Giovanna Sokasian

Originally born in New York, Giovanna Sokasian spent most of her life in Florence, Italy. “Going back to school as an adult was not an easy decision,” she says. Giovanna is now a Ramapo student majoring in International Studies and minoring in Anthropology. She has a 4.0 GPA and currently lives in Franklin Lakes, N.J.

While in Italy, Giovanna regularly volunteered to sell home-baked goods at local events to raise funds for organizations that fight against cancer. On campus, she is active in the Italian Club and enjoys taking meditation courses offered by the school. 

“I am glad I forced myself to get over my own insecurities, as I have come to realize in just a short span of years how much education can enrich one’s life,” says Giovanna. After graduating, she plans to pursue a masters degree in International Studies at Rutgers and eventually work for a nonprofit that operates at an international level.

Awarded Scholarships

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2021

Williams, Madeleine Ehlert Food and Nutrition Scholarship

For Madeleine Ehlert Williams, food was an expression of love when she was growing up. During her university years, she explored food from a multi-faceted perspective.  “I took interest in food and culture, therapeutic nutrition, as well as food science and research,” said Ms. Williams, sister-in-law of President Peter P. Mercer.

By endowing a scholarship at Ramapo, Ms. Williams hopes to “give students with a passion for the study of food and nutrition the opportunity to further their studies in the field.”  The Madeleine Ehlert Williams Food and Nutrition Scholarship will benefit students who volunteer in organizations that help educate people about food and nutrition or students wishing to travel to other countries to study food and culture.

Brown, Babette and Raymond Scholarship

The Babette and Raymond Brown Endowed Scholarship was created by Ramapo College employee Babs Varano in memory of her parents. The purpose of the Brown Scholarship is to recognize and foster Ramapo College students who “demonstrate an international perspective.” Students majoring in International Business or International Studies are eligible.