Sannia Balgahoom

Sannia Balgahoom of River Edge, N.J. is a Nursing major with a 3.76 GPA.

At Ramapo, she has been active in several organizations including the Honors Program, specifically on their Executive Board for the past 3 years as well as a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honors Society.

Sannia has also been involved in off-campus activities including an externship position at Valley Hospital which transitioned into a Patient Care Associate role.

She will be graduating this Spring and has plans to work at Valley Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She looks forward to working at the new hospital in their Residency Program.

Sannia Balgahoom

Sannia Balgahoom of River Edge, N.J. is a junior Nursing major. She has a GPA of 3.8 receiving the Dean’s List each semester.

At Ramapo, Sannia has been active in the Honors College Executive Board, a member of the Nursing Student Organization, as well as the Muslim Student Association.

Sannia has also been involved off campus as a volunteer at her local mosque helping with food and clothing drives. 

She hopes to have an externship over the summer as a student nurse, in a hospital and getting more experience before her senior year. After graduation she hopes to further her education after a couple years of working to obtain her Master’s degree so she can work as a General Nurse Practitioner. 

Jordan Meredith

Jordan Meredith of Eatontown, N.J. is a Graduate Student in the Masters of Educational
Leadership program with a concentration in Higher Education. She has a 4.0 GPA. She is a
member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Jordan has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Peer
Facilitation Program, Orientation Program, and was the President of Ebony Women for Social
Change. She is also the Graduate Assistant for the Center for Student Success where she serves as an Academic Advisor to first year students.

Jordan has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including being a
Behavior Assistant and working with children with autism and behavioral challenges. In
addition, Jordan has volunteered with organizations like Teaneck Tutoring, Pony Power, and
MEVO farm. During her undergraduate senior year, Jordan was awarded the J. Lee’s Award for ‘Outstanding Leadership and Service’. Jordan plans on pursuing a career in higher education by working at a university as an Academic Advisor.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Ida Lopez

Ida Lopez of North Bergen, N.J. is a graduate Social Work student with a minor in Substance Use Disorders. She has a 3.45 GPA and has been invited to join the Chi Alpha Epsilon EOF Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Ida worked as a Resident Assistant in the College Park Apartments in 2018. She also worked for Move Language Ahead, a company that works to provide educational and cultural programs to students from around the world. Ida currently interns at Head Start, which provides early childhood education for low income families. 

She’s currently enrolled in the advanced standing Masters Degree program and plans to become a therapist after graduation.

Jordan Meredith

Jordan Meredith of Eatontown, N.J. is a Social Work major. She has a 3.6 GPA. Jordan has been on the Dean’s List 5 times since beginning at Ramapo in 2018. She is also a part of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.  

At Ramapo, Jordan has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Peer Facilitation Program, Orientation Program, and being President of Ebony Women for Social Change. 

Jordan has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including being a current intern at Bergen’s Promise, a care management organization in Hackensack, NJ that services youth with behavioral and mental health issues in ages 5-21. Jordan also works at Chick-fil-A as a team leader and volunteered at Pony Power and MEVO Farm in Mahwah, N.J. 

Jordan plans to earn her BSW in Social Work and aspires to work as a licensed social worker for New Jersey or to pursue a dream of hers, which is to work in higher education.

Amy Alexander

Amy Alexander is a Social Work major and Substance Use minor from Clifton, N.J. She is in her senior year and has an overall GPA of 4.0. On campus she is a part of Phi Theta Kappa, the Honors program, and worked as a peer mentor for students on campus.

Currently, she volunteers at the Hackensack Shelter and holds the position of Head Mentor in a transitional program for adults with intellectual disabilities.

She is en route to continue her education to attain a Bachelor of Social Work degree, continue on for her Master of Social Work, and to ultimately gain her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification.

