{"id":4912,"date":"2024-02-14T15:32:24","date_gmt":"2024-02-14T20:32:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/?p=4912"},"modified":"2024-03-26T12:21:50","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T16:21:50","slug":"diversity-beyond-the-arch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/","title":{"rendered":"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Menu Bar” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F7F7F5″ custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” sticky_position=”top” motion_trigger_start=”top” saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” background__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” background_color__sticky=”#F3F3F1″ background_enable_color__sticky=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”2560px” custom_padding=”1.25vw||1.25vw||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”130″ menu_style=”centered” active_link_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_bg_color=”#cba052″ dropdown_menu_line_color=”#d7d2cb” dropdown_menu_text_color=”#313436″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#313436″ mobile_menu_bg_color=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_text_color=”#2f2f2f” menu_icon_color=”#25282a” mobile_menu_bg_color_tablet=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_phone=”#ffffff” mobile_menu_bg_color_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” menu_text_color=”#313436″ menu_font_size=”1.3em” background_enable_color=”off” background_layout=”dark” menu_font_size_tablet=”2vw” menu_font_size_phone=”3vw” menu_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” mobile_menu_bg_color__sticky_enabled=”on|sticky” menu_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” menu_text_color__hover=”#711421″][\/et_pb_menu][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Article Title Section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_color=”#EAE9E5″ background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”contain” background_position=”bottom_left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”19px||0px||false|false” bottom_divider_height=”40px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ width=”100%” max_width=”1253px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”9px|2vw||2vw|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0.25vw|1vw|1vw|1vw|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|7vw||7vw|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”1.1em” link_font=”||||on|||#2f2f2f|” link_text_color=”#2f2f2f” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” custom_margin=”||11px|||” custom_padding=”0px||5px||false|false” border_width_bottom=”1px” border_color_bottom=”#d7d2cb” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

#HomeSweetPo |\u00a0 Long Read<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”58px” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#bc8c3e” header_2_font_size=”45px” header_2_line_height=”1.1em” header_font_size_tablet=”8vw” header_font_size_phone=”9vw” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”7vw” header_2_font_size_phone=”7vw” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Diversity Beyond the Arch<\/h2>\n

A Catalyst for Growth and Success<\/strong><\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”align-items: flex-end;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2021\/12\/red-crosshatch-bar.png” alt=”red crosshatch bar” title_text=”red-crosshatch-bar” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” transform_scale=”110%|110%” transform_translate=”2px|30px” z_index=”183″ custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” module_class=”rowFlexChild” _builder_version=”4.16″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||50px||false|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

By John Yao\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0|\u00a0 Winter 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#862633″ header_4_font=”Oswald||||||||” header_4_text_color=”#862633″ header_4_line_height=”1.1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

John Yao, associate director of student success for advisement, spoke with students about their experiences joining Ramapo and reflects on the importance of a diverse student body.<\/em><\/h4>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

On a sunny Sunday in late August, members of the class of 2026 streamed through the Arch to begin their academic journey at Ramapo College of New Jersey. As the crowd of beaming students greeted President Jebb on the other side, it became apparent to everyone that diversity was not just a buzzword at Ramapo. As we watched the students process through the ceremony, we reflected that the multicultural and multiethnic composition of our classes has become the keystone that helps us realize our students\u2019 academic, social, and personal development. This paves the way for a rich educational experience that prepares students for a globalized world.<\/p>\n

According to the Fall 2023 Enrollment Report, the demographics of our incoming class includes 10.4% of students who identify as Asian, 7.2% who identify as Black and 30% who identify as Hispanic or Latino. First-generation students, who are the first in their family to attend college, make up about 47% of this year\u2019s class. Additionally, 11% of students identify as persons with a disability. This diverse student body melds our community together with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds and life experiences. It contributes to enriching classroom discussions, especially as students bring different viewpoints to the table. This exposure challenges one’s comfort zone and encourages critical thinking. When students engage with peers who have a variety of viewpoints and backgrounds, they are more likely to develop a well-rounded, holistic understanding of the complexity of the human condition, which is the essence of a liberal arts education. This is outlined in the goals of our Strategic Plan, which encourages us to \u201cfoster a diverse, empathetic and vibrant community that inspires a culture of inclusivity, accountability and collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Article Title Section” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_color=”#F3F3F1″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2023\/01\/gold-crosshatch-and-red-circle.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”bottom_left” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”1vw||1vw||true|false” custom_padding_tablet=”4vw||1vw||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”4vw||1vw||false|false” bottom_divider_height=”40px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_image_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”1000px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”3vw|3vw|3vw|3vw|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”28px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

