Madeline Zech

Madeline Zech of Lacey, N.J. is a senior History major with a Human Rights and Genocide Studies minor. She has a 3.8 GPA and has made the Dean’s List each semester.

At Ramapo, Madeline has been active in the Civic Community and Engagement Center, Peer Facilitators, Global Roadrunners, and an intern for  the Gross Center of Holocaust and Genocide Studies. Before becoming a staff member at the CCEC, she was a member of Leaders in Service, which propelled her to take part in Alternative Break and many community service opportunities. Madeline has a passion for being a leader in numerous organizations and making a change for the future.

After graduation, Madeline hopes to attend graduate school, working towards her Ph.D., focusing on Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Studies with intentions to become a professor.

Awarded Scholarships

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2024

Richmond, Clara and Morton Scholarship Endowment

Morton Richmond, an impoverished 23-year old, immigrated from Russia in 1926. He married Clara Richmond, who was born in Clinton, CT, and the two were married for 62 years. Morton became a prominent real estate investor who owned properties in Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens, NY. In addition to managing her husband’s office, Clara was a homemaker who raised her four sons in New Rochelle, NY. She was also a talented mezzo-soprano who performed in numerous community productions and conducted the Women’s Westchester Chorale.

Mr. Richmond passed away in 2002 at the age of 100, and Clara died at age 98 in 2017.

Their son Stan is a longtime member of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors, and serves on the board of the Friends of Ramapo.

He created this scholarship to honor the memory of his parents, and to support students who are interested in understanding the origins, theory and practice of international human rights and the treatment of genocide as a crime under international law.

Palazzotto, Dominick Scholarship

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

One of the founding members of the Ramapo College faculty, Dominick Palazzotto served Ramapo in a number of capacities, most notably as director of the School of International Affairs, director of American and International Studies and convener of the History faculty. “Most important,” wrote Sydney Weinberg, a fellow History professor, “Dom was a master teacher who cared deeply about the students he worked with during his many years at Ramapo.” Contributions from Ramapo faculty, staff, alumni and members of Professor Palazzotto’s family created this endowed fund, which honors his memory while recognizing outstanding students in history.