May 7, 2026

by Lauren Ferguson

As Ramapo College of New Jersey’s Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, a select group of eight bold Roadrunners is readying to lead their schools and graduate programs during processions at both Commencement and Arching, the most storied tradition on Ramapo’s picturesque Mahwah, NJ campus.

The dynamic group of scholars selected for this year’s Honor Guard will carry their respective school and graduate program gonfalons during commencement at the Prudential Center. They will also carry gonfalons as they lead their classmates at Arching, when students process under Ramapo’s iconic Havemeyer Arch in their caps and gowns marking the end of their college experiences.

The Honor Guard was chosen by the deans of their respective schools based on their outstanding scholarship and contributions to the college. The group includes undergraduates Jesiah Owens, Desiree S. Bounds, Danielle Braune, Elizabeth Mendicino and Shane Shaji, graduate students Brianna Perez and Justin Barredo, as well as Student Government Association (SGA) Senate President Mihir Jariwala, who was chosen to carry the College gonfalon.

These forward-thinking, spirited Roadrunners were each asked to share a message or inspirational quote with the class of 2026. Here is some of their advice:

Shane Shaji ’26

Shaji is representing the School of Theoretical and Applied Science. The nursing major is from New Milford, NJ.

Shane Shaji ’26

To the Class of 2026, history has its eyes on us, and each of us will make our mark in our own way, impacting lives through the paths we choose. As we move forward, I encourage us to lead with empathy and take the time to truly understand others. Stay open to growth and change, just as Ramapo has taught us. Create spaces where people feel welcomed and safe enough to ask questions, grow, and discover their own potential.

Jesiah Owens ’26

Owens is representing the Anisfield School of Business. The management major is from Maplewood, NJ.

Jesiah Owens ’26

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that the best parts of my life can be tracked back to those ‘might as well’ moments. It’s the small, low-stakes decisions like showing up to a random club meeting, talking to the person sitting next to you, or applying for a program you aren’t 100 percent confident about – that end up making the biggest impact. It’s not about waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment or a formal invitation; it’s about building momentum. 

Desiree S. Bounds ’26

Bounds is representing the School of Contemporary Arts. She is a theater major from Lawnside, NJ.

Desiree S. Bounds ’26

“Pursue the things you love doing. And then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you.” – Maya Angelou

Elizabeth Mendicino ’26

Mendicino is representing the School of Social Science and Human Services. From Chesterfield, NJ, she is a double major in law and society with a social justice concentration and Communication Arts with a journalism concentration.

Elizabeth Mendicino ’26

Don’t just strive to do well, strive to do good. We have been given the privilege of a phenomenal education. We owe it to the world around us to pay it forward and use that education to make life better for those around us. There is so much good we can do for others, especially with the knowledge and opportunities that Ramapo has given us to succeed. What sets us apart as we step into thousands of new chapters is our shared time here. Ramapo is the place we will always know as a second home. The liberal arts mission has encouraged us to think critically and interdisciplinarily, to consider all perspectives and fight the good fight. The education we have received goes beyond the degree we have earned. It is carried forward wherever we go. We all are bound to succeed -– just never forget to help others once we get there.

Danielle Braune ’26

Braune is representing the School of Humanities and Global Studies. From Hillsdale, NJ, the English and literary studies major with a creative writing concentration is on the teacher education track.

Danielle Braune ’26

Many of us started in 2022, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic … We had no idea what the world would be when (honestly, if) the pandemic ever ended. But you know what? We persevered. We made our own opportunities and found success in an impossible time — at the start of a new era. We got through it, and now we are here, about to get our degrees … I am so proud to be a part of this group of graduates, because to some, we face a more challenging future than most faced upon graduation. However, we are resilient, and we will continue making and taking up space in the world until we find our passions and success. 

Mihir Jariwala ’26

Jariwala is representing the SGA. He is an environmental science major and public health minor from Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Mihir Jariwala ’26

No matter what you’re going through, remember to always love yourself in the present moment. Love yourself so that in the past you can find hope in what you do, and in the future you can be proud of all that you have accomplished.

Brianna Perez ’26

Perez is representing Ramapo’s Master’s Programs. She is earning her Master of Business Administration and is from Dumont, NJ.

Briana Perez ’26

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, even the ones that feel uncomfortable or uncertain. Some of the most meaningful experiences come from stepping outside of your comfort zone and trusting yourself to figure things out along the way. Stay focused on your goals, but also allow yourself to grow, change, and explore new paths. Remember that success is not always a straight line. There will be challenges, but those moments are often where the most growth happens. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and believe in your ability to get through difficult situations. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Make memories with the people around you, appreciate the small moments, and take pride in how far you’ve come … Trust the process, embrace the journey, and don’t be afraid to become who you’re meant to be.

Justin Barredo ’15 ’19 ’26

Barredo is representing Ramapo’s Doctoral Program. He is earning his Doctor of Nursing Practice. The longtime Roadrunner also obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Ramapo. He is from New Milford, NJ.

Justin Barredo ’15 ’19 ’26

Be proud of everything you have accomplished so far. This is only just the beginning. Do not be afraid to fail and remember you’ll never walk alone.