New First-Time Students by Race Ethnicity<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/03\/pie-chart-47-6.png” alt=”Pie chart highlighting 47.6%” title_text=”pie-chart-47-6″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#862633″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

47.6% Asian, Black, or Latino\/Hispanic<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”3vw|3vw|3vw|3vw|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#862633″ header_2_font_size=”28px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0Enrollment of First-Generation New First-Time Students<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/03\/pie-chart-46-9.png” alt=”Pie chart highlighting 46.9%” title_text=”pie-chart-46-9″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_blurb use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#862633″ icon_placement=”left” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

46.9% First-Generation Students<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Domenic and Vincent Cianni” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Source: Institutional Research Fall 2023 Enrollment Report, based on self-reported numbers<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Copy1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”63px||63px||false|false” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”Julia ” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Juliana Mayer \u201927, an English and literary studies major with a creative writing concentration, is autistic. She reflects on what she calls hidden diversity: \u201cGrowing up, I always felt out of place, as if I didn\u2019t belong. I was a fish out of water wherever I went. Here, I\u2019m no longer afraid to be 100% myself. At Ramapo, I\u2019m a fish that breathes oxygen. For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong where I am. I know that I belong here.\u201d In our community, she found an amazing group of friends with support from the ENHANCE program<\/a> that has helped her to develop during her time here.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Julianna-Mayer_Diversity-Winter2024.png” alt=”Julianna Mayer headshot” title_text=”Julianna-Mayer_Diversity-Winter2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Juliana Mayer<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Richler Innocent” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Richler-Innocent_Diversity-Winter2024.png” alt=”Richler Innocent headshot” title_text=”Richler-Innocent_Diversity-Winter2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Richler Innocent<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Similarly, Richler Innocent \u201926, a computer science major who identifies as Haitian-American, notes that he found a home away from home after transferring here from Brookdale Community College as a first-generation student. Richler posits that, \u201cTransferring to Ramapo College was initially a nerve-wracking experience as I left behind my familiar campus and friends.\u201d After deciding to get involved with organizations that complemented his interests and aspirations, he was pleasantly surprised to find a welcoming community with supportive friends. As he got involved in student organizations, he was impacted by \u201cthe profound value of community and the transformative power of finding a sense of belonging, even in a new place.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”Jasonmar Ibea” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Jasonmar Ibea \u201927, a visual arts major with a concentration in electronic arts and animation, is Filipino. As a first-generation student, he wondered what his future would hold before entering Ramapo. When he arrived, he was worried whether he would be ready for the workforce and able to develop his passion as an artist. However, he had a shift in mindset because he developed a better understanding of other people\u2019s cultures and perspectives in his classes, which contributed to a greater sense of community. This mindset helped him fine-tune his craft as an aspiring artist, creating some pieces of which he\u2019s genuinely proud.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Jasonmar-Ibea_Diversity-Winter2024.png” alt=”Jasonmar Ibea headshot” title_text=”Jasonmar-Ibea_Diversity-Winter2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Jasonmar Ibea<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ admin_label=”Izzzelah Diaz” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Izzzelah-Diaz_Diversity-Winter2024.png” alt=”Izzzelah Diaz headshot” title_text=”Izzzelah-Diaz_Diversity-Winter2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Izzzelah Diaz<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Izzzelah Diaz \u201925 underwent a similar transformation during her time at Ramapo. As a Latina, first-generation student and social work major, she is preparing for a field that focuses on the importance of community. She notes that \u201cthe definition of one\u2019s community varies depending on their environment.\u201d Since beginning at Ramapo, she has developed a solid social support system and an educational one that consists of welcoming, committed and knowledgeable professors. They consistently encourage her to \u201ctake full advantage of her education and position herself best for success by creating uplifting environments that foster a true passion for learning.\u201d She promises that she will \u201ccarry her experience of community at Ramapo in all future encounters of life with the confidence in knowing that it was born in a place that promotes involvement, awareness and personal growth to the utmost extent.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”Domenic and Vincent Cianni” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Domenic and Vincent Cianni \u201927, Italian-American twins, didn\u2019t know what to expect when arriving at Ramapo. Domenic notes that he began to realize that all of his classmates were just like him, trying to adjust to the college atmosphere. At first, he felt shy around his peers, but now he feels like he has known them for quite a while. As such, he has grown to enjoy college more than high school. Domenic reflects, “Being a college student has shown [him] how much more there is in life.\u201d He strongly recommends that students use their resources and be appreciative of having the opportunity to attend college. At the same time, his brother, Vincent, also underwent major and beneficial adjustments after his enrollment at Ramapo. Vincent notes, \u201cRamapo allows me to be as successful as possible in the near future. Peers, advisors and professors have all welcomed me to a new environment. Overall, my experience at Ramapo has kicked off to a good start due to the supporting cast that the college has provided.\u201d<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Domenic-and-Vincent-Cianni_Diversity-Winter2024.png” alt=”Domenic and Vincent Cianni” title_text=”Domenic-and-Vincent-Cianni_Diversity-Winter2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”50px” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Slab||||||||” text_text_color=”#545658″ text_font_size=”14px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Domenic and Vincent Cianni<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Domenic and Vincent Cianni” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

