Katelyn Murdoch

Katelyn Murdoch of Kearny, N.J. is a Social Work major with a Presidential Scholarship and a proud first-generation student.

At Ramapo, Katelyn has been active in several organizations, including the Hiking Club, the Social Work Club, and the Beekeeping Club. She has attended their meetings and participated in almost every club-run event they have hosted thus far.

After graduation, Katelyn’s current plan is to become a school social worker and serve as a therapist in a private practice.

Quote

Dylan Canizares

Dylan Canizares of Robbinsville, N.J. is a Psychology major. He is part of the rock climbing team at Ramapo, swims recreationally, and builds computers for friends or for fun. He continues to visit his former Boy Scout troop at meetings or on occasional camping trips as an Eagle Scout.

After graduating, Dylan plans on getting a master’s degree and becoming a clinical psychologist.

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.

Giovanna LaMonica

Giovanna LaMonica of Jefferson, N.J. is a Law and Society major with a minor in Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies. She is a member of the Ramapo College Honors Program and an Admissions Student Ambassador as well as the Relay for Life team.

Giovanna works as a summer camp counselor and volunteers as a team leader on an annual retreat with her local Church.

Marcos Lucero

Marcos M. Lucero of Dover, N.J. is a Political Science major. Marcos is proud to be an AP Scholar with distinction and the first in his family to be a member of the National Honor Society.

Marcos volunteers with the Special Olympics and works at Zumiez Inc. “At my job I’ve been able to make connections and relationships with people including my co-workers and managers who are some of my closest friends.” Marcos plans to gain more leadership skills and guidance in college and plans to attend law school post graduation.

Rebecca Caccamo

Rebecca Caccamo of Midland Park, N.J. is a Visual Arts major with a double concentration in Photography and Electronic Animation. She hopes to open her own photography business after she graduates.

“I am incredibly proud of overcoming every challenge presented to me,” says Rebecca.

Rebecca has worked with Reflections and T.E.E.E.M., two community service programs. She also loves marching band, math, and Model UN. 

Jasmine N. Jones

Jasmine N. Jones of Burlington Township, N.J. is an Elementary Education major following the 4+1 track for her M.A. in Special Education.  She has a 3.8 GPA and proudly graduated in the top 100 of her high school class. 

Jasmine is involved in the Black Student Union and the American Cancer Society/Relay For Life. She has been a Girl Scout for 8 years and has played the clarinet for 10 years. 

Post-graduation, Jasmine plans to support her students just like her former teachers.

Catherine Sopko

Catherine Sopko of Hamilton, N.J. is a Psychology major. She is part of Leaders in Service and works at the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts.

Off-campus, she’s involved in the Girls’ Friendly Society. She was also drum major in her high school’s marching band and plays a total of three different instruments.

After graduation, Catherine plans to work in a school or a public therapy clinic.

Michael Lalomia

Michael Lalomia just completed his first semester with a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s list.  He has declared Finance major and plans to minor in Business Analytics.

During his free time Michael is an avid outdoorsman and loves to participate in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. He also spends his free time working out in the gym and following and participating in the two sports that he loves, baseball and football. “I also hope to get involved in the many academic and social clubs that Ramapo has to offer,” he says.

Michael intends to continue his pursuit towards academic excellence, and also strives to grow as a person.

He is from Paramus, N.J.

Jared Krick

Student athlete Jared Krick of Milford, PA is an Accounting major with a 3.85 GPA.

As part of the Men’s Cross Country and Track & Field teams, Jared raced at the 2019 NJAC meet, where Ramapo took the conference title for the first time.

He volunteers off-campus at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Prithivi Rana

“After my time at Ramapo, I hope to have grown academically and as a human being,” says Prithivi Rana.  Prithivi is a first-year Engineering Physics major from Kathmandu, Nepal. He is part of the International Student Organization, Computer and Technology Club and plans on becoming more active in the College Programming Board.

Prithivi has a 3.9 GPA and is on the Dean’s List.

Emilianny Peralta

Emilianny Peralta of Perth Amboy, N.J. is a first-year International Studies major who plans to minor in both Business and Italian. She has a 3.25 GPA.

Emilianny plans to become more active in clubs like Students of Caribbean Ancestry and the Italian Club. She enjoys playing the guitar in her free time and spending time with children. She has volunteered as a counselor in her hometown’s Boys and Girls Club and was also a part of Youth Alliance.

