Amanda Lentino

Amanda Lentino is a Literature major in her senior year. Amanda is pursuing a minor in Psychology, and teacher education certification in English. “Amanda’s behind-the-scenes efforts to help our students are unparalleled,” says a member of the Literature faculty. She also compiled a “massive and impressive” number of documents to help with a faculty member’s research, and presented a paper at a Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges conference in the fall.

Awarded Scholarships

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2012

Berntsen, Audrey Crook Scholarship

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

At his mother’s death, Ramapo College alumnus David Berntsen ’85 created this endowed scholarship in her memory.  Since Audrey Crook Berntsen was a teacher, the scholarship benefits outstanding Ramapo students enrolled in the Teacher Education Program. To honor David’s success in business, outstanding students enrolled in any business major are also eligible for the Audrey Crook Berntsen Scholarship.

Burchell, Helen Memorial Scholarship

Helen Burchell was a member of the founding faculty at Ramapo College, joining the faculty as an associate professor of Education in 1971. She was director of Clinical Experiences for beginning teachers and served as an administrator in the Teacher Education program until 1987 when she focused on academic outreach, special projects, and grants. Her command of the English language and her editorial skills were a tremendous resource for faculty, especially in terms of grant-seeking.

For 25 years Dr. Burchell was the director of The Record Debate Classic at Ramapo College, a tournament for high school debate teams from across the region. She also served on the Donald G. and Flora A. Borg Merit Scholarship Award committee for more than a decade.

Helen Burchell grew up in New England “amongst a large and busy family” according to her brother William. Dr. Burchell earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 1953 and a master and doctoral degree in Education from Columbia University Teacher’s College. She taught at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia from 1962 until 1971.

Dr. Burchell had an avid interest in American antiques. “Never again shall I encounter anyone so prodigiously skilled in acquiring antiquity nor so disarming in negotiations with dealers,” continues her brother William.

Dr. Burchell died suddenly in 2004, just three months after her retirement from Ramapo College. In recognition of her many years of service to Ramapo, the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors created this endowed scholarship in her memory.

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2011

Topken, Marina and William Teacher Education Scholarship

Marina Topken graduated from Ramapo College in 1987 with a degree in American and International Studies. She taught and translated German at several language institutions in the area and tutors children in underserved schools in Paterson, NJ. Mrs. Topken has been a steady supporter of the College’s The Fund for Ramapo College since 1997. She and her husband William have been involved with the Friends of Ramapo for many years and were instrumental in raising funds for the Friends. Mrs. Topken served as the Friends’ president and Mr. Topken as the group’s treasurer.

In 2006, Mr. and Mrs. Topken established this endowed scholarship fund to honor the positive relationship they have shared with the College and their commitment to education. Specifically, the Topken Scholarship benefits teacher education students who demonstrate community service and leadership at Ramapo.