All of these students share the undeniable impact of the welcoming community and diversity at Ramapo. This community enhances academic excellence while helping them prepare for a globalized world. It also fosters inclusivity and harmony while challenging comfort zones so they can become more conscious of pluralism in the workforce. Embracing diversity at Ramapo benefits not only individual students, but also our campus community. By prioritizing diversity, Ramapo is not only advancing education, but also contributing to a more equitable future.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Back To Homepage Winter 2024″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”45deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#f3f3f1 0%|#fcfffd 100%” background_color_gradient_start=”#f3f3f1″ background_color_gradient_end=”#fcfffd” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” top_divider_color=”#ffffff” top_divider_height=”86px” top_divider_arrangement=”above_content” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” top_divider_height_tablet=”52px” top_divider_height_phone=”25px” top_divider_height_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_all=”#2f2f2f” border_width_top=”1px” border_color_top=”#f3f3f1″ global_module=”4909″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_size=”initial” background_position=”center_left” z_index=”349″ max_width=”1024px” custom_padding=”15px||20px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”24px” link_text_color=”#25282a” transform_scale_linked__hover=”off” transform_translate_linked__hover=”off” custom_margin=”6px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” transform_styles__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_scale__hover_enabled=”on|hover” transform_translate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_rotate__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_skew__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_origin__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” transform_translate__hover=”-5px|0px” custom_css_after__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” link_text_color__hover=”#c41e1e”]<\/p>\n

\u2190<\/span><\/strong> Back to Magazine Homepage<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

