the faculty and how much interest they take in your life and your career.”

“Everything that I do every day, all day long, is attributed back to some form of marketing,” says Laura Wellington.

The former Ramapo marketing major has plenty on her professional plate these days. Wellington runs financial and consulting firms that she started with her late husband, Dean, and these days she’s busy with her newest creation, “The Wumblers,” an animated TV series that imparts lessons about social responsibility to a pre-school audience.

She says the marketing lessons she learned at Ramapo still apply. “That’s where the liberal arts education comes in,” she says. “You’re not locked into thinking in one way. All day long we brainstorm, we create, we strategize. How quickly we’ve grown is a testament to how well we do that.”

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

5

Feature

THE PROFESSORS WHO INSPIRED THEM:

OUR 14 SHARE MEMORIES OF THEIR FAVORITE PROFESSORS

In interview after interview, Ramapo alumni echoed a common theme about the quality of the college’s faculty. Inevitably, the graduates singled out one or more professors who profoundly influenced their college experience and, in many cases, their professional careers.

Kim Albano, ‘82 PROFESSOR: Harold Lieberman (professor emeritus)

“He was a worldclass musician, a trumpet player. He was able to bring in other world-class musicians because he knew them, and he got them to come in and work with us.

Harold always went the extra mile and was very caring and very smart. In fact, he came to my wedding.”

James Gibson, ’77

Fran Hackett, ’80

PROFESSOR: Anthony Tarallo (professor emeritus, deceased)

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR: Anthony Padovano (literature and philosophy)

“He made it fun. He “When I saw him a inspired you befew years ago I told cause of his belief him he used to in you. He came from the busimake my head hurt. I think he ness world. I didn’t know what really challenged us as students I was going to do or where I to really think, to really develop was going to go, but there was a those analytical skills. I was mesguy I admired and looked up to, merized. I hung on every word.” and as a result I kind of followed the lead that he provided.”

Fran Hackett, ’80

6

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

PROFESSOR: Cliff Peterson (international politics)

“Just a fantastic professor, very approachable, very engaging, very much giving of himself to the students in terms of making his time available, providing me with individual feedback, the personal touch. You never felt like you were just passing through.”

Carolyn Merkel, ’78 PROFESSOR: Grace Borowitz (emeritus)

Glenn Micalizio, ’96 PROFESSOR: Teodore Halpern (emeritus)

“She was really helpful with me throughout my career, even long after I left Ramapo. She was sort of a yenta to everybody. She had more pictures of everybody than their mothers did. She was like the proud mom of thousands of students.”

“I came in as a biology major and it turns out the one who was closest to guiding my career was a physicist. He gave some lecture on electrodynamics my sophomore year. I went to my dad’s workshop and built an electric motor based on what he had told us that day. He really took a mentorship role, and I’ll never forget it.”

Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, ’99

Laura Wellington, ’87

PROFESSOR: Grace Borowitz (emeritus)

“She was phenomenal.

She was like a rock. If you needed a letter, you could go to her. If you needed advice, you could go to her. Even if you didn’t need advice, she was going to tell you what to do.”

PROFESSOR: Peter Hellawell (retired, marketing)

“He worked for Nabisco. He was hands-down the best teacher I ever had. You need to understand people to understand marketing, and he understood people. ”

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

7

Feature

THE PROFESSORS WHO INSPIRED THEM:

OUR 14 SHARE MEMORIES OF THEIR FAVORITE PROFESSORS

In interview after interview, Ramapo alumni echoed a common theme about the quality of the college’s faculty. Inevitably, the graduates singled out one or more professors who profoundly influenced their college experience and, in many cases, their professional careers.

Kim Albano, ‘82 PROFESSOR: Harold Lieberman (professor emeritus)

“He was a worldclass musician, a trumpet player. He was able to bring in other world-class musicians because he knew them, and he got them to come in and work with us.

Harold always went the extra mile and was very caring and very smart. In fact, he came to my wedding.”

James Gibson, ’77

Fran Hackett, ’80

PROFESSOR: Anthony Tarallo (professor emeritus, deceased)

DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR: Anthony Padovano (literature and philosophy)

“He made it fun. He “When I saw him a inspired you befew years ago I told cause of his belief him he used to in you. He came from the busimake my head hurt. I think he ness world. I didn’t know what really challenged us as students I was going to do or where I to really think, to really develop was going to go, but there was a those analytical skills. I was mesguy I admired and looked up to, merized. I hung on every word.” and as a result I kind of followed the lead that he provided.”

Fran Hackett, ’80

6

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

PROFESSOR: Cliff Peterson (international politics)

“Just a fantastic professor, very approachable, very engaging, very much giving of himself to the students in terms of making his time available, providing me with individual feedback, the personal touch. You never felt like you were just passing through.”

Carolyn Merkel, ’78 PROFESSOR: Grace Borowitz (emeritus)

Glenn Micalizio, ’96 PROFESSOR: Teodore Halpern (emeritus)

“She was really helpful with me throughout my career, even long after I left Ramapo. She was sort of a yenta to everybody. She had more pictures of everybody than their mothers did. She was like the proud mom of thousands of students.”

“I came in as a biology major and it turns out the one who was closest to guiding my career was a physicist. He gave some lecture on electrodynamics my sophomore year. I went to my dad’s workshop and built an electric motor based on what he had told us that day. He really took a mentorship role, and I’ll never forget it.”

Dr. Shakti Ramkissoon, ’99

Laura Wellington, ’87

PROFESSOR: Grace Borowitz (emeritus)

“She was phenomenal.

She was like a rock. If you needed a letter, you could go to her. If you needed advice, you could go to her. Even if you didn’t need advice, she was going to tell you what to do.”

PROFESSOR: Peter Hellawell (retired, marketing)

“He worked for Nabisco. He was hands-down the best teacher I ever had. You need to understand people to understand marketing, and he understood people. ”

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

7

Cover story

TOMORROW’S STELLAR ALUMNI

By Chris Hann

Ramapo’s annual Honors Convocation, a celebration of the brightest young minds on campus, confirmed the notion that tomorrow’s distinguished alumni start out as today’s honors students. The Convocation, held on April 22, recognized 25 students in Ramapo’s College Honors Program, including 14 who were awarded honors with distinction. Another 60 students, grouped according to the College’s five undergraduate schools, were cited for outstanding academic achievement.

“It doesn’t get much better than this,” Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer told the audience inside Friends Hall, an appraisal confirmed by the six students profiled below.

(L-R): Karen Rivera, Louis Maraj, Veselina Stoyanova, Marissa Malkowski, Lisa Perlmutter and Mary O’Shea. All were honored at this year’s Honors Convocation.

Veselina Stoyanova/ International Business

Louis Maraj/Poetry

Louis Maraj had never stepped foot outside Trinidad and Tobago before venturing to the United States in 2005 for what turned out to be a memorable first semester at Ramapo.

That December he suffered a seizure. He was prescribed medication, but the seizures contin8

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

ued. Then one day communications professor Kathleen Sunshine confided that her sister had died of a misdiagnosed brain tumor. She urged him to see more doctors. Long story short: In February 2007, doctors removed a tumor– benign but life threatening–from his brain.

Louis, now 22, returned to Ramapo in three weeks, completed the semester, and has not

had another seizure since–a good thing, because his academic load would not tolerate delay. A triple major–communications, literature, and social science–Louis spent a semester in India and was awarded College Honors with Distinction. His College Honors project, completed under the guidance of associate professor of English James Hoch, was a collection of poems, “Because No One Wants to Walk Over There.”

“I owe a lot of my work and where it is now to him,” Louis says of Hoch. “If a line seems too sentimental, he has a saying: ‘It sounds like poetry with a capital P.’ And you don’t want to write poetry with a capital P.” With Hoch’s encouragement, Louis plans to attend graduate school and teach college-level creative writing.

Veselina Stoyanova arrived at Ramapo from her native Bulgaria with two suitcases, no cell phone and no computer. She left, following her graduation in May, with a degree in international business and big plans for her future.

Her decision to study international business, she says, went beyond mere academic considerations. “Because I am coming from a small country, where the economic situation in the 1990s was not good,” she says. “I witnessed the hardship of my family when both of my parents lost their jobs. I really want to understand the factors why the economic downturn happened. You can’t really understand the political and social factors without understanding the economic factors.”

At the Honors Convocation, Veselina, 23, was awarded College Honors with Distinction. Her College Honors project was titled “Assessing

Corporate Social Responsibility through the Prism of the European and the American Business Model.”

This fall Veselina will enroll in a graduate program at the University of Edinburg in

Scotland. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in international business and one day return to Bulgaria. “I would like to go back,” she says, “when I gain some experience and I feel I can really make a difference.” www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

9

Cover story

TOMORROW’S STELLAR ALUMNI

By Chris Hann

Ramapo’s annual Honors Convocation, a celebration of the brightest young minds on campus, confirmed the notion that tomorrow’s distinguished alumni start out as today’s honors students. The Convocation, held on April 22, recognized 25 students in Ramapo’s College Honors Program, including 14 who were awarded honors with distinction. Another 60 students, grouped according to the College’s five undergraduate schools, were cited for outstanding academic achievement.

“It doesn’t get much better than this,” Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer told the audience inside Friends Hall, an appraisal confirmed by the six students profiled below.

(L-R): Karen Rivera, Louis Maraj, Veselina Stoyanova, Marissa Malkowski, Lisa Perlmutter and Mary O’Shea. All were honored at this year’s Honors Convocation.

Veselina Stoyanova/ International Business

Louis Maraj/Poetry

Louis Maraj had never stepped foot outside Trinidad and Tobago before venturing to the United States in 2005 for what turned out to be a memorable first semester at Ramapo.

That December he suffered a seizure. He was prescribed medication, but the seizures contin8

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

ued. Then one day communications professor Kathleen Sunshine confided that her sister had died of a misdiagnosed brain tumor. She urged him to see more doctors. Long story short: In February 2007, doctors removed a tumor– benign but life threatening–from his brain.

Louis, now 22, returned to Ramapo in three weeks, completed the semester, and has not

had another seizure since–a good thing, because his academic load would not tolerate delay. A triple major–communications, literature, and social science–Louis spent a semester in India and was awarded College Honors with Distinction. His College Honors project, completed under the guidance of associate professor of English James Hoch, was a collection of poems, “Because No One Wants to Walk Over There.”

“I owe a lot of my work and where it is now to him,” Louis says of Hoch. “If a line seems too sentimental, he has a saying: ‘It sounds like poetry with a capital P.’ And you don’t want to write poetry with a capital P.” With Hoch’s encouragement, Louis plans to attend graduate school and teach college-level creative writing.

Veselina Stoyanova arrived at Ramapo from her native Bulgaria with two suitcases, no cell phone and no computer. She left, following her graduation in May, with a degree in international business and big plans for her future.

Her decision to study international business, she says, went beyond mere academic considerations. “Because I am coming from a small country, where the economic situation in the 1990s was not good,” she says. “I witnessed the hardship of my family when both of my parents lost their jobs. I really want to understand the factors why the economic downturn happened. You can’t really understand the political and social factors without understanding the economic factors.”

At the Honors Convocation, Veselina, 23, was awarded College Honors with Distinction. Her College Honors project was titled “Assessing

Corporate Social Responsibility through the Prism of the European and the American Business Model.”

This fall Veselina will enroll in a graduate program at the University of Edinburg in

Scotland. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in international business and one day return to Bulgaria. “I would like to go back,” she says, “when I gain some experience and I feel I can really make a difference.” www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

9

Cover story

Karen Rivera/Communications Arts, Journalism So great is Karen Rivera’s passion for journalism that she says the calling chose her.

“It wasn’t something that I chose myself,” she says. “In one way, shape, or form, I was always writing.”

She joined the student newspaper, The Ramapo News, in her freshman year. As a junior, she was named editor-in-chief. Her four internships included stints at the New York bureau of CNN and the New York Daily News.

“It wasn’t something that I chose myself,” she says. “In one way, shape, or form, I was always writing.”

“Journalism is just a combination of all the things I love,” she says. “I really fiercely believe in the power of words and truth and information.”

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

In Petitto, Marissa will have a like-minded mentor. “I want to study the neurological underpinnings of people who learn sign language,” Marissa says. “I just want to keep doing research and become a professor.”

At Ramapo, Marissa says, the “awesome” faculty in the psychology department helped enhance her Ramapo experience. “I’ve really been close to them the past four years,” she says. “I’ve always respected them because of how well they teach. They’ve been a huge influence on what I want to do in the future.”

Mary O’Shea/Spanish

Lisa Perlmutter had already earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and was enrolled in a Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences when she decided to alter her career path. It turns out the biomed program restricted her to working with laboratory animals. She preferred to work with human patients, so she enrolled in the nursing program at Ramapo.

10

That curiosity has carried Marissa a long way.

This fall she will enter the University of Toronto, where she will begin a five-year doctoral program in cognitive psychology. Not incidentally, she will study under Laura Ann Petitto, a Ramapo alumna who has conducted pioneering research on the biological origins of human language, bilingualism and sign language.

Karen studied in Japan the summer after her sophomore year, and she aspires to become a foreign correspondent. “I’m just going to try and find whatever way I can to get there,” she says.

Lisa Perlmutter/Nursing

This fall Lisa, 25, will enter a graduate nursing program at the University of Pennsylvania. She plans to become a family nurse practitioner, with a special focus on juvenile

You might say that Marissa Malkowski has a natural affinity for the study of psychology.

As the daughter of deaf parents, Marissa says, “I always wondered what someone’s brain would be like if they were deaf.”

Karen, 22, credits professors Edna Negron and Dan Sforza for helping her develop as a journalist. Negron, the student newspaper advisor, wrote recommendations that helped Karen get hired for the internships. Sforza, an editor at The Record and advisor to the student paper, helped her become a better writer, though the process was not easy on the ego. “After the first time he edited one of my pieces, I thought I was the worst writer in the world,” she recalls.

“I cried when I got home.”

Something tells us she will.

“I studied all day every day,” Lisa says of her two years at Ramapo. “It’s a very difficult program, but well worth it.” She gives special credit to nursing instructor Cristina Stearns and associate nursing professor Margaret Greene.

Marissa Malkowski/ Psychology

Mary O’Shea took just one course at a time when she first started at Ramapo, and the first course she took was a Spanish class taught by associate professor of Spanish Iraida Lopez. It must have made an impact. Mary, a Spanish major with a concentration in education, was cited at the Honors Convocation for outstanding academic achievement.

diabetes. The graduate program includes a minor in global health. As a junior at Stetson University in Florida, Lisa took part in a 100day voyage that allowed her to treat needy people from Asia to Africa to South America.

Eventually, Lisa says, she’d like to start a medical clinic of her own. “I have to decide who needs it the most before I decide where to go,” she says. “It depends on where they have the least clinics and the most need.”

Her time at Ramapo has been filled with experiential learning opportunities in Spanish language and culture and in education. She will spend part of this summer with 12 other Ramapo students in Bilbao, Spain, a study program organized by assistant professor of Spanish Natalia Santamaria-Laorden. Another Ramapo trip took her to Cajola, Guatemala during spring break. “We got to talk with the people and learn about the culture of the Mayas, who are still there today,” Mary says.

At Ramapo, Marissa says, the “awesome” faculty in the psychology department helped enhance her Ramapo experience. Last year she helped the department develop a Web site for psychology students. “I’ve really been close to them the past four years,” she says.

“I’ve always respected them because of how well they teach. They’ve been a huge influence on what I want to do in the future.”

“It was amazing to go to a place like Guatemala to see a culture that I’ve been learning about in my books.”

She has worked with students in elementary and middle schools and this fall, during her last semester at Ramapo, she will work as a student teacher at Indian Hills High School in Oakland, New Jersey. After graduating in January 2010, Mary plans to become a teacher.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

11

Cover story

Karen Rivera/Communications Arts, Journalism So great is Karen Rivera’s passion for journalism that she says the calling chose her.

“It wasn’t something that I chose myself,” she says. “In one way, shape, or form, I was always writing.”

She joined the student newspaper, The Ramapo News, in her freshman year. As a junior, she was named editor-in-chief. Her four internships included stints at the New York bureau of CNN and the New York Daily News.

“It wasn’t something that I chose myself,” she says. “In one way, shape, or form, I was always writing.”

“Journalism is just a combination of all the things I love,” she says. “I really fiercely believe in the power of words and truth and information.”

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

In Petitto, Marissa will have a like-minded mentor. “I want to study the neurological underpinnings of people who learn sign language,” Marissa says. “I just want to keep doing research and become a professor.”

At Ramapo, Marissa says, the “awesome” faculty in the psychology department helped enhance her Ramapo experience. “I’ve really been close to them the past four years,” she says. “I’ve always respected them because of how well they teach. They’ve been a huge influence on what I want to do in the future.”

Mary O’Shea/Spanish

Lisa Perlmutter had already earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and was enrolled in a Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences when she decided to alter her career path. It turns out the biomed program restricted her to working with laboratory animals. She preferred to work with human patients, so she enrolled in the nursing program at Ramapo.

10

That curiosity has carried Marissa a long way.

This fall she will enter the University of Toronto, where she will begin a five-year doctoral program in cognitive psychology. Not incidentally, she will study under Laura Ann Petitto, a Ramapo alumna who has conducted pioneering research on the biological origins of human language, bilingualism and sign language.

Karen studied in Japan the summer after her sophomore year, and she aspires to become a foreign correspondent. “I’m just going to try and find whatever way I can to get there,” she says.

Lisa Perlmutter/Nursing

This fall Lisa, 25, will enter a graduate nursing program at the University of Pennsylvania. She plans to become a family nurse practitioner, with a special focus on juvenile

You might say that Marissa Malkowski has a natural affinity for the study of psychology.

As the daughter of deaf parents, Marissa says, “I always wondered what someone’s brain would be like if they were deaf.”

Karen, 22, credits professors Edna Negron and Dan Sforza for helping her develop as a journalist. Negron, the student newspaper advisor, wrote recommendations that helped Karen get hired for the internships. Sforza, an editor at The Record and advisor to the student paper, helped her become a better writer, though the process was not easy on the ego. “After the first time he edited one of my pieces, I thought I was the worst writer in the world,” she recalls.

“I cried when I got home.”

Something tells us she will.

“I studied all day every day,” Lisa says of her two years at Ramapo. “It’s a very difficult program, but well worth it.” She gives special credit to nursing instructor Cristina Stearns and associate nursing professor Margaret Greene.

Marissa Malkowski/ Psychology

Mary O’Shea took just one course at a time when she first started at Ramapo, and the first course she took was a Spanish class taught by associate professor of Spanish Iraida Lopez. It must have made an impact. Mary, a Spanish major with a concentration in education, was cited at the Honors Convocation for outstanding academic achievement.

diabetes. The graduate program includes a minor in global health. As a junior at Stetson University in Florida, Lisa took part in a 100day voyage that allowed her to treat needy people from Asia to Africa to South America.

Eventually, Lisa says, she’d like to start a medical clinic of her own. “I have to decide who needs it the most before I decide where to go,” she says. “It depends on where they have the least clinics and the most need.”

Her time at Ramapo has been filled with experiential learning opportunities in Spanish language and culture and in education. She will spend part of this summer with 12 other Ramapo students in Bilbao, Spain, a study program organized by assistant professor of Spanish Natalia Santamaria-Laorden. Another Ramapo trip took her to Cajola, Guatemala during spring break. “We got to talk with the people and learn about the culture of the Mayas, who are still there today,” Mary says.

At Ramapo, Marissa says, the “awesome” faculty in the psychology department helped enhance her Ramapo experience. Last year she helped the department develop a Web site for psychology students. “I’ve really been close to them the past four years,” she says.

“I’ve always respected them because of how well they teach. They’ve been a huge influence on what I want to do in the future.”

“It was amazing to go to a place like Guatemala to see a culture that I’ve been learning about in my books.”

She has worked with students in elementary and middle schools and this fall, during her last semester at Ramapo, she will work as a student teacher at Indian Hills High School in Oakland, New Jersey. After graduating in January 2010, Mary plans to become a teacher.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

11

College news

Property Developer David Schlussel Appointed to Board of Trustees

Governor Jon S. Corzine appointed David Schlussel to the Board of Trustees for a twoyear term to fill a vacant seat in February.

Schlussel is one of the founding members of Key Properties LLC, a full service commercial real estate development company based in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Student participant Sandralynn Veech and Dr. Arthur Felix, associate professor of biochemistry at Ramapo's Annual Student Research Symposium

Undergraduate Students Present Research Findings at Annual Symposium More than 30 students presented posters and talks describing their undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities in the sciences at an annual Student Research Symposium held in April at the College.

The symposium provided a research conference atmosphere during which students presented the results of faculty-student collaborative scientific research. Topics included the artificial sweetener aspartame inhibits tail regeneration in

the mud worm, the implications for dinosaur speed estimates, the simulation and visualization of forest dynamics and the recycling of aluminum by utilizing the metal as an electrode in a fuel cell, among others.

The School of Theoretical and Applied Science, Reedy International of Keyport, New Jersey and LeCroy Corporation of Chestnut Ridge, New York sponsored the event.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Siciliano

Darwin Day at Ramapo College

A celebration of Charles Darwin’s life and evolutionary theory, and its impact 200 years after the concept of human evolution was proposed, was the theme of “The Darwin Revolution” in April.

