Gregory Z. Bukstein was a beloved and generous benefactor of Ramapo College. He made significant gifts to the Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts. He funded the André Z. Pascal Gallery in memory of his twin brother and this scholarship award in honor of his mother, Mrs. Rachel Bukstein, through a bequest.

Ramapo College worked with Mr. Bukstein to publish Survival: The Story of Two Brothers. The book recounts the story of the Bukstein brothers’ early childhood in Poland, their exile to Siberia, survival during the Holocaust, life as refugees and pioneers in the then newly- created state of Israel and their eventual immigration to the United States. The book accompanied a gallery showing of Asian art the brothers owned.

After Mr. Bukstein’s death in 2007 Ramapo College received hundreds of primarily Asian art works from his private collection. It was his desire that the works be displayed on a rotating basis in the André Z. Pascal Gallery. In addition, the Rachel Bukstein Scholarship was established for students “in great need and truly deserving of the support as a result of their hard work and efforts.”

2011 Recipient

Michael Chiaffarelli

Michael Chiaffarelli played soccer, ran indoor track and spring track and field during his four years at Dumont High School. During this time he also was a member of the Ecology Club, the Teen Freedom Corps, the Chess Club and the Media and Technology clubs. He volunteered as an assistant coach for a youth roller hockey league in his town and was a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is a freshman at Ramapo.

This scholarship will prepare me because I have already worked hard to earn it and now I will work even harder to maintain it, so it will keep up my work ethic for the future.

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