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McNeill, Colin R. Memorial Scholarship

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In the fall of 2012, Colin McNeill was in the last semester of his senior year at Ramapo College, pursuing a degree in Psychology. In addition to his studies, Colin was building a landscape business and was a volunteer member of the Little Falls Fire Department. He was a member of the First Reformed Church of Little Falls. Tragically, Colin passed away in November 2012 after injuries he sustained in a skateboarding accident.

“Colin was a dedicated student athlete at Ramapo and was very much part of the fabric of the College and his community,” President Peter P. Mercer said at the time. “He touched many lives at both the College and beyond our campus.”

Colin had been a member of the Ramapo College men’s volleyball team since his freshman year, and was captain of the team for two seasons. An avid outdoorsman, he competed in the College’s Bass Fishing Club. Colin often performed as the Ramapo Roadrunners’ mascot, “Rocky.” He served as a member, and then president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and represented the College as a delegate to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). He received many honors for his sportsmanship and leadership including the Athletic Director’s All-Academic Honorable Mention Team and the Coach’s Award.

To honor Colin’s memory his cousins, Michele and Allan Gorab, launched this endowed scholarship in his name. The Colin R. McNeill Scholarship is intended to recognize Ramapo College students who are graduates of Passaic Valley High School, and who are active leaders in their school and community.

  • Graduate of Passaic Valley High School
  • Active leader in community that demonstrates leadership potential
  • 3.00 GPA or higher
  • Reviewed by a committee of Admission counselors

This scholarship is not awarded through the application process.


2023 Recipient

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.


2022 Recipient

Zaid Zeidan

Zaid Zeidan is a proud first year Roadrunner from Little Falls, N.J. He is a Nursing major with experience working as a pharmacy technician. 

While managing both school and work, he provided free tutoring to children around his neighborhood. “I believe the most honorable community service is giving one’s personal time in the form of educating our youth,” said Zaid. 

After graduating, he wants to obtain hands-on experience with data analytics by obtaining a masters in health informatics. 



2020 Recipient

Nicole Luna

Nicole Luna of Woodland Park N.J. is a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology.

“Post-graduation, I aim to continue my studies to become part of the criminal justice field, and attend the Police Academy.”

At Ramapo, Nicole has been active in several organizations, including the Social Club and Active Minds. She volunteers at Little Sisters of the Poor, an elderly home located in Totowa, N.J.


2019 Recipient

Mariah Tovar

Mariah Christine Tovar of Totowa, N.J. is a Nursing major with a 3.4 GPA.  She has been active in Ramapo Women’s Field Hockey, Delta Phi Epsilon and Walks to End Alzheimer’s.

Additionally, Mariah is active in her off-campus community. She has been involved with the Special Olympics, Active Volunteer for Sunshine, and was the Chairperson of the Annual State Food Drive for Students Change Hunger, where they won first place in their division.  “I have a very strong commitment and passion to help others.”

Post-graduation, Mariah plans to earn her Master’s Degree in Nursing and become an advanced practical nurse, an educator, or an administrator.



2016 Recipient

Mikayla Melendez

Mikayla Melendez of Woodland Park, NJ is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. She has a 3.94 GPA.  Mikayla was inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Student-Athlete Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She was also named an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete and named to the CoSIDA Capital One Academic All-District 1st Team.

At Ramapo, Mikayla has been active in the Ramapo Women’s Softball Team, College Programming Board, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Off campus she volunteers with People to People’s Project Joy! as well as the Center for Food Action food drives.



2015 Recipient

Gianna Savittieri

Gianna Savittieri of Little Falls, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.44 grade point average.  Gianna was inducted into The Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Gianna has been active in several organizations and activities including the Social Work Club and Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority.

Gianna has also been involved in off campus activities and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and raising money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Gianna plans on obtaining her Masters of Social Work next year and becoming a School Social Worker on a Child Study Team.



2014 Recipient

Nicholas Hrehovcik

Nicholas Hrehovcik of Little Falls, NJ is a Biology major with a concentration in Dentistry. He is a Psychology minor. He is president of the Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honors Society, president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, vice president of the Bioinformatics Club and captain of the Men’s Volleyball team. He is also a member of the Biology Club, the Science Journal Club and Phi Delta Epsilon Premedical Fraternity. Nicholas has been named to a number of honor societies as well as Who’s Who Among American Scholars, Athletic Directors All-Academic Team and NECVA All-Academic Team. Off campus, he is active in the KinderSmile Foundation and Habitat for Humanity, among other organizations. He plans to attend dental school and open his own practice as a general dentist. “I feel particularly honored to receive the Colin R. McNeill scholarship because Colin was a lifelong friend, as well as a teammate and brother. I am extremely honored to be held in the same regard as Colin and I could not ask for a better compliment,” he said. Nicholas has a 3.34 grade point average.

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