A.J. Sabath ’93 Has Board of Trustees Term Renewed

The Honorable A.J. Sabath ‘93, who serves as vice-chair, had his term renewed for six years.

Sabath, the former chief of staff to Senate President Richard J. Codey, earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Ramapo College and he is the owner of The Advocacy Group in Moorestown, NJ. 12

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

The keynote speaker was Dr. Niles Eldredge (pictured) who earned a Ph.D. in Geology from Columbia University and whose research specializes in the evolution of trilobites, a group of extinct arthropods. His 2005 book, “Darwin, Discovering the Tree of Life,” accompanied an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, where he is a curator of Paleontology.

Faculty from the School of Theoretical and Applied Science presented a current-day description of how Darwin’s theories have impacted evolution and influenced their research projects.

Their presentations focused on species and genes; plants and light; orchids; the origins of atolls; and dinosaurs and human evolution.

World Language Symposium Celebrates the Benefits of Learning Another Language

“Expanding Cultural Diversity: Does Learning Another Language Matter?” was the theme of a world language symposium in April. Dr. Joel Goldfield, associate professor of Modern Languages and Literatures and director of the Assistant Teacher/Oral Practice Session Program at Fairfield University in Connecticut (pictured), gave an opening presentation.

The symposium, sponsored by the School of American and International Studies, was a daylong exploration of the benefits of learning another language that included presentations

by Ramapo College professors and students.

Among the reasons cited for learning another language were improving English skills, enhancing travel experiences and gaining an advantage in the global community.

Science Writer and Author of “Galileo's Daughter”

Dava Sobel (pictured), spoke at the Meadowlands Education Center. The best-selling science author, whose book, “Galileo's Daughter” won the 1999 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for science and technology, was a featured speaker presented by the William D. McDowell Observatory at the Meadowlands Environment Center in March.

The book, a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in biography, is based on 124 surviving letters to Galileo from his eldest child, a cloistered nun. Their relationship, traced through the

“Diversity Perspectives In The 21st Century” Lecture Series A lecture series, “Diversity Perspectives in the 21st Century,” was presented throughout the spring semester. Each of the 13 lectures represented a broad diversity of cultural, ethnic and religious groups. The free series featured artists, activists, authors and academics.

“Weekly speakers, plus film screenings, performances and exhibits put a face on the particulars, the complexity and the breadth of diversity,” said Dr. Kay Fowler, a professor of Gerontology and organizer of the series.

“The lectures gave us cause for celebration and pride in the richness of the diverse 21st century while strengthening our commitment to be a part of the efforts to enhance social justice, empathy and interpersonal growth.”

Among those who lectured were awardwinning playwright, poet and essayist Cherrie Moraga who spoke on social change; documentary writer Daniela Zanzotto who addressed race, class and education; Dr. Cyrus Ellis, a social justice activist, veteran, author and professor at Governors State University, Illinois who deconstructed the 2008 Presidential election; Houda Abadi, director of Unity Programs for Abraham's Vision, a non-profit organization that facilitates dialogue between Jewish and Muslim youth and Philip Gourevitch, who authored “Standard Operating Procedure,” an investigation into the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

correspondence, overturns the myth of Galileo as an enemy of the Catholic church.

Although his discoveries in astronomy made Galileo world famous, his writings brought him to trial before the Inquisition, after which he was forced to deny his own beliefs. Ironically, his definition of the relationship between science and religion has since become the Church's official position.

The Diversity Action Committee, the School of Contemporary Arts, the School of Social Science and Human Services, Student Activities Platinum Series, Women’s Center, Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Africana Film Festival, Schomburg Foundation, Office of Student Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Office of Student Development and PRIDE sponsored the series with support from College student and administrative organizations.

Cherrie Moraga spoke on social change at the Diversity Perspectives lecture series.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

13

College news

Property Developer David Schlussel Appointed to Board of Trustees

Governor Jon S. Corzine appointed David Schlussel to the Board of Trustees for a twoyear term to fill a vacant seat in February.

Schlussel is one of the founding members of Key Properties LLC, a full service commercial real estate development company based in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Student participant Sandralynn Veech and Dr. Arthur Felix, associate professor of biochemistry at Ramapo's Annual Student Research Symposium

Undergraduate Students Present Research Findings at Annual Symposium More than 30 students presented posters and talks describing their undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activities in the sciences at an annual Student Research Symposium held in April at the College.

The symposium provided a research conference atmosphere during which students presented the results of faculty-student collaborative scientific research. Topics included the artificial sweetener aspartame inhibits tail regeneration in

the mud worm, the implications for dinosaur speed estimates, the simulation and visualization of forest dynamics and the recycling of aluminum by utilizing the metal as an electrode in a fuel cell, among others.

The School of Theoretical and Applied Science, Reedy International of Keyport, New Jersey and LeCroy Corporation of Chestnut Ridge, New York sponsored the event.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Siciliano

Darwin Day at Ramapo College

A celebration of Charles Darwin’s life and evolutionary theory, and its impact 200 years after the concept of human evolution was proposed, was the theme of “The Darwin Revolution” in April.

A.J. Sabath ’93 Has Board of Trustees Term Renewed

The Honorable A.J. Sabath ‘93, who serves as vice-chair, had his term renewed for six years.

Sabath, the former chief of staff to Senate President Richard J. Codey, earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Ramapo College and he is the owner of The Advocacy Group in Moorestown, NJ. 12

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

The keynote speaker was Dr. Niles Eldredge (pictured) who earned a Ph.D. in Geology from Columbia University and whose research specializes in the evolution of trilobites, a group of extinct arthropods. His 2005 book, “Darwin, Discovering the Tree of Life,” accompanied an exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History, where he is a curator of Paleontology.

Faculty from the School of Theoretical and Applied Science presented a current-day description of how Darwin’s theories have impacted evolution and influenced their research projects.

Their presentations focused on species and genes; plants and light; orchids; the origins of atolls; and dinosaurs and human evolution.

World Language Symposium Celebrates the Benefits of Learning Another Language

“Expanding Cultural Diversity: Does Learning Another Language Matter?” was the theme of a world language symposium in April. Dr. Joel Goldfield, associate professor of Modern Languages and Literatures and director of the Assistant Teacher/Oral Practice Session Program at Fairfield University in Connecticut (pictured), gave an opening presentation.

The symposium, sponsored by the School of American and International Studies, was a daylong exploration of the benefits of learning another language that included presentations

by Ramapo College professors and students.

Among the reasons cited for learning another language were improving English skills, enhancing travel experiences and gaining an advantage in the global community.

Science Writer and Author of “Galileo's Daughter”

Dava Sobel (pictured), spoke at the Meadowlands Education Center. The best-selling science author, whose book, “Galileo's Daughter” won the 1999 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for science and technology, was a featured speaker presented by the William D. McDowell Observatory at the Meadowlands Environment Center in March.

The book, a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in biography, is based on 124 surviving letters to Galileo from his eldest child, a cloistered nun. Their relationship, traced through the

“Diversity Perspectives In The 21st Century” Lecture Series A lecture series, “Diversity Perspectives in the 21st Century,” was presented throughout the spring semester. Each of the 13 lectures represented a broad diversity of cultural, ethnic and religious groups. The free series featured artists, activists, authors and academics.

“Weekly speakers, plus film screenings, performances and exhibits put a face on the particulars, the complexity and the breadth of diversity,” said Dr. Kay Fowler, a professor of Gerontology and organizer of the series.

“The lectures gave us cause for celebration and pride in the richness of the diverse 21st century while strengthening our commitment to be a part of the efforts to enhance social justice, empathy and interpersonal growth.”

Among those who lectured were awardwinning playwright, poet and essayist Cherrie Moraga who spoke on social change; documentary writer Daniela Zanzotto who addressed race, class and education; Dr. Cyrus Ellis, a social justice activist, veteran, author and professor at Governors State University, Illinois who deconstructed the 2008 Presidential election; Houda Abadi, director of Unity Programs for Abraham's Vision, a non-profit organization that facilitates dialogue between Jewish and Muslim youth and Philip Gourevitch, who authored “Standard Operating Procedure,” an investigation into the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

correspondence, overturns the myth of Galileo as an enemy of the Catholic church.

Although his discoveries in astronomy made Galileo world famous, his writings brought him to trial before the Inquisition, after which he was forced to deny his own beliefs. Ironically, his definition of the relationship between science and religion has since become the Church's official position.

The Diversity Action Committee, the School of Contemporary Arts, the School of Social Science and Human Services, Student Activities Platinum Series, Women’s Center, Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Africana Film Festival, Schomburg Foundation, Office of Student Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Office of Student Development and PRIDE sponsored the series with support from College student and administrative organizations.

Cherrie Moraga spoke on social change at the Diversity Perspectives lecture series.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

13

College news

Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Allison

Painting With Wine

The Italian Club, Il Circolo Italiano, sponsored an evening with artist and poet Pietro Barbera in April. Barbera recited poetry from his anthology, “Il tempo sospeso,” and taught attendees how to paint with wine.

Musical Celebration of America

The RCNJ Theater Program presented Woody Guthrie’s “American Song” for a slate of performances in April. This exuberant musical celebration of America, directed by Mary Ellen Allison, associate professor of Theater, tells the life of the rambling folk singer through his words and music.

(L-R): Bea Napier ($25,000), Angelica Mercado ($50,00), Kevin Williams ($35,000) and Angelica Berrie

Berrie Award Winners

Patient care technician Angelica Mercado of North Bergen was awarded a $50,000 cash grant from the Russell Berrie Foundation as winner of the 2009 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference for assisting a driver whose gas tanker overturned and exploded.

Mercado assisted at the scene of the accident and transported the driver to the hospital.

Healthcare professionals at The University Hospital in Newark, where the driver was taken, believe Mercado’s quick actions likely saved the man’s life.

Taking home the $35,000 award was Kevin J. Williams of Maywood who established the Maywood Rotary Kenya Project to help Maasai schoolchildren. His efforts have resulted in the first fresh water well for the schoolchildren and people in seven surrounding villages, along with school supplies, textbooks, school uniforms, 14

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Seated (L-R): Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation, winners Eugene McVeigh, Bea Napier, Angelica Mercado and Kevin J. Williams, and Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer. Standing (L-R): Winners Mary Hirschman, Linda Walder Fiddle, Sharon Lee Parker, Veronice Horne, Imma Ugomma Anyawu, Jim Gilligan, Mackenzie Olson, Marguerite Baber, Jane M. Hanson, Barry Rochester, Terry Carroll, Baye Wilson, Loryn Riggiola ’85, Yusef Ismail, Daniela Mendelsohn, and Josh Weston, Chair of the Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award Advisory Board.

well-balanced meals and a library. The organization has also paid for two eighth-grade classes to attend high school.

Bea Napier, of the Township of Washington, (Bergen County) was awarded the $25,000 grant for her service with the township’s ambulance corp. In her more than 35 years of service she has made more than 5,000 calls, used CPR to save 19 lives and assisted with three childbirths.

In all, 19 finalists were selected by a committee comprising eminent New Jersey business leaders and professionals. Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie and administered by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference honors Garden State residents for their unselfish dedication to serving others. The 16 remaining finalists each received $2,500.

Silver Award Winner

Jeff Gluck, a Ramapo student in Breanne Trammell’s Visual Identity class, won an American Institute of Graphic Arts Detroit Student Exhibit Silver Award for his entry in their design competition in April. Breanne Trammell is a School of Contemporary Arts adjunct. AIGA is a collaboration between the national organization and its 55 plus chapters.

It was founded in 1914 in New York City with a nation-wide membership base of more than 20,000 professional, educator and student members and is the oldest and largest membership association of design professionals.

(L-R): Felice Centrella, Dr. Alex Urbiel, assistant dean of the Teacher Education Program, and Ashley Woolsey

2009 New Jersey Distinguished Teacher Education Program Recipients Felice Centrella, an English teacher with Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School, and Ashley Woolsey, a teacher in Africa, both of whom were enrolled in Ramapo College’s Teacher Education Program, were selected as recipients of the 2009 New Jersey Distinguished Student Teacher, a recognition program of the New Jersey State Department of

Education. Dr. Alexander Urbiel, assistant dean of the Teacher Education Program, noted that the award is based on the student's academic performance and letters from professors, cooperating teachers and student teacher supervisors. Only 15 student teachers from across the state were chosen this year for the recognition.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

15

College news

Photo courtesy of Mary Ellen Allison

Painting With Wine

The Italian Club, Il Circolo Italiano, sponsored an evening with artist and poet Pietro Barbera in April. Barbera recited poetry from his anthology, “Il tempo sospeso,” and taught attendees how to paint with wine.

Musical Celebration of America

The RCNJ Theater Program presented Woody Guthrie’s “American Song” for a slate of performances in April. This exuberant musical celebration of America, directed by Mary Ellen Allison, associate professor of Theater, tells the life of the rambling folk singer through his words and music.

(L-R): Bea Napier ($25,000), Angelica Mercado ($50,00), Kevin Williams ($35,000) and Angelica Berrie

Berrie Award Winners

Patient care technician Angelica Mercado of North Bergen was awarded a $50,000 cash grant from the Russell Berrie Foundation as winner of the 2009 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference for assisting a driver whose gas tanker overturned and exploded.

Mercado assisted at the scene of the accident and transported the driver to the hospital.

Healthcare professionals at The University Hospital in Newark, where the driver was taken, believe Mercado’s quick actions likely saved the man’s life.

Taking home the $35,000 award was Kevin J. Williams of Maywood who established the Maywood Rotary Kenya Project to help Maasai schoolchildren. His efforts have resulted in the first fresh water well for the schoolchildren and people in seven surrounding villages, along with school supplies, textbooks, school uniforms, 14

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Seated (L-R): Angelica Berrie, President of the Russell Berrie Foundation, winners Eugene McVeigh, Bea Napier, Angelica Mercado and Kevin J. Williams, and Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer. Standing (L-R): Winners Mary Hirschman, Linda Walder Fiddle, Sharon Lee Parker, Veronice Horne, Imma Ugomma Anyawu, Jim Gilligan, Mackenzie Olson, Marguerite Baber, Jane M. Hanson, Barry Rochester, Terry Carroll, Baye Wilson, Loryn Riggiola ’85, Yusef Ismail, Daniela Mendelsohn, and Josh Weston, Chair of the Russ Berrie Making A Difference Award Advisory Board.

well-balanced meals and a library. The organization has also paid for two eighth-grade classes to attend high school.

Bea Napier, of the Township of Washington, (Bergen County) was awarded the $25,000 grant for her service with the township’s ambulance corp. In her more than 35 years of service she has made more than 5,000 calls, used CPR to save 19 lives and assisted with three childbirths.

In all, 19 finalists were selected by a committee comprising eminent New Jersey business leaders and professionals. Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie and administered by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference honors Garden State residents for their unselfish dedication to serving others. The 16 remaining finalists each received $2,500.

Silver Award Winner

Jeff Gluck, a Ramapo student in Breanne Trammell’s Visual Identity class, won an American Institute of Graphic Arts Detroit Student Exhibit Silver Award for his entry in their design competition in April. Breanne Trammell is a School of Contemporary Arts adjunct. AIGA is a collaboration between the national organization and its 55 plus chapters.

It was founded in 1914 in New York City with a nation-wide membership base of more than 20,000 professional, educator and student members and is the oldest and largest membership association of design professionals.

(L-R): Felice Centrella, Dr. Alex Urbiel, assistant dean of the Teacher Education Program, and Ashley Woolsey

2009 New Jersey Distinguished Teacher Education Program Recipients Felice Centrella, an English teacher with Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School, and Ashley Woolsey, a teacher in Africa, both of whom were enrolled in Ramapo College’s Teacher Education Program, were selected as recipients of the 2009 New Jersey Distinguished Student Teacher, a recognition program of the New Jersey State Department of

Education. Dr. Alexander Urbiel, assistant dean of the Teacher Education Program, noted that the award is based on the student's academic performance and letters from professors, cooperating teachers and student teacher supervisors. Only 15 student teachers from across the state were chosen this year for the recognition.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

15

Student Design Featured on Times Square Billboard

When Stephen Jablonsky, an assistant professor of Digital Media, had an opportunity to develop a new advertising campaign for a client, The Climate Group, he turned the project into a competition for students enrolled in his spring Senior Project Class, a capstone course that focuses on real world projects and expectations and enrolled in Visual Effects for DVD and Film.

Professors Present in Australia

Professor Ellen Kaiden

The campaign, titled “Together,” was to educate consumers about ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. An aspect of the campaign called for a 15-second public service announcement to run on the CBS super screen billboard in Times Square, and Jablonsky’s student, Laura Keller, won with her submission.

The senior’s spot ran on the 26-by-20-foot screen hourly throughout the month of March.

“It doesn’t get more real than having your announcement featured in Times Square every hour for a month,” said the proud professor, who was also interviewed by The Record newspaper for a story on the achievement.

Jablonsky said the students exhibited the dedication needed to get ahead in the design field with their submissions, which they produced in one week. “I am proud of Laura and the other students who participated,” he said. “ They responded creatively and professionally.”

16

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Photo courtesy of Ruma Sen

Faculty news

Dr. Frances Shapiro-Skrobe, professor of English and Dr. Ellen Kaiden, professor of Reading and Education, presented papers at the 11th International Conference on Experiential Learning at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia in December.

“It is through fieldwork that the veil is lifted,” says Dr. Kaiden. “They learn firsthand about educational inequities that exist and become aware of the need for change in a system that promotes a predestined curtailment of opportunities.”

Dr. Shapiro-Skrobe described the successful service-learning program connected to Reading and Writing in Content Areas.

Preservice secondary level teachers participating in this middle-school course provide invaluable tutorial support through the College’s Reading, Writing and Study Skills Workshop. “It is through this program that middle schoolers begin to develop an enhanced sense of selfefficacy and agency, which are critical components of members of a democratic society,” says Dr. Shapiro-Skrobe.

The Ramapo Foundation, the Office of the Provost and the Teacher Education Office provided funding for the professors’ work.

They were among the few Americans in a diverse gathering of professionals from academic and business settings, all of whom use experiential learning activities to further their goals. Their presentation, “Promoting American Democracy Through Preservice Teachers’ Experiential Learning Activities,” was a direct outgrowth of the ongoing work of the American Democracy Project and the Teacher Education Program at Ramapo College.

Dr. Kaiden discussed the impact of the award-winning program, Student Literacy Corps, initially funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, which serves the literacy needs of students in high-needs districts. For most preservice teachers,

(L-R): Kelly Dolak, associate professor of TV production, Anabel Tonkovic, Kaitlyn Haitz, Heather Catrambone, Joey Lewandowski, Eileen Ramos, Fiorelli Ann Salvo, Freddy Quinones, Caitlin DePue and Ruma Sen, associate professor of Communication Arts, at the Eastern Communication Association Conference, in Philadelphia, PA, on April 30.

Eastern Communication Association Conference

Documentary Screened at International Film Festival

“Too Lost to Find,” a documentary by Bonnie Blake, associate professor of Graphic/Multimedia Design, was screened at the Red Bank International Film Festival at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey in May.

The 12-minute film focuses on Hackensack, New Jersey’s homeless population. Blake has been chronicling the homeless since 2002 and the film is the latest of four shorts she has made about people who sleep in makeshift tents by the Hackensack River, among the gravestones in a cemetery or on mattresses along railroad tracks.

Professor Frances Shapiro-Skrobe

Much of the film centers on the FAITH Foundation, a non-profit homeless shelter that stirred controversy in Hackensack for attracting homeless people to the downtown area.

“Too Lost to Find” premiered at the New Jersey International Film Festival at Rutgers University a year ago and was selected for the Peace on Earth Film Festival in Chicago held last August.

Recently, eight students in the School of Communication Arts presented their papers at the Undergraduate Poster Session of the Eastern Communication Association’s annual conference. These papers were developed in Media Criticism courses taught by professors Ruma Sen, Pat Keeton and Kelly Dolak in fall 2008.

All 12 papers submitted by students were accepted for presentation, following which eight students developed their papers into posters under the guidance of Professor Ruma Sen, with design support from

Associate Professor Bonnie Blake and Communication Arts student Brooke Dalton.

Paper titles included: “Man of Science, Man of Faith: A Comparison of Jack and Locke from ABC’s LOST: Their Relationship and Ties to Modernity and Post-Modernity” by Joey Lewandowski, “Colombia’s Bad Habits: Drugs, Violence, and the United States” by Eileen Ramos, and “Taking Advantage of the Vulnerable: The Media and Animal Abusers”

by Kaitlyn Haitz.

Book by Italian Professor Feted in Rome

“Resisting Bodies: Narratives of Italian Partisan Women,” a book by Rosetta D’Angelo, professor of Italian, and Barbara Zaczek, professor of Italian at Clemson University, was recognized in March at the House of Memory and History in Rome.

The book is a translation of texts that explore the experience of partisan women in Italy between 1943 and 1945. “This anthology offers not only a rich source of information but also valuable teaching materials for courses in Italian Literature culture, history and women’s studies,” says D’Angelo.

The event was sponsored by the Italian Federation of Partisans and the Association of Italian Partisans and was held at the American Academy in Rome. Representatives from the University of Rome and the American Embassy attended.

(L-R): Marco D'Eramo, the son of the partisan Luce D'Eramo.

