Elizabeth Dolan-Cancian

Elizabeth Dolan-Cancian is a senior majoring in literature, and also pursuing teacher certification in English. She is from Dumont, New Jersey and has earned a 3.75 grade point average. After raising four children, Elizabeth attended Bergen Community College where her poetry and one-act play were published in the literary magazine. “I am currently shopping to publishers a children’s book about a little boy learning to tie his shoes,” she says. “I look forward to sharing my love and passion for literature, and in particular writing, with my students and hope my experiences and enthusiasm will inspire them.”

Awarded Scholarships

2009

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.