Sarah Spagnola

Sarah Spagnola of Park Ridge, N.J. is a Psychology major who plans to minor in both Neuroscience and Substance Use Disorders. She recently completed her first semester with a 4.0 GPA and received a spot on the Dean’s List.

Next year, Sarah will be working as a Resident Assistant on campus.  She currently works at a math tutoring center and soon will be tutoring math at Ramapo.

“I love helping others and would love to be an intervention counselor and a school psychologist,” Sarah says.

Rachel Olivo

Rachel Olivo of Long Valley, N.J. is a History major who intends to complete the Teacher Certification Program. She has a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s list during her first semester.

Rachel was recently accepted into the Honors Program.  “I hope that my participation in the program will challenge me academically and provide me with skills I can use in my future career as a history teacher,” she says.

On campus, Rachel is an active participant in Colleges Against Cancer.  By working with the American Cancer Society, she has been able to give back to her community, and she plans on helping organize Ramapo’s annual Relay for Life.

Sevan Asadurian

Sevan Asadurian of Hawthorne, N.J. is a freshman Biology major currently on the Pre-Med track in hopes of pursuing a career as a pediatrician.  She recently completed her first semester with a 3.85 GPA and made it onto the Dean’s List.

At Ramapo, Sevan has been active in several organizations including the Armenian Students Association. “Considering the fact that I am 100 percent Armenian, keeping in touch with my fellow Armenians is a priority to me.”  She is also a part of the Honors Program, in which she attends honors events, and takes specific courses geared towards furthering her education.

Sevan is also active off-campus, working part-time at the Gap Inc. as a cashier and sales associate.  In addition, she volunteers at her church as an eighth-grade Sunday School teacher.  “Serving as a role model for youth has allowed me to learn more about myself.”

Serene Rahman

“Though my career is uncertain, I want to continue helping others once I complete my degree,” says freshman Serene Rahman of Randolph, N.J. who finished her high school career with a 4.3 GPA.  Serene has not yet declared a major at Ramapo.

She was an active member and PR Representative of her high school’s Model UN branch, attending two conferences in Philadelphia.  During summers she has worked at a local pool and volunteered at her local library.  She hopes to participate in Ramapo’s Creative Media Club, Culture Club, Disney Club, and Music Club, and volunteer with Big Brothers and Sisters.

“Though I achieved much in my time before Ramapo, such as consistent appearances on the honor roll, and winning gold on the national Spanish exam, what I’m most proud of was mentoring younger students who then became dear friends.”

Jessica Ryan

“I am so appreciative of the financial support from scholarships to help me in my endeavor to receive a higher education,” says Jessica Ryan of Bloomfield, N.J. a Literature major pursuing a Secondary Education Certificate.  She is a Student Government Association (SGA) Senator-at-Large, hosts a show at radio station WRPR and is a proud member of the New Catholic Campus Ministry.

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

Jijeebisha Bhattarai

Jijeebisha Bhattarai of Kathmandu, Nepal is a Literature major with a concentration in Creative Writing.

At Ramapo, she has been active with groups such as Enactus, Dumbledore’s Army, the Women’s Center, and the International Student Organization.

Jijeebisha has also been involved in voluntary organizations such as Nepal Scout and her local tutoring institution.

Kristen Cavallo

Kristen Cavallo of Mahwah, NJ is a Visual Arts major with a drawing/painting concentration. She is proud that she received all 4’s and 5’s on her high school AP exams, allowing her to opt out of several general education requirements at Ramapo. After graduation, she aspires to be a high school art teacher in order to instill a creative perspective in others.

She has been active in several campus organizations, including the Visual Arts Society, the Animation Club, and the United Asian Association.

She works off campus as a sales associate at Gypsy Warrior in Ridgewood, NJ.

Patrick DeMarinis

Patrick DeMarinis of Wayne, NJ is a Bioinformatics major. He has a 3.23 GPA.  Patrick is part of the concert band and rock climbing club and team on campus.

Olivia Housley

Olivia Housley of River Vale, NJ is a Psychology major with a Creative Writing minor. She is a first-year student.

She plans to become active in several organizations on campus, including the Italian Club, Trillion and Peer Facilitators.

Her passion for dogs and writing has led to Olivia’s involvement in off-campus activities and organizations, including Pet ResQ, Project Write Now and publishing her own memoir. She plans to continue writing in the future.

Adam Woodward

Freshman Adam Woodward of Randolph, NJ is a Marketing major and hopes to work one day for a major sports team or wrestling organization.  “I have been an avid wrestling fan since I was 10,” said Adam, “and hope to make a career of it.”

