Fuhrman, Mary Memorial Scholarship

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After devoting her life to raising her six children, at an age when most people are looking towards retirement, Mary Fuhrman went back to school to earn her college degree. Mary believed education enables people to become the best individuals they can be. She always reminded her children of the importance of education. Although small in stature, Mary was tall in spirit. She dedicated herself to her studies and earned a bachelor’s in international studies from Ramapo College.

After graduation, Mary went to work in the college library. It was her dream job, working in an academic environment at a highly regarded college. It allowed her to indulge her love of books and to assist students in their studies. Mary passed away in 2013 at the age of 83. She left behind many who miss her and their long discussions (and sometimes heated debates) on current events or numerous other topics.

This scholarship award was set up by Marie Fuhrman to honor her mother’s memory. It was Mary’s belief that we are never too old to pursue an education. The scholarship provides financial assistance to a fourth-year student who demonstrates the drive to succeed, the willingness to sacrifice and who refuses to let age be a barrier.

2018 Recipient

Jane McGurty

Jane McGurty of Ramsey, N.J. is a Social Science major with a minor in Gerontology. She has a 3.981 GPA. She has been inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Adult Honor Society.

Jane is a member of the steering committee for New Jersey Villages (NJV), whose mission is to develop an inter-generational virtual village that supports aging-in-place for seniors in Bergen and Passaic counties. She also helps maintain hiking trails at the Ramapo Reservation for the NY/NJ Trail Conference and works as a Property and Liability Claims Representative.

2017 Recipient

Betina Lewin

Betina Lewin spent over twenty years working in the advertising sales field but always dreamed of becoming an educator. Graduating from Ramapo with a Bachelor’s Degree is a vital step in achieving this lifetime goal. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Education and become certified to teach English-as-Second-Language for grades K-12.

“I believe that learning is a never-ending process and regardless of age or life circumstances, we should always try to expand our knowledge,” says Betina.

The native of Sao Paulo, Brazil is a Professional Communication major in the Contemporary Arts Department. She has a 3.9 GPA.

2016 Recipient

Milixza Martinez

Milixza Martinez of Dumont, NJ, is a Social Science major and has a 3.2 GPA. She is enrolled in the DCP (Degree Completion Program) for returning adult students.

Milixza has been sharing her experience with her friends and colleagues, helping them take the first step toward finishing their education. The DCP program has given her the chance to fulfill a personal goal that she thought she would never accomplish; therefore, she would like to make more people aware of the opportunities this program provides.

2015 Recipient

Diane Madsen

Diane Madsen of Sparta, N.J., is a social sciences major in the College’s degree completion program. She has a 3.87 grade point average. Diane was inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society.
Off campus, Diane is a group home manager with Sussex County Arc of N. J. She is proud of having facilitated the county’s first Overdose Awareness Day in 2013.
Diane plans to pursue a master’s in social work.

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Fuhrman, Mary Memorial Scholarship

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2018 Recipient

Jane McGurty

2017 Recipient

Betina Lewin

2016 Recipient

Milixza Martinez

2015 Recipient

Diane Madsen