Dana Livelli

Dana Livelli of Ringwood, N.J. is an English Literature & Education +1 MASE Major. She has a 3.89 GPA and is a member of Sigma Tau Delta International Honors Society. Dana is proud of her climb to get here as a student as she struggled greatly in high school, both mentally and academically, as she grieved the loss of her mother and faced social rejection. 

At Ramapo, Dana has been active in several organizations including Literature Club and Open Mic Nights. She values her time in those spaces as they give her the ability to improve her craft of singing and writing by participating in performance and workshopping opportunities.

Off-campus, Dana mentors and tutors children. She also works as a Behavior Technician for people with Autism.

After graduation, as a future educator, Dana hopes to create an environment of acceptance and growth. She also hopes to challenge the ways we identify student success and to plant seeds of opportunity in the minds of our youth.

Awarded Scholarships

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2024

Franklin, Bonnie Driskill Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by John Franklin to honor his late wife Bonnie, who served as assistant vice president for Marketing and Communications at Ramapo College. In creating this scholarship, Mr. Franklin sought to honor Bonnie’s passion for reading, and how she instilled that passion in her children and grandchildren. He also sought to memorialize Bonnie’s devotion to family, children, education, art, literature and democratic values.

In writing down his thoughts on the impetus for the Bonnie Franklin Memorial Scholarship, John Franklin wrote, “Bonnie Driskill Franklin was an early reader … who never stopped reading all her life.” He described how Bonnie passed this gift to her children, a tradition they continue with their children. “And so her children and grandchildren have learned much about art, literature and the interconnectedness of all humanity,” he wrote.

John describes how Bonnie translated this gift into her work life and as a volunteer. “In her career Bonnie was engaged in research, writing and public relations at the Cincinnati Public Library, County College of Morris and Ramapo College where she was assistant vice president for Marketing and Communications. She was part of many reading groups, the League of Women Voters, Women in Communication in New Jersey, The Unitarian Universalist Church and other organizations.”

“This scholarship is dedicated with the hope that others, especially men, will be inspired to take an interest in children’s literature and its use in helping children and parents enjoy life fully,” John continues. “It is hoped that through children’s literature we will find ways to promote tolerance and understanding of ourselves and others.”

Specifically, John’s purposes in establishing the Bonnie Franklin Memorial Scholarship are to encourage and support students who are interested in children’s literature as a means of helping children develop intellectually and emotionally; the development of social and emotional intelligence as a part of our education system; advocating for children’s literature as a means of helping parents do a better job of reading to their children; advocating for children’s literature as a means of helping men find their role in child development; developing knowledge and understanding of literature that helps children appreciate diversity of culture, ethnicity, race, gender, gender preference, and physical ability.

Fanale, Mary K. and Salvatore J. Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded in Spring 2024. Please check often for application opening dates. 

After raising eight children, “I was excited when my husband suggested that I attend college and obtain that long-desired accomplishment of a college degree,” wrote Mary Fanale. So, at age 56, she enrolled at Ramapo, taking courses in the School of American and International Studies. For three years Mrs. Fanale reveled in her studies and was an active college student, serving as secretary of the Center for Returning Students. “I believe the feelings for older students … is so good that we fit in perfectly,” she said. Sadly she died in 1981 before finishing her degree. In memory of her contributions to the Ramapo community and to support other mature students who seek excellence in their studies, Mrs. Fanale’s husband and children established an endowed scholarship fund in her name. At Salvatore Fanale’s death in 2006 the Fanale children directed additional funds to significantly build the endowment. The Mary K. Fanale Memorial Scholarships recognize high-achieving female students who are New Jersey residents and are non-traditional college age.

Steinberger, The Ann and Karl Memorial Award

Ann and Karl Steinberger were the parents of Dr. Eva M. Ogens, a professor in Ramapo College’s Teacher Education program.  They were both from different parts of Germany, where their ancestors had resided for centuries.  When the Nazis came to power, both were forced to flee.  Ann was only 18, and Karl escaped Germany when he was 21, knowing he would never see his parents again.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly fought the Nazis throughout Europe and Northern Africa.  Ann and Karl actually had met in New York prior to his service and Ann patiently waited for Karl to come home.  They married in 1947 and spent 52 years together.  Both of them were very proud of their daughters – the first college graduates in their families.  Although Karl and Ann did not have the same opportunities, they recognized the importance of education.  They exemplified the values of integrity, devotion to family, and a strong work ethic.

Karl passed away in 1999 and Ann passed away in 2013, at which time Professor Ogens’ colleagues made contributions to create a memorial award in her name to a Ramapo student.  Professor Ogens and her sister, Susan Wallenstein, have continued the award which benefits a student pursuing teacher certification at Ramapo.

Newman, Audrey I. Scholarship

For over 20 years Audrey Newman had a successful career in the advertising industry, with the firms of Benton & Bowles, N W Ayer, and Ted Bates Advertising. The last position she held was Vice President and Director of Client Accounting, managing a staff of 30 and annual sales of over $500 million. When she left the advertising industry in 1988, Ms. Newman switched industries and became the Business Manager (CFO) for Children’s Aid and Family Services of New Jersey in Paramus. Her experience at Children’s Aid and Family Services was the impetus for this scholarship. Ms. Newman enrolled in Ramapo College to finish her degree, and in 1993 earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Since her graduation Ms. Newman has remained active in the Ramapo community by taking classes, joining the Friends of Ramapo, and attending cultural events.