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BMW North America Diversity Scholarship

The BMW Diversity Scholarship is awarded to students in the Anisfield School of Business who demonstrate superior academic success and outstanding leadership qualities. “At BMW we know the importance of developing citizens who can ask the ‘what if’ questions that lead to innovation,” said Ludwig Willisch at the 2013 Ramapo College Distinguished Citizens Dinner. Mr. Willisch is head of the Americas Region of the BMW Group and was honored at the event. “The students at Ramapo College are receiving such an education,” he continued, “and we at BMW are pleased that some of your best and brightest have not only interned with us but are now valued members of the management team.” Other BMW staff work closely with the scholarship recipients to devise an internship program that meets the needs of BMW and the interests of the student.

The BMW of North America Diversity Scholarship program is intended to increase the number of minority students interested in a career in the retail automobile business. The goal is to prepare a well-rounded college graduate who has direct experience with the BMW work environment and is ready to launch a career that responds to the needs of customers from diverse backgrounds.

During the summer of 2012 Danielle Chan and Emma Ruddick-Ferrat worked as interns at BMW North America in Woodcliff Lake, NJ helping the company generate a social media launch for a new vehicle. “They both showed great strength, composure, creativity, drive and determination,” says Trudy Hardy ’91, Manager of Marketing Communications and Consumer Events.

  • For minority and female students interested in the retail auto business
  • Recipient must participate in a paid summer internship
  • Applicants must submit an essay describing why an internship at BMW would be beneficial
  • Recipient selected by a committee comprised of executives from BMW

2015 Recipients

Cole Hambersham

Ashley Walker

Ashley Walker of Washington Township, N.J. is a business administration major with a concentration in marketing.  She has a 3.6 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Ashley has been active in several organizations and activities, including Sigma Delta Tau sorority and Relay for Life.  She served as assistant new member educator for the sorority.



2014 Recipients

Kyan Ferreira

Kyan Ferreira of Teaneck, NJ is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. He describes himself as an “articulate, creative leader with experience working in a structured work setting, organizing information and training others.” Kyan has completed internships at BMW of North America, Merrill Lynch, Hook and Albert and the Urban League. He is proud of having received the BMW Diversity Scholarship and the Urban League Scholarship to Ramapo College. Kyan was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma this year. He has a 3.82 grade point average.

I used my BMW Scholarship to enroll in the Project Management Certificate Program. I will hopefully be certified in May 2014.

Arthur Patosa

Arthur Patosa of New City, NY is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. The commuter student is an avid tennis player and enjoys automobiles. Arthur describes himself as technology driven. He plans to work in the automotive industry after he graduates. “Scholarships are a great way for students to enjoy the benefits of obtaining an education without worrying too much about financial expenses,” he said. Arthur has a 2.92 grade point average.


2013 Recipients

Emma Ruddick-Ferrat

Emma Ruddick-Ferrat is a senior majoring in Marketing with a minor in International Business. During a semester abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, Emma was able to visit 12 other countries in Europe and the United Kingdom. “I come from a diverse European family background so I was always interested in exploring the world,” Emma says. She has earned a 3.89 grade point average. She plans to earn an MBA after graduation.


Danielle Chan

Senior Danielle Chan is majoring in Marketing. She has earned a 3.55 grade point average. Danielle is from Old Bridge, NJ.

This scholarship means that I can get an excellent education without worrying about getting additional financial aid. I am grateful for BMW’s generosity.


2012 Recipients

Adrianna Tepedino

Adrianna Tepedino of Freehold, NJ is majoring in Marketing and has a minor in International Business. Before securing the BMW internship, Adrianna held several retail sales and marketing positions. Adrianna is a midfielder for Ramapo’s Women’s Lacrosse team. She was twice named NJAC Rookie of the Week and was named to the Skyline Second Team All-Conference. In addition, she is a member of the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society and the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society. Adrianna, who has a 3.67 grade point average, also plays club soccer and is active in Relay for Life and Colleges Against Cancer.

The scholarship provided me with an excellent opportunity to intern with BMW. I gained valuable experience in the marketing field as well as the automotive industry.

Stephanie Wootton

Stephanie Wootton of Stanhope, NJ describes herself as creative, reliable and organized. She is a Marketing major and has a minor in Psychology. She was accepted into Ramapo College’s Honors Program and, within the Anisfield School of Business, is a member of the Student Advisory Board, the Marketing Club and SIFE. Stephanie also works as a student aide in the School’s office and is a hostess at an area restaurant. With a grade point average of 3.44, it’s no wonder Stephanie describes herself as having a dedication to excellence and as being conscientious.



2010 Recipient

Evelin Pichs

Evelin Pichs  is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

I’m very grateful for the opportunity that this scholarship has provided me.


2009 Recipient

Joo Hun Park

With all sincerity, Joo Hun Park of Fort Lee, NJ says his career goal is “to become the best manager out there and then work my way up to becoming the greatest CEO. I plan to guide my company and employees ethically and successfully.” Not academically inclined in high school, he decided to not only apply to college, but to apply himself, after a series of full-time service-sector jobs and owning his own business. Joo Hun, who is majoring in International Business with a Marketing concentration, knows first hand about the manager/employee relationship. He has learned that treating employees with respect and seizing opportunities through good management are essential. Joo Hun has a 3.93 grade point average.

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