September 16, 2025

by Liz Mendicino ’26

With the 2025-2026 academic year officially in full swing, Ramapo College of New Jersey’s newest Roadrunners are integrating into the campus community. And what better way to do so than through the Involvement Fair?

The fair is one of the biggest events held annually on Ramapo’s welcoming Mahwah campus. Leaders from the college’s more than 100 clubs and organizations fill the Grove, talk to new students, and invite them to join. It is a phenomenal opportunity for students to meet people, and find their niche on campus. From Greek life and study abroad, to the Debate Club, Ramapo Choral, Ramapo News and the Hiking Club, the possibilities are endless.

Amerie Ramos ‘29, a bioinformatics major from North Bergen, NJ, said the fair allowed her to learn more about all that Ramapo has to offer. “It gave me a chance to get involved as someone who didn’t really do that much in high school, and I feel like I can finally be myself and explore myself more at college,” Ramos said.

The fair gives first-year, transfer, and returning students alike the opportunity to talk with student leaders and discover what makes Ramapo such a beautiful community.

“Real conversations and connections are being made, and I think that speaks to our campus culture,” said Kriselle Bellini, Ramapo’s coordinator of fraternities, sororities, and student organizations. “Students want to be involved; they want to speak with their peers and they want to get to know each other. I believe the fair helps set the tone for the semester and give students the chance to see how amazing the Ramapo community is.”

Students learned about clubs in the Grove.

At the fair, Mihir Jariwala ‘26, an environmental science major from Pompton Lakes, NJ, represented Sunrise, a club that works to fight the effects of climate change, and the Student Government Association (SGA). He said the fair “helps foster an environment that promotes professional development and helps aid in curating the next generation of professional leaders.”

“For the club officers hosting the fair, they have the opportunity to gain necessary professional skills such as making a pitch, creating a strong but memorable first impression, as well as overall networking. As for those coming to see the fair, they have the opportunity to get involved on campus and become a leader,” Jariwala  said.

Eddie Seavers, associate director of the Center for Student Involvement, which supports clubs and organizations on campus, praised the turnout for this year’s event. “The turnout from student organizations and students interested in getting involved indicated there will be no shortage of energy and opportunities to get involved during the upcoming year,” he said.

The Involvement Fair is part of the annual Welcome Week celebration. It sets the stage for the rest of the year, connecting students to clubs, organizations, and jobs they may have never seen themselves in before. It is a unique opportunity to discover unrealized passions and meet potentially lifelong friends.

Roadrunners shared just what they love about the Involvement Fair.

Sophia Kopreski ‘26 speaks to a fellow student at the Involvement Fair.

“I love the energy of the Involvement Fair. It’s safe to say that on opening day there is a lot of it to go around and it really is infectious—it makes you want to find your people and be a part of your new home,” said Sophia Kopreski ‘26, a political science major from Vineland, NJ, who is involved with Project ARCH, SGA, and the Washington Internship Institute.

Desiree Bounds ’26, second from left, and Ishmael Koroma ’27, right, join fellow students at the Involvement Fair.

“My favorite part of the Involvement Fair is seeing all the possibilities in the air for the new people who find their niche,” said Desiree Bounds ‘26, a theater major from Lawnside, NJ, representing the Black Student Union and the Rho Gamma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Joseph Brubaker ’26, right, stands with fellow students as he represents the SGA at the Involvement Fair.

“Walking around and getting to see all the clubs you can get involved in and talk to many great people who know about those clubs is one of the best parts of the fair,” said Joseph Brubaker ‘26, an environmental science major from Lyndhurst, NJ, involved in SGA and Sunrise.

Gianna Marchica ’27 represents the Ramapo Dance Team at the Involvement Fair.

“My favorite part of the involvement fair is getting to see all the organizations on campus, whether it be academic clubs, sororities and fraternities, or teams on campus. It’s really nice to see everyone come together for a common goal, which is to get more involvement on campus,” said Gianna Marchica ‘27, a biology major from Rahway, NJ, representing the Ramapo College Dance Team and SGA.

“Having the fair in the Grove so everyone walking around campus could see different clubs and fraternities is great. So many first-year students attended the fair and visited the tables, which is a favorite for me,” said Ishmael Koroma ‘27, an information technology management major from Jersey City, NJ, involved in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated.

To explore all of the clubs and organizations available to Roadrunners, visit ramapo.edu/CSI.