In his free time he enjoys hiking and kayaking, and recently joined the Outdoors Club at Ramapo.  “During my four years here, I want to not only excel in terms of GPA, but as a human being.”

Amanda Abere

Amanda Abere of Monroe Township, NJ is a Literature major with a concentration in Creative Writing. Amanda was awarded an Academic Achievement Award scholarship.

At Ramapo, Amanda has been active in several organizations and activities, including Ramapo Pride, GEAR, and Dance Company.

Off campus, Amanda has volunteered at the Ride for Autism as well as her local synagogue.

Hadar Baron

Hadar Baron of Tenafly, NJ is a Music major and with a Music Industry concentration.

At Ramapo, Hadar has been active in several organizations and activities, including Ramapo Chorale’s select all girls (Skylark) and mixed (CantaNova) groups, and Ramapo’s A-Cappella Club (4Gotten Suitcase).

Hadar also volunteers with an Israeli youth movement non-profit organization.

James Costanzo

James Costanzo of Rockaway, NJ is a Psychology major, who plans to pursue a neuroscience minor. He has a 4.0 GPA.

At Ramapo, James has been active in several organizations including the Republican Club and the Psychology Coalition. He plans on joining Tau Kappa Epsilon and Alpha Lambda Delta.

James volunteers at Teaneck Tutoring and plans on volunteering with organizations like MEVO farm.

Seint Sandy Aung

Seint Sandy Aung of Yangon, Burma is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Accounting.

At Ramapo, Sandy has been active in several organizations and activities, including Enactus, Residence Hall Council and Association, and International Student Organization. She serves as a Resident Assistant for Laurel Hall and Vice President of Nancy Mackin Hall Residence Hall Council.

Brian Posch

Victoria Tommasulo

Victoria Tommasulo of Mount Arlington, N.J., is a theater major with a concentration in directing and stage management.

 
At Ramapo, Victoria was an assistant stage manager for the student production of Miss Julie. Victoria was inducted into Alpha Psi Omega, the theater honor society.

 
Victoria would like to become a stage manager for Broadway or television productions.

Kamila Marek

Kamila Marek of Lyndhurst, N.J., is a history major. She is pursuing a double minor in criminology and philosophy.

 
At Ramapo, she is in the concert band. She teaches music and religious education as a volunteer. Kamila plans on attending law school after graduation.

Nathaniel Kolo

Nathaniel Kolo of Mt. Laurel, NJ carries a double major in Mathematics and Engineering Physics. He is a member of the Math Club and the Physics Club. Nathaniel is creating a Chess Club and will serve as president of its E-Board. He was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and tutors Calculus I. Nathaniel said this scholarship allowed him to focus on his studies. He plans to become a physicist or a professor. Nathaniel has a 4.00 grade point average.

Jacob Thiringer

Jacob Thiringer of Keyport, NJ is a Music Industry and Music Performance major. He also completed the Business Essentials Certificate Program. He describes himself as “a passionate musician” who is a member of the Ramapo College Jazz Ensemble and the Brazilian Percussion Ensemble. Jacob plays the keyboard in several campus bands and the bass guitar with a church band. He regularly volunteers at a food pantry in Keyport. Jacob would like to work in the music industry as a booking agent or a roadie. “Receiving the scholarship means so much to me because it allows me to attend Ramapo College and pursue my passion for music and meet great people,” he said. Jacob has a 3.93 grade point average.

Margaret Szydlik

Margaret Szydlik of Midland Park, NJ is a History major. She is a member of FOCUS, the History Club, Rock Climbing Team, Dumbledore’s Army and the Disney Club. Her future plans include working at a museum as a researcher on Mesoamerica. “Receiving the scholarship means that I can live on campus and participate more fully in campus life without worrying about the financial cost,” she said. Margaret has a 3.60 grade point average.

Jared Hayden

At Freehold Township High School, Jared Hayden was a member of the Human Relations Commission, a student club dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism. He was a member of the Octagon Club and participated in student government. He worked as a lifeguard during the summer and volunteered for a food bank. He played recreational baseball all four years. At Ramapo, Jared is a sophomore and is planning to major in Business Administration/Marketing and has a 4.00 grade point average.

I will go into the job market with little worry regarding student loans and I’m very appreciative of that.