Dr. Rosetta D'Angelo, professor of Italian Studies and literature at Ramapo College, and Dr. Barbara Zaczek, professor of Italian at Clemson University.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

17

Student Design Featured on Times Square Billboard

When Stephen Jablonsky, an assistant professor of Digital Media, had an opportunity to develop a new advertising campaign for a client, The Climate Group, he turned the project into a competition for students enrolled in his spring Senior Project Class, a capstone course that focuses on real world projects and expectations and enrolled in Visual Effects for DVD and Film.

Professors Present in Australia

Professor Ellen Kaiden

The campaign, titled “Together,” was to educate consumers about ways they can reduce their carbon footprint. An aspect of the campaign called for a 15-second public service announcement to run on the CBS super screen billboard in Times Square, and Jablonsky’s student, Laura Keller, won with her submission.

The senior’s spot ran on the 26-by-20-foot screen hourly throughout the month of March.

“It doesn’t get more real than having your announcement featured in Times Square every hour for a month,” said the proud professor, who was also interviewed by The Record newspaper for a story on the achievement.

Jablonsky said the students exhibited the dedication needed to get ahead in the design field with their submissions, which they produced in one week. “I am proud of Laura and the other students who participated,” he said. “ They responded creatively and professionally.”

16

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Photo courtesy of Ruma Sen

Faculty news

Dr. Frances Shapiro-Skrobe, professor of English and Dr. Ellen Kaiden, professor of Reading and Education, presented papers at the 11th International Conference on Experiential Learning at the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia in December.

“It is through fieldwork that the veil is lifted,” says Dr. Kaiden. “They learn firsthand about educational inequities that exist and become aware of the need for change in a system that promotes a predestined curtailment of opportunities.”

Dr. Shapiro-Skrobe described the successful service-learning program connected to Reading and Writing in Content Areas.

Preservice secondary level teachers participating in this middle-school course provide invaluable tutorial support through the College’s Reading, Writing and Study Skills Workshop. “It is through this program that middle schoolers begin to develop an enhanced sense of selfefficacy and agency, which are critical components of members of a democratic society,” says Dr. Shapiro-Skrobe.

The Ramapo Foundation, the Office of the Provost and the Teacher Education Office provided funding for the professors’ work.

They were among the few Americans in a diverse gathering of professionals from academic and business settings, all of whom use experiential learning activities to further their goals. Their presentation, “Promoting American Democracy Through Preservice Teachers’ Experiential Learning Activities,” was a direct outgrowth of the ongoing work of the American Democracy Project and the Teacher Education Program at Ramapo College.

Dr. Kaiden discussed the impact of the award-winning program, Student Literacy Corps, initially funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, which serves the literacy needs of students in high-needs districts. For most preservice teachers,

(L-R): Kelly Dolak, associate professor of TV production, Anabel Tonkovic, Kaitlyn Haitz, Heather Catrambone, Joey Lewandowski, Eileen Ramos, Fiorelli Ann Salvo, Freddy Quinones, Caitlin DePue and Ruma Sen, associate professor of Communication Arts, at the Eastern Communication Association Conference, in Philadelphia, PA, on April 30.

Eastern Communication Association Conference

Documentary Screened at International Film Festival

“Too Lost to Find,” a documentary by Bonnie Blake, associate professor of Graphic/Multimedia Design, was screened at the Red Bank International Film Festival at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey in May.

The 12-minute film focuses on Hackensack, New Jersey’s homeless population. Blake has been chronicling the homeless since 2002 and the film is the latest of four shorts she has made about people who sleep in makeshift tents by the Hackensack River, among the gravestones in a cemetery or on mattresses along railroad tracks.

Professor Frances Shapiro-Skrobe

Much of the film centers on the FAITH Foundation, a non-profit homeless shelter that stirred controversy in Hackensack for attracting homeless people to the downtown area.

“Too Lost to Find” premiered at the New Jersey International Film Festival at Rutgers University a year ago and was selected for the Peace on Earth Film Festival in Chicago held last August.

Recently, eight students in the School of Communication Arts presented their papers at the Undergraduate Poster Session of the Eastern Communication Association’s annual conference. These papers were developed in Media Criticism courses taught by professors Ruma Sen, Pat Keeton and Kelly Dolak in fall 2008.

All 12 papers submitted by students were accepted for presentation, following which eight students developed their papers into posters under the guidance of Professor Ruma Sen, with design support from

Associate Professor Bonnie Blake and Communication Arts student Brooke Dalton.

Paper titles included: “Man of Science, Man of Faith: A Comparison of Jack and Locke from ABC’s LOST: Their Relationship and Ties to Modernity and Post-Modernity” by Joey Lewandowski, “Colombia’s Bad Habits: Drugs, Violence, and the United States” by Eileen Ramos, and “Taking Advantage of the Vulnerable: The Media and Animal Abusers”

by Kaitlyn Haitz.

Book by Italian Professor Feted in Rome

“Resisting Bodies: Narratives of Italian Partisan Women,” a book by Rosetta D’Angelo, professor of Italian, and Barbara Zaczek, professor of Italian at Clemson University, was recognized in March at the House of Memory and History in Rome.

The book is a translation of texts that explore the experience of partisan women in Italy between 1943 and 1945. “This anthology offers not only a rich source of information but also valuable teaching materials for courses in Italian Literature culture, history and women’s studies,” says D’Angelo.

The event was sponsored by the Italian Federation of Partisans and the Association of Italian Partisans and was held at the American Academy in Rome. Representatives from the University of Rome and the American Embassy attended.

(L-R): Marco D'Eramo, the son of the partisan Luce D'Eramo.

Dr. Rosetta D'Angelo, professor of Italian Studies and literature at Ramapo College, and Dr. Barbara Zaczek, professor of Italian at Clemson University.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

17

Planned giving

Mass Mutual Mass Mutual Annual Premium Single Annual Premium Single Premium (Years 1-5) Premium The gift of life insurance is the perfect way to (Years 1-5) $40,000 $25,000 $25,000 leave a substantial legacy and at the same time $40,000 generate an immediate tax deduction. Many of our donors choose to purchase a new policy Male, age 35 $1,433 $6,497 $956 $4,330 naming Ramapo College as owner and benefiFemale, age 35 $1,304 $5,895 $874 $3,950 ciary. With a new insurance policy, you make Male, age 45 $2,137 $9,711 $1,397 $6,345 cash gifts directly to the Ramapo College Foundation and you receive an income tax Female, age 45 $1,809 $8,204 $1,190 $5,394 charitable deduction in the year the gift is Male, age 55 $3,207 $14,620 $2,066 $9,415 made. You also get, in future years, a deduc$11,709 $1,669 $7,597 tion for each annual gift of cash needed to pay Female, age 55 $2,572 the policy premiums.

With a single $4,330 gift, a 35 year-old male donor could create a $25,000 legacy gift to support Consider the following $25,000 and $40,000 scholarship aid, faculty research projects and other critical Ramapo College programs!

The Power of Insurance

policies that offers a simple lump sum or maximum five (5) year payment period.

Grant news

The Grants Office has had a busy and successful year working with members of the faculty on the development of proposals to federal government programs and agencies. Claudia Esker, senior grants writer, has led several members of the faculty including: professors Kathleen Burke, Angela Cristini, Jody Williams, Tom Heed, Ozgur Dogru and Christopher Reich through the process. Thus far in FY09, 16 federal or state proposals have been submitted for a total of $4.2 million. Additionally, more than $2.6 million in grant requests have been submitted to private sources.

Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Received $70,000 Grant

Dr. Michael Riff, Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, wrote a proposal that was funded by the William Gumpert Foundation of California. The grant is for program support for the Center. The $70,000 grant supports the Center and programs for public school teachers.

For more information regarding charitable giving insurance options, contact Ellen Dudas at 201.684.7005, email mdudas@ramapo.edu.

These numbers are based on illustrations of projected values under various assumptions and are not a guarantee of actual performance. There are only assumptions. Actual premium and death benefit projections will be based on the confirmed offers upon completion of the underwriting process.

(L-R): Kathleen Burke, Assistant Dean of Nursing/Professor Nursing, President Peter P. Mercer, Gregg Gerken, Senior Vice President, Market President, TD Bank and Thomas Hewitt, Assistant Vice President, Field Marketing Manager, TD Bank

TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundation The TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundation grant supports the Academic Success for Nursing Students from Underserved Backgrounds project. Through this project, students who require assistance with courses in

science and nursing fundamentals receive oneon-one tutoring. The project is a part of the College’s commitment to increase the number of registered nurses that represent the same diverse backgrounds as their patients.

Pennsylvania Performing Arts

The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation awarded a grant to Jane Stein, director of performing arts programs at the Berrie Center and the Meadowlands Environment Center. The grant funds an artist who will be performing at both the Berrie Center and the Meadowlands Environment Center.

The Verizon Foundation

18

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

The Verizon Foundation provided funding for scholarships for students registered with Ramapo College’s Office of Specialized Services. Students majoring in business administration, finance, marketing, computer science and management information systems are eligible to apply. Scholarship support plays a significant role in the College’s ability to attract and retain students with disabilities, and helps to reduce the financial burden for students and their families.

Verizon representative Diana Vargas (center) with two Verizon scholarship recipients. (L-R): Darren Templeton '09, and Christopher Lowenhaupt '10

(L-R): Director of Specialized Services at Ramapo, Nancy Carr, and Verizon representative Diana Vargas

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

19

Planned giving

Mass Mutual Mass Mutual Annual Premium Single Annual Premium Single Premium (Years 1-5) Premium The gift of life insurance is the perfect way to (Years 1-5) $40,000 $25,000 $25,000 leave a substantial legacy and at the same time $40,000 generate an immediate tax deduction. Many of our donors choose to purchase a new policy Male, age 35 $1,433 $6,497 $956 $4,330 naming Ramapo College as owner and benefiFemale, age 35 $1,304 $5,895 $874 $3,950 ciary. With a new insurance policy, you make Male, age 45 $2,137 $9,711 $1,397 $6,345 cash gifts directly to the Ramapo College Foundation and you receive an income tax Female, age 45 $1,809 $8,204 $1,190 $5,394 charitable deduction in the year the gift is Male, age 55 $3,207 $14,620 $2,066 $9,415 made. You also get, in future years, a deduc$11,709 $1,669 $7,597 tion for each annual gift of cash needed to pay Female, age 55 $2,572 the policy premiums.

With a single $4,330 gift, a 35 year-old male donor could create a $25,000 legacy gift to support Consider the following $25,000 and $40,000 scholarship aid, faculty research projects and other critical Ramapo College programs!

The Power of Insurance

policies that offers a simple lump sum or maximum five (5) year payment period.

Grant news

The Grants Office has had a busy and successful year working with members of the faculty on the development of proposals to federal government programs and agencies. Claudia Esker, senior grants writer, has led several members of the faculty including: professors Kathleen Burke, Angela Cristini, Jody Williams, Tom Heed, Ozgur Dogru and Christopher Reich through the process. Thus far in FY09, 16 federal or state proposals have been submitted for a total of $4.2 million. Additionally, more than $2.6 million in grant requests have been submitted to private sources.

Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies Received $70,000 Grant

Dr. Michael Riff, Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, wrote a proposal that was funded by the William Gumpert Foundation of California. The grant is for program support for the Center. The $70,000 grant supports the Center and programs for public school teachers.

For more information regarding charitable giving insurance options, contact Ellen Dudas at 201.684.7005, email mdudas@ramapo.edu.

These numbers are based on illustrations of projected values under various assumptions and are not a guarantee of actual performance. There are only assumptions. Actual premium and death benefit projections will be based on the confirmed offers upon completion of the underwriting process.

(L-R): Kathleen Burke, Assistant Dean of Nursing/Professor Nursing, President Peter P. Mercer, Gregg Gerken, Senior Vice President, Market President, TD Bank and Thomas Hewitt, Assistant Vice President, Field Marketing Manager, TD Bank

TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundation The TD Bank and TD Charitable Foundation grant supports the Academic Success for Nursing Students from Underserved Backgrounds project. Through this project, students who require assistance with courses in

science and nursing fundamentals receive oneon-one tutoring. The project is a part of the College’s commitment to increase the number of registered nurses that represent the same diverse backgrounds as their patients.

Pennsylvania Performing Arts

The Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation awarded a grant to Jane Stein, director of performing arts programs at the Berrie Center and the Meadowlands Environment Center. The grant funds an artist who will be performing at both the Berrie Center and the Meadowlands Environment Center.

The Verizon Foundation

18

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

The Verizon Foundation provided funding for scholarships for students registered with Ramapo College’s Office of Specialized Services. Students majoring in business administration, finance, marketing, computer science and management information systems are eligible to apply. Scholarship support plays a significant role in the College’s ability to attract and retain students with disabilities, and helps to reduce the financial burden for students and their families.

Verizon representative Diana Vargas (center) with two Verizon scholarship recipients. (L-R): Darren Templeton '09, and Christopher Lowenhaupt '10

(L-R): Director of Specialized Services at Ramapo, Nancy Carr, and Verizon representative Diana Vargas

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

19

Foundation news

Distinguished Citizens Dinner – March 7, 2009

President’s Parents Council

The Ramapo College Foundation honored David Alai, Corporate Vice President of Sharp Electronics, Marion Dugan '80, Co-Founder of Charity Navigator, Anthony J. Marino, CEO of Century 21 Construction and John E. Smith, Director of Corporate Responsibility for PSE&G and President of its Foundation at the 27th Annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Dinner held March 7. These individuals were recognized for their personal and professional commitment to advance higher education and for their significant service to the community. With more than 485 guests, the event raised a record total of $257,467.05 to fund scholarships, student and faculty research initiatives and campus capital projects.

The College gratefully acknowledges and thanks the honorees, vice chairs, corporate sponsors and benefactors for their support and generosity.

The mission of the President’s Parents Council is to foster and sustain supportive relationships between Ramapo College and parents.

Ramapo Trustee Chair The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton and Ramapo Foundation Chair Robert Tillsley

Diane and Howard Uniman were among members of the President’s Parents Council who enjoyed the opportunity to network during the Council’s spring meeting at the Havemeyer House. Parents met with President Peter P. Mercer and Provost Beth Barnett while enjoying presentations from students and faculty from the Schools of Theoretical and Applied Science and Contemporary Arts.

Professor Eddie Saiff and former Trustee Thomas Dunn congratulate DCD Honoree Marion Dugan ‘80.

(L-R): President Peter P. Mercer, Jackie Ehlert-Mercer, David Alai, Corporate Vice President of Sharp Electronics, Marion Dugan, ’80, Co-founder of Charity Navigator, Anthony J. Marino, CEO of Century 21 Construction, John R. Smith, Director of Corporate Responsibility, PSE&G and President, PSEG Foundation, Cathleen Davey, Vice President Institutional Advancement and Robert Tillsley, Chair of Foundation Board of Governors

Friends of Ramapo

The Friends of Ramapo hosted a dessert reception at the Russ and Angelica Berrie Center for Visual and Performing Arts prior to a spring semester Ramapo College Theater Program presentation of Woody Guthrie's “American Song.” Students from the cast greeted the Friends and their guests with a preview of the evening’s performance and answered questions about the production during dessert. Proceeds from the event support the Friends of Ramapo Scholarship Fund.

Distinguished Citizens Honoree John R. Smith and Vera Smith (center) speak with student leaders Jessica Patterson ‘09 (left) and Kelsey Goddard ‘10.

Gail and Anthony Marino and their children, Barbara and Joseph Marino, and grandchildren, Ava and Olivia Marino

(L-R): Former DCD honoree Fran Hackett, Trustee Gail Brady, Honoree Marion Dugan ‘80, and former honorees Debra Perry and Carolyn Merkel President Peter P. Mercer, Distinguished Citizens Honoree David Alai and Ramapo Foundation Chair Robert Tillsley

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(L-R): President and Parent's Council Chair Corey Hirsch, President Peter P. Mercer and Parents Council members Anne Marie and Michael Reedy, attended Ramapo’s School of Theoretical and Applied Science Honors Research Symposium which featured original research projects by students and faculty. Sponsorship of the Symposium was provided by Reedy International and LeCroy Corporation. Michael Reedy served as keynote speaker at the symposium luncheon.

Standing (L-R): Friends of Ramapo President, Margaret Mullen and Planned Giving Officer, Ellen Dudas. Seated: (L-R): Becky Kraus, Bob Cella, and Doris and Peter Griffin. Becky and Bob serve as Directors on the Friends Board.

(L-R): Tomi and Jack Joffe attended the dessert and performance with Seyma and Bernard Levine. Dr. Seyma Levine is a Director on the Friends Board.

(L-R): Cast member Jessica Patterson '09 (left) with Judy Webster and Trish O’Haire. Judy is Secretary of the Friends of Ramapo and Trish serves on the Friends Board of Directors.

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Foundation news

Distinguished Citizens Dinner – March 7, 2009

President’s Parents Council

The Ramapo College Foundation honored David Alai, Corporate Vice President of Sharp Electronics, Marion Dugan '80, Co-Founder of Charity Navigator, Anthony J. Marino, CEO of Century 21 Construction and John E. Smith, Director of Corporate Responsibility for PSE&G and President of its Foundation at the 27th Annual Distinguished Citizens Awards Dinner held March 7. These individuals were recognized for their personal and professional commitment to advance higher education and for their significant service to the community. With more than 485 guests, the event raised a record total of $257,467.05 to fund scholarships, student and faculty research initiatives and campus capital projects.

The College gratefully acknowledges and thanks the honorees, vice chairs, corporate sponsors and benefactors for their support and generosity.

The mission of the President’s Parents Council is to foster and sustain supportive relationships between Ramapo College and parents.

Ramapo Trustee Chair The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton and Ramapo Foundation Chair Robert Tillsley

Diane and Howard Uniman were among members of the President’s Parents Council who enjoyed the opportunity to network during the Council’s spring meeting at the Havemeyer House. Parents met with President Peter P. Mercer and Provost Beth Barnett while enjoying presentations from students and faculty from the Schools of Theoretical and Applied Science and Contemporary Arts.

Professor Eddie Saiff and former Trustee Thomas Dunn congratulate DCD Honoree Marion Dugan ‘80.

(L-R): President Peter P. Mercer, Jackie Ehlert-Mercer, David Alai, Corporate Vice President of Sharp Electronics, Marion Dugan, ’80, Co-founder of Charity Navigator, Anthony J. Marino, CEO of Century 21 Construction, John R. Smith, Director of Corporate Responsibility, PSE&G and President, PSEG Foundation, Cathleen Davey, Vice President Institutional Advancement and Robert Tillsley, Chair of Foundation Board of Governors

Friends of Ramapo

The Friends of Ramapo hosted a dessert reception at the Russ and Angelica Berrie Center for Visual and Performing Arts prior to a spring semester Ramapo College Theater Program presentation of Woody Guthrie's “American Song.” Students from the cast greeted the Friends and their guests with a preview of the evening’s performance and answered questions about the production during dessert. Proceeds from the event support the Friends of Ramapo Scholarship Fund.

Distinguished Citizens Honoree John R. Smith and Vera Smith (center) speak with student leaders Jessica Patterson ‘09 (left) and Kelsey Goddard ‘10.

Gail and Anthony Marino and their children, Barbara and Joseph Marino, and grandchildren, Ava and Olivia Marino

(L-R): Former DCD honoree Fran Hackett, Trustee Gail Brady, Honoree Marion Dugan ‘80, and former honorees Debra Perry and Carolyn Merkel President Peter P. Mercer, Distinguished Citizens Honoree David Alai and Ramapo Foundation Chair Robert Tillsley

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(L-R): President and Parent's Council Chair Corey Hirsch, President Peter P. Mercer and Parents Council members Anne Marie and Michael Reedy, attended Ramapo’s School of Theoretical and Applied Science Honors Research Symposium which featured original research projects by students and faculty. Sponsorship of the Symposium was provided by Reedy International and LeCroy Corporation. Michael Reedy served as keynote speaker at the symposium luncheon.

Standing (L-R): Friends of Ramapo President, Margaret Mullen and Planned Giving Officer, Ellen Dudas. Seated: (L-R): Becky Kraus, Bob Cella, and Doris and Peter Griffin. Becky and Bob serve as Directors on the Friends Board.

(L-R): Tomi and Jack Joffe attended the dessert and performance with Seyma and Bernard Levine. Dr. Seyma Levine is a Director on the Friends Board.

(L-R): Cast member Jessica Patterson '09 (left) with Judy Webster and Trish O’Haire. Judy is Secretary of the Friends of Ramapo and Trish serves on the Friends Board of Directors.

www.ramapo.edu

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Annual Scholarship Dinner

At the annual Scholarship Dinner, held on March 30, scholarship donors had an opportunity to meet the recipients of their awards.

During the dinner students shared their experiences that ranged from studying abroad in China to conducting research on osteoporosis to working as a history intern at The Hermitage.

Sharon Pierson spoke about how she and her husband, Bernard Milano, established a scholarship. Three hundred students, their parents and family members, benefactors and College

(L-R): Stephanie Hirsch ’07, Laura Zindel, and Lisa Calick at the Scholarship Dinner. Laura Zindel is the recipient of the Wiss Edward W. O’Connell Memorial Scholarship, and Stephanie and Lisa are employees of Wiss & Co.

administrators attended the event. In FY09 more than $330,000 was awarded to 200 Ramapo College students as a result of the generosity of scholarship benefactors.

The Ramapo College Foundation received a grant of $10,000 from the Edward and Stella Van Houten Memorial Fund in March. The award provides scholarship support for minority nursing students who are in their junior or senior year.

