Jessica Ryan

Jessica Ryan of Bloomfield, N.J. is a Literature major with a concentration in K-12 Education. She is a member of the Ramapo College Honors Program with a GPA of 3.6 that has earned her Dean’s List status every semester.

At Ramapo, Jessica currently serves as a Senator-at-Large in the Student Government Association. She is
a published author with work featured in Tarot, a crowdfunded anthology for global distribution. She also has over one dozen articles published in the Ramapo News.

Jessica is a Catechist in the Archdiocese of Newark and a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts. She currently teaches Children’s Liturgy at her parish and serves as a substitute on the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ Gold Award Advisory Committee. She also volunteers for the USO at Newark International Airport.

Awarded Scholarships

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2019

Hiden Family College Honors Endowment

Robert B. Hiden Jr. was an active member of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors since 2002.  He provided exemplary service to the board as Chairman of the Audit Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Allocations Committee and the Motorcycle Rally Committee.  He and his wife Ann established the Hiden Family College Endowment to “tangibly recognize the outstanding work done at the College in a way that helps students and hopefully enhances their academic experience.”

During his time as a member of the Board of Governors, Bob witnessed the growth of the College first hand.  He demonstrated a commitment to this growth through financial support for unrestricted funds and events, contributions for the Havemeyer Edible Garden, and for science equipment for students.

Professionally, Bob served as senior counsel to Sullivan & Cromwell since he retired in 2000.  He had been a partner since 1968, specializing in corporate and securities law, acquisitions, and in commodities and derivatives law.  Sadly, Mr. Hiden passed away in February of 2018.

Rubel, Willie and Hertha Memorial Scholarship

Jason Simon ’93 and his wife Rachel established this scholarship in memory of Jason’s grandparents. Willie Rubel understood the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, as he was an immigrant to the United States during WWII and narrowly escaped persecution in his native Germany. Willie worked tirelessly for his family and served as a constant source of encouragement for Jason throughout his time at Ramapo. Jason wrote, “He will always be remembered for his quiet demeanor, care for his family and the way he overcame so many obstacles to create a better life for those around him. He would be exceptionally touched to see a scholarship in his name.” Hertha “Pat” Rubel, like her husband, fled Germany at the age of 10 with only the clothes on her back. She worked her entire life as a hairdresser. “She was always concerned about the success of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Jason adds, “and she truly believed in me and my success at Ramapo and beyond.

Kraus, Becky and Frank Scholarship

Long-time Mahwah residents and Ramapo supporters Rebecca and Frank Kraus created this endowed scholarship in 1988. The purpose of the Kraus Scholarship is to recognize an upperclassman who is a campus leader. “We were both very much in favor of Ramapo becoming a part of the Mahwah community,” said Frank Kraus, who served as mayor of Mahwah in the 1980s. “The College has been great for Mahwah.”

Born in Czechoslovakia, Frank Kraus served in World War I as a lieutenant in the Republic Army. He then moved to Mulhouse, France where he earned a degree in Textile Engineering with the expectation of taking over his father’s textile business. While Frank was on a business trip to the United States, Hitler invaded Poland and Frank lost everything. In the U.S., Frank pursued a successful business career and was a tireless leader in the community until his death in 2003. He was president of the Mahwah Board of Health, a trustee of Valley Hospital for 12 years and member of the Board of Directors of the West Bergen Mental Health Center.

At Ramapo, Mr. Kraus served on the board of the Friends of Ramapo and received the Distinguished Citizens Award in 1995. Mrs. Kraus, a native of Raleigh, NC, was a professional artist and worked for Conde Nast and Vogue magazine and later devoted her talents to writing and illustrating children’s books. She was active with many non-profit organizations, including Ramapo College, where she served as a member of the Friends Board and as a major supporter of the Spiritual Center. She was active at the College for nearly 40 years until she passed away in 2015.

Mercer, Rev. William Scholarship Endowment

Father of Ramapo College President Dr. Peter P. Mercer, Reverend William D. Mercer was a beloved priest of the Anglican Church of Canada.  At his death at age 97 in 2013 he was celebrating his 75th year as a priest.

Reverend Mercer was known for his keen wit and wisdom, as well as his dedication to service of others.  To honor the life and legacy of Reverend Mercer, as well as his commitment to others, upon his death, friends, family members, and the Ramapo College community made gifts in his memory. President Mercer and Dr. Jacqueline Ehlert-Mercer then established and continue to fund this endowment in honor of the President’s father.

The Reverend William Mercer Scholarship is intended to benefit students with financial need who demonstrate a commitment to community service.