[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
Foundation Focus |\u00a0 Long Read<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font_size=”70px” header_2_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_2_text_color=”#bc8c3e” header_2_font_size=”47px” 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 [\/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\/2023\/01\/maroon-crosshatch-bar.png” alt=”red crosshatch bar” title_text=”maroon-crosshatch-bar” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”right” _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||||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” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n By Diane Couzens<\/span> and David Terdiman <\/span>\u00a0|\u00a0 Winter 2024<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n For someone who once considered himself an introvert, nervous to start as a non-matriculated Ramapo College student, Bryan Steros \u201998 now exudes confidence and passion.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”0px||||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\/Bryan-Steros-98-yearbook.jpg” alt=”Bryan Steros ’98 RCNJ yearbook photo” title_text=”Bryan Steros ’98 yearbook” _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 Bryan Steros \u201998 yearbook photo<\/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” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Originally from East Brunswick, N.J., Bryan became a matriculated student and dove head-first into the Ramapo experience. He recalled sitting in night classes during his first semester at Ramapo alongside several adult students. \u201cThey were motivated, they were serious, and I was awestruck by their sheer commitment,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat meant the most to me \u2013 in and out of the classroom \u2013 were the relationships I formed at Ramapo with my professors and, through clubs and activities, with members of the administration.\u201d He became a resident assistant in Linden Hall, Pine Hall and the College Park Apartments, a peer facilitator and student ambassador, and was included in a college recruitment video. He fondly remembers his campus job, restocking change machines in various buildings. \u201cIt was so easy to get involved as a student. I had such an awesome experience for four years,\u201d he recalled. Bryan mentioned two individuals in particular for their influence on him: former Dean of Students Nancy Mackin and former Assistant Vice President Patrick Chang. \u201cBoth were always approachable and eager to offer their guidance. Pat and I even played ice hockey together. I could always stop by his office to chat.\u201d<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” custom_padding=”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” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A business administration major with a concentration in marketing, Bryan graduated in 1998 and quickly found a job. However, he found himself wanting to return to Ramapo. About a year later, he joined the Ramapo College Foundation staff and worked in annual giving for several years before moving to advancement leadership positions at other institutions.<\/p>\n Now, working as both a senior consultant for a philanthropic consulting firm and a real estate professional, Bryan believes he\u2019s come full circle as a Ramapo student, staff member, alumnus and donor.<\/p>\n Ten years ago, Bryan established a bequest intention for the Ramapo College Foundation and joined the college\u2019s Arch Legacy Society. The gift from his estate will be used to fund scholarships. \u201cWorking in higher education for so many years made me and my family realize the importance of scholarships for students, giving them a leg-up and reducing the burden of tuition. My hope is that other alumni will consider doing this as well, reflecting on their college experiences and creating some sort of legacy for Ramapo\u2026 If you want to help students in the future, a bequest can be hugely impactful down the road – from an estate or even through life insurance or retirement assets.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Pull Quote1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f3f3f1″ collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _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\/Bsteros_InsidePhoto_duotone.png” alt=”Bryan Steros” title_text=”Bsteros_InsidePhoto_duotone” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_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||||||||” text_text_color=”#862633″ text_font_size=”35px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_5_font=”Oswald|||on|||||” header_5_font_size=”21px” header_6_font=”Oswald||||||||” header_6_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cWhen people are compelled to give, to make a difference, it\u2019s because of the interactions and relationships they have had. You might not know what your future impact may be – but it\u2019s important to have the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\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=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _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” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Citing the college as the launching pad for his career, Bryan shared his desire to support future Ramapo students. \u201cWhen I was in high school, I received a small financial award, and that triggered my desire to pay it forward. It made me start to think about how really special it would be if I could give back in some way.\u201d<\/p>\n Bryan offered this advice: \u201cWhen people are compelled to give, to make a difference, it\u2019s because of the interactions and relationships they have had. You might not know what your future impact may be – but it\u2019s important to have the conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n True to the Ramapo value of developing the whole person, Bryan sees the college as a catalyst for significant personal and professional growth. In discussing the meaningful relationships he developed in college, he noted how he felt supported, forming bonds that have allowed him to keep in touch with many people over the years and across hundreds of miles.<\/p>\n When asked why he established the bequest intention, Bryan’s answer was both simple and poignant: \u201cbecause Ramapo is special.\u201d<\/p>\n To explore how you, too, can invest in Ramapo\u2019s students, contact David Terdiman at the Ramapo College Foundation, 201-684-7179, dterdima@ramapo.edu<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”824px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta button_url=”https:\/\/mylegacy.ramapo.edu\/” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”START YOUR LEGACY” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Oswald|500||on|||||” body_link_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#711421″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/343\/2023\/01\/element-bottom-left-checker-light-goldAsset-15@4x.png” background_size=”custom” background_image_height=”56%” background_position=”bottom_left” link_option_url=”https:\/\/mylegacy.ramapo.edu\/” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/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>\nGifts for and from Ramapo College:<\/h2>\n
Reflections from Bryan Steros \u201998<\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n
\u2014 Bryan Steros \u201998<\/h5>\n
Get Started. Make a difference.
And Leave your Legacy<\/span><\/h2>\n