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College Fund of New Jersey and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Brian is vice president-communications and advertising for PSE&G Services Corporation. For the past eight years he has been an adjunct professor at Ramapo College, teaching communications in the College’s School of Contemporary Arts.

President Peter P. Mercer and Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer hosted a dinner on April 16 to recognize the 2008-2009 Phonathon student callers.

Standing (L-R): Rachel Vermandel, Joseph Carr, Robert Romanello, James Foley, Jenna Nelson, Daniel Onkerko, Jeffrey Tseng, Adam Felibrico, Paul Barker, Joseph P. Rooney, Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, Peter P. Mercer, Sophie Okolo, Timothy Lindner, Alyson Angstreich, Max Uniman, Brett Slachman. Seated (L-R): Hannah Hughes, Julie Reich and Yilie (Carol) Yan.

Ramapo College has had a long-standing relationship with many of our corporate neighbors who support the college through the Business Partners program. The relationship fosters opportunities for internships for our students as well as research projects for our students and faculty, among others. Stryker Orthopaedics presented President Peter P. Mercer with their contribution to the Business Partners program this past spring along with a tour of their facility.

Back Row Standing (L-R): Christina Koval ’09, Sarina Colletti ’09, Kelly Byrnes ’09, Michelle Waingraw ’09, Sarah Green ’09, Shannon Blair ’09, Brittney Watson ’09, Raul Garcia ’09, Maria Gartner ’09, Mijung Ha ’09, Jody Williams, Alpha Jalloh ’09, Margarita Barrero ’09, Brianne Gonsalves ’09, Mike Kull ’09, Tracy Dinac ’09, Shavonne Fowvil ’09 and Amanda Penrose ’09.

Middle Row Standing (L-R): Cristina Stearns ’03, ‘07, Patricia Fonder ’99, ‘06, Jeannette Kirchenbaum ‘09, Ileen Channer ‘00, MaryAnn Hozak ‘08, Kelly D’Alessandro, Virginia Clerkin ‘07, Jessica Gaynor ’07, Claire Cyriax ‘06, Shaun Frame ‘04, Ebony Samuels ‘06, Thomas Butler Jr. ‘08, Carole Shipman ‘06, Amnona Miller ‘97, Nina Sutera ‘01, Anita Pazcoguin ’06, Elaine Patterson, Florence Dorwie. Sitting (L-R): Margaret Greene, Kathleen Burke, Kathleen Moskin, President Peter P. Mercer, Dinah Bampoe ‘99, Stefanie Giddens ‘09 and Wendy Watson ’09.

Gregg Gerken and J. Brian Smith Appointed to Ramapo College Foundation’s Board Of Governors The Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors recently welcomed two new members Gregg Gerken, a banking executive and J. Brian Smith, a corporate public relations specialist. Gregg is market president of TD Bank.

His philanthropic interests include serving on the Executive and Development Committee for the N.J. Chapter of the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, the Independent

Appreciation Dinner at the Havemeyer House

Faculty member Robert Sproul is pictured (center) with recipients of the Bob Sproul Empathy Scholarship, Jean Semelfort and Kristen Potanka.

Ramapo College Foundation

Pictured at the presentation at Stryker Corporation (L-R): Gordon Fu, Marketing Innovations Manager, Healthcare Innovations, Yin Becker, Vice President of Healthcare Innovations, Michael McCarthy, Controller, Accounting Operations and Planning, Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer, Cathleen Davey, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, and Kara Brennan, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Alumni news

Photo courtesy of Joyce Schader

Foundation news

Nursing Alumni Brunch

Gregg Gerken

J. Brian Smith

More than 70 Nursing alumni, senior class Nursing students and faculty attended the Nursing Brunch, which was held on campus on Sunday, April 26. All were delighted to welcome the senior class into the Nursing Alumni Association. The event’s highlight was a presentation by Dr. Kathleen Burke,

assistant dean of Nursing/professor of Nursing, Nursing Program, Dr. G. Elaine Patterson, associate professor of Nursing, and Florence Dorwie on: “Integrating the Global Mission of Ramapo” – notes from their trip to Sierra Leon. Future plans for the Nursing alumni are being developed. Please call Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 if you are interested in joining the planning committee.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Patterson ‘09

The Senior Legacy Drive

The Senior Legacy Drive, a Ramapo tradition, was a tremendous success on campus this year. The drive, led by Senior Governor Jessica Patterson ’09, encourages students to give back to the College by uniting the class in an important philanthropic mission to support the College’s Annual Fund. Through the drive family members honor their senior’s achievements with a donation of $20.09 or more, and are recognized in the 2009 Commencement Book and Web site. Graduates also donated their own gifts to the College as well as with T-shirt purchases and admission to two fundraising events held on campus. Nearly 200 attended the wine tasting evening in late March and 110 gathered for the beer tasting event in the fall. Senior Legacy Annual Fund gifts enable Ramapo to provide resources for student scholarships and financial assistance, research grants for faculty-student projects and varied co-curricular activities. To date, $7,400 has been raised.

Photo courtesy of Purvi Parekh

(L-R): Jeffrey Meyer ’98, President Peter P. Mercer, Todd Siben ’80, AJ Sabath ’93, Catherine Scangarella ’85, William Layton, Joseph Tyrrell, David Henry ’77, Professor Jennefer Mazza

Trenton Alumni Chapter Kick-Off

The kick-off committee meeting of the Trenton Alumni Chapter was held December 2.

President Peter P. Mercer was joined by 15 alumni at Marsilio’s for lunch.

Please call Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 if you are interested in assisting with future planning.

www.ramapo.edu

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Annual Scholarship Dinner

At the annual Scholarship Dinner, held on March 30, scholarship donors had an opportunity to meet the recipients of their awards.

During the dinner students shared their experiences that ranged from studying abroad in China to conducting research on osteoporosis to working as a history intern at The Hermitage.

Sharon Pierson spoke about how she and her husband, Bernard Milano, established a scholarship. Three hundred students, their parents and family members, benefactors and College

(L-R): Stephanie Hirsch ’07, Laura Zindel, and Lisa Calick at the Scholarship Dinner. Laura Zindel is the recipient of the Wiss Edward W. O’Connell Memorial Scholarship, and Stephanie and Lisa are employees of Wiss & Co.

administrators attended the event. In FY09 more than $330,000 was awarded to 200 Ramapo College students as a result of the generosity of scholarship benefactors.

The Ramapo College Foundation received a grant of $10,000 from the Edward and Stella Van Houten Memorial Fund in March. The award provides scholarship support for minority nursing students who are in their junior or senior year.

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College Fund of New Jersey and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Brian is vice president-communications and advertising for PSE&G Services Corporation. For the past eight years he has been an adjunct professor at Ramapo College, teaching communications in the College’s School of Contemporary Arts.

President Peter P. Mercer and Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer hosted a dinner on April 16 to recognize the 2008-2009 Phonathon student callers.

Standing (L-R): Rachel Vermandel, Joseph Carr, Robert Romanello, James Foley, Jenna Nelson, Daniel Onkerko, Jeffrey Tseng, Adam Felibrico, Paul Barker, Joseph P. Rooney, Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer, Peter P. Mercer, Sophie Okolo, Timothy Lindner, Alyson Angstreich, Max Uniman, Brett Slachman. Seated (L-R): Hannah Hughes, Julie Reich and Yilie (Carol) Yan.

Ramapo College has had a long-standing relationship with many of our corporate neighbors who support the college through the Business Partners program. The relationship fosters opportunities for internships for our students as well as research projects for our students and faculty, among others. Stryker Orthopaedics presented President Peter P. Mercer with their contribution to the Business Partners program this past spring along with a tour of their facility.

Back Row Standing (L-R): Christina Koval ’09, Sarina Colletti ’09, Kelly Byrnes ’09, Michelle Waingraw ’09, Sarah Green ’09, Shannon Blair ’09, Brittney Watson ’09, Raul Garcia ’09, Maria Gartner ’09, Mijung Ha ’09, Jody Williams, Alpha Jalloh ’09, Margarita Barrero ’09, Brianne Gonsalves ’09, Mike Kull ’09, Tracy Dinac ’09, Shavonne Fowvil ’09 and Amanda Penrose ’09.

Middle Row Standing (L-R): Cristina Stearns ’03, ‘07, Patricia Fonder ’99, ‘06, Jeannette Kirchenbaum ‘09, Ileen Channer ‘00, MaryAnn Hozak ‘08, Kelly D’Alessandro, Virginia Clerkin ‘07, Jessica Gaynor ’07, Claire Cyriax ‘06, Shaun Frame ‘04, Ebony Samuels ‘06, Thomas Butler Jr. ‘08, Carole Shipman ‘06, Amnona Miller ‘97, Nina Sutera ‘01, Anita Pazcoguin ’06, Elaine Patterson, Florence Dorwie. Sitting (L-R): Margaret Greene, Kathleen Burke, Kathleen Moskin, President Peter P. Mercer, Dinah Bampoe ‘99, Stefanie Giddens ‘09 and Wendy Watson ’09.

Gregg Gerken and J. Brian Smith Appointed to Ramapo College Foundation’s Board Of Governors The Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors recently welcomed two new members Gregg Gerken, a banking executive and J. Brian Smith, a corporate public relations specialist. Gregg is market president of TD Bank.

His philanthropic interests include serving on the Executive and Development Committee for the N.J. Chapter of the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, the Independent

Appreciation Dinner at the Havemeyer House

Faculty member Robert Sproul is pictured (center) with recipients of the Bob Sproul Empathy Scholarship, Jean Semelfort and Kristen Potanka.

Ramapo College Foundation

Pictured at the presentation at Stryker Corporation (L-R): Gordon Fu, Marketing Innovations Manager, Healthcare Innovations, Yin Becker, Vice President of Healthcare Innovations, Michael McCarthy, Controller, Accounting Operations and Planning, Ramapo President Peter P. Mercer, Cathleen Davey, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation, and Kara Brennan, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement.

Alumni news

Photo courtesy of Joyce Schader

Foundation news

Nursing Alumni Brunch

Gregg Gerken

J. Brian Smith

More than 70 Nursing alumni, senior class Nursing students and faculty attended the Nursing Brunch, which was held on campus on Sunday, April 26. All were delighted to welcome the senior class into the Nursing Alumni Association. The event’s highlight was a presentation by Dr. Kathleen Burke,

assistant dean of Nursing/professor of Nursing, Nursing Program, Dr. G. Elaine Patterson, associate professor of Nursing, and Florence Dorwie on: “Integrating the Global Mission of Ramapo” – notes from their trip to Sierra Leon. Future plans for the Nursing alumni are being developed. Please call Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 if you are interested in joining the planning committee.

Photo courtesy of Jessica Patterson ‘09

The Senior Legacy Drive

The Senior Legacy Drive, a Ramapo tradition, was a tremendous success on campus this year. The drive, led by Senior Governor Jessica Patterson ’09, encourages students to give back to the College by uniting the class in an important philanthropic mission to support the College’s Annual Fund. Through the drive family members honor their senior’s achievements with a donation of $20.09 or more, and are recognized in the 2009 Commencement Book and Web site. Graduates also donated their own gifts to the College as well as with T-shirt purchases and admission to two fundraising events held on campus. Nearly 200 attended the wine tasting evening in late March and 110 gathered for the beer tasting event in the fall. Senior Legacy Annual Fund gifts enable Ramapo to provide resources for student scholarships and financial assistance, research grants for faculty-student projects and varied co-curricular activities. To date, $7,400 has been raised.

Photo courtesy of Purvi Parekh

(L-R): Jeffrey Meyer ’98, President Peter P. Mercer, Todd Siben ’80, AJ Sabath ’93, Catherine Scangarella ’85, William Layton, Joseph Tyrrell, David Henry ’77, Professor Jennefer Mazza

Trenton Alumni Chapter Kick-Off

The kick-off committee meeting of the Trenton Alumni Chapter was held December 2.

President Peter P. Mercer was joined by 15 alumni at Marsilio’s for lunch.

Please call Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 if you are interested in assisting with future planning.

www.ramapo.edu

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Alumni news Kneeling (L-R): David C. Gritschke '80, C. Russell Klepper '87, George C. Middleton '87, Ken Knoll . Standing (L-R): Arthur Chill '74, Todd L. Siben '80, Craig A. Parnell '83, Juan Oloriz, Timothy J. Walz '81, Robert Martin, Edward V. Chapel '77, Robert C. Squire '77 and James Egan

Alumni Ice Hockey Reunion

Ice Hockey alumni and their families gathered for their 31st Annual Alumni Ice Hockey Reunion on April 4. They played their long-time rivals FDU in a friendly match, as friends and family cheered from the benches.

NYC Alumni Reunion

Kneeling (L-R): Thomas Solecki '08, Adam Schoenberg '02, Chelsea Binns '00, Desi Ivanova '04, Colleen D’Arcy '04, Milena Lacheta '08, Jim Spera ‘80. Standing Back Row (L-R): Peter Seminara '00, Bryan Goletz '08, Nancy Lowry '02, David Kasperowicz '86, William Stern '76, Vladimir Grinberg '02, RJ Turchick '02, Maya Ivanova '05, Daniel Makoski '05, Stephen Newman '96. Standing Front Row (L-R): Howard Princz '88, Dr. Edward Saiff, Dr. Peter P. Mercer, Dr. Alex Olbrecht, Yih Ma '93, Debra Perry '84, Christopher Irving '04 and Andrew Jackel '93

The Alumni Association, in conjunction with the NYC Alumni Committee, held a reception for 30 Ramapo alumni at McCarter and English office on Park Avenue. The alumni had an opportunity to meet Professors Edward Saiff and Alex Olbrecht. The event was highlighted by a College update given

by President Peter P. Mercer. The committee is very grateful to Debra Perry ‘84 who secured the location. If you are interested in joining the NYC Alumni Chapter committee, please call Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115.

Class notes Susan Lisbin '75 recently had an exhibition of her paintings and sculptures at the Ben Shahn Galleries at William Paterson University. Her art style is abstract and she uses many mediums such as paint, graphite and wire to portray different emotions. Her works have been exhibited in many solo and group exhibitions throughout New Jersey and New York.

Susan has been an art teacher in the Millburn School District for 10 years and is a resident of Orange.

ASB Roundtable Alumni Networking Event

Vincent T. Marchese '75 of Paterson has had his photograph, “The Great Falls of the Passaic, Flood Stage”, accepted into the Paterson Museum's juried fine art exhibition. The theme of the exhibition involves works that convey the beauty of the Great Falls. Vincent is a professional photographer and a Social Studies Educator for the Paterson School District. He was a former President of the Ramapo College Alumni Association.

(L-R): Rachel ’02 and Richard ‘03 Marko, Tryon ’03 and Katherine ’05 Eggleston and Anne and Dr. Patrick Chang.

The Anisfield School of Business Alumni Advisory Board recently sponsored a networking roundtable. The event was a great success with 25 alumni joining 60 juniors and seniors to share their professional experiences. Students overwhelmingly appreciated the opportunity to network with alumni of Ramapo College in a comfortable yet professional environment.

(L-R): Laura Lindson ’06, Dr. Pamela Bischoff, Priscilla VanAulen ’86, Christine Rusin ’84, Peter VanAulen ’87, and Theresa Giardino ’85.

Student Leaders Reunion

The Student Leaders Reunion was organized to celebrate student leadership over the past 20 years. Alumni had the opportunity to reminisce with long time student development administrators and fellow alumni. The 85 attendees enjoyed a spirited Ramapo College history trivia contest run by Miki Cammarata, Associate Dean Of Students.

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Jonathan Marcus, ’93, the 2009 Presidential Award of Merit recipient toasts the class 2009

Champagne at Sunset

More than 400 seniors and their families attended the annual Champagne at Sunset held on May 14. With the help of a dedicated committee, the event was a success. During the program, “Ramapo Memories,” submitted by students was read. The presentation touched all hearts, as the graduates shared the academic and social experiences of their college

(L-R): President Peter P. Mercer receives the Senior Legacy Gift from Kelsey Goddard ’10, Jessica Patterson ’09 and Joyce Schader, associate director of the Annual Fund

years. Jonathan Marcus ’93, our 2009 Presidential Award of Merit recipient, presented a toast to welcome the newest members of the Alumni Association.

Andre Lijoi, MD '76 was named the 2008 PAFP Family Physician of the Year.

Dr. Lijoi is a physician at the Thomas M. Hart Family Practice Center and the associate program director of the York Hospital Family Practice Residency Program; both are located in York, PA. He also lectures about his practice in south Eastern Kentucky. His lectures are titled: “More Than Moonshine: Reflections on Medical Practice in Remote Rural America and Christian Virtue in Medical Practice and Domestic Violence Prevention: Raising our Boys Differently.”

John Sarno '77 is the President of the Employers Association of New Jersey and was recently quoted in an article about the Family Leave Act in U.S. 1 News. In this article, he explains and clarifies the Paid Family Leave Act. Sarno worked for several years as a counselor for clients with disabilities, including work with disabled students at Ramapo.

Brian Bass '79 has co-authored his first book, “The Accidental Medical Writer”, which chronicles the unique professional paths that Brian and his co-author took to become successful freelance medical writers. It provides helpful strategies, lessons, and tips from their nearly 40 years of combined freelance medical writing experience.

Roger Muller '79 has been captain and general manager of the New Jersey Rockets since 1992.

He is a Professional Association of Diving Instructors certified scuba instructor whose teaching schedule brings him to a variety of exotic locations. He also sells insurance for familyowned Muller Insurance in Hoboken and is the proud father of daughters Kelsey, 16 and Taylor, 12.

Dennis Tartaglia '79 has recently formed his own company Tartaglia Communications. He has over 20 years of experience working in public relations. The company specializes in creating communications solutions for health, science, nonprofit and government organizations.

Some of the areas of work that Tartaglia's company focuses on are media relations, health and science writing/editing, event management and other aspects of communications strategies.

Theresa Cecylija Leszczynski '81 traveled to Los Alcarrizos II in the Dominican Republic to teach parents and guardians how to care for their babies and infant massage. Theresa joined 13 other members of Our Lady of Good Council

Church, Pompton Plains in February for a week-long stay. Theresa is state certified in various modalities and IGM acupressure.

She currently works with all ages, focusing on the elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease. In 2006, she began working independently as a somatic therapist and owns a business Hands with Heart.

Marriages and Unions Steven Margulies ’91 to Eileen Blum Jill Shuck ’94 to Joseph W. Brown III Jesse Hendrix ’99 to Prescy Marie Danko Jean Radjabali ’99 to Teodora Dimitrova Erica Susanne Davis ’00 to John Edward Donoghue

Dr. Mary J. (Finnegan) McDonough '81 was honored by Berkeley College with the Online Faculty of the Year Award for Outstanding Teaching. Mary joined Berkeley College in 2000 as a Professor of Management. She has also taught on-site classes and served as Campus Operating Officer of the Westchester Campus in White Plains. Dr. McDonough also holds holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Upsala College, East Orange and a doctorate in Human ResourceDevelopment from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE.

Joyce Cohen '82 has been a campaign aide for Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). She has also worked for President Barack Obama as a Protect the Vote attorney during the general election in November 2008.

Bryan D. Daly '82 joined the Los Angeles office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as partner in the firm's Business Trial and Government Contracts practice groups specializing in white collar criminal defense and complex civil litigation. Daly is a former Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Criminal Division, Public Corruption and Government Fraud Section.

Daly received a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law in 1985.

Steven J DeFrank '82 is a partner at Levy, Leff & DeFrank where he practices personal injury and liability law. He is a member of the New Haven County Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

He has also served on the North Branford zoning board of appeals.

Steven William Kuiken ’00 to Jessica Courtney Melk Jenny LaPlaca ’01 to Ryan Darlington Brian Riback ’01 to Lauren Berliner ’05 David Chang ’02 to Lisa Marie Ceccacci Kate Ali Higgins ’02 to John Robert Crumpacker Allison Mueller ’03 to Joseph Mascis Tiffany L. Webb ’03 to Dudley M. North Lauren Wiener ’03 to Eric Carlinsky Christina Hoch ’04 to Brett Santowasso Erin Hogan ’04 to Shawn Curcio Josh Lipsky ’04 to Christina Medina ’05 Tina Muller ’04 to Craig Wohlrab Annelise Tversland ’05 to Craig Scott Zimmerli Derrick William Lieb ’07 to Janet Gressler Meryl Gitter Michon '82 produced the biography, Sarah Palin, for the Biography Channel.

Meryl is a freelance television producer, director and writer who produces shows for network and cable television including ABC, NBC, Discovery, A&E, Nickelodeon, TLC and CNN.

Dr. Barbara Klemt Boxleitner '83 will be included in the Biltmore “Who's Who Among Executives and Professional Women and its 2008 Honors Edition.”

The Biltmore publishing committee selected her to represent the professional and business community of North Fort Myers, Florida. She is a full-time mother to her daughter, Denver Bree Boxleitner, and a part-time journalist.

www.ramapo.edu

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Alumni news Kneeling (L-R): David C. Gritschke '80, C. Russell Klepper '87, George C. Middleton '87, Ken Knoll . Standing (L-R): Arthur Chill '74, Todd L. Siben '80, Craig A. Parnell '83, Juan Oloriz, Timothy J. Walz '81, Robert Martin, Edward V. Chapel '77, Robert C. Squire '77 and James Egan

Alumni Ice Hockey Reunion

Ice Hockey alumni and their families gathered for their 31st Annual Alumni Ice Hockey Reunion on April 4. They played their long-time rivals FDU in a friendly match, as friends and family cheered from the benches.