Robertson Guercy

Robertson Guercy is a current MBA Candidate with a Project Management Concentration. He also obtained his Contemporary Arts: Professional Communications undergraduate degree via Ramapo College’s Degree Completion Program (DCP) in Summer 2020.

At Ramapo, Robertson has been a member of the Golden Key International and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honour Societies. He enjoys spending his leisure time with his wife and three beautiful children. Robertson is also active in his local church community and participates in various volunteer organizations in partnership with his employer focusing on financial literacy among adolescents and youth.

“After I complete my Masters of Business Administration, I plan on to receive a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification which will allow me to grow and thrive in my current career in finance leading special project initiatives.”

He is a resident of Mahwah, N.J. He has earned a 3.7 GPA

Christopher Arvelo

Christopher Arvelo of Perth Amboy, N.J. is a Marketing major with a 3.5 GPA. He has made the Dean’s List several times and is a proud Educational Opportunity Fund scholar. 

For the last two years, Chris has worked as a Connect Analyst for the Center of Student Success. He is also on the ASB Dean’s Student Advisory Board and is the Treasurer for BSU’s Brothers Making a Difference. 

Off- campus, he has participated in local food drives and cemetery clean-ups. After graduation, Chris plans to work in New York City and work as a Sports Data Analyst.

Kimberly Hartman

Kimberly Hartman of Oradell, N.J. is a Master of Social Work student with a 4.0 GPA. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Currently on the road to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kimberly’s dream is to build her own clinical practice and pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. 

 “I am proud of my resilience after becoming a single mother to twins, which motivated me to continue my education,” says Kimberly. Her higher education journey started when her twins were 4 months old, and she has since gone from earning an associate’s degree to becoming a graduate student. 

Kimberly interned at the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office: Special Victims Unit & Child Advocacy Center. She is a Certified Professional in Training and is certified in Child Sexual Abuse Prevention through the Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children program.

Currently, she holds a job as a nursing assistant in the Pediatrics department at Hackensack University Medical Center, where she has been employed for 7.5 years. This year, she begins an internship that provides mental health services to students at Bergen Academies. 

Grace Velarde

Grace Velarde of Oakland N.J. is a Contemporary Arts Contract Major with a 3.97 GPA. She is a member of the Honors Program, Alpha Lambda Delta and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Two of Grace’s paintings were chosen to be displayed at an art exhibition called “A New Berth,” held by the Camden Fireworks art gallery. A percentage of the commission made from the sold artworks was used to better the water system. “I was humbled by the opportunity to direct my passion for art toward helping those in need,” says Grace. 

On campus, Grace organizes open houses and gives campus tours as a Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador. She also plays the alto saxophone in the college’s Jazz and Concert Bands.

In her free time, Grace volunteers at organizations such as A Step Ahead Preschool in North Bergen, N.J. and the North Hudson Community Action Corporation in Union City, N.J.

Cindy Lam

Cindy Lam a second-year Biology major from Parsippany, N.J. She is in the Honors Program and is on the Honors Student Executive Board. Additionally, she is the Sergeant at Arms for the United Asian Association, President of the Biology Club, and is a Ramapo Admission Student Ambassador. 

Cindy recently served on the state board for the New Jersey District of Key Club as the Lieutenant Governor of Division 22. She oversaw seven Key Clubs and promoted leadership in community service. 

Off-campus, Cindy serves her community by donating hand-made greeting cards to local children specialized hospitals and volunteers as a patient-transparent at Saint Clare’s Denville Hospital. Whenever she travels back to Vietnam, she can be found at the Ho Chi Minh Food Pantry serving soup to the elders, ill, and anyone in need of help.

In the future, Cindy plans to attend medical school and travel to developing countries where she can aid those in need and create more healthcare opportunities.

Rachel Loia

“I’d like to one day conduct scientific research, specifically in the biomedical field to improve the quality of life for people who are ill,” says Rachel Loia.  Rachel is studying Biology with a minor in Creative Writing. She has a GPA of 3.55.

