Weina Xiao

Weina Xiao of Denville, N.J., is a senior Nursing major with a minor in Business Marketing. She is a part of the College Honors Program and currently holds a 3.7 GPA. 

At Ramapo, Weina served as an orientation leader and is currently a member of NSO. 

Outside of Ramapo, Weina was a summer nurse extern at Chilton Hospital and has experiences as a volunteer EMT at Denville Fire. 

After graduation, Weina hopes to graduate with her BSN and work as a registered nurse — her wish is to help those in need and give back to the community. 

​​Grace Velarde

​​Grace Velarde of Oakland, N.J. is a Contemporary Arts Contract major with a Computer Science minor. She has a 3.97 GPA and is a member of the Ramapo College Honors Program, Golden Key International Honour Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Alpha Lambda Delta.

At Ramapo, Grace has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Student Government Association as the Contemporary Arts School Senator, the Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors Program, and the Ramapo College Concert Band as an alto saxophone player.
Grace has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including doing freelance work for Warner Music Group and working as a Web Design/Digital Marketing Intern with Career Transition Resources, LLC.

An accomplishment she is proud of is starting her own small business and art brand under the name Graceful Graphics in March 2020. She manages multiple social media accounts to showcase her art and music including her own website, Instagram, SoundCloud, Vimeo, TikTok, and Youtube. She is in the process of developing her portfolio, continuing to focus on growing her online presence.

Ayano Ueda

Ayano Ueda of Lodi, N.J. and is a senior Nursing major. She has a 3.875 GPA, is on the Dean’s List and in the Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Ayano is the President of both the Nursing Student Organization and the Phi Beta Delta International Honors Society. “I enjoy meeting new people and helping underclassmen navigate college,” she says.

Off-campus, Ayano often writes messages for hospital staff and pediatric patients, knowing how difficult the COVID-19 pandemic affected them. It makes her happy to spread words of encouragement and hope to others. 

After graduating with her BSN, Ayano plans to work as a registered nurse at a Magnet-recognized hospital. 

Luka Marjanovic

Luka Marjanovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Theater major with a concentration in Acting and a minor in Creative Writing. He has a 3.97 GPA and makes the Dean’s List each semester, in addition to being a Presidential Scholarship recipient. 

Luka is in the Honors Program, part of Ramapo’s comedy improv troupe, the Fooligans, and writes numerous articles for the Ramapo News. He has also performed in the following mainstage productions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, She Kills Monsters, and The Diaries of Adam and Eve, which was a virtual production. 

He enjoys watching local theater and participating in off-campus comedy and improv nights. After graduation, Luka plans on enrolling in an MFA program and possibly teaching theater.

Prabal Chhatkuli

Prabal Chhatkuli of Kathmandu, Nepal is a Computer Science major with minors in Mathematics and Bioinformatics. He has a 3.9 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List every semester. 

Prabal is the current President of the Computer and Technology Club. He works as a Student Manager for CSI Design, where he develops posters, logos and other graphic materials for organizations on campus. He is also in the Honors Program, the South Asians Club, the International Student Organization.

Off campus, Prabal volunteers with Teaneck Tutoring and MEVO. In his free time, he enjoys developing applications and working on creative projects.

Prabal plans on attending graduate school for Data Science and Public Policy.

Eric Sorger

Eric Sorger of Millstone Township, N.J. is a Finance major with a Math minor. He has a 3.96 GPA and is a Presidential Scholarship recipient.  Eric is a member of numerous honor societies and the Secretary of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society.

Eric is involved in the KPMG Mentorship Program, Sophomores Advancing in Leadership, and Leaders in Service, where he acted as a Peer Mentor. He is also on the Dean’s Student Advisory Board and is President and Treasurer of Phi Kappa Sigma, an all-male collegiate fraternity.

Eric recently achieved his dream Retirement Actuarial Internship at Willis Towers Watson, a leading global advisory, risk management, and solutions company. He previously worked as a Budget Analyst Intern in Ramapo’s Budget Office, and he currently works for Commvault as a Financial Planning and Analysis Intern. After graduation, Eric hopes pursue his dream as a full-time actuary.

Caitlin Shurminsky

Caitlin Shurminsky of Mahwah, N.J. is a fourth-year Mathematics major in the Honors Program who plans to become a teacher after graduation. Caitlin is currently completing her clinical practice. She has a 3.99 GPA and has consistently been on the Dean’s List.