Samuel Finkelstein

Samuel Finkelstein of Wayne, NJ is a Law and Society major. He serves as co-vice president of the student club, NORML. He plans to attend law school. “The scholarship meant that I would be able to live at school, which was a goal of mine,” he said. Samuel has a 3.85 grade point average.

Jeffrey Diorio

Jeffrey Diorio of Rivervale, NJ graduated from Pascack Valley High School. He is interested in Political Science and completed an Honors Public Affairs/Government course affiliated with Syracuse University as well as Honors Forensics. His interest in political science is also evident in his course selection of Critical Analysis of History through Film, Satire, Comedy and Protest Literature. His guidance counselor described Jeffrey as displaying a “zen-like aura. Jeff takes things in stride, never getting too worked up or overstressed, but rather tackling situations head-on with a rational approach.”

This scholarship has shown me that hard work really does pay off.

Joshua Rand

Joshua Rand of Bogota, NJ excelled in computer science, computer art and journalism courses at Ridgefield Memorial High School in Ridgefield, NJ. Joshua accumulated more than 18 college credits by taking a variety of academically challenging courses. Outside of school, Joshua was a member of the Boy Scouts. He has a 3.25 grade point average.

This scholarship has enabled me to become a better writer through my college courses.

Erin DuBee

Erin DuBee of Franklin Lakes, NJ is interested in Finance and Marketing. She graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels where she was enrolled in a roster of Advanced Placement, High Honors and Honors courses. Erin is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and has completed the National Spanish Exam. She served as captain of the Varsity softball team and earned Honorable Mention All-League. Erin was an Outreach Executive Board Member, a club that helps the local and global community; was selected as a member of the Dean’s Council, a student liaison organization; was a member of the Photo and Book Clubs and acted in three drama productions. Erin says, “Life is not about the goals that we achieve. It is about the journey we have taken to get there – that makes us who we are.” She has a 3.92 grade point average.

This prestigious scholarship will provide a strong foundation for my future.

Andrew Hobbie

Andrew Hobbie of Tinton Falls, NJ is a Psychology major. He attended Biotechnology High School where he completed the requirements for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Certificate. Andrew’s high school counselor described him as “persistent, inquisitive and optimistic.” Apt adjectives for a student who attended a specialized life science academy and focused on hardcore courses including BioEthics, IB Physics and Biology, Biology/Genetics, Chemistry/Forensics and Forensic Analysis. Andrew is an accomplished fencer who was captain of his school’s team. He qualified for the National Championships and was selected to participate in the World Scholar Athlete Games. He rose through the New Jersey rankings and currently teaches and officiates at fencing events. Andrew also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. He would like a career in law.

Alexandra Abitante

Alexandra Abitante of Upper Saddle River, NJ graduated from Northern Highland High School. Her rigorous academic schedule at Ramapo is tempered with creative outlets in ceramics, sculpture and 3D design. Although she is interested in Pre-medicine, Alexandra has also indicated an interest in studio art. She was a member of her school’s cross country team for four years and earned Varsity letters for three of them. Running has helped Alexandra’s academics. “I have learned to set goals, never give up and have higher expectations for myself,” she says. Alexandra volunteers at The Valley Hospital and is a counselor at Camp Sunshine.

Ryan McGilloway

The high school transcript of Ryan McGilloway of Toms River, NJ reflects a steady stream of Honors and AP courses. He is a member of the National Honor Society, made the Honor Roll and received an Academic Letter for maintaining a GPA of 3.7 in his freshman and sophomore years. He served as president of the Broadcasting Club and worked at the school’s television station taping the Game of the Week and the 2010 Halloween Parade sponsored by Toms River. He also played trumpet in the orchestra and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. In addition, he played Lacrosse and Volleyball. Ryan also earned a level two black belt in karate and instructs younger students in the discipline.

Marissa Greenfield

Marissa Greenfield of Ramsey, N.J. is a social work major. She has a 3.8 grade point average. Marissa was inducted into Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Marissa has been active in several organizations and activities, including Global Roadrunners and Intramural Volleyball. She served as President of the Global Roadrunners.

Marissa also has been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including fundraising for the Lone Survivor Foundation.

Monique Cappuzo

Monique Cappuzo of Middletown, NJ has expressed an interest in Nursing. In high school she worked on her school’s yearbook, literary magazine and was a member of the Key Club. Monique needed surgery and required home school instruction. She was driven to maintain her Honors level status. Not only did she teach herself the material she had missed, but she learned about time management because she spent three hours a day each week in physical therapy. Monique volunteered at a physical therapy practice, and as a math tutor. Her World Language teacher described Monique as someone who takes on new challenges “with assertiveness, determination and great energy.” Monique continues to demonstrate determination in her college coursework.