She has served as treasurer of the Beekeeping Club for three years and is currently the treasurer of the Sigma Xi research honor society. She has tutored for OSS, is a teaching assistant for biology labs, and works in the greenhouse on campus. She also conducts research in the lab on campus with Dr. Xu and Dr. Monen. In her free time, she volunteers at her church.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through my education, and hope to return the favor one day.”

Rachel is from Randolph, N.J.

Stephanie Guzman

Raised in Guttenberg, N.J., Stephanie Guzman is a senior Business major with a concentration in Finance and a minor in International Business. She has a 3.7 GPA and is in the Honors Program. Last semester, she studied abroad in South Korea where she attended Korea University. She is currently the SARM (Student Activities Revenue Management) Student Manager on campus within the Center for Student Involvement.

At Ramapo, she has served as Secretary for the Model United Nations, is currently the Treasurer for the Association for Latinos Moving Ahead, and has served on the Admissions Team and E-Board for the Honors Program. She has also volunteered at the Hoboken Homeless Shelter, Jersey City Medical Center, MEVO, and House on the Hill.

Stephanie was a part of the Citi Bank Early ID Mentorship program and has previously worked at two law offices. She plans on pursuing law school after graduation.

Robertson Guercy

Robertson Guercy of Mahwah, N.J. is a Contemporary Arts major in Professional Communications in the Adult Degree Completion Program. He has a 4.0 GPA.

At Ramapo, Robertson has been active in Golden Key International Honour Society. Robertson has also been involved in nonprofit organizations, including The United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Long Island and Volunteer New York in partnership with his employer Sterling National Bank.

He enjoys spending his leisure time with his wife and three beautiful children and is also active in his local church community in Rockland County, N.Y.

After he completes his undergraduate degree, he hopes to continue his studies at Ramapo pursuing his MBA, and continue to thrive in his career in Finance.

Giselle Ruiz

Giselle Ruiz of Pompton Lakes, N.J. is a Visual Arts Major with a concentration in Drawing and Painting: Art Therapy with a Psychology Minor. She has a 3.8 GPA.

“I’m grateful to the EOF program for helping me to achieve my goal of a college education.” Giselle works on campus with Dining Services, is an EOF Peer Mentor, and a Student Gallery Assistant for the Ramapo College Art Galleries. She has been involved with Hope for Heart.

“After I graduate, my goal is to help others through art, which has always been my way of coping with life’s craziness. I want to take what I’ve learned to instill hope in the lives of others!”

Clara Gomez

Psychology major Clara Gomez is a consultant at Ramapo’s Center for Reading and Writing, tutoring undergraduate and graduate students in one-on-one consulting sessions in writing, reading, and study skills. “This work is extremely rewarding because I have the opportunity to walk away from each session gaining a new perspective and a more diversified lens to view people as a whole.”

Off campus, Clara has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Macedonia where she supported projects to meet health, educational, and socio-economic needs of disenfranchised communities. This past summer she participated in an internship in Valencia, Spain. There, she worked alongside a team of multidisciplinary psychologists, offering a series of treatment options to individuals, assisting in promoting individual empowerment, and in increasing access to services for people with mental illnesses. After graduation, Clara hopes to study clinical psychology in a doctoral program.

She is from Jersey City, N.J. and has a 3.8 GPA.

Giselle Ruiz

Giselle Ruiz of Pompton Lakes, N.J. is a Visual Arts Major with a concentration in Drawing and Painting: Art Therapy with a Psychology Minor. She has a 3.7 GPA.

Giselle is grateful to the EOF program for helping her to achieve her goal of a college education.  In addition to serving as a Peer Mentor for incoming EOF scholars, she works on campus with Dining Services.

“After I graduate, my goal is to help others through art, as art has helped me cope with life’s craziness.”