NYC Alumni Reunion

Kneeling (L-R): Thomas Solecki '08, Adam Schoenberg '02, Chelsea Binns '00, Desi Ivanova '04, Colleen D’Arcy '04, Milena Lacheta '08, Jim Spera ‘80. Standing Back Row (L-R): Peter Seminara '00, Bryan Goletz '08, Nancy Lowry '02, David Kasperowicz '86, William Stern '76, Vladimir Grinberg '02, RJ Turchick '02, Maya Ivanova '05, Daniel Makoski '05, Stephen Newman '96. Standing Front Row (L-R): Howard Princz '88, Dr. Edward Saiff, Dr. Peter P. Mercer, Dr. Alex Olbrecht, Yih Ma '93, Debra Perry '84, Christopher Irving '04 and Andrew Jackel '93

The Alumni Association, in conjunction with the NYC Alumni Committee, held a reception for 30 Ramapo alumni at McCarter and English office on Park Avenue. The alumni had an opportunity to meet Professors Edward Saiff and Alex Olbrecht. The event was highlighted by a College update given

by President Peter P. Mercer. The committee is very grateful to Debra Perry ‘84 who secured the location. If you are interested in joining the NYC Alumni Chapter committee, please call Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115.

Class notes Susan Lisbin '75 recently had an exhibition of her paintings and sculptures at the Ben Shahn Galleries at William Paterson University. Her art style is abstract and she uses many mediums such as paint, graphite and wire to portray different emotions. Her works have been exhibited in many solo and group exhibitions throughout New Jersey and New York.

Susan has been an art teacher in the Millburn School District for 10 years and is a resident of Orange.

ASB Roundtable Alumni Networking Event

Vincent T. Marchese '75 of Paterson has had his photograph, “The Great Falls of the Passaic, Flood Stage”, accepted into the Paterson Museum's juried fine art exhibition. The theme of the exhibition involves works that convey the beauty of the Great Falls. Vincent is a professional photographer and a Social Studies Educator for the Paterson School District. He was a former President of the Ramapo College Alumni Association.

(L-R): Rachel ’02 and Richard ‘03 Marko, Tryon ’03 and Katherine ’05 Eggleston and Anne and Dr. Patrick Chang.

The Anisfield School of Business Alumni Advisory Board recently sponsored a networking roundtable. The event was a great success with 25 alumni joining 60 juniors and seniors to share their professional experiences. Students overwhelmingly appreciated the opportunity to network with alumni of Ramapo College in a comfortable yet professional environment.

(L-R): Laura Lindson ’06, Dr. Pamela Bischoff, Priscilla VanAulen ’86, Christine Rusin ’84, Peter VanAulen ’87, and Theresa Giardino ’85.

Student Leaders Reunion

The Student Leaders Reunion was organized to celebrate student leadership over the past 20 years. Alumni had the opportunity to reminisce with long time student development administrators and fellow alumni. The 85 attendees enjoyed a spirited Ramapo College history trivia contest run by Miki Cammarata, Associate Dean Of Students.

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Jonathan Marcus, ’93, the 2009 Presidential Award of Merit recipient toasts the class 2009

Champagne at Sunset

More than 400 seniors and their families attended the annual Champagne at Sunset held on May 14. With the help of a dedicated committee, the event was a success. During the program, “Ramapo Memories,” submitted by students was read. The presentation touched all hearts, as the graduates shared the academic and social experiences of their college

(L-R): President Peter P. Mercer receives the Senior Legacy Gift from Kelsey Goddard ’10, Jessica Patterson ’09 and Joyce Schader, associate director of the Annual Fund

years. Jonathan Marcus ’93, our 2009 Presidential Award of Merit recipient, presented a toast to welcome the newest members of the Alumni Association.

Andre Lijoi, MD '76 was named the 2008 PAFP Family Physician of the Year.

Dr. Lijoi is a physician at the Thomas M. Hart Family Practice Center and the associate program director of the York Hospital Family Practice Residency Program; both are located in York, PA. He also lectures about his practice in south Eastern Kentucky. His lectures are titled: “More Than Moonshine: Reflections on Medical Practice in Remote Rural America and Christian Virtue in Medical Practice and Domestic Violence Prevention: Raising our Boys Differently.”

John Sarno '77 is the President of the Employers Association of New Jersey and was recently quoted in an article about the Family Leave Act in U.S. 1 News. In this article, he explains and clarifies the Paid Family Leave Act. Sarno worked for several years as a counselor for clients with disabilities, including work with disabled students at Ramapo.

Brian Bass '79 has co-authored his first book, “The Accidental Medical Writer”, which chronicles the unique professional paths that Brian and his co-author took to become successful freelance medical writers. It provides helpful strategies, lessons, and tips from their nearly 40 years of combined freelance medical writing experience.

Roger Muller '79 has been captain and general manager of the New Jersey Rockets since 1992.

He is a Professional Association of Diving Instructors certified scuba instructor whose teaching schedule brings him to a variety of exotic locations. He also sells insurance for familyowned Muller Insurance in Hoboken and is the proud father of daughters Kelsey, 16 and Taylor, 12.

Dennis Tartaglia '79 has recently formed his own company Tartaglia Communications. He has over 20 years of experience working in public relations. The company specializes in creating communications solutions for health, science, nonprofit and government organizations.

Some of the areas of work that Tartaglia's company focuses on are media relations, health and science writing/editing, event management and other aspects of communications strategies.

Theresa Cecylija Leszczynski '81 traveled to Los Alcarrizos II in the Dominican Republic to teach parents and guardians how to care for their babies and infant massage. Theresa joined 13 other members of Our Lady of Good Council

Church, Pompton Plains in February for a week-long stay. Theresa is state certified in various modalities and IGM acupressure.

She currently works with all ages, focusing on the elderly and those with Alzheimer's disease. In 2006, she began working independently as a somatic therapist and owns a business Hands with Heart.

Marriages and Unions Steven Margulies ’91 to Eileen Blum Jill Shuck ’94 to Joseph W. Brown III Jesse Hendrix ’99 to Prescy Marie Danko Jean Radjabali ’99 to Teodora Dimitrova Erica Susanne Davis ’00 to John Edward Donoghue

Dr. Mary J. (Finnegan) McDonough '81 was honored by Berkeley College with the Online Faculty of the Year Award for Outstanding Teaching. Mary joined Berkeley College in 2000 as a Professor of Management. She has also taught on-site classes and served as Campus Operating Officer of the Westchester Campus in White Plains. Dr. McDonough also holds holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Upsala College, East Orange and a doctorate in Human ResourceDevelopment from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE.

Joyce Cohen '82 has been a campaign aide for Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). She has also worked for President Barack Obama as a Protect the Vote attorney during the general election in November 2008.

Bryan D. Daly '82 joined the Los Angeles office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as partner in the firm's Business Trial and Government Contracts practice groups specializing in white collar criminal defense and complex civil litigation. Daly is a former Assistant United States Attorney for the Central District of California, Criminal Division, Public Corruption and Government Fraud Section.

Daly received a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law in 1985.

Steven J DeFrank '82 is a partner at Levy, Leff & DeFrank where he practices personal injury and liability law. He is a member of the New Haven County Bar Association, the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association and the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

He has also served on the North Branford zoning board of appeals.

Steven William Kuiken ’00 to Jessica Courtney Melk Jenny LaPlaca ’01 to Ryan Darlington Brian Riback ’01 to Lauren Berliner ’05 David Chang ’02 to Lisa Marie Ceccacci Kate Ali Higgins ’02 to John Robert Crumpacker Allison Mueller ’03 to Joseph Mascis Tiffany L. Webb ’03 to Dudley M. North Lauren Wiener ’03 to Eric Carlinsky Christina Hoch ’04 to Brett Santowasso Erin Hogan ’04 to Shawn Curcio Josh Lipsky ’04 to Christina Medina ’05 Tina Muller ’04 to Craig Wohlrab Annelise Tversland ’05 to Craig Scott Zimmerli Derrick William Lieb ’07 to Janet Gressler Meryl Gitter Michon '82 produced the biography, Sarah Palin, for the Biography Channel.

Meryl is a freelance television producer, director and writer who produces shows for network and cable television including ABC, NBC, Discovery, A&E, Nickelodeon, TLC and CNN.

Dr. Barbara Klemt Boxleitner '83 will be included in the Biltmore “Who's Who Among Executives and Professional Women and its 2008 Honors Edition.”

The Biltmore publishing committee selected her to represent the professional and business community of North Fort Myers, Florida. She is a full-time mother to her daughter, Denver Bree Boxleitner, and a part-time journalist.

www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

25

Class notes

on Women host committees, a Board of Trustees for Northwest New Jersey Regional Women's Center, Centenary Stage Company and Warren County Community College Foundation. Sarah has also served on the Warren County Human Service Advisory and Project Homeless Connect Council, Warren County Coalition for Prevention of Sexual Assault and panelist for the Warren County NAACP Diversity Roundtable.

In Memoriam Diane K. Shafer ’74 Patricia Abrams ’75

A group of alumnii from graduating years 1982 through 1985 met up at the Doubletree Hotel in Mahwah on October 18.

Attending were Dianne (Byron) Boras '83, Judy (Katz) Hoffman '84, Cathy (Fowler) Scangarella '85, Karen Connelly, Maria Caputo, Gary Smith '84, Frank Scangarella '85, Al Connelly, Steve Jones and Kenny Newbauer '85.

Brain R. Chambers ’75 Raymond A. Elliott ’75 Elsie Mayyasi ’75 Nicholas D. DiGiaimo ’77 William Domenick Manzo ’77 James McElwain ’77 Andrew K Liljestrand ’78

Kathy Schulz '83 accepted the position of Associate General Counsel at Yale University in New Haven, CT.

Timothy P. Hunter ’80 Laurie Thompson ’81 Virginia A. Kearney ’82 David Alan Guss ’83 Michael T. Tehan ’85 Jennifer C. Hayes ’96 Christine Agugliaro ’98 Dennis E. Zampella ’06 Kerren A. Henry ’07

Sarah Brelvi '83 President & CEO, United Way of Warren County was recently recognized by Governor Jon Corzine as a NJ Woman Leader at a reception held on March 27 at Drumthwacket, the Governor's residence. She is recognized as a change agent and has been developing and leading women for more than 10 years by creating women's leadership programs during her tenure at AT&T, the United Way of Essex, West Hudson and Warren counties. She is the co-founder and chair of the state-wide United Way of New Jersey Women's Leadership Council. Sarah serves on the Executive Women of New Jersey program committee, the 2009 NJ Governor's Conference 26

Ramapo magazine

Ken Manna ’84 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for ice hockey.

He currently resides in Hamilton, and has been employed for the past 16 years at Lawrenceville Prep School. He has two boys, Ryan, 12 and Kenneth, 8 and has been married to his wife, Robin, for 19 years.

Dorothy Dwyer Szefc '85 is the Cultural Affairs coordinator at SUNY Orange and a longtime advocate for the arts throughout the Hudson Valley. She received the 2008 Seligmann Award on September 10, presented by the Orange County Citizens Foundation in recognition of her outstanding commitment to arts and culture in Orange County. An individual who she recognized in her remarks was Professor Shalom Gorewitz - he challenged her and made her think “out of the box.” She was also honoree at the Tribute to Women of Achievement Awards, in the category of Arts & Communications in 2002.

www.ramapo.edu

Jeff LeRoy '85 acquired a position with the county government in South Florida as a Substance Abuse Specialist. After 20 years of clinical experience, Jeff continues to work towards licensure and certification as a psychotherapist. In this capacity he will work with clients with substance abuse problems to varying degrees of severity. In addition, he will treat co-occurring disorders.

Christopher Stevenson '85 has been named Member of the firm, Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. He focuses his practice on all aspects of environmental, land use and real estate law and as a trained mediator has substantial experience in negotiating environmental, land use and commercial matters. Christopher holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark and masters degrees in Business Administration and Environmental Management from Montclair State University. He is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Raptor Trust in Millington.

Christophe G. Zifchak '87 returns as Business Development Manager at Advantage Sales and Marketing for the Johnson & Johnson business.

Todd Brown '88 is Vice President-Director of Technical Services of Pinnacle Wireless. He has held various executive level operational and customer oriented leadership positions with Motorola, McCaw Cellular/Cellular One, AT&T Wireless and Nextel Communications. He is widely respected as one of the industries top strategists and considered to be a thought leader in field service delivery models. Todd resides in Warwick, NY with his wife Jennifer and children Sam, Emma and Avery.

A group of alumni from the class of '89 attend annual golf outings at various golf courses, take road trips and keep in touch.

The picture on the top is from a surprise celebration for Robert Jarmolinski's promotion to Captain of the Jersey City Fire Department. Picture on the top: (L-R) John Roy '89, Joseph Strohmenger '90, Eric Jeanette '89, Bob Jarmonlinski, Sean Quinn, Kenneth Ward '89, Thomas Daly '89. The picture on the

bottom is from a golf outing in Ocean City, MD. In the picture are: (L-R) Dave Furman, Eric Becher, Kenneth Ward '89, Eric Jeanette '89, Sean Quinn, Anthony Stratton '89, James F. Farley '90, Steven Ney '90, Jeffrey Buesing '90, Thomas Daly '89, John Roy '89.

Steven Margulies '91 got married on December 21, 2008 to Eileen Blum.

Steven currently works at the JCC on the Palisades in the Accounting Department.

He also creates word searches as a hobby.

Linda Muroski '89 was recently appointed to the advisory board of Penn State University's MBA program.

Gina Hernandez '90 announces her engagement to Joseph Gerard from Point Pleasant. Gina currently works as a purchasing agent in Fairfield. The wedding will be held on April 24, 2010.

Andrew Khan '90, a certified professional yoga instructor and licensed massage therapist, was recently written about on health-earth.com. This article was about his free yoga sessions in Cedarhurst Park that ran from July 15 through September 23. He is the owner of Peaceful Presence yoga and massage studio in Cedarhurst. Khan has been practicing yoga since 1981 and teaching since 1986.

John Brown '91 has been selected Shore Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.

Brown is the girls basketball coach at Neptune High School. He led the girls to victory after beating Freehold Borough High School March 7 making them the Central New Jersey Group 3 sectional title champions. Brown was the former boys basketball coach at Henry Hudson Regional High School as well as at the Admiral Farragat Academy.

Andrew Herrmann '91 received his doctorate in Organizational Communication from the University of South Florida in August 2008. At the same time he was also appointed as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His publications can be found in Communication Theory, the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, the Journal of Business Communication and Qualitative Inquiry.

Lt. Michael Schulman '91 GA. police department was instrumental in the apprehension of one of the U.S. Marshal's 15 Most Wanted criminals. Schulman, formerly of River Vale, has been a police officer since 2001.

Amar Singh '92, '02 and wife Lily are pleased to announce the birth of their beautiful daughter, Elizabeth. Amar is a teacher in Valhalla, NY. The family resides in Yonkers, NY.

Jill Steel '92 was engaged to Michael Dobson on Nov. 6, 2008. The couple resides in Bellingham, WA. The wedding will take place in NJ on Sept. 26, 2009.

Jonathan Marcus '93 Tammy and Jonathan Marcus, Esquire of Mahwah are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Gianna Lee, on February 11, 2009, at Hackensack University Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds and was 20 ¼ inches. Gianna joins her big sister, Johnna May, age 2 ½.

Jill Shuck '94 and Joseph W. Brown III were married on June 15, 2007 at the family's favorite destination, the Mid-Ocean Club in Tuckerstown, Bermuda. Jill is Director of Broadcast Media Operations at Medco Health Solutions. They reside in Northern NJ with pets Mac and Bo.

Thomas Ammazzalorso '95, an economics teacher at McKinley Technology High School in Washington DC, was recently written about in The Washington Post. In the article titled: 'Getting Schooled in Economics: Class Learns from Crisis' of the American Observer. The article is about the importance of teaching economics to high school students in today's world. The picture is taken with the DC Public Schools Chancellor.

Deena Bishop Brennan ’97 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for softball.

Deena now resides in Staten Island, NY, with her husband Michael; a New York City firefighter, their daughter Devin, and son Matthew. She currently works as an Executive Assistant to the Chief Accounting Officer of The Medicines Company, a pharmaceutical company based in Parsippany.

Nancy Galasso Remias ’97 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for softball. Nancy is currently a co-owner and CFO of a flooring company in Manhattan. In addition to meeting two of her dearest friends (Deena Brennan and Stacy Weeks) at Ramapo, she was lucky enough to meet her husband of nine years, Andrew Remias, who was a member of the baseball and soccer teams. Nancy and Andy now reside in Rutherford, NJ with their two sons, Andrew, 2 and Matthew, 1.

Daniel Jean '97 and Aneesha Jean '00 announced the birth of their son, Isaiah Daniel Jean, on July 3, 2008.

Jeffrey LaViano '97 Jeffrey La Viano is a fifth generation jeweler in his family’s very successful jewelry store LaViano. The first store was opened in 1942 in Westwood and second store in Englewood in 2006. The company has recently published their own magazine titled La Viano

Eric Melniczek '97 has joined S.R. Clarke, an executive search/recruiting firm in Blacksburg, VA., as Regional Recruiting Manager.

Marcella Runell-Hall '97 Associate Director in The Center for Multicultural Education and Programs in the NYU Student Affairs Division was awarded the Association of American Colleges and Universities 2009 K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. While a full-time administrator at NYU, Marcella is completing her doctorate in Social Justice Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Marcella married David Hall aka DJ Trends on May 5, 2007, they currently reside in Brooklyn, NY. Simone Healey '98 was recently written about in The Glen Rock Gazette regarding her plans to make Glen Rock a more "green" borough if elected to the borough council. Healey works as a realtor specializing in residential real estate in Bergen County. She was the first broker in the county to be certified as an "Ecobroker" and also holds special knowledge in the field of Green Building.

James Kiernan '98 of Lake Hopatcong was promoted to senior manager of J.H. Cohn LLP, the largest independent accounting and consulting firm in the Northeast on August 7, 2008.

Heather Frederick '99 and her husband Matt Frederick had a baby girl on August 29th, 2008. Her name is Hope Angeline.

Jesse Hendrix '99 and Prescy Marie Danko were married on September 22, 2007 at St. Luke's Chapel in Ringwood with a reception following at the Skyland Manor. Jesse is an employee at The Bank of America in Livingston. The couple resides in Bayonne.

Jean Radjabali '99 and Teodora Dimitrova were married on August 10, 2008.

Jean is currently employed at Medidata Inc. as a Project Support Lead.

Erica Susanne Davis '00 and John Edward Donoghue were married on June 28. Erica is a social worker. The couple resides in Richmond, VA.

Steven William Kuiken '00 and Courtney Meik were married on September 7, 2008. Steven currently works in Manhattan for Bank of America as a business analyst. The couple resides in Forest Hills, Queens.

Martin L. Murphy '00 is the owner and acupuncturist of The Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Ramsey. He received certification of acupuncture from the Institute of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Santa Monica, CA. Martin is certified as an acupuncturist in Oregon and New Jersey.

Virginia Newton '00 and Ted Schenck were married in February 2009.

Ginny is currently a fourth-grade teacher at the Ridgeway School in Manchester.

Laura Ward Tarte '00 had a baby, Nathaniel Warren Tarte, born January 29, 2009, 7 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches long.

www.ramapo.edu

Lisa (Price) Elkins '01, was married on October 8, 2005 at The Ocean Acres Country Club in Manahawkin.

Michael Joseph Jr. was born on April 4, 2006.

Lisa is an account executive at Glotel, Inc.

Ramapo magazine

27

Class notes

on Women host committees, a Board of Trustees for Northwest New Jersey Regional Women's Center, Centenary Stage Company and Warren County Community College Foundation. Sarah has also served on the Warren County Human Service Advisory and Project Homeless Connect Council, Warren County Coalition for Prevention of Sexual Assault and panelist for the Warren County NAACP Diversity Roundtable.

In Memoriam Diane K. Shafer ’74 Patricia Abrams ’75

A group of alumnii from graduating years 1982 through 1985 met up at the Doubletree Hotel in Mahwah on October 18.

Attending were Dianne (Byron) Boras '83, Judy (Katz) Hoffman '84, Cathy (Fowler) Scangarella '85, Karen Connelly, Maria Caputo, Gary Smith '84, Frank Scangarella '85, Al Connelly, Steve Jones and Kenny Newbauer '85.

Brain R. Chambers ’75 Raymond A. Elliott ’75 Elsie Mayyasi ’75 Nicholas D. DiGiaimo ’77 William Domenick Manzo ’77 James McElwain ’77 Andrew K Liljestrand ’78

Kathy Schulz '83 accepted the position of Associate General Counsel at Yale University in New Haven, CT.

Timothy P. Hunter ’80 Laurie Thompson ’81 Virginia A. Kearney ’82 David Alan Guss ’83 Michael T. Tehan ’85 Jennifer C. Hayes ’96 Christine Agugliaro ’98 Dennis E. Zampella ’06 Kerren A. Henry ’07

Sarah Brelvi '83 President & CEO, United Way of Warren County was recently recognized by Governor Jon Corzine as a NJ Woman Leader at a reception held on March 27 at Drumthwacket, the Governor's residence. She is recognized as a change agent and has been developing and leading women for more than 10 years by creating women's leadership programs during her tenure at AT&T, the United Way of Essex, West Hudson and Warren counties. She is the co-founder and chair of the state-wide United Way of New Jersey Women's Leadership Council. Sarah serves on the Executive Women of New Jersey program committee, the 2009 NJ Governor's Conference 26

Ramapo magazine

Ken Manna ’84 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for ice hockey.