I would like to say thank you to the people who provided my scholarship because it has enabled me to attend college, and achieve my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

Kristina Burgoon

Kristina Burgoon of Flemington, NJ is the embodiment of adjectives according to her guidance counselor. “Compassionate, ambitious, motivated and humble” are just a few of the words used to describe Kristina. Added her Biology teacher, she’s “dedicated, a leader, dependable, hardworking, kind, funny.” In high school Kristina maintained three part time jobs while enrolled in challenging AP and Honors classes. She also participated in extracurricular activities such as dance, theater and clubs. What other teens would consider a delicate balancing act of interests and commitments comes naturally to Kristina, giving her a skill essential to success in college.

Mary DiPasquale

Mary DiPasquale of Berkeley Heights, N.J. is a history major with a minor in creative writing. She has a 3.8 grade point average and is a member of the honor societies Phi Alpha Theta and Sigma Tau Delta.

At Ramapo, Mary has been active in several organizations and activities. She was published in the literary magazine two times and interned last spring for the American History Textbook Project. She is the current student president of Phi Alpha Theta for the Ramapo Chapter.

Mary has also been involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, acting as a big sister for a fourth grade student in Paterson, N.J.

Rebecca Gorney

Rebecca Gorney is from Cedar Grove, NJ. At Cardinal McCarrick High School she played varsity softball starting as a freshman. She received both conference and county honors in softball and played year-round with a traveling team. She was a volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital Day Care Center. She also was a member of the REBEL student club and the Pan African Club.

Brian Adams

Brian Adams is a graduate of North Brunswick Township High School. He ran all three seasons of track and was captain of the Cross Country team in his senior year. Brian volunteered in his high school’s Rock-A-Thons to raise money for charity.

Maintaining my scholarship will prepare me for the future because it provides incentive to do well in school.This provides a way to improve my work ethic and thinking skills.

Erik Leonhardt

Erik Leonhardt was an outstanding student at Cardinal McCarrick High School. He was a member of the school’s team that was part of the New Jersey Challenge, a televised tri-state academic competition. He participated in theater and musical productions and was a member of the varsity bowling team. Erik was a member of the Lyceum program, which introduces students to cultural events, museums and historical sites. Erik is from Parlin, NJ and is majoring in Contemporary Arts.

This scholarship has not only made it financially easier on myself and my family for me to attend college, but now I will have a much easier time getting my career started after college since I will virtually have no loans to pay off.

Laura Dunphy

Laura Dunphy is a graduate of Roxbury High School. She played volleyball and softball and was the statistician for the boys’ basketball team. She was a peer leader and a member of the Sports Medicine Club. Laura is a freshman from Landing, NJ. She is majoring in Allied Health with a concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and has earned a 3.27 grade point average.

Tiffany Liang

At Montville Township High School, Tiffany Liang was a founding member of the History Club and took part in three National History Day competitions. She contributed to the school newspaper and theWomen’s Ensemble and served as both secretary and vice president of the Earth Club. For four years she was a member of Maboroshi, a Japanese organization dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of Japan’s visual culture. She participated in the Association of New Jersey Chinese Schools and was a member of the Hwa-YinYouth Chorale. She also is an accomplished pianist. Tiffany is from Pine Brook, NJ and is in her freshman year at Ramapo. She is majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Environmental Science and has earned a 4.00 grade point average.

I will be able to take all the courses I need and desire without worrying about the financial costs. At the same time, this scholarship serves as a reminder of all I would be paying and it makes me just that much more grateful for what I have.

Kelli Dobrin

Kelli Dobrin, who is from Tinton Falls, NJ had a solid background in visual communications and Web and graphic design before applying to Ramapo College. A graduate of Communications High School in Wall, NJ, her coursework included Advanced Graphic Design, Web Design and Enterprise Publishing. In addition to holding several retail jobs, Kelli was a graphic designer for Coastal Habitat for Humanity and was the Web coordinator for her high school’s Volunteer Club. She was a member of the school’s Photo Club, the Visual Communications Club and, befitting a person swimming in a multitude of interests and activities, the Monmouth RegionalVarsity Swim Team. At Ramapo Kelli, who has a 3.70 grade point average, is a Visual Arts major.