Stephanie Guzman

Stephanie J. Guzman of Guttenberg, N.J. is a Business major with a concentration in Finance and a minor in International Business. She has a 3.9 GPA.  Stephanie is an Honors student who has made Dean’s List since she was a freshman. She works on campus at the Center for Student Involvement under SARM (Student Activities Revenue Management).

At Ramapo, she has served as Secretary for Model United Nations and is a member of the Honors Admissions Team. She is currently the Vice-President for the Association for Latinos Moving Ahead and is on the E-board for the Honors Program. Stephanie has also volunteered at the Hoboken Homeless Shelter and Jersey City Medical Center, MEVO, and House on the Hill.

Stephanie was a part of the Citi Bank Early ID Mentorship program where she learned a lot about the banking industry from her mentor. She previously worked at two law offices, and plans on pursuing law school after graduation.

Steven Cruz

“Growing up in an environment filled with violence and poverty, and barely graduating from high school, I never envisioned that I would be where I am now,” says Steven Cruz of Guttenberg, N.J. a candidate in the Master of Social Work Program. The Dean’s List student has a 3.83 GPA.

Steven is part of the Golden Key International Honour Society and has worked with chapter officers and members to cultivate leadership skills that will prepare them for professional and personal success.  He has also helped fundraise for the New Jersey AIDS walk in Morristown, helping to raise awareness and managing merchandise booths.

Steven is currently interning at the Cliffside Park High SchooI with CarePlusNJ which provides individual and group therapy for students.  He hopes to join the Peace Corps after he earns his MSW.

“With a long list of life lessons and hardships I managed to remain determined through it all.”

Stephanie Guzman

Stephanie Guzman is a sophomore majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.  She also has a minor in International Business.

Her involvement at the College includes serving as secretary for both the Association for Latinos Moving Ahead, and for Model United Nations.  She is also a part of the Honors Executive Board and an active member of the Honors Admissions Team and International Student Organization.  “My hope is to attend law school after receiving my business degree.”

Mehnaz Ladha

Mehnaz Ladha of Dumont, NJ is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Journalism.  She has a minor in International Studies. Mehnaz has a 3.985 GPA and is a member of the College Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Mehnaz is a staff writer for the Ramapo News, secretary of Lambda Pi Eta, and newsletter developer for both the College Honors Program and Educational Opportunity Fund. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key Honor Society, and Sigma Iota Rho.

She is also active off-campus as a contributor to the quarterly newsletter published by the Turn-A-Frown-Around Foundation Inc. She has also interned at the Borough of Franklin Lakes and SunCity Paradise, where she presently is a full-time writer and editor. Mehnaz has also worked on updating the website of award-winning technology journalist, Andrea Smith.

After graduating from Ramapo, Mehnaz plans to attend graduate school and enter the field of business communications while continuing to contribute to magazine publications.

Anupama Upadhyay

“This scholarship shows support and motivates me to be determined and work hard to achieve my goals,” said Anupama Upadhyay from Kathmandu, Nepal. Anupama is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and an Economics minor. She has a 4.0 GPA and has been on the Dean’s list since freshman year. She was also inducted into Order of Omega.

At Ramapo, she has been active in several organizations and activities, including Theta Nu Xi, the Yoga Club and SHRM. As a part of Theta Nu Xi, she plans and organizes events that aim to make a positive impact on campus through promotion of scholarship, leadership, service, sisterhood and multiculturalism. Anupama also works on campus as a student aide for Student Activities Revenue Management. She has also worked at a co-op internship at Cases By Source.  After Ramapo, she plans to attend graduate school.

Vanessa Loren Mirasola

“I ultimately hope to work within the civil rights arena, representing those without a voice who have been abused or oppressed,” says Vanessa Loren Mirasola of Teaneck, N.J.

The Sociology major hopes to attend law school, a career she became interested in at her job with the Bergen County Ethics Committee, where she interacts with attorneys every day. On campus she’s involved in Ramapo Pride, InQlusive, and GEAR.