#HomeSweetPo |\u00a0 Long ReadDiversity Beyond the Arch A Catalyst for Growth and SuccessBy John Yao\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0 Winter 2024John Yao, associate director of student success for advisement, spoke with students about their experiences joining Ramapo and reflects on the importance of a diverse student body.On a sunny Sunday in late August, members of the class of 2026 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":457,"featured_media":4939,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[129],"tags":[126],"class_list":["post-4912","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-winter2024","tag-homesweetpo"],"yoast_head":"\nDiversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success - Ramapo College Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"#HomeSweetPo |\u00a0 Long ReadDiversity Beyond the Arch A Catalyst for Growth and SuccessBy John Yao\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0 Winter 2024John Yao, associate director of student success for advisement, spoke with students about their experiences joining Ramapo and reflects on the importance of a diverse student body.On a sunny Sunday in late August, members of the class of 2026 […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Ramapo College Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RamapoCollege\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-02-14T20:32:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-03-26T16:21:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Angela Moore\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@ramapocollegenj\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ramapocollegenj\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Angela Moore\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Angela Moore\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/b208b3d14e2bb60303b31edc03afc602\"},\"headline\":\"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-02-14T20:32:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-03-26T16:21:50+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\"},\"wordCount\":3312,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"#homesweetpo\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Winter 2024\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\",\"name\":\"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success - Ramapo College Magazine\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-02-14T20:32:24+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-03-26T16:21:50+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":800,\"caption\":\"Diverse group of Ramapo College Students as the sun is setting by the Arch with a student dancing in the forefront\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Ramapo College of New Jersey Home Page\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/\",\"name\":\"Ramapo College Magazine\",\"description\":\"Ramapo College's Digital Alumni Magazine\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Ramapo College of New Jersey\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"\",\"contentUrl\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Ramapo College of New Jersey\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RamapoCollege\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/ramapocollegenj\",\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/ramapocollegenj\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/edu\/school?id=18868\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/ramapocollege\/\",\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/ramapocollege\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/b208b3d14e2bb60303b31edc03afc602\",\"name\":\"Angela Moore\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/325d2cb10558fd4d80aea25f1f894b4ae1d97a826539e317a1020d741e0150b8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/325d2cb10558fd4d80aea25f1f894b4ae1d97a826539e317a1020d741e0150b8?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Angela Moore\"},\"jobTitle\":\"Web & Digital Designer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/author\/angela\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success - Ramapo College Magazine","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success","og_description":"#HomeSweetPo |\u00a0 Long ReadDiversity Beyond the Arch A Catalyst for Growth and SuccessBy John Yao\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0 Winter 2024John Yao, associate director of student success for advisement, spoke with students about their experiences joining Ramapo and reflects on the importance of a diverse student body.On a sunny Sunday in late August, members of the class of 2026 […]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/","og_site_name":"Ramapo College Magazine","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RamapoCollege","article_published_time":"2024-02-14T20:32:24+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-03-26T16:21:50+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Angela Moore","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@ramapocollegenj","twitter_site":"@ramapocollegenj","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Angela Moore","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/"},"author":{"name":"Angela Moore","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/b208b3d14e2bb60303b31edc03afc602"},"headline":"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success","datePublished":"2024-02-14T20:32:24+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-26T16:21:50+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/"},"wordCount":3312,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg","keywords":["#homesweetpo"],"articleSection":["Winter 2024"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/","url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/","name":"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success - Ramapo College Magazine","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg","datePublished":"2024-02-14T20:32:24+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-26T16:21:50+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2024\/02\/Cover-2_53152801424_3c48519349_k.jpg","width":1200,"height":800,"caption":"Diverse group of Ramapo College Students as the sun is setting by the Arch with a student dancing in the forefront"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/winter2024\/diversity-beyond-the-arch\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Ramapo College of New Jersey Home Page","item":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Diversity Beyond the Arch: A Catalyst for Growth and Success"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/","name":"Ramapo College Magazine","description":"Ramapo College's Digital Alumni Magazine","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#organization","name":"Ramapo College of New Jersey","url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"","contentUrl":"","caption":"Ramapo College of New Jersey"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RamapoCollege","https:\/\/x.com\/ramapocollegenj","https:\/\/instagram.com\/ramapocollegenj\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/edu\/school?id=18868","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/ramapocollege\/","http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/ramapocollege"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/b208b3d14e2bb60303b31edc03afc602","name":"Angela Moore","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/325d2cb10558fd4d80aea25f1f894b4ae1d97a826539e317a1020d741e0150b8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/325d2cb10558fd4d80aea25f1f894b4ae1d97a826539e317a1020d741e0150b8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Angela Moore"},"jobTitle":"Web & Digital Designer","url":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/author\/angela\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4912","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/457"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4912"}],"version-history":[{"count":30,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4912\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5536,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4912\/revisions\/5536"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4912"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4912"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4912"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}