I am so grateful because my brother and sister are attending Ramapo College as well, and this scholarship helps me afford a great education here.

Steven Fenstermacher

Steven Fenstermacher is from Columbus, NJ and graduated from Northern Burlington Regional High School. In high school Steven was a varsity athlete in soccer and baseball, and was a member of the Science Club, Interact Club and the Student Council. He volunteered at a local hospital, as a baseball umpire and a soccer referee. He plays the drums for his church’s Fountain of Life Center Youth Workshop where he also frequently competes in fine art competitions. He describes himself as “full of passion for learning and hands-on experience with a fervent attitude towards challenges.” He credits his scoutmaster for instilling that attitude in him. For his Eagle Scout project Steven designed an entrance for a nature walk. A freshman in the Biology/Dental program, Steven has a 3.75 grade point average and plans to become a dentist.

Francesca Muscatello

Francesca Muscatello of Point Pleasant, NJ graduated from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science. Francesca participated in many activities in high school including volleyball and soccer, theYearbook Club, Newspaper Club, Student Council, Human Rights Club and Project Terrapin, an outreach program designed to educate young and old about these turtles and the threats that affect their population. A Political Science major with a 3.10 grade point average, her goal is to become a museum curator.

The scholarship has been very beneficial because it has not only allowed me to arrend the college of my dreams, but also to pursue a bright and successful future.

Kaitlin McGuinness

At 12, Kaitlin McGuinness moved to County Dublin, Ireland, spending her 13th birthday in flight. “Living in another country gave me a valuable new perspective,” she says. “The experience helped shape the way I see the world.” Kaitlin later moved to Spring Lake Heights, NJ and attended Manasquan High School. There she served as editor-in-chief of her high school’s newspaper, as a project chair for the Amnesty International Club and a member of the Key Club. At Ramapo she is majoring in Political Science and has a 3.67 grade point average. She hopes to pursue a career promoting human rights.

This scholarship is allowing me to get a college education to pursue a career in public service and to avail myself of all the opportunities Ramapo College has to offer.

Drew Illingworth

Senior Drew Illingworth is from Hazlet, NJ. He is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, and has earned a 3.67 grade point average.

My scholarship has allowed me to attend Ramapo, which is one of many stepping stones to my goal of becoming an attorney. Without their generosity, none of this would be possible.

Grant Smith

After a childhood accident at age 10, Grant Smith pondered the life-saving value of a simple bicycle helmet, and the people who designed and manufactured it. “I learned that we are all connected, and that one’s performance, one’s effort, always matters.” Grant is a freshman from Alpha, New Jersey and is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School. At Ramapo he is planning to major in economics. “I know that whatever path I take, whether a career in business or education, I am influencing someone else’s life,” he says.

I have received a scholarship that allows me to continue my education in college. My benefactor has given me a chance to move forward with new opportunities made available.

Michelle Albano

Michelle Albano is a freshman from Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey. She is a biology major enrolled in Ramapo’s physical therapy program. “I ultimately wish to become a pediatric physical therapist after finishing my years of study,” she says. In high school Michelle played field hockey for four years, earning the Coaches’ Award in her junior year. She also participated in the winter musical every year, was a member of the Spanish Club, and a participant in the Search Church Retreat.

Mikhail Kaler

Mikhail Kaler is from Clark, New Jersey. He is a freshman majoring in international studies. Mikhail has earned a 3.42 grade point average.

Jeremy Kelly

Jeremy Kelly is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School where he was a member of various chorale groups and participated in spring musicals. “Jeremy was extremely enthusiastic about his involvement with school activities, particularly choir and theatre,” says one of his high school teachers. Jeremy also participated in the Festival of Music in New York City in his junior year. He was a member of the bowling team during each year of his high school career. At Ramapo, Jeremy is a freshman majoring in communication arts with a concentration in journalism.

The Ramapo College Alumni Association Scholarship will let people know how hard I work, and it is my expectation that this will carry me through life with a great sense of accomplishment.

Nora Dougherty

Freshman Nora Dougherty is from Middletown, New Jersey and plans to major in international studies. In high school Nora participated in an international relations debate at the 2006 Princeton Model United Nations. She was editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and participated in student government.  She was a member of the Spanish Honor Society and was a team leader for “Bottlecappers.”  She has earned a 4.00 grade point average after her first semester.

The scholarship opens many doors for me in furthering my education. I have plans to go to graduate school, so having a scholarship here at Ramapo has made that dream much more possible!