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Franzese, Thomas Joseph Foundation Scholarship

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Thomas Joseph Franