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Empathy Scholarship

Colleagues in the School of Social Science and Human Services and friends gathered to celebrate Professor Bob Sproul’s birthday in 2006 and instead of gifts, made contributions to start this annual scholarship fund. Mr. Sproul was introduced to Ramapo College while he was executive director of The Center for Help in Time of Loss, a mental health and social service communitybased non-profit where Ramapo students worked as interns. He became more closely involved in the Ramapo community when he began teaching as an adjunct professor in 2000. Professor Sproul’s intention with this award is to “provide meaningful financial support for Ramapo College students who are committed to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged or marginalized people.”

  • For students who demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged or marginalized people
  • Students of any major are eligible
  • Applicants must submit a one-page essay describing one or more experience that demonstrates how they are eligible for this award

2015 Recipient

Julia Hughes

Julia Hughes of Glen Rock, N.J., is a social work major.

Off campus, Julia has worked as an Apple store specialist for almost five years.

Julia is proud to have paid for five international trips without assistance.



2014 Recipient

Megan Chan

Megan Chan of Somerset, NJ is a Nursing major.  She participated in the College’s Sophomores Advancing In Leadership Program.  Megan is a member of the Design Team and Sister Connections and is a volunteer for the Women’s Center and the Civic and Community Engagement Center (CCEC).  Through CCEC she has participated in community service trips through Second Mile.  Megan has made a mark on campus by thanking staff for their dedication by presenting hundreds of certificates of appreciation.  She demonstrates enthusiasm and empathy and possesses a positive attitude.  Megan has a 3.43 grade point average.


2013 Recipient

Michael Fleischmann

Michael Fleischmann of New City, NY is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Management. He is a member of the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, the Society for Human Resource Management, the Judicial Review Board, the Commuter Caucus and Transfer and Commuter Connections. He is also a senator-at-large and secretary of Commuter Affairs. Michael responds to the unique needs of those who have had difficulties in their lives. He was a management aide intern at an assisted living facility and participated in their Telephone Reassurance Program. He also interned at an organization where he led and superved workshops for those who had been imprisoned and their families. He also worked at a food pantry helping to prepare and deliver food. He has 3.40 grade point average.

I am very grateful for the Empathy Scholarship, which will allow me to focus more on my studies rather than worrying about finances. The scholarship also illustrates Ramapo College’s desire to support selfless student engagement in community service.


2012 Recipients

Nicole Ferrentino

Nicole Ferrentino of Clark, NJ is a Psychology major who is pursuing certification in Elementary Education. The junior gets great satisfaction from having raised three puppies for the Seeing Eye. She organized Christmas Angels to collect gifts for schoolchildren in Newark, NJ. Nicole has volunteered as a veterinary technician at an animal hospital, babysat and received food goods for the food bank rather than a cash payment and created show boxes for children in Africa that consisted of soap, toothbrushes, pencils, notebooks and games. On campus Nicole is active in Relay for Life and Light the Night. She is a founding member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, a peer facilitator and a member of Future Teachers at Ramapo College and theYoga Club. Nicole, who has a 3.74 grade point average, says, “I believe that my purpose in life is to positively influence others, which is reflected by my volunteer activities.”


Taryn Blaustein

Taryn Blaustein of Parsippany, NJ, a senior, is a Social Work major. On and off campus she has demonstrated her compassion for those with physical and mental illnesses. Taryn has completed internships with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris County, the NJ Aids Services/Eric Johnson House and NewBridge Services that provides services for mental illness and substance abuse. She is a member of the Mental Health Players, an acting troupe, with the Morris County Mental Health Association. As a member, Taryn received the 2011 Ambassador Award from the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma. She is a member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and volunteers with Jersey Battered Women’s Services. Taryn, who has a 3.98 grade point average, choose Social Work as a major because it will allow her “ample opportunity to help those facing serious hardships to reach their greatest potential.”

 



2011 Recipient

Lauren Finaldi

Lauren Finaldi of West Milford, NJ is a Nursing major. As president of Phi Delta Epsilon, an international medical fraternity, she developed an educational lecture “Health Disparities Among Minority Populations,” presented at the College’s Health andWellness Fair. She is a member of the Nursing Student Organization and serves as a student representative on the Nursing Curriculum Revising Committee. Lauren completed a study abroad program to Sierra Leone,West Africa to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Lauren, who has a 3.41 grade point average, says, “Ramapo has made me a social justice and patient care advocate.”



2010 Recipients

Marian Shumilova

Marian Shumilova of Paramus, NJ is a Nursing major who has a 3.83 grade point average. She has dreamed of taking care of sick individuals since she was a child. Whenever her older sister was sick, Marian made her soup, brought her medicine and played cards with her. Marian finds it painful to encounter people who are disadvantaged and she is focusing her efforts on this population. She volunteered at homes for the elderly and those who are mentally disabled, and for Meals On Wheels. “I feel nurses give their hope and care for people that are ill,”Marian says. “Doctors heal, but nurses heal as well as spend time with the patient.”

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.

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