Right around the corner from campus lives a family whose history is closely tied to the college. Three generations of the Mark family are Ramapo alumni; members of the family graduated across a spectrum of academic majors.

When Frank J. Mark ’79 decided to attend Ramapo College, it set into motion a series of events that led to a shared experience for the entire family. Frank, who majored in political science, was followed by his brother, Michael A. Mark ’81, who majored in business administration.

Theresa Mark was inspired by her brothers and her parents, who often said, “It doesn’t matter what you go to college for…you can go to school to learn basket weaving if you want, but you need to get a college education!” The fact that Ramapo was basically in their backyard and was a liberal arts college only added to the allure. Theresa double-majored in contemporary arts and philosophy and graduated in 1996.

“
It doesn’t matter what you go to college for…you can go to school to learn basket weaving if you want, but you need to get a college education!

”

— Rose Marie Mark ’05

Inspired by her children, Rose Marie Mark ’05 enrolled as a returning adult student and pursued a degree in literature. At 15, Rose Marie fought with her parents to stay in high school, and higher education became a lifelong pursuit. During her time at Ramapo, Rose Marie made the most of her experience­—she joined clubs, interacted with the students and graduated with magna cum laude honors. Now, as an alumna, Rose Marie continues to take advantage of the Alumni Association’s benefits and regularly audits courses as her love of learning remains a constant in her life.

Rose Marie Mark ’05 with Professor Emeritus Charles Carreras at the Literature Honor Society induction.

However, the Ramapo legacy doesn’t stop there; two of Rose Marie’s grandchildren, Frank Mark Jr. ’16 and Jack Mark ’22, are also alumni. Frank Mark inspired his son, Frank Jr., to attend Ramapo, again often quoting his parents, “You can go to school to learn basket weaving if you want, but you need to get a college education!” Frank Jr., who majored in biology, mentioned that the combined experience of his family members along with a beautiful campus was the initial draw to Ramapo. Similarly, Jack, who majored in law and society, first learned about the college through his parents and upon visiting for an open house, was impressed by “the scenic campus and small class sizes.”

Both of Rose Marie’s alumni grandchildren mentioned that the family’s legacy gave them a connection to the college from the start, and they felt that they had to “live up to the Mark family reputation.” A common experience for the Mark family alumni is the walk from Rose Marie’s backyard, across the brook, through the woods and onto campus in just a few minutes. When asked about their proudest Ramapo moment, the Mark family feels exceptional pride in the education and degrees they earned­—a testament to the love of learning that Rose Marie passed down to her family members.