He currently resides in Hamilton, and has been employed for the past 16 years at Lawrenceville Prep School. He has two boys, Ryan, 12 and Kenneth, 8 and has been married to his wife, Robin, for 19 years.

Dorothy Dwyer Szefc '85 is the Cultural Affairs coordinator at SUNY Orange and a longtime advocate for the arts throughout the Hudson Valley. She received the 2008 Seligmann Award on September 10, presented by the Orange County Citizens Foundation in recognition of her outstanding commitment to arts and culture in Orange County. An individual who she recognized in her remarks was Professor Shalom Gorewitz - he challenged her and made her think “out of the box.” She was also honoree at the Tribute to Women of Achievement Awards, in the category of Arts & Communications in 2002.

www.ramapo.edu

Jeff LeRoy '85 acquired a position with the county government in South Florida as a Substance Abuse Specialist. After 20 years of clinical experience, Jeff continues to work towards licensure and certification as a psychotherapist. In this capacity he will work with clients with substance abuse problems to varying degrees of severity. In addition, he will treat co-occurring disorders.

Christopher Stevenson '85 has been named Member of the firm, Norris McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A. He focuses his practice on all aspects of environmental, land use and real estate law and as a trained mediator has substantial experience in negotiating environmental, land use and commercial matters. Christopher holds a Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark and masters degrees in Business Administration and Environmental Management from Montclair State University. He is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Raptor Trust in Millington.

Christophe G. Zifchak '87 returns as Business Development Manager at Advantage Sales and Marketing for the Johnson & Johnson business.

Todd Brown '88 is Vice President-Director of Technical Services of Pinnacle Wireless. He has held various executive level operational and customer oriented leadership positions with Motorola, McCaw Cellular/Cellular One, AT&T Wireless and Nextel Communications. He is widely respected as one of the industries top strategists and considered to be a thought leader in field service delivery models. Todd resides in Warwick, NY with his wife Jennifer and children Sam, Emma and Avery.

A group of alumni from the class of '89 attend annual golf outings at various golf courses, take road trips and keep in touch.

The picture on the top is from a surprise celebration for Robert Jarmolinski's promotion to Captain of the Jersey City Fire Department. Picture on the top: (L-R) John Roy '89, Joseph Strohmenger '90, Eric Jeanette '89, Bob Jarmonlinski, Sean Quinn, Kenneth Ward '89, Thomas Daly '89. The picture on the

bottom is from a golf outing in Ocean City, MD. In the picture are: (L-R) Dave Furman, Eric Becher, Kenneth Ward '89, Eric Jeanette '89, Sean Quinn, Anthony Stratton '89, James F. Farley '90, Steven Ney '90, Jeffrey Buesing '90, Thomas Daly '89, John Roy '89.

Steven Margulies '91 got married on December 21, 2008 to Eileen Blum.

Steven currently works at the JCC on the Palisades in the Accounting Department.

He also creates word searches as a hobby.

Linda Muroski '89 was recently appointed to the advisory board of Penn State University's MBA program.

Gina Hernandez '90 announces her engagement to Joseph Gerard from Point Pleasant. Gina currently works as a purchasing agent in Fairfield. The wedding will be held on April 24, 2010.

Andrew Khan '90, a certified professional yoga instructor and licensed massage therapist, was recently written about on health-earth.com. This article was about his free yoga sessions in Cedarhurst Park that ran from July 15 through September 23. He is the owner of Peaceful Presence yoga and massage studio in Cedarhurst. Khan has been practicing yoga since 1981 and teaching since 1986.

John Brown '91 has been selected Shore Coach of the Year for the second year in a row.

Brown is the girls basketball coach at Neptune High School. He led the girls to victory after beating Freehold Borough High School March 7 making them the Central New Jersey Group 3 sectional title champions. Brown was the former boys basketball coach at Henry Hudson Regional High School as well as at the Admiral Farragat Academy.

Andrew Herrmann '91 received his doctorate in Organizational Communication from the University of South Florida in August 2008. At the same time he was also appointed as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia. His publications can be found in Communication Theory, the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, the Journal of Business Communication and Qualitative Inquiry.

Lt. Michael Schulman '91 GA. police department was instrumental in the apprehension of one of the U.S. Marshal's 15 Most Wanted criminals. Schulman, formerly of River Vale, has been a police officer since 2001.

Amar Singh '92, '02 and wife Lily are pleased to announce the birth of their beautiful daughter, Elizabeth. Amar is a teacher in Valhalla, NY. The family resides in Yonkers, NY.

Jill Steel '92 was engaged to Michael Dobson on Nov. 6, 2008. The couple resides in Bellingham, WA. The wedding will take place in NJ on Sept. 26, 2009.

Jonathan Marcus '93 Tammy and Jonathan Marcus, Esquire of Mahwah are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Gianna Lee, on February 11, 2009, at Hackensack University Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds and was 20 ¼ inches. Gianna joins her big sister, Johnna May, age 2 ½.

Jill Shuck '94 and Joseph W. Brown III were married on June 15, 2007 at the family's favorite destination, the Mid-Ocean Club in Tuckerstown, Bermuda. Jill is Director of Broadcast Media Operations at Medco Health Solutions. They reside in Northern NJ with pets Mac and Bo.

Thomas Ammazzalorso '95, an economics teacher at McKinley Technology High School in Washington DC, was recently written about in The Washington Post. In the article titled: 'Getting Schooled in Economics: Class Learns from Crisis' of the American Observer. The article is about the importance of teaching economics to high school students in today's world. The picture is taken with the DC Public Schools Chancellor.

Deena Bishop Brennan ’97 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for softball.

Deena now resides in Staten Island, NY, with her husband Michael; a New York City firefighter, their daughter Devin, and son Matthew. She currently works as an Executive Assistant to the Chief Accounting Officer of The Medicines Company, a pharmaceutical company based in Parsippany.

Nancy Galasso Remias ’97 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for softball. Nancy is currently a co-owner and CFO of a flooring company in Manhattan. In addition to meeting two of her dearest friends (Deena Brennan and Stacy Weeks) at Ramapo, she was lucky enough to meet her husband of nine years, Andrew Remias, who was a member of the baseball and soccer teams. Nancy and Andy now reside in Rutherford, NJ with their two sons, Andrew, 2 and Matthew, 1.

Daniel Jean '97 and Aneesha Jean '00 announced the birth of their son, Isaiah Daniel Jean, on July 3, 2008.

Jeffrey LaViano '97 Jeffrey La Viano is a fifth generation jeweler in his family’s very successful jewelry store LaViano. The first store was opened in 1942 in Westwood and second store in Englewood in 2006. The company has recently published their own magazine titled La Viano

Eric Melniczek '97 has joined S.R. Clarke, an executive search/recruiting firm in Blacksburg, VA., as Regional Recruiting Manager.

Marcella Runell-Hall '97 Associate Director in The Center for Multicultural Education and Programs in the NYU Student Affairs Division was awarded the Association of American Colleges and Universities 2009 K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award. While a full-time administrator at NYU, Marcella is completing her doctorate in Social Justice Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Marcella married David Hall aka DJ Trends on May 5, 2007, they currently reside in Brooklyn, NY. Simone Healey '98 was recently written about in The Glen Rock Gazette regarding her plans to make Glen Rock a more "green" borough if elected to the borough council. Healey works as a realtor specializing in residential real estate in Bergen County. She was the first broker in the county to be certified as an "Ecobroker" and also holds special knowledge in the field of Green Building.

James Kiernan '98 of Lake Hopatcong was promoted to senior manager of J.H. Cohn LLP, the largest independent accounting and consulting firm in the Northeast on August 7, 2008.

Heather Frederick '99 and her husband Matt Frederick had a baby girl on August 29th, 2008. Her name is Hope Angeline.

Jesse Hendrix '99 and Prescy Marie Danko were married on September 22, 2007 at St. Luke's Chapel in Ringwood with a reception following at the Skyland Manor. Jesse is an employee at The Bank of America in Livingston. The couple resides in Bayonne.

Jean Radjabali '99 and Teodora Dimitrova were married on August 10, 2008.

Jean is currently employed at Medidata Inc. as a Project Support Lead.

Erica Susanne Davis '00 and John Edward Donoghue were married on June 28. Erica is a social worker. The couple resides in Richmond, VA.

Steven William Kuiken '00 and Courtney Meik were married on September 7, 2008. Steven currently works in Manhattan for Bank of America as a business analyst. The couple resides in Forest Hills, Queens.

Martin L. Murphy '00 is the owner and acupuncturist of The Center for Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Ramsey. He received certification of acupuncture from the Institute of Classical Five-Element Acupuncture in Santa Monica, CA. Martin is certified as an acupuncturist in Oregon and New Jersey.

Virginia Newton '00 and Ted Schenck were married in February 2009.

Ginny is currently a fourth-grade teacher at the Ridgeway School in Manchester.

Laura Ward Tarte '00 had a baby, Nathaniel Warren Tarte, born January 29, 2009, 7 pounds 14 ounces and 21 inches long.

www.ramapo.edu

Lisa (Price) Elkins '01, was married on October 8, 2005 at The Ocean Acres Country Club in Manahawkin.

Michael Joseph Jr. was born on April 4, 2006.

Lisa is an account executive at Glotel, Inc.

Ramapo magazine

27

Class notes

Amy Fiorillo, '01 is a math teacher at Wayne Valley High School for the last seven years teaching Advanced Placement Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC and Algebra 2. She also organizes and scores the New Jersey Math League contests. Amy received the 2006-2007 Governor's Teacher Recognition award and is also a co-author of an article published in the February 2008 issue of "Mathematical BioSciences."

Sarah Frumkin '01 announced her engagement to Matthew Benson. The wedding is planned for July 26, 2009 in California where they currently reside.

Sarah is a product development manager for Global Icons and Matthew is a production executive for Gold Circle Films.

Jenny LaPlaca '01 married Ryan Darlington on August 31, 2008 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Boonton. A number of Ramapo alumni were in attendance. They honeymooned in Disney World and Antigua. In the picture are Marianne Picinic '98 and Lisa Ryan '84.

Brian Riback '01 and Lauren Berliner '05 were married on July 3rd, 2008. Lauren received an Master of Arts in general/theoretical psychology and a certification in school psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is currently a School Psychologist in New Jersey. Brian is working in interactive marketing in NY, NY. Jessica Westcott '01 is engaged to Ryan Estok with a wedding planed for May 2, 2009. Jessica works as a clinician at Corner House Counseling Center in Princeton.

David Chang '02 and Lisa Marie Ceccacci were married on April 18 at The Tides Estate in North Haledon. David works at Mercedes Benz, USA. The couple resides in Parsippany.

Angela Cuzzo '02 announced her engagement to Matthew Tuzzo.

The wedding is planned for some time in 2010. Angela is employed by MRB Public Relations in Tinton Falls as an account executive.

Kate Ali Higgins '02 and John Robert Crumpacker were married on July 16 at their home in San Diego. Kate is employed with Project Wildlife in San Diego.

28

Ramapo magazine

Kevin Holm '02 graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an Executive MBA in Management. Kevin is Sr. Production Editor of Finance and Investments at John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Kevin completed a professional degree in Book Publishing from New York University and studied International Business in Prague, Czech Republic and Budapest, Hungary.

Daniel Kotkin '02 and Beth Shilane '04 announced their engagement. Beth is currently working as a unit leader/case manager with Community Care Behavioral Health in Piscataway. Daniel is an ease access specialist with Bergen County Division of Disability Services. The wedding will be held June 28, 2009

Tara Larkin Wuorinen ’02 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for women’s basketball. Tara currently serves as the Academic Athletic Coordinator at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

Kristen Tamke '02 married Evan T. Swirky in April 2009. Kristen is presently employed as a school counselor at Hardyston Middle School.

Katherine (Fennell) Whartnaby '02 and Daniel Whartnaby '04 announce the birth of their son, Tyler James on May 12, 2008.

Katherine and Daniel were married in July of 2005 and currently reside in Pompton Lakes. Daniel is a Special Operations Police Officer with New Jersey Transit Police Department and Katherine is an Operations Assistant for United Water New Jersey.

Jennifer Williams '02 gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Ava Camille, on August 16.

Sami Asaad '03 has joined Brody and Associates, LLC, a law firm that represents employers in labor and employment law matters. He was previously an associate at a Hamden law firm where he practiced general civil litigation. He is also a magna cum laude graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. He is currently a member of the Connecticut and New Jersey bars.

www.ramapo.edu

Garrett Dancik '03 has his Masters in Statistics and a doctorate. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

His doctorate. research involved computer modeling of HIV interactions with human immune cells. Garrett was the first Ramapo bioinformatics graduate. He has accepted a tenure track position in Northwestern State University and will be developing a curriculum in Bioinformatics.

Olga Dayts '03 has worked at Englewood Hospital Medical Center on the orthopedic/surgical floor and at Neurological Intensive care Unit at New York Presbyterian Hospital since graduation.

She graduated from Columbia University with Master of Science in Nursing and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She recently moved to Nashville, TN where she works as a Nurse Practitioner at Saint Thomas Hospital. She belongs to the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Dragoslav Grbovic '03 and wife Jelena Pjesivac-Grbovic '03 announce the birth of their son, Milan on May 7, 2007.

Jelena received her doctorate in computer science in December 2007 and Dragoslav received a doctorate in physics in May 2008 both from the University of Tennessee.

Syndy Kevitz '03 and Nathan "Kit" Furderer announced their engagement with a September wedding planned.

Syndy is currently enrolled in a master's program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is a teacher in the North Carolina public school system.

Kenneth C. Lehmann '03 and his wife, Caitlin (O'Neill) '02, welcomed the birth of their second son, Connor William Lehmann, on May 6, 2008.

Allison Mueller '03 and Joseph Mascis were married December 24, 2008 at her parents' home in Valley Cottage, NY. Allison is currently employed by Linda's Wine Shop and Varka Restaurant in Ramsey.

Erin Hogan '04 and Shawn Curcio were married at Davis Johnson Park in Tenafly on May 31, 2008.

Tiffany L. Webb '03 is married to Dudley M. North; the couple resides in Morris Plains. Tiffany is a fourth grade teacher at Stephen J. Gerace School in Pequannock.

Susan Keitel '04 received the 2007 state Teacher of the Year award for her district. She is a seventh and eighth grade teacher at River Dell Middle School where she teaches computer literacy classes, as well as seventh and eighth grade gifted and talented classes.

Lauren Wiener '03 and Eric Carlinsky were married on June 22. Lauren is director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Cupertino, CA. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii and reside in Sunnyvale, CA. Christine Bazaz '04 and Luigi Rizzo announce their engagement with a September 2009 wedding planned. Christine is currently employed by Medco Health Solutions as an analyst.

Nicole Del Vecchio '04 is engaged to marry CJ Turro with a wedding planned for April 2010. Nicole is a middle school teacher.

Frank Di Pentima '04 ran for borough council of Oakland. He is the Vice President of accounting at Pearson Education.

He is very involved locally; he is completing his third year on council and serves as the chairman of the Finance Committee.

He is also the chancellor and fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Ramapo Valley Council 5846, as well as a parishioner and Eucharistic Minister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He is also a member and treasurer of the Oakland Father's Club and a member of the Oakland Republican Club. He also coaches recreation soccer.

Tiffany Freud '04 currently works at Accolo, Inc. as a Business Development Executive where she develops strategic partnerships with small to mid-size businesses to provide them with a comprehensive recruiting solution.

Christina Hoch '04 married Brett Santowasso on November 17, 2007.

Kevin Sebastian Pertusiello '04 performed in August 2008 at the Cortland Repertory Theater in Cortland, NY in a production of “A Few Good Men” by Aaron Sorkin.

Michelle Albrizio'05 and Michael Safoschnik announced their engagement.

Michelle is an administrator with Atlantic Environment Solutions, Inc. A May wedding was planned.

Aimee Barilla '05 married Daniel Kronmiller in May 2009 Aimee is a thirdgrade teacher at St. Christopher School in Parsippany.

Riccardo M. DeBari '05 has recently joined the Patton Boggs law firm.

Josh Lipsky '04 and Christina Medina '05 were married June 14, 2008. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica and live happily in Lawrenceville with their puppy, Finn. Matthew Villano '06 was their engagement and wedding photographer. They became friends through the Ramapo News. You can check out the rest of the wedding pictures on his portfolio site: http://mattvillano.zenfolio.com/ p745275316. Josh is the Web-based Training Coordinator at the Oxford Princeton Programme in Princeton and Christina works as Academic Support in the Electrical Engineering department at Princeton University.

Tina Muller '04 married Craig Wohlrab on June 20. The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. They are residing in Little Ferry.

Annelise Tversland '05 married Craig Scott Zimmerli on September 27. They spent their honeymoon in Antigua and reside in Warwick, NY. Annelise works as a buyer's assistant at Dress Barn in Suffern, NY.

Lauren Dalessio '06 married John Vacca in May 2009. Lauren is employed by the Ridgefield Park Board of Education as a special education teacher.

Lauren Mosko '06 has recently become the executive director of the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Kristen Petela '06 recently graduated with a Master's in Social Work from New York University's School of Social Work.

She is licensed in both New Jersey and New York and is currently working at Women Helping Women providing psychotherapeutic counseling to women.

Brian De Vogel '05 is enrolled in a master's program in Human Resources Management and Development at New York University.

Yosayra F. Eusebio '05 is working at Seton Hall University as a Residence Hall Director for an upper-class residence hall.

Ryan Pizanie '05 married Pamela Braccini on March 15, 2008. They reside in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Ryan is a sales representative for Winebow. Pamela is a schoolteacher in Wayne, New Jersey.

Amanda J. Rosiello '05 married Nicholas J. Leach in February 2009.

Amanda is a social studies teacher at Matawan Regional High School.

Nicholas is a physical educator at PS 7 in Brooklyn New York.

Gavin Millard '04 traveled to Ireland to propose to Margaret Kelleher. The wedding is planned for December. Gavin is the financial associate and property manager at Mauro, Savo, Camerino, & Grant Law Offices in Somerville. He recently got his paralegal certificate.

Erin Gayle Thatcher '05 and Robert Andrew Amaty Jr. announce their engagement with a May 2010 wedding planned. Erin is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in corporate communications at Baruch College. She is a public affairs administrator with Sony Corporation of America.

Todd Santonacita '05 announces his engagement to Casey Stinneford. A summer 2010 wedding is planned. Todd is currently working as a graphic designer.

Cynthia Chasse '06 and Artie Foose '05 have announced their engagement with a fall 2009 wedding planned. Cynthia is pursuing her MBA and is a Business Analyst at PSE&G. Artie is a Laboratory Assistant at Flavor & Fragrance Specialties.

Marco Chung ’06 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for men’s soccer. Marco currently works as a Spanish teacher at St. Joseph Regional, where he has served as the head varsity soccer coach for the past two years.

Josephine M. Ciocle '06 was recently selected as Teacher of the Week at Memorial Middle School in Little Ferry where she teaches Language Arts and Basic Skills instruction to seventh and eighth grade students. She has been teaching since 1979 and began teaching in Little Ferry in 1989. She is also an active member of Hasbrouck Heights' high school PTSA and also sits on the borough's Board of Education Committee as a chairperson and Key Communications chair.

Teddy Rodriguez '06 and wife Loyda had their second baby daughter, Isela in the spring of 2008. She joins her older sister Amarylis.

Hillary Zaer '06 married Howard Goldberg in October 2008.

Virginia Clerkin '07 has recently been given the position of full-time instructor of nursing at Dominican College. She has been a part-time lecturer at Dominican College since 2006.

Vanessa E. Faxas '07 Upon graduation from Columbia University School of Social Work in May of '08, Vanessa was hired by Girl Scouts of the USA in January as an Implementation Consultant for Multicultural Initiatives in their department of Membership and Volunteerism.

Vanessa is responsible for carrying out a Hispanic Marketing Initiative campaign to increase and retain Hispanic members and volunteers amongst councils throughout the nation.

www.ramapo.edu

Ensign Peter S. Kowalcyk '07 graduated US Navy Officer Candidate School and will begin flight school in Pensacola, Florida.

Ramapo magazine

29

Class notes

Amy Fiorillo, '01 is a math teacher at Wayne Valley High School for the last seven years teaching Advanced Placement Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC and Algebra 2. She also organizes and scores the New Jersey Math League contests. Amy received the 2006-2007 Governor's Teacher Recognition award and is also a co-author of an article published in the February 2008 issue of "Mathematical BioSciences."

Sarah Frumkin '01 announced her engagement to Matthew Benson. The wedding is planned for July 26, 2009 in California where they currently reside.

Sarah is a product development manager for Global Icons and Matthew is a production executive for Gold Circle Films.

Jenny LaPlaca '01 married Ryan Darlington on August 31, 2008 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Boonton. A number of Ramapo alumni were in attendance. They honeymooned in Disney World and Antigua. In the picture are Marianne Picinic '98 and Lisa Ryan '84.

