Ramapo Magazine

Reiner Foundation Endows Hirschman Scholarships

The Cara Mychelle Hirschman Scholarships are now a permanent part of the Ramapo landscape. Named for a Ramapo senior who tragically lost her life in a car accident during her senior year, the Hirschman Scholarships are awarded to learning disabled students who demonstrate Cara’s dedication and love of learning. Despite her own disability, Cara excelled at Ramapo, thanks to her own hard work and determination.

The Eleanor B. Reiner Foundation provided $50,000 in 1997 and again in1998 for the Hirschman Scholarships. But in 1999 the Reiner Foundation made an unprecedented $500,000 grant to Ramapo to endow this program, the largest endowment gift in Ramapo’s history.

Forty-five Hirschman Scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception in 1997. This gift will provide Hirschman Scholarships to Ramapo students well into the future.

Photo Scholarship Recipients Ten students received Cara Mychelle Hirschman Scholarships in academic year 2000. Two recipients were honored at the scholarship reception held February 29, Vincent Speranza and Arielle Attias. They are pictured here with Ramona Kopacz, Office of Specialized Services. Kopacz, a learning disabilities specialist, was Cara’s academic counselor.