Matthew Sisti

“I cannot express how thankful I am for this act of generosity and hope that in the future I can donate to scholarships such as this to help students achieve their goals,” says Literature major Matthew Sisti of Hillsborough, N.J. He has a 3.4 GPA and is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Matthew has been active in several on-campus activities sponsored by Alpha Psi Omega and helps to coordinate the monthly Cafe Adler where students come to perform their original works of literature and music in a creative, congenial setting. Matthew has been involved in theater and choir throughout his school years and has had the opportunity to produce, cast, and perform in his own works.

Matthew has also been involved in the youth reading programs at the Hillsborough Public Library for many years. He hopes to pursue a Masters in Library Science after graduating.

Awarded Scholarships

2019

Simon, Dr. Ernest Book Award

Dr. Ernest Simon was a professor of Literature at Ramapo from 1973 until his retirement in 1998. A group of his former students established this fund a number of years ago to honor their teacher and benefit Ramapo seniors in the Literature major. Dr. Simon appreciated the gesture and he and his wife Christiana contributed to the fund. Mrs. Simon further enhanced the fund after Dr. Simon’s death in 2003.

“One of the things I most enjoyed about Ernie Simon was that he never tired of sharing what he knew,” says his friend and colleague, Professor Ira Spar. “He approached our discussions, his teaching, and his students with the same energy that he gave to all that he did, and I count him among the best teachers Ramapo has ever had.”

This faculty-nominated award recognizes an outstanding Literature major who shows a “commitment to reading and research.”