Brian Riback '01 and Lauren Berliner '05 were married on July 3rd, 2008. Lauren received an Master of Arts in general/theoretical psychology and a certification in school psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is currently a School Psychologist in New Jersey. Brian is working in interactive marketing in NY, NY. Jessica Westcott '01 is engaged to Ryan Estok with a wedding planed for May 2, 2009. Jessica works as a clinician at Corner House Counseling Center in Princeton.

David Chang '02 and Lisa Marie Ceccacci were married on April 18 at The Tides Estate in North Haledon. David works at Mercedes Benz, USA. The couple resides in Parsippany.

Angela Cuzzo '02 announced her engagement to Matthew Tuzzo.

The wedding is planned for some time in 2010. Angela is employed by MRB Public Relations in Tinton Falls as an account executive.

Kate Ali Higgins '02 and John Robert Crumpacker were married on July 16 at their home in San Diego. Kate is employed with Project Wildlife in San Diego.

28

Ramapo magazine

Kevin Holm '02 graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an Executive MBA in Management. Kevin is Sr. Production Editor of Finance and Investments at John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Kevin completed a professional degree in Book Publishing from New York University and studied International Business in Prague, Czech Republic and Budapest, Hungary.

Daniel Kotkin '02 and Beth Shilane '04 announced their engagement. Beth is currently working as a unit leader/case manager with Community Care Behavioral Health in Piscataway. Daniel is an ease access specialist with Bergen County Division of Disability Services. The wedding will be held June 28, 2009

Tara Larkin Wuorinen ’02 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for women’s basketball. Tara currently serves as the Academic Athletic Coordinator at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City.

Kristen Tamke '02 married Evan T. Swirky in April 2009. Kristen is presently employed as a school counselor at Hardyston Middle School.

Katherine (Fennell) Whartnaby '02 and Daniel Whartnaby '04 announce the birth of their son, Tyler James on May 12, 2008.

Katherine and Daniel were married in July of 2005 and currently reside in Pompton Lakes. Daniel is a Special Operations Police Officer with New Jersey Transit Police Department and Katherine is an Operations Assistant for United Water New Jersey.

Jennifer Williams '02 gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Ava Camille, on August 16.

Sami Asaad '03 has joined Brody and Associates, LLC, a law firm that represents employers in labor and employment law matters. He was previously an associate at a Hamden law firm where he practiced general civil litigation. He is also a magna cum laude graduate of Quinnipiac University School of Law, where he was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society. He is currently a member of the Connecticut and New Jersey bars.

www.ramapo.edu

Garrett Dancik '03 has his Masters in Statistics and a doctorate. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

His doctorate. research involved computer modeling of HIV interactions with human immune cells. Garrett was the first Ramapo bioinformatics graduate. He has accepted a tenure track position in Northwestern State University and will be developing a curriculum in Bioinformatics.

Olga Dayts '03 has worked at Englewood Hospital Medical Center on the orthopedic/surgical floor and at Neurological Intensive care Unit at New York Presbyterian Hospital since graduation.

She graduated from Columbia University with Master of Science in Nursing and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. She recently moved to Nashville, TN where she works as a Nurse Practitioner at Saint Thomas Hospital. She belongs to the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Dragoslav Grbovic '03 and wife Jelena Pjesivac-Grbovic '03 announce the birth of their son, Milan on May 7, 2007.

Jelena received her doctorate in computer science in December 2007 and Dragoslav received a doctorate in physics in May 2008 both from the University of Tennessee.

Syndy Kevitz '03 and Nathan "Kit" Furderer announced their engagement with a September wedding planned.

Syndy is currently enrolled in a master's program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She is a teacher in the North Carolina public school system.

Kenneth C. Lehmann '03 and his wife, Caitlin (O'Neill) '02, welcomed the birth of their second son, Connor William Lehmann, on May 6, 2008.

Allison Mueller '03 and Joseph Mascis were married December 24, 2008 at her parents' home in Valley Cottage, NY. Allison is currently employed by Linda's Wine Shop and Varka Restaurant in Ramsey.

Erin Hogan '04 and Shawn Curcio were married at Davis Johnson Park in Tenafly on May 31, 2008.

Tiffany L. Webb '03 is married to Dudley M. North; the couple resides in Morris Plains. Tiffany is a fourth grade teacher at Stephen J. Gerace School in Pequannock.

Susan Keitel '04 received the 2007 state Teacher of the Year award for her district. She is a seventh and eighth grade teacher at River Dell Middle School where she teaches computer literacy classes, as well as seventh and eighth grade gifted and talented classes.

Lauren Wiener '03 and Eric Carlinsky were married on June 22. Lauren is director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Cupertino, CA. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii and reside in Sunnyvale, CA. Christine Bazaz '04 and Luigi Rizzo announce their engagement with a September 2009 wedding planned. Christine is currently employed by Medco Health Solutions as an analyst.

Nicole Del Vecchio '04 is engaged to marry CJ Turro with a wedding planned for April 2010. Nicole is a middle school teacher.

Frank Di Pentima '04 ran for borough council of Oakland. He is the Vice President of accounting at Pearson Education.

He is very involved locally; he is completing his third year on council and serves as the chairman of the Finance Committee.

He is also the chancellor and fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Ramapo Valley Council 5846, as well as a parishioner and Eucharistic Minister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He is also a member and treasurer of the Oakland Father's Club and a member of the Oakland Republican Club. He also coaches recreation soccer.

Tiffany Freud '04 currently works at Accolo, Inc. as a Business Development Executive where she develops strategic partnerships with small to mid-size businesses to provide them with a comprehensive recruiting solution.

Christina Hoch '04 married Brett Santowasso on November 17, 2007.

Kevin Sebastian Pertusiello '04 performed in August 2008 at the Cortland Repertory Theater in Cortland, NY in a production of “A Few Good Men” by Aaron Sorkin.

Michelle Albrizio'05 and Michael Safoschnik announced their engagement.

Michelle is an administrator with Atlantic Environment Solutions, Inc. A May wedding was planned.

Aimee Barilla '05 married Daniel Kronmiller in May 2009 Aimee is a thirdgrade teacher at St. Christopher School in Parsippany.

Riccardo M. DeBari '05 has recently joined the Patton Boggs law firm.

Josh Lipsky '04 and Christina Medina '05 were married June 14, 2008. The couple honeymooned in Costa Rica and live happily in Lawrenceville with their puppy, Finn. Matthew Villano '06 was their engagement and wedding photographer. They became friends through the Ramapo News. You can check out the rest of the wedding pictures on his portfolio site: http://mattvillano.zenfolio.com/ p745275316. Josh is the Web-based Training Coordinator at the Oxford Princeton Programme in Princeton and Christina works as Academic Support in the Electrical Engineering department at Princeton University.

Tina Muller '04 married Craig Wohlrab on June 20. The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. They are residing in Little Ferry.

Annelise Tversland '05 married Craig Scott Zimmerli on September 27. They spent their honeymoon in Antigua and reside in Warwick, NY. Annelise works as a buyer's assistant at Dress Barn in Suffern, NY.

Lauren Dalessio '06 married John Vacca in May 2009. Lauren is employed by the Ridgefield Park Board of Education as a special education teacher.

Lauren Mosko '06 has recently become the executive director of the East Brunswick Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Kristen Petela '06 recently graduated with a Master's in Social Work from New York University's School of Social Work.

She is licensed in both New Jersey and New York and is currently working at Women Helping Women providing psychotherapeutic counseling to women.

Brian De Vogel '05 is enrolled in a master's program in Human Resources Management and Development at New York University.

Yosayra F. Eusebio '05 is working at Seton Hall University as a Residence Hall Director for an upper-class residence hall.

Ryan Pizanie '05 married Pamela Braccini on March 15, 2008. They reside in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Ryan is a sales representative for Winebow. Pamela is a schoolteacher in Wayne, New Jersey.

Amanda J. Rosiello '05 married Nicholas J. Leach in February 2009.

Amanda is a social studies teacher at Matawan Regional High School.

Nicholas is a physical educator at PS 7 in Brooklyn New York.

Gavin Millard '04 traveled to Ireland to propose to Margaret Kelleher. The wedding is planned for December. Gavin is the financial associate and property manager at Mauro, Savo, Camerino, & Grant Law Offices in Somerville. He recently got his paralegal certificate.

Erin Gayle Thatcher '05 and Robert Andrew Amaty Jr. announce their engagement with a May 2010 wedding planned. Erin is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in corporate communications at Baruch College. She is a public affairs administrator with Sony Corporation of America.

Todd Santonacita '05 announces his engagement to Casey Stinneford. A summer 2010 wedding is planned. Todd is currently working as a graphic designer.

Cynthia Chasse '06 and Artie Foose '05 have announced their engagement with a fall 2009 wedding planned. Cynthia is pursuing her MBA and is a Business Analyst at PSE&G. Artie is a Laboratory Assistant at Flavor & Fragrance Specialties.

Marco Chung ’06 inducted into the 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame for men’s soccer. Marco currently works as a Spanish teacher at St. Joseph Regional, where he has served as the head varsity soccer coach for the past two years.

Josephine M. Ciocle '06 was recently selected as Teacher of the Week at Memorial Middle School in Little Ferry where she teaches Language Arts and Basic Skills instruction to seventh and eighth grade students. She has been teaching since 1979 and began teaching in Little Ferry in 1989. She is also an active member of Hasbrouck Heights' high school PTSA and also sits on the borough's Board of Education Committee as a chairperson and Key Communications chair.

Teddy Rodriguez '06 and wife Loyda had their second baby daughter, Isela in the spring of 2008. She joins her older sister Amarylis.

Hillary Zaer '06 married Howard Goldberg in October 2008.

Virginia Clerkin '07 has recently been given the position of full-time instructor of nursing at Dominican College. She has been a part-time lecturer at Dominican College since 2006.

Vanessa E. Faxas '07 Upon graduation from Columbia University School of Social Work in May of '08, Vanessa was hired by Girl Scouts of the USA in January as an Implementation Consultant for Multicultural Initiatives in their department of Membership and Volunteerism.

Vanessa is responsible for carrying out a Hispanic Marketing Initiative campaign to increase and retain Hispanic members and volunteers amongst councils throughout the nation.

www.ramapo.edu

Ensign Peter S. Kowalcyk '07 graduated US Navy Officer Candidate School and will begin flight school in Pensacola, Florida.

Ramapo magazine

29

Courts and fields

Class notes Derrick William Lieb '07 married Janet Gressler on June 7. They honeymooned in St. Maarten. Derrick is currently working as an orthopedic RN for the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

LaQuana Peterson '07 is employed by Central Casting New York as a Casting Assistant. She is responsible for casting background talent (aka extras) for various television, film, and commercial projects.

Her notable projects include "Law & Order", "Gossip Girls", "She's Got the Look", "Cupid" and "Fringe."

Vlado Pjesivac '07 is enrolled in Master's of Computer Science Program at University of Tennessee. He is working for Hewlett-Packard as Software Developer during Summer, in Lexington, KY.

Jenna Romatowski '07 is employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, working in supply chain management for the United States Army.

Kwasi Sarfo '07 has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. During his six weeks of training Kwasi studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies. He also performed drill and ceremonial marches, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition he earned credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Arielle Shnider '07 received a Master’s of Education degree in higher and postsecondary education from Arizona State University. Arielle works as an enrollment coordinator at The University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.

Kaitlyn D. Corizzi '08 and Thomas J. (TJ) Grassi '08, high school sweethearts got engaged on a significant day in their lives - March 14th, Pi Day, at the Ramapo Reservation. TJ is employed at Unilever as a financial analyst and Kaitlyn is a math teacher at Hackensack high school.

A wedding is planned for June 2009.

Danielle (Babyak) Grippo '08 and Nicholas Grippo were married on December 27, 2008.

Kaitlyn Hoever '08 was recently hired as a Publicity Assistant at Susan Bond Inc., in New York City. Susan Bond Inc. is a celebrity and lifestyle public relations firm. Kaitlyn works on accounts such as Sean Paul, Damien Fahey and other celebrities.

Patrick J. Stickles '08 formed his band Titus Andronicus, in 2005, with a few friends while studying at Ramapo. The band has performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park last summer. Most of his songs collected on a 2008 album, “The Airing of Grievances,” were written on Ramapo's campus. The album was rereleased in January 2009 on XL Recordings, and the band is touring with another indie rock upstart band, Los Campesinos.

Adam R. Toth '08 was recently named in the 2008 edition of “Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”.

Jordana Waliszewski '08 was recently written about in The Record. She was one of the first students to graduate from Ramapo with a minor in Judaic Studies. She was selected for a prestigious internship at the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, a program in which she met with Jewish survivors and listened to their searing stories. Now that she has graduated she hopes to return to Poland and become a Holocaust educator for children.

The Award serves as an inspiration to students and alumni. Recognition of Ramapo College alumni in this manner serves as a reminder of the College's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning as well as to its continuing attention to raising the aspirations of students.

30

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Jonathan N. Marcus, '93, Esq., is the 2009 Recipient of the President's Award of Merit.

He lives with his wife, Tammy, and two daughters in Mahwah and graduated summa cum laude from Ramapo College with a B.A. in Law and Society in 1993. He continued his education at Seton Hall University School of Law where he was a member of the Law Review and was awarded a Juris Doctorate degree, magna cum laude, in 1996.

He is admitted to practice before the New Jersey Bar. Marcus currently serves as the Assistant General Counsel at KPMG LLP in New York. Prior to that position, he provided representation and counseling to clients in connection with corporate transactional matters, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, having served as a Senior Associate in the Corporate Department of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, L.L.P. and as an Associate in the Corporate Department of Sills Cummis & Gross, P.C.

Men’s Volleyball Named Metro Division Champions

The Ramapo College men's volleyball team swept the conference this year going 9-0 against metro rivals, earning the NECVA Metro Division Championship. Ramapo opened the NECVA Metro season with six straight shut out victories over Polytechnic, Mt. St. Vincent, SUNY Purchase, Yeshiva University, Bard College and SUNY New Paltz. The team suffered their first and only loss to Vassar College. The Roadrunners came out on top of then ranked #5 Vassar, 3-1, before firing down a 3-0 win over #3 Stevens Institute of Technology. In their final conference match-up with NJCU, Ramapo earned their eighth sweep in

the conference to go 9-0 on the year. On the season the Roadrunners finished 25-9 overall.

Five members of the team were named to the All-Metro Division teams for their efforts on the court. Senior Shane Donohue, along with fellow senior Jairo Sierra, earned 1st Team AllMetro Division honors, while Donohue was named 2nd Team All-NECVA Conference.

Fellow seniors Tom Kohler and TC Elsasser were named 2nd Team All-Metro Division members, along with junior Kurt Backlund.

Elsasser and Kohler earned All-Tournament team honors for their performance at the conference championship tournament.

COACHES REACH MILESTONES IN 2009 McBreen Earns 200th Career Coaching Victory

The President's Award of Merit

Initiated in 1994, The President's Award of Merit recognizes distinguished accomplishments by Ramapo College alumni. Nominations are suggested by members of the Ramapo community and reviewed by the presidents of the Alumni Association, the Student Government Association, the Faculty Assembly, and the Professional Staff Association. The final selection is made by the President of the College. The Award is made of crystal and is inscribed.

Standing (L-R): Coach Don Vanderbeck, Colin McNeill, Assistant Coach Brett Killman, Shane Donohue, TC Elsasser, Tom Kohler, Jairo Sierra, Jeff Elsasser, Matt Scott, Paul Konopacki, Matt Agnew, Dan Sempkowski and Assistant Coach DJ Pinton. Kneeling (L-R): Josh Castillo, Elvis Cabrera, Kevin McNerney, Matt Whitford, Mike Hrehovcik, Ed Rossiter, Kurt Backlund, Dave Ross and Luca Taormina

Since graduation from Ramapo, he has remained committed to the College and is extremely active with the Alumni Association. Marcus serves as a director on the Ramapo College's Alumni Association's Board of Directors, as chairman of the KPMG Ramapo Alumni Chapter and is a founding member of the Alumni Advisory Board of the College's School of American and International Studies. Marcus and his wife are active in their church supporting youth activities and community service projects including a soup kitchen, food pantry and services for less fortunate families.

Men’s basketball head coach Chuck McBreen earned his 200th career coaching victory in February with a 110-71 victory over the Beavers of the City College of New York. In his 11 years at Ramapo, Coach McBreen has led his team to 200 victories while suffering 101 losses (.664). For eight of his first 10 years, the program has been nationally ranked in the top 25, and the team made their eighth straight appearance in the NJAC playoffs.

Allen Marks 300th Career Coaching Victory

Softball head coach Ben Allen needed just nine wins at the start of the 2009 season to reach 300 in his 11 years at the helm of the Roadrunner program. On March 19 Allen led his team to a come-from-behind win over Anderson University, 5-1, in Kissimmee, Florida, to reach the coaching milestone. After finishing the 2009 season at 26-11, Allen now stands with 317 wins and 132 losses in his tenure with the team.

Under Allen's direction, the Lady Roadrunners have made five appearances at the NCAA DIII Softball Championships in the last eight years, earning bids to the NJAC playoffs annually.

Ramapo Honors 48 Senior Athletes

The Ramapo College Athletic Department honored 48 senior athletes at their Annual Senior Athletes Awards Banquet in April at the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center.

Senior athletes from 20 different sport teams were honored by their coaches and the athletic staff.

Congratulations and good luck in all you do!

Ramapo College Inducts Six Individuals And The 1990 Football Team Into Hall Of Fame

Ramapo College of New Jersey inducted six former athletes and the 1990 football team into the Athletic Hall of Fame in a ceremony and dinner at the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center.

Among the 2009 inductees were Deena Bishop Brennan ‘97 for softball; a former soccer player, Marco Chung ‘06; Ken Ferrante for service to the men’s tennis program; Tara Larkin Wuorinen ‘02 for basketball; Ken Manna ‘84 for ice hockey; Nancy Galasso Remias ‘97 for softball, and the 1990 football team.

The Ramapo College Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those who have made significant contributions to the history of intercollegiate athletic competition at the College. The athletes selected are the best of all that have participated in varsity athletics.

For a detailed look at Ramapo's athletics visit www.ramapoathletics.com www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

31

Courts and fields

Class notes Derrick William Lieb '07 married Janet Gressler on June 7. They honeymooned in St. Maarten. Derrick is currently working as an orthopedic RN for the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

LaQuana Peterson '07 is employed by Central Casting New York as a Casting Assistant. She is responsible for casting background talent (aka extras) for various television, film, and commercial projects.

Her notable projects include "Law & Order", "Gossip Girls", "She's Got the Look", "Cupid" and "Fringe."

Vlado Pjesivac '07 is enrolled in Master's of Computer Science Program at University of Tennessee. He is working for Hewlett-Packard as Software Developer during Summer, in Lexington, KY.

Jenna Romatowski '07 is employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, working in supply chain management for the United States Army.

Kwasi Sarfo '07 has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. During his six weeks of training Kwasi studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies. He also performed drill and ceremonial marches, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises, and special training in human relations.

In addition he earned credits toward an Associate in Applied Science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Arielle Shnider '07 received a Master’s of Education degree in higher and postsecondary education from Arizona State University. Arielle works as an enrollment coordinator at The University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona.

Kaitlyn D. Corizzi '08 and Thomas J. (TJ) Grassi '08, high school sweethearts got engaged on a significant day in their lives - March 14th, Pi Day, at the Ramapo Reservation. TJ is employed at Unilever as a financial analyst and Kaitlyn is a math teacher at Hackensack high school.

A wedding is planned for June 2009.

Danielle (Babyak) Grippo '08 and Nicholas Grippo were married on December 27, 2008.

Kaitlyn Hoever '08 was recently hired as a Publicity Assistant at Susan Bond Inc., in New York City. Susan Bond Inc. is a celebrity and lifestyle public relations firm. Kaitlyn works on accounts such as Sean Paul, Damien Fahey and other celebrities.

Patrick J. Stickles '08 formed his band Titus Andronicus, in 2005, with a few friends while studying at Ramapo. The band has performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park last summer. Most of his songs collected on a 2008 album, “The Airing of Grievances,” were written on Ramapo's campus. The album was rereleased in January 2009 on XL Recordings, and the band is touring with another indie rock upstart band, Los Campesinos.

Adam R. Toth '08 was recently named in the 2008 edition of “Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges”.

Jordana Waliszewski '08 was recently written about in The Record. She was one of the first students to graduate from Ramapo with a minor in Judaic Studies. She was selected for a prestigious internship at the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, a program in which she met with Jewish survivors and listened to their searing stories. Now that she has graduated she hopes to return to Poland and become a Holocaust educator for children.

The Award serves as an inspiration to students and alumni. Recognition of Ramapo College alumni in this manner serves as a reminder of the College's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning as well as to its continuing attention to raising the aspirations of students.

30

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

Jonathan N. Marcus, '93, Esq., is the 2009 Recipient of the President's Award of Merit.

He lives with his wife, Tammy, and two daughters in Mahwah and graduated summa cum laude from Ramapo College with a B.A. in Law and Society in 1993. He continued his education at Seton Hall University School of Law where he was a member of the Law Review and was awarded a Juris Doctorate degree, magna cum laude, in 1996.

He is admitted to practice before the New Jersey Bar. Marcus currently serves as the Assistant General Counsel at KPMG LLP in New York. Prior to that position, he provided representation and counseling to clients in connection with corporate transactional matters, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, having served as a Senior Associate in the Corporate Department of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, L.L.P. and as an Associate in the Corporate Department of Sills Cummis & Gross, P.C.

