The donor of this scholarship, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared information on his motivation for starting this award:

“Becoming a physician, and fueling my great love of science has come from a variety of great educators…..Mrs. Richman, 8th-grade Earth Science, Mr. Visco, first Physics teacher, and Mr. Agnostakos in Anatomy and Physiology.

Two of my most influential professors, however, were Dr. Angela Cristini and Dr. Teodoro Halpern at Ramapo College. Over 35 years after graduation I still admire and keep in touch with these two professors who gave me the gift of inquisitiveness and fueled my desire to learn.

Field trips to the Jersey shore with Dr. Cristini to catch crabs and study the negative effects of organic pollutants on crabs has made me an advocate for a “clean ocean” and given me an environmental conscience.

Dr. Halpern expanded my knowledge of Physics in such a way that I am forever doomed into looking at life through a physicist’s eye….. always studying the underlying forces.

The knowledge gained from these two professors and others at Ramapo College served me well through medical school and my residency. It has led me to become a board-certified physician as well as chief of my department. I am also the chair of several hospital committees. In addition, as an attending physician, I am required to teach on a daily basis.

This scholarship is my way of honoring two people who have given me so much. I hope my teaching is as inspiring for others as theirs was for me.

Thank you Ramapo College!”

• For a Junior or Senior Biology, Biochemistry, or Physics major
• GPA 3.5+
• Student must be on track to apply to a Masters, PhD or PA program, or Medical, Osteopathic or Dental School

2022 Recipient

Cassandra Farnung

Cassandra Farnung of Manahawkin, N.J. is a Biology major with a double minor in Psychology and Neuroscience. She currently has a 4.0 GPA, has been on the Dean’s list since her freshman year, and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She plans to attend graduate school to receive a Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy next fall.

At Ramapo, Cassandra is one of the co-presidents of the American Cancer Society on campus and Head of the Survivor Committee for Relay For Life. Cassandra is also the President of the National Society of Leadership and Success. She has also been a Peer Facilitator for three years in the Peer Facilitation program. 

“I am determined to make a difference in this world, whether it be smiling at a stranger or trying to reduce my carbon footprint – every act of kindness, no matter how small, is empowering and impactful,” says Cassandra. In addition to her on-campus community engagement and leadership roles, she also volunteers at a local Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in her town and plans to be a substitute aide after she graduates in December. 

2021 Recipient

Jeffrey Joseph

Jeffrey Joseph is a Biology major from Jackson, N.J. He is in the Honors Program and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. 

At Ramapo, Jeffrey has been active in several organizations and activities, including Leaders in Service, Rally Cap Sports, and Newman Catholic. He is currently the Vice President of Newman Catholic and has planned events with MEVO and soup kitchens nearby. Jeffrey also helps tutor students in biology and students with special needs. 

He is also involved with Habitat for Humanity and EMS off campus. Overall, he is passionate about community service and helping others.

2020 Recipient

2018 Recipient

Holly Goldfarb

Holly Goldfarb of Marlboro, N.J. is a Biology major with minors in Human Rights and Genocide Studies and Neuroscience. She has a 3.759 GPA, has made the Dean’s List five semesters, and has been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the National Society for Collegiate Scholars, and Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Holly is active in the Peer Facilitation program, helping first-year students adjust to college. She also works on campus in the Athletic Training Room, and previously worked in the Cahill Center. In addition, she has been an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, the national co-ed community service fraternity, since the spring 2015 semester and served on their executive board for two years.

“I’m interested in becoming a nurse to combine my passions for science and helping others.”

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