Bernard J. Milano’s career at KPMG (formerly Peat, Marwick Mitchell & Co.) started July 5, 1961. A graduate of Temple University with a degree in Accounting, he started in KPMG’s Philadelphia office on the audit staff. He earned his CPA, moved into management roles and in 1975 transferred to the KPMG Executive office in New York City to become KPMG’s first National Partner in charge of University Recruiting. In 1987, KPMG moved their administrative offices to Montvale, N.J. where he was employed until his retirement in January 2020. Mr. Milano held increasing roles of responsibility including National Partner in Charge of Human Resources and later, president of the KPMG Foundation.

Founded in 1968, the KPMG Foundation provides funds to strengthen business higher education, faculty research and development and employee volunteerism. The KPMG Foundation is the founder of The Ph.D. Project, which attracts minority individuals in corporate positions to enter doctorate programs and become business professors.

Mr. Milano served on President Bush’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and on President Trump’s same Board. He served on numerous advisory boards and boards of directors including the Points of Light Foundation. He has served on the boards of directors of AACSB International, the accrediting body for university schools of business; the American Accounting Association, the organization of accounting professors; the Episcopal Church Foundation (U.S.); and many others. He is proud of having served on the search committees for both the president and two business school deans at Ramapo. Mr. Milano was awarded honorary doctorates from North Carolina A&T State University, a historically Black university, Kent State University and William Paterson University of New Jersey.

Mr. Milano was an active member of the Ramapo Foundation Board of Governors from 1992 to 2015 and served as chair from 2002 to 2006. In 2018, he was named Governor Emeritus of the Foundation. Mr. Milano established this scholarship fund at Ramapo in 2002.

Black Lives Matter at Ramapo College and in the Anisfield School of Business, and ASB is committed, as scholars, teachers, and staff, to deal with issues of racism of all kinds, anti-Blackness, and the struggle for social justice, particularly as they relate to the business community and the various stakeholders. To affirm his passionate support of these efforts, in 2021 Mr. Milano chose to re-direct his scholarship endowment to Black students wishing to pursue a graduate degree in Accounting.

• For Black students intending to enroll in the Masters of Science in Accounting (MSAC) program at Ramapo College
• Students must submit a one to two page essay describing their career goals and how they arrived at this decision
• Recipient chosen by a committee of ASB Faculty

2024 Recipients

Cesar Duverge

Cesar Duverge of Englewood, N.J. is an Accountant major with a 3.3 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List.

At Ramapo, Cesar has played an active role in his professional fraternity AKPsi, the RFG and the RMCG organizations. These organizations nurtured his expertise, providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and exposure to diverse challenges, shaping him into the professional he is today.

Cesar has also been involved with interning in accounting firms and well-known private corporations. 

After graduation, Cesar will continue his studies in graduate school on the road to become a Certified Public Accountant.

2023 Recipients

2022 Recipients

Samson Wancique

Samson Wancique of Maplewood, N.J. is an Accounting student with a 3.0 GPA. At Ramapo, Samson has been an active member of the Accounting Club and Black Student Union.

In high school, Samson assisted his father in purchasing and selling vehicles, and he was captivated by the numerous moving elements that go into running a successful business. “After years of seeing my father manage a car/shipping business, I understood at a young age that I, too, wanted to be in business. I understood the value of hard work and efficiency as a result of this experience. In the future, I aspire to follow in my father’s footsteps by owning and operating my own vehicle dealership in New Jersey.”

Samson spends his free time practicing his accounting skills by managing and tracking the dealership expenses.

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