Men’s Volleyball Named Metro Division Champions

The Ramapo College men's volleyball team swept the conference this year going 9-0 against metro rivals, earning the NECVA Metro Division Championship. Ramapo opened the NECVA Metro season with six straight shut out victories over Polytechnic, Mt. St. Vincent, SUNY Purchase, Yeshiva University, Bard College and SUNY New Paltz. The team suffered their first and only loss to Vassar College. The Roadrunners came out on top of then ranked #5 Vassar, 3-1, before firing down a 3-0 win over #3 Stevens Institute of Technology. In their final conference match-up with NJCU, Ramapo earned their eighth sweep in

the conference to go 9-0 on the year. On the season the Roadrunners finished 25-9 overall.

Five members of the team were named to the All-Metro Division teams for their efforts on the court. Senior Shane Donohue, along with fellow senior Jairo Sierra, earned 1st Team AllMetro Division honors, while Donohue was named 2nd Team All-NECVA Conference.

Fellow seniors Tom Kohler and TC Elsasser were named 2nd Team All-Metro Division members, along with junior Kurt Backlund.

Elsasser and Kohler earned All-Tournament team honors for their performance at the conference championship tournament.

COACHES REACH MILESTONES IN 2009 McBreen Earns 200th Career Coaching Victory

The President's Award of Merit

Initiated in 1994, The President's Award of Merit recognizes distinguished accomplishments by Ramapo College alumni. Nominations are suggested by members of the Ramapo community and reviewed by the presidents of the Alumni Association, the Student Government Association, the Faculty Assembly, and the Professional Staff Association. The final selection is made by the President of the College. The Award is made of crystal and is inscribed.

Standing (L-R): Coach Don Vanderbeck, Colin McNeill, Assistant Coach Brett Killman, Shane Donohue, TC Elsasser, Tom Kohler, Jairo Sierra, Jeff Elsasser, Matt Scott, Paul Konopacki, Matt Agnew, Dan Sempkowski and Assistant Coach DJ Pinton. Kneeling (L-R): Josh Castillo, Elvis Cabrera, Kevin McNerney, Matt Whitford, Mike Hrehovcik, Ed Rossiter, Kurt Backlund, Dave Ross and Luca Taormina

Since graduation from Ramapo, he has remained committed to the College and is extremely active with the Alumni Association. Marcus serves as a director on the Ramapo College's Alumni Association's Board of Directors, as chairman of the KPMG Ramapo Alumni Chapter and is a founding member of the Alumni Advisory Board of the College's School of American and International Studies. Marcus and his wife are active in their church supporting youth activities and community service projects including a soup kitchen, food pantry and services for less fortunate families.

Men’s basketball head coach Chuck McBreen earned his 200th career coaching victory in February with a 110-71 victory over the Beavers of the City College of New York. In his 11 years at Ramapo, Coach McBreen has led his team to 200 victories while suffering 101 losses (.664). For eight of his first 10 years, the program has been nationally ranked in the top 25, and the team made their eighth straight appearance in the NJAC playoffs.

Allen Marks 300th Career Coaching Victory

Softball head coach Ben Allen needed just nine wins at the start of the 2009 season to reach 300 in his 11 years at the helm of the Roadrunner program. On March 19 Allen led his team to a come-from-behind win over Anderson University, 5-1, in Kissimmee, Florida, to reach the coaching milestone. After finishing the 2009 season at 26-11, Allen now stands with 317 wins and 132 losses in his tenure with the team.

Under Allen's direction, the Lady Roadrunners have made five appearances at the NCAA DIII Softball Championships in the last eight years, earning bids to the NJAC playoffs annually.

Ramapo Honors 48 Senior Athletes

The Ramapo College Athletic Department honored 48 senior athletes at their Annual Senior Athletes Awards Banquet in April at the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center.

Senior athletes from 20 different sport teams were honored by their coaches and the athletic staff.

Congratulations and good luck in all you do!

Ramapo College Inducts Six Individuals And The 1990 Football Team Into Hall Of Fame

Ramapo College of New Jersey inducted six former athletes and the 1990 football team into the Athletic Hall of Fame in a ceremony and dinner at the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center.

Among the 2009 inductees were Deena Bishop Brennan ‘97 for softball; a former soccer player, Marco Chung ‘06; Ken Ferrante for service to the men’s tennis program; Tara Larkin Wuorinen ‘02 for basketball; Ken Manna ‘84 for ice hockey; Nancy Galasso Remias ‘97 for softball, and the 1990 football team.

The Ramapo College Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those who have made significant contributions to the history of intercollegiate athletic competition at the College. The athletes selected are the best of all that have participated in varsity athletics.

For a detailed look at Ramapo's athletics visit www.ramapoathletics.com www.ramapo.edu

Ramapo magazine

31

Datebook

8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car

June 23

Ramapo Alumni Career Development Series A presentation by Christopher D'Marco, Executive VP, Change & Response Strategies, LLC.

Topic: "How To Develop a Personal Marketing Plan In Order To Navigate Today’s Economy”

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Trustees Pavilion

For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

June 27

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Meadowlands Environment Center, DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ Gates open at 6 p.m. $5.00 admission

For more information and directions go to http://www.rst2.edu/meadowlands/

July 9

TD Bank Summer Concert Series Bargain (The Who tribute band)

8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car, 9:30 p.m., Fireworks July 16

TD Bank Summer Concert Series Neil and the Diamonds (Neil Diamond tribute band) 8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car July 18

New Alumni Summer Reunion Bar Anticipation

4 - 8 p.m., Belmar, NJ

For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

COURSES/INFO. SESSIONS The Center for Innovative and Professional Learning offers The Pre-College Experience at Ramapo College through 12 dynamic pre-college immersion programs for graduating high school students and those entering their sophomore, junior and senior year.

32

July 23

TD Bank Summer Concert Series 2U (U2 tribute band)

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

October 4

“A Couple of Blaguards” with Malachy McCourt

3 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

This two-character comedy, created by brothers Frank and Malachy McCourt, also features music.

October 17

July 27

Paula Poundstone

8 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

22nd Annual Foundation Golf Outing

The Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, New York

Poundstone, a stand-up comedienne, is known for her quiet, self-deprecating style and political observations.

Enjoy lunch and a round of golf, followed by cocktails and dinner on the patio. For more information visit www.ramapo.edu/foundation/events/golf/index.html

October 18

Spherus: “Extreme Juggling and Aerials with Greg Kennedy”

July 30

3 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

TD Bank Summer Concert Series Asbury Fever (Springsteen tribute band)

The show will feature juggling, comedy and unique performance pieces.

October 24

8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car

Office of Admissions Open House

September 26

Registration begins in August.

EMS 10th Anniversary Alumni Reunion

October 24

6 p.m., Trustees Pavilion

Jazz at the Berrie Center Vocalist Rachael Price

For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

8 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

October 1, 8, 15, 22

This jazz vocalist has released three CDs.

November 14

“Personal Financial Management Workshop” 7 - 9 p.m., ASB-321

This four-night course covers financial basics, retirement income, investments, risk management and estate planning. For more information visit www.ramapo.edu/cipl/workshop.html

October 4

WRPR 30th Anniversary (Ramapo's Radio Station) Alumni Reunion For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

Office of Admissions Open House

An opportunity for prospective students to tour the campus, speak with faculty and learn what Ramapo College has to offer. Registration begins in August. For more information visit www.ramapo.edu/openhouse/

July 6-24 and July 13-24 Pre-College Program “Contemporary Arts Practice”

July 6-24 Pre-College Program “Writing/Film/French and More...”

4 - 7 p.m., Friends Hall (SC 219)

July 6 – 31 Pre-College Program “Pre-Calculus/Preparation for High School AP-Calculus”

December 6

Pianist George Winston 8 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

Winston is best known for his melodic rural folk piano style.

July 20 – 31 Pre-College Program “The Princeton Review SAT Prep Course Plus College Immersion”

For a complete description of The Center for Innovative and Professional Learning’s offerings, visit http://www.ramapo.edu/cipl

QA Q&A: Student Affairs

This month Dr. Pamela Bischoff, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Nancy Mackin, Dean of Students, will retire and it is hard to imagine Ramapo College without them. They have been here since the beginning, and seen everything – much to the chagrin of some. Ramapo Magazine asked them to share some of their memories and insights they’ve accumulated after decades of commitment to the Ramapo community. In recognition of their many years of service, the Board of Trustees recently renamed Oak Hall the Pamela M. Bischoff Hall and Maple Hall will be renamed the Nancy Mackin Hall.

&

What did the founders of RCNJ have in mind when they set their sights on a new college in Mahwah?

NM: Our hopes were to be a different kind of college…different from the traditional higher education institutions that already existed.

What was creating a College like?

PB: We all realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that few people are fortunate enough to have. Everything had to be decided. Nothing was here. Nothing existed. No grades, no academic calendar. Each of us was in a disproportionate relationship given our age and our responsibilities. We had these big jobs, and although we were very young we were determined to meet the challenges ahead.

What was the first day like?

NM: The day we opened we didn’t have any technology here so everything was done at Rutgers. I was running back and forth between Ramapo and Rutgers to get the schedules printed to give out to our students. I ran the tape drive containing the files to Rutgers and while driving home at 5:30 a.m. I suddenly had an horrific thought: ‘What if something happens to the schedules? I won’t have anything to hand out on the first day.’ Then I realized everything would be okay and I realized that I needed to go home to change into more appropriate clothes for the first day of classes. On my way back to Ramapo, I said to myself ‘Oh my gosh, we’re open.’

What are some of the biggest changes you've seen over the years?

NM: This was farm country, with greenhouses and grape arbors all over. I remember when they put the paths in I had tears in my eyes. It was no longer an estate! Everyday at 3:00 p.m. they herded the cows across 202 for them to graze on the other side.

Everyone felt as if they were going to a farm to take classes. It was another world…much simpler. But, the campus we have today is a testament to the good work of generations of campus leaders.

What was one of the biggest challenges encountered?

PB: In 1971 a daunting challenge was housing. Students lived in motels along Route 17. Some motels weren't too savory, it turned out. It took until fall of 1973 to put up Phase I (the manufacturer went bankrupt!), followed by Phase II in 1976. All the while, we had more and more students wanting to live on campus. In 1986 Pine Hall was constructed

and in 1990 Linden. Then, there was an 8-10 year no construction phase.

What is your fondest memory?

PB: I often think about the Ramapo student body.

Our students have been remarkably attentive to the idea that there’s a lot to learn through student organizations and not just in the classroom. Career and major-related clubs, cultural organizations, political action groups, and religious organizations have all been important to many students. Many students have faced severe adversities and overcome them.

NM: There was a lot of time to be social. Almost everyone moved here from somewhere else to take the jobs and everyone wanted to meet each person.

President Potter had a series of dinners and mixed everyone up so they would get to know each other.

We started a faculty/staff club in the York Room.

Everyone chipped in and we met Wednesdays at 3:30 and on Friday nights. It was like a fireside chat in the York Room. Other times we would meet at the Allendale Bar and Grill.

Many people made life decisions here. Many of us met our spouses here. You would think this wouldn’t be good because of the old adage advising you not to marry someone you work with, because you won’t have anything to talk about outside of work and the relationship won’t last. I feel the opposite is true. I married Tim here. Pam met Henry here. I know I can speak for Pam as well when I say it changed our lives in a grand way. We had a combined work and social life at Ramapo. It has been more than just a workplace. All the graduations-50 of them. Seeing students moving ahead with their lives and thinking about all the opportunities they had at Ramapo always gives me a great sense of satisfaction. Hearing from students that we have made a significant, positive difference in their lives is very gratifying.

What are your plans for the future?

PB: Although I will spend time with my family and friends and study things I've always wanted to explore, I will never really leave Ramapo. It's the kind of place where you can still be involved and can always return. I'm looking forward to the 40th anniversary celebration.

NM: I plan to spend more time with our eight children and six grandchildren. Tim and I also expect to do some volunteer work at the new Meadowlands Observatory. We do plan to be regular guests at Ramapo lectures, concerts, athletic contests and www.ramapo.edu theater productions.

Ramapo magazine

33

Datebook

8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car

June 23

Ramapo Alumni Career Development Series A presentation by Christopher D'Marco, Executive VP, Change & Response Strategies, LLC.

Topic: "How To Develop a Personal Marketing Plan In Order To Navigate Today’s Economy”

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Trustees Pavilion

For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

June 27

New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Meadowlands Environment Center, DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, NJ Gates open at 6 p.m. $5.00 admission

For more information and directions go to http://www.rst2.edu/meadowlands/

July 9

TD Bank Summer Concert Series Bargain (The Who tribute band)

8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car, 9:30 p.m., Fireworks July 16

TD Bank Summer Concert Series Neil and the Diamonds (Neil Diamond tribute band) 8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car July 18

New Alumni Summer Reunion Bar Anticipation

4 - 8 p.m., Belmar, NJ

For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

COURSES/INFO. SESSIONS The Center for Innovative and Professional Learning offers The Pre-College Experience at Ramapo College through 12 dynamic pre-college immersion programs for graduating high school students and those entering their sophomore, junior and senior year.

32

July 23

TD Bank Summer Concert Series 2U (U2 tribute band)

Ramapo magazine

www.ramapo.edu

October 4

“A Couple of Blaguards” with Malachy McCourt

3 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

This two-character comedy, created by brothers Frank and Malachy McCourt, also features music.

October 17

July 27

Paula Poundstone

8 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

22nd Annual Foundation Golf Outing

The Tuxedo Club, Tuxedo Park, New York

Poundstone, a stand-up comedienne, is known for her quiet, self-deprecating style and political observations.

Enjoy lunch and a round of golf, followed by cocktails and dinner on the patio. For more information visit www.ramapo.edu/foundation/events/golf/index.html

October 18

Spherus: “Extreme Juggling and Aerials with Greg Kennedy”

July 30

3 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

TD Bank Summer Concert Series Asbury Fever (Springsteen tribute band)

The show will feature juggling, comedy and unique performance pieces.

October 24

8 p.m., Bandshell, $5 per car

Office of Admissions Open House

September 26

Registration begins in August.

EMS 10th Anniversary Alumni Reunion

October 24

6 p.m., Trustees Pavilion

Jazz at the Berrie Center Vocalist Rachael Price

For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

8 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

October 1, 8, 15, 22

This jazz vocalist has released three CDs.

November 14

“Personal Financial Management Workshop” 7 - 9 p.m., ASB-321

This four-night course covers financial basics, retirement income, investments, risk management and estate planning. For more information visit www.ramapo.edu/cipl/workshop.html

October 4

WRPR 30th Anniversary (Ramapo's Radio Station) Alumni Reunion For more information call or e-mail Purvi Parekh, 201.684.7115 or purvi@ramapo.edu

Office of Admissions Open House

An opportunity for prospective students to tour the campus, speak with faculty and learn what Ramapo College has to offer. Registration begins in August. For more information visit www.ramapo.edu/openhouse/

July 6-24 and July 13-24 Pre-College Program “Contemporary Arts Practice”

July 6-24 Pre-College Program “Writing/Film/French and More...”

4 - 7 p.m., Friends Hall (SC 219)

July 6 – 31 Pre-College Program “Pre-Calculus/Preparation for High School AP-Calculus”

December 6

Pianist George Winston 8 p.m., Sharp Theater, Info.201.684.7844

Winston is best known for his melodic rural folk piano style.

July 20 – 31 Pre-College Program “The Princeton Review SAT Prep Course Plus College Immersion”

For a complete description of The Center for Innovative and Professional Learning’s offerings, visit http://www.ramapo.edu/cipl

QA Q&A: Student Affairs

This month Dr. Pamela Bischoff, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Nancy Mackin, Dean of Students, will retire and it is hard to imagine Ramapo College without them. They have been here since the beginning, and seen everything – much to the chagrin of some. Ramapo Magazine asked them to share some of their memories and insights they’ve accumulated after decades of commitment to the Ramapo community. In recognition of their many years of service, the Board of Trustees recently renamed Oak Hall the Pamela M. Bischoff Hall and Maple Hall will be renamed the Nancy Mackin Hall.

&

What did the founders of RCNJ have in mind when they set their sights on a new college in Mahwah?

NM: Our hopes were to be a different kind of college…different from the traditional higher education institutions that already existed.

What was creating a College like?

PB: We all realized that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that few people are fortunate enough to have. Everything had to be decided. Nothing was here. Nothing existed. No grades, no academic calendar. Each of us was in a disproportionate relationship given our age and our responsibilities. We had these big jobs, and although we were very young we were determined to meet the challenges ahead.

What was the first day like?

NM: The day we opened we didn’t have any technology here so everything was done at Rutgers. I was running back and forth between Ramapo and Rutgers to get the schedules printed to give out to our students. I ran the tape drive containing the files to Rutgers and while driving home at 5:30 a.m. I suddenly had an horrific thought: ‘What if something happens to the schedules? I won’t have anything to hand out on the first day.’ Then I realized everything would be okay and I realized that I needed to go home to change into more appropriate clothes for the first day of classes. On my way back to Ramapo, I said to myself ‘Oh my gosh, we’re open.’

What are some of the biggest changes you've seen over the years?

NM: This was farm country, with greenhouses and grape arbors all over. I remember when they put the paths in I had tears in my eyes. It was no longer an estate! Everyday at 3:00 p.m. they herded the cows across 202 for them to graze on the other side.

Everyone felt as if they were going to a farm to take classes. It was another world…much simpler. But, the campus we have today is a testament to the good work of generations of campus leaders.

What was one of the biggest challenges encountered?

PB: In 1971 a daunting challenge was housing. Students lived in motels along Route 17. Some motels weren't too savory, it turned out. It took until fall of 1973 to put up Phase I (the manufacturer went bankrupt!), followed by Phase II in 1976. All the while, we had more and more students wanting to live on campus. In 1986 Pine Hall was constructed

and in 1990 Linden. Then, there was an 8-10 year no construction phase.

What is your fondest memory?

PB: I often think about the Ramapo student body.

Our students have been remarkably attentive to the idea that there’s a lot to learn through student organizations and not just in the classroom. Career and major-related clubs, cultural organizations, political action groups, and religious organizations have all been important to many students. Many students have faced severe adversities and overcome them.

NM: There was a lot of time to be social. Almost everyone moved here from somewhere else to take the jobs and everyone wanted to meet each person.

President Potter had a series of dinners and mixed everyone up so they would get to know each other.

We started a faculty/staff club in the York Room.

Everyone chipped in and we met Wednesdays at 3:30 and on Friday nights. It was like a fireside chat in the York Room. Other times we would meet at the Allendale Bar and Grill.

Many people made life decisions here. Many of us met our spouses here. You would think this wouldn’t be good because of the old adage advising you not to marry someone you work with, because you won’t have anything to talk about outside of work and the relationship won’t last. I feel the opposite is true. I married Tim here. Pam met Henry here. I know I can speak for Pam as well when I say it changed our lives in a grand way. We had a combined work and social life at Ramapo. It has been more than just a workplace. All the graduations-50 of them. Seeing students moving ahead with their lives and thinking about all the opportunities they had at Ramapo always gives me a great sense of satisfaction. Hearing from students that we have made a significant, positive difference in their lives is very gratifying.

What are your plans for the future?

PB: Although I will spend time with my family and friends and study things I've always wanted to explore, I will never really leave Ramapo. It's the kind of place where you can still be involved and can always return. I'm looking forward to the 40th anniversary celebration.

NM: I plan to spend more time with our eight children and six grandchildren. Tim and I also expect to do some volunteer work at the new Meadowlands Observatory. We do plan to be regular guests at Ramapo lectures, concerts, athletic contests and www.ramapo.edu theater productions.

Ramapo magazine

33

505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680 Ramapo continues its proud tradition of providing the tools which foster excellence in education, and Ramapo College alumni, parents, students, faculty/staff, friends, and board members are a driving force in supporting the Annual Fund, Ramapo depends on these gifts to support the mission of the College.

Giving To Ramapo…It’s Easier Than Ever!

So just POINT, CLICK, GIVE! www.ramapo.edu/giving/annualfund New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College www.ramapo.edu

COMMENCEMENT Amid applause and cheers, 1,326 students continued Ramapo College of New Jersey's tradition of walking under The Arch, as they did as freshmen, to begin the institution's 51st commencement ceremony on May 15.

Jeffrey Vanderbeek, owner of the New Jersey Devils, delivered the commencement address, energizing the crowd and advising those assembled to live by his personal creed, learn, earn and return. “Divide life into thirds,” he said. “The first third, learn. The next third, earn, and the final third, return.

You will be very fulfilled if you can get to the final third.”

Jeffrey Vanderbeek delivered the commencement address

Steven Pardalis, senior class representative, greeted the class of 2009 and Christine Harrigan presented the senior class gift.

The College's President's Award of Merit was awarded to Jonathan N. Marcus, Esq., Class of 1993.

Prior to the ceremonial procession to the Bandshell, members of the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors gathered at the Birch Mansion. (First row, L-R): Trustee David Schlussell, Trustee A.J. Sabath ’93, Jeffrey Vanderbeek, President Peter P. Mercer, The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Trustee W. Peter McBride. (Second row, L-R): President’s Award of Merit recipient, Jonathan Marcus ’93, Student Trustee Thomas Ng, Trustee Gail Brady, Trustee Thomas A. Zelante, Esq. and Robert Tillsley, Chair of the Board of Governors.