Caitlin is a member Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society, and Pi Mu Epsilon Honor Society. She is on the executive board for Kappa Delta Pi and is currently the Secretary for Pi Mu Epsilon.  She also tutors students in Discrete Structures regularly at the TAS Mathematics and Science Tutoring Center at Ramapo.

Off campus, Caitlin teaches Children’s Church and works at Abma’s Farm. “I love helping those in need and working for my community.”

Angelo Petillo

“I’m proud that I’ve been able to successfully balance my school, work, leadership roles, and social life,” says Accounting student Angelo Petillo, who is enrolled in Ramapo’s 4+1 MSAC Program. He is from Point Pleasant, N.J.

Angelo has a 3.5 GPA and made Dean’s List Spring 2017 and 2018, and Fall 2018. He is the President of Tau Delta Phi and interns at Corrado Financial Group. He has also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, completing an anti-bullying campaign that positively impacted his community.

Mandie Mayer

Mandie Mayer of Harrington Park, N.J. is an International Studies major with a minor in Creative Writing. She has a 3.8 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List every semester since she started at Ramapo in 2015.  Recently she studied abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she strengthened her Spanish skills.

At Ramapo, Mandie has been active in the Peer Facilitation Program, Alpha Omicron Pi Women’s Fraternity, and Sigma Iota Rho International Studies Honors Society where she currently serves as President.

Off-campus, she has been involved with Grupo Cajolá, a fair trade economic cooperative based in Guatemala.  This past summer, she worked in Guatemala for 4 weeks where she taught English to weavers and worked in an after-care program for children.  She continues to work with the NGO and has plans to go back next summer.

Adeline Tao

Adeline Tao of Edison, N.J. is a double major in Communication Arts and Asian Studies. She has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the Honors Program and two honor societies.

At Ramapo, Adeline is active in the Yearbook Club, United Asian Association, and the Ramapo News. She has also studied abroad in China and Japan.

During her semester abroad in Japan, she was involved on campus to help relations between the Japanese University and Ramapo. This included writing blogs, joining international clubs, and assisting Japanese students who were about to study abroad at Ramapo.

Amy Aroune

Amy Aroune of Wantage, N.J. is a senior Nursing student in the Honors program. She has a 3.5 GPA and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and serves as the secretary of Rho Alpha Sigma honor society.

At Ramapo, Amy works in Residence Life as a Student Assistant Residence Director and was previously as a Resident Assistant. Her other activities include Honors Development Group Leader, an Executive Board member, a Special Events Committee member, a student aide, and the Student Director of Event-Planning & Community Service.

Amy is most proud of the impact she gets to make on first-year students as a Student Assistant Residence Director, and looks forward to the impact she will make on her patient’s lives as a nurse. “As a nurse professional, I hope to provide positivity to those facing their hardest battles.”

Rachel Lubitz

Rachel Lubitz of East Brunswick, N.J. is a Nursing major.  She has a 3.6 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List for the past 5 semesters.  She currently receives the Provost Academic Scholarship and was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society.

At Ramapo, Rachel is an Admissions Student Ambassador, a Desk Attendant and Office Assistant for the Office of Residence Life.  She is also a member of the United Nations Foundations Global Health Fellowship.  She works as a Nursing Assistant in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Peter’s University Hospital. Rachel volunteers her time with the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization (MEVO) and the assisted living facility in her hometown.

“After graduation, I plan to become a Registered Nurse (RN), and I hope to become a traveling nurse, focusing on public health. My ultimate goal is to work in the United Nations where I will have a voice in advocating for better living standards and human rights.”

Nischal Khatri

Nischal Khatri of Kathmandu, Nepal is a Mathematics major and a Computer Science minor. He has a 3.8 GPA. He is a Presidential Scholar and has made the Dean’s List for the last six semesters.

Nischal is also the president of Pi Mu Epsilon, which is the Math Honors Society. He served as the Treasurer for the International Students’ Organization and has enrolled in other clubs such as the Computer Science and Tech Club and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, among others.

He works on campus as a Network Assistant for the ResNet department and is also involved in Math research with Professor Kenneth McMurdy.

Andrew Herrera

Andrew Herrera of Lake Hiawatha, N.J. is an Environmental Studies major with a minor in Public Policy. He has a 3.97 GPA.  He is also a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and has been on the Dean’s List every semester.