The Sociology major, with a concentration in Criminology, has a 3.5 GPA. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, Ramapo’s first year honor society.

Princep Shah

Princep Shah of Nepal is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance, Math and Computer Science.  He has a 4.0 GPA.

Princep has been active in Student Government at Ramapo, where he has been an alternative student governor as well as a member of the ASB Dean’s Advisory Council.   He is also a Resident Assistant, and an active member of the Finance and Investment Clubs.

As part of a semester abroad, he worked as a Consumer and Wealth Management intern at Bank of Ireland in Dublin.

“The leadership and extracurricular opportunities that Ramapo provides has helped me grow a lot… I have learned so much, grown so much, and best of all, I have made friendships that will last a lifetime!”

Binaya Panta

Binaya Panta, an international student from Nepal, is a mathematics major and computer science minor. He has a 3.9 grade point average.  Binaya was inducted into the Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Binaya has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Math Club, Computer Science Club and International Student Organization.  He served as vice-president and secretary of the International Student Organization. He currently is vice-president of Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society.

Binaya has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including Solidarite France Nepal. He volunteered there for six months following his high school graduation.

Demi Hernandez

Demi Hernandez of Dumont N.J. is a nursing major. She has a 3.9 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Demi has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Nursing Student Organization.

Demi also has been involved in off-campus activities and organizations, including serving as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and for Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck N.J.

Shauharda Khadka

Shauharda Khadka, an international student from Nepal, is an engineering physics major and mathematics minor. He has a 3.96 grade point average.
At Ramapo, he has worked with Catalin Martin, Ph.D. to assist in developing highly sensitive magnetic susceptometer using tunnel diode resistors. He also worked as an intern at the Biological Microsystems Laboratory at University of Illinois-Chicago to develop microfluidic devices to achieve oxygen gradients for biological applications. Shauharda is president of the Engineering Physics Club.
Shauharda plans to attend graduate school to study robotics and automation research.

Kelly Yago

“I am determined to pass the CPA exam and subsequently earn my MBA in accounting,” says Kelly Yago. Kelly received her associate’s degree at County College of Morris before enrolling at Ramapo, where she is an Accounting major with a 3.96 grade point average. Currently in her senior year, Kelly has completed internships at the firm of Cronin and Hanley in Kinnelon, NJ and at Northwestern Mutual. Kelly is from Butler, NJ. Even prior to graduation, she has been offered a full-time audit position at the prestigious accounting firm of K.P.M.G.

Emily Moore

Emily Moore of Hamilton, NJ is an American Studies major who plans to pursue certification in Secondary Education and Social Studies. She is president of the American Studies Club, fundraising chair for Relay for Life, a member of the RASA Advisory Board, a peer facilitator, an American Studies ambassador and a global roadrunner. Emily is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and presented research she conducted on the Dust Bowl at the organization’s national conference in New Mexico. Emily was part of the first student group representing Ramapo College to do so. She serves as leadership secretary of Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, president of Phi Beta Delta International Scholars Honor Society and a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society for Education, among others. Emily participated in a national student exchange to Hilo, HI, has backpacked through Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Western Europe and completed an Alternative Spring Break program to the Dominican Republic. She works on campus as a student aide in the Office of Admissions and completed an internship in Assemblyman Dan Benson’s office. Emily has a 3.90 grade point average.

Miranda Wyatt

Miranda Wyatt is a Literature major with a concentration in Creative Writing. The senior is surprised by how quickly college life has passed. “Through hard work, determination and perseverance, I have completed seven-eighths of my college education, all while working two part-time jobs, experiencing two internships and maintaining a consecutive 3.5 GPA,” Miranda says. In addition to work and classes, Miranda is a member of the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society, the Rho Alpha Sigma Honor Society, and is active in Suicide Awareness Programs. Miranda is from Mahwah, NJ.

