Q&A: Student Affairs
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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 Bischoff Hall June 23 Hall the Pamela M. Bischoff Hall and Mackin 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?
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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 theater productions.