He is also part of the Alpha Psi Omega theater honor society as an actor and improvisational comic and 1STEP (Students Together for Environmental Progress), where he currently serves as treasurer. He traveled with two other members of 1STEP to the 2017 AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) Conference in San Antonio, Texas. He is also president of the Ramapo College Culture Club and serves as a consultant for the Center for Reading and Writing on campus. This past summer, Andrew was a proud member of the Montclair PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies student green teams. “I hope to work with nonprofits and government agencies on conservation and sustainable development before applying to graduate school for urban planning.”

Kelsey Brentnall

Kelsey Brentnall of Hillsdale, NJ is a biology and art major. She has a 3.96 GPA.  She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key National Honor Societies and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Kelsey is a Peer Facilitator on campus and member of the Ramapo College Honors Program Executive Board.  As part of her work with the Executive Board, she has planned events such as Lunch with a Professor.  “Lunch with a Professor is my favorite event because it allows students to connect with teachers outside of the classroom and talk about anything from sports to books,” said Kelsey.

Off campus, Kelsey teaches oil painting to young adults at the Ridgewood Art Institute. She also studied abroad during a summer semester in Rome, Italy.

“After graduation, I hope to continue empowering and helping others by teaching high school students,” said Kelsey.

Sujil Maharjan

Sujil Maharjan of Kathmandu, Nepal is a Computer Science major and Math minor. He has a 3.76 GPA.

At Ramapo, Sujil has been active in several organizations and activities, including the International Student Organization, Student Government Association, and hackRamapo club. He served as a secretary of ISO, senator-at-large of Student Government, and co-founder/treasurer of hackRamapo club.

Sujil has worked off campus as a Software Engineer Intern at GE and as a Microsoft Student Partner.

Kevin Ng

Kevin Ng of Oradell, NJ is a Mathematics major with a minor in Economics and Teacher Certification.  He has a 3.99 GPA and was inducted into the Pi Mu Epsilon Math, Kappa Delta Pi Teacher Education, and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Societies.

At Ramapo, Kevin has been active in several organizations, including SGA, Peer Facilitation, and Fed Challenge. Last year, Kevin served as the Student Trustee and Captain of the Fed Challenge Team.

Off campus, Kevin has served as the Vice President of Statistics and Analytics for the Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League.

Danielle Corcione

Danielle Corcione of Ocean View, N.J., is a literature major with a concentration in creative writing. She is enrolled in the Honors Program and was inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta Literary Honor Society. Danielle has a 3.73 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Danielle has been active in Residence Life, the Potter Library, the Educational Opportunity Fund, Ramapo College Democrats, Model United Nations and the Ramapo News.

Danielle particularly enjoyed participating in a Study Abroad program in Prague, Czech Republic. Danielle plans to attend graduate school to become a college professor.

Amanda Skuriat

Amanda Skuriat of Linden, NJ is an Engineering Physics major who is pursuing Teacher Education
certification. Amanda believes the greatest challenge facing college graduates is standing out among the competition. “The workplace is all about ‘value-add.’ Being knowledgeable in content area is no longer sufficient to guarantee success,” she said. She has learned how to be adaptable and keep an open mind while integrating knowledge from multiple academic fields. She is a student aide and Executive Board liaison for the Honors Program and a Physics lab research assistant. Amanda also serves as the Community Service Projects coordinator for the Honors Program, secretary for the Physics Club and is active in Leaders in Service. Amanda has a 3.84 grade point average.

Jill Tracey

Jill Tracey of Newton, NJ is a Chemistry major with minors in Physics and Mathematics. She believes the greatest challenge facing students is gaining work experience in their chosen careers so that they will be considered for entry level positions. For that reason, she thinks all students at Ramapo College should be aware of the value of internships. A scholar/athlete, Jill is a member of the College’s Women’s Swim team and participates in numerous fundraising events involving swimming. She is president of the Chemistry/Biochemistry Club and a member of the Mathematics and Physics Clubs. She has been inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Phi Lambda Upsilon Chemistry Honor Society, the Golden Key Honor Society and Sigma Athletic Honor Society. Jill has a 3.95 grade point average. Jill plans to attend graduate school to earn a doctoral degree in Chemistry.

