Roadrunner Alumni
At Every Step,
Ramapo Was There
Susan Geltman ’92 in Ramapo’s Rodman Gallery
By David Terdiman | Spring 2025
Susan Geltman ’92 began her academic journey as a night student at Bergen Community College. When a professor asked about her plans after earning her associate’s degree in social work, she was uncertain. The professor encouraged her to consider Ramapo College, which led her to connect with Professor Mitch Kahn.
Geltman enrolled in Ramapo’s undergraduate social work program as part of a cohort of returning adult students. “It was a wonderful experience… scary, but wonderful,” she said. She developed close relationships with Professors Kahn, Sue Scher and Martha Ecker through the program.
After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from Ramapo, Geltman pursued a Master of Social Work at New York University. She later returned to Ramapo for substance abuse training. Once again, Kahn encouraged her to take the next step—teaching. While teaching courses in Ramapo’s BSW program, she also began working part-time in the Counseling Center, later transitioning to a full-time role.
Meanwhile, her husband, Gerry, pursued his passion as a ceramic art engineer, operating an art supply store in Westwood.
“I’m so very fortunate, and the best way to show gratitude is to do something for someone else. It’s a matter of doing a little something. If everyone does that, it makes a difference.”
— Susan Geltman ’92
Susan Geltman ’92 admires art in Ramapo’s Rodman Gallery.
A Commitment to Students
“It was great working with college students,” Geltman said. She recalled how she and her colleagues would visit a student’s residence hall to check on them if a student expressed concerns. “What college does that? Ramapo does. That’s devotion and that’s caring,” she said.
After retiring in 2012, Geltman wanted to remain connected to Ramapo students. She and Gerry combined their interests to create the Geltman Art Fund, a scholarship that helps students purchase essential art materials for their coursework.
“Education is critical to me,” she said. “I’m so very fortunate, and the best way to show gratitude is to do something for someone else. It’s a matter of doing a little something. If everyone does that, it makes a difference.”
Geltman named the Ramapo College Foundation as a life insurance policy beneficiary to ensure the fund’s continued operation.
“It was the easiest vehicle to reach for,” she said. “Having retired—now without a salary—I can’t think about the fund’s long-term future the same way. However, donating the proceeds from the policy is an easy way to support Ramapo without affecting my finances today. It’s a smart idea.”
AVP of Institutional Advancement David Terdiman and Susan Geltman ’92 at the donor appreciation holiday reception in December 2024
Giving Back to Ramapo
At every stage of her academic and professional life, Ramapo was there for Geltman. Now, in retirement, she is giving back to the college that supported her journey.
To learn how you can impact Ramapo students, contact David Terdiman at the Ramapo College Foundation at 201-684-7179 or dterdima@ramapo.edu. More information is available at mylegacy.ramapo.edu.