Loretta Turner

A difficult birth and complications in her lungs left Loretta Turner with constant respiratory complications for the first 10 years of her life. “I had dreamed of being a professional athlete like my ancestor Jesse Owens,” she says. “My parents encouraged me despite my shortcomings and I am the first on my father’s side to pursue higher education.” Loretta is majoring in Psychology and has earned a 3.71 grade point average. She works as a yoga instructor and a nanny, and works on campus as a note taker. She holds leadership positions in the Yoga Club and NORML Club on campus, and is involved in the Sustainable Living Facilities program and 1Step. “I am not quite sure how I survived my birth,” the Rockaway, NJ native says, “But despite the circumstances I was given a chance to live. I plan to take full advantage of this gift by giving back to the community through social change.”

Arthur Nolasco

“I have worked for the past three semesters as a biology lab assistant,” says Arthur Nolasco, who is pursuing dual majors in Biology and Psychology. Arthur is vice president of the Biology Club and is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. He is proficient in three languages. In addition to his work in the Ramapo bio labs,Arthur works for Affina Door company and plays in a soccer league. He has earned a 3.74 grade point average. Arthur lives in Union, NJ.

Stephan Bien-Aime

Stephan Bien-Aime is working with a faculty mentor on a research project in Chemistry. He participated in an internship during the summer of 2011 at Goddard Space Flight Center NASA, and was an intern this past summer at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the RISE program. Stephan is majoring in Chemistry, and has earned a 3.93 grade point average. He works on campus as a peer tutor in French, as the Lodge Fitness Center Manager, and as a teaching assistant in the chemistry lab. He is a member of the Chemistry Club and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Stephan is from Bloomfield, NJ.

This scholarship is very welcome to me and my family. It helps us so much at a time when the financial situation of my parents, living in Haiti, is precarious. I am very grateful to the foundation for this scholarship. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. This scholarship will encourage me in the pursuit of my studies.

Ja Yeon Lee

Ja Yeon Lee of Closter, NJ is an International Business major. She’s learned that “with the right attitude, you can always turn your biggest disappointments and mistakes into an opportunity to become stronger.” Ja Yeon learned this first hand, having had to leave college after her freshman year due to financial constraints. She worked as a bank teller and was promoted to supervisor. She used her Korean, Spanish and Japanese language skills to help customers overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. With money saved to cover college expenses, Ja Yeon enrolled at Ramapo College. Ja Yeon, who has a 4.00 grade point average, has completed internships at BMW and RAD Data Communications. She plans to work with companies based in East Asia.

Davy Granados

Davy Granados is a senior majoring in theater with a concentration in directing/stage management. She has worked in light, sound, and set construction for the Forum Theater, Plays in the Park and at the Bickford Theater. In the summer of 2008 Davy directed short plays for South Ridge Community Church. She has earned a 3.69 grade point average. “I’m working to be a theater director and script writer because that is what I do best,” she says. “As a director/playwright I have the opportunity to help people find courage and their own identity.”

As a theater major, I am so honored to receive the Anisfield Scholarship.Thank you. My benefactor has made a difference in my life by supporting and uplifting me in all my college experiences as well as my plans beyond my undergrad degree.Their generosity means I have the financial stability to discover and pursue my life’s passion.

Maryann Karimattam

Maryann Karimattam is in her second year of Ramapo’s physical therapy program. She is from the Township of Washington, New Jersey and has earned a 3.79 grade point average. Maryann has been a physical therapy volunteer since May 2008, and volunteers with Jesus Youth of America. She is a member of the Pre-Health Medical Club, Alpha Lambda Delta, and South Asians at Ramapo. She competes in Indian classical dance, which she has practiced since 1997. “I would like to specialize in neck and spinal physical therapy,” Maryann says. “I hope to gain work experience and eventually open my own rehabilitation center.”

The scholarship I have received has helped me to further my education and brought me a step closer to my goal of obtaining my doctorate in physical therapy.