Rachel Frank

Rachel Frank is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Psychology. She has earned a 3.86 grade point average. “I believe college graduates will find revitalization in their lives and a meaningful perspective on the world by forging new career paths in environmental sustainability,” she says. “Our challenges will be to reevaluate myths about what happiness means and to reverse the suffering from past decades of industrialized wastefulness.” Rachel is a member of the student E-Board, theYoga Club and the Students for Environmental Progress Club. She traveled to South India last spring on a study abroad program. On campus Rachel is a founding resident of the Environmental Living Facility, volunteers for the Ramapo College Organic Garden, and chaired a campaign to eliminate plastic water bottles. She volunteers at Cropsey Community Farm and for 350.org, a grassroots environmental organization. Rachel is from Oakland, NJ.

Michael Chananie

“I am pursuing a Business Management major with a minor in Accounting,” says Michael Chananie, a senior. “I work at Holy Name Medical Center in its marketing department, following an internship I had a few summers back.” Michael is a volunteer at the Jewish Community Center of Paramus and for the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. On campus Michael holds leadership positions with Hillel, the Honors Program, Donate Life Ramapo, and plays on the intramural volleyball team. With a 3.89 grade point average, he is member of a number of honor societies. “I plan to continue pursuing management in the health care industry,” he says, “by attending graduate school in the fall.”

Dorina Georgieva

Dorina Georgieva is majoring in International Studies with a minor in East Asian Studies. She has earned a 3.93 grade point average. Dorina is an intern at the Institute of International Education and has completed internships for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria and for the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Shanghai, China. At Ramapo she is a member of the Model United Nations Club, the International Student Organization and the Culture Club. She works in the Language Lab as a French language tutor and in the School of American and International Studies office. “The way to understand the complexities of the world is through dialogue and greater tolerance,” she says. “Our greatest challenge is to learn how to promote common values, rather than emphasize differences.”

Education is the way to shape new ways of thinking and forge new practices and behavior. I am deeply thankful that my four years at Ramapo College crafted my personality and opened new fascinating horizons in my life. In my near future, I envision continuing my graduate studies in the field of International Relations. My greatest aspiration is to become an envoy for peace, greater tolerance, and respect around the world.

Lauren Miglionica

Lauren Miglionica of Matawan, NJ is a Communication Arts major concentrating in Media and Cinema Studies. She especially enjoyed an internship with Mercedes-Benz, USA and was fortunate to be offered a part time job there planning events and drafting communications plans. As chapter president of Sigma Delta Tau, she was able to attend a Leadership School in Baltimore. She learned skills that will assist her post-college. In addition, Lauren was one of only 15 recipients nationwide presented with the Regene Freund Cohane Award, named for the sorority’s first chapter president. Lauren, who has a grade point average of 3.93, says, “I am fortunate to enjoy a well-rounded educational experience.”

Receiving this scholarship showed me that an obstacle such as financial issues is never big enough to keep you from following your dreams.

Kenneth Linden

Kenneth Linden of Belle Mead, NJ is a History major with an East Asian Studies minor. He believes Central Eurasia, particularly Mongolia, is a neglected area of study. In addition to course work, he has pursued an independent study program on Russia to gain language skills. As a member of the History Club, he’s worked to bring more non-Western activities and scholars to campus. Kenneth is proud of hosting a screening and discussion of Sergei Bodrov’s film, “Mongrel.” Kenneth, who has a 3.75 grade point average, plans to travel to Central Eurasia to learn more about the region, and earn a doctorate degree.

The scholarship I received helped me throughout my undergraduate career and to be accepted to graduate school, where I will study Central Eurasian and Mongolian History.

Stephen Ferraro

Stephen Ferraro is a senior majoring in psychology, while pursuing the Business Essentials certificate. He has earned a 3.93 grade point average. In high school he volunteered as a tutor, library assistant, as a teacher at his church, and helped build two War Memorials in his home town of Fort Lee, New Jersey. In college Stephen has been an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Shelter Our Sisters, and the Fort Lee Office of Emergency Management. He is an intern at Kiewit Constructors in the human resources department. “My career interests include law enforcement, industrial/organizational psychology, human resource management, and teaching,” Stephen says.

Brooke Dalton

Brooke Dalton is from Edgewater, New Jersey and is majoring in communication arts with a concentration in design and interactive media. Brooke is a senior and has earned a 3.61 grade point average. She is president of the Irish American Club, and a member of the Visual Artist Society, and Alpha Phi Omega (a national service fraternity), and works on campus in the darkroom laboratory. She is a volunteer with the Edgewater Alliance to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse. “I would like to be a working artist and work in graphic arts as a designer,” Brooke says, “and combine my backgrounds in communications and fine arts.”

My scholarship will help me prepare for my future by enabling me to buy the photographic equipment I need.