Annual Fund

It is no secret that Ramapo College alumni meet challenges head-on. As products of the liberal arts, Ramapo graduates pursuemany diverse, professional fields, often becoming leaders in their industries.

And it is no surprise that during the Coronavirus pandemic, Ramapo alumni have emerged as frontline leaders – as caregivers, nurses, doctors, social workers, first responders, technical specialists and so many others – who are providing service to ensure our well-being.  Jelena Pjesivac Grbovic ’03 is no exception.

In October, 2019, Jelena was appointed the head of software for the Baseline platform at Verily Life Sciences. The goal of the platform is to make it easy and engaging for people to contribute to the map of human health and to participate in clinical research.  In March 2020, Jelena and her team tackled the Covid-19 crisis by working in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health’s testing program and with input from the federal government and other healthcare partners.  Verily launched a community-based Covid-19 testing program that became a connected and secure solution to support individuals as they progressed from screening through testing and the receipt of their test results.  The program has screened thousands of individuals in California and, through a partnership with the Rite-Aid Corporation, has expanded access to testing to other states, predominantly in the northeastern United States, including 14 sites in New Jersey.

Jelena is doing her part on the frontlines and you can too by showing your support for the Ramapo College Annual Fund.  By making a donation of your choice you will assist in facilitating academic accomplishments which open doors for student leadership. Jelena and the many alumni who are on the frontlines in fighting COVID-19 are proof that a liberal arts education – a Ramapo education – makes a difference.

Like most colleges and universities, tuition does not cover the true cost of the Ramapo experience.  Philanthropy plays a critical role in the operation of the College and it begins with the Annual Fund. Gifts to the Annual Fund are important to Ramapo’s success because they enable the College to meet immediate needs to fund student scholarships, faculty research grants and special campus projects, each and every year.

Above all, participation matters most.  Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends of the College are encouraged to participate, at any level, and be a part of our culture of giving. Because of our community’s generosity, Ramapo College empowers its students to lead in a competitive, ever-changing world, and provide them with the opportunity to succeed.

For more information, contact Andrea Buser, Annual Fund Coordinator  at andreab@ramapo.edu or (201) 684 6819.

Donors may also support the Annual Fund in the following ways:

• Senior Legacy Drive
• Stephen & Mary Birch Fellowship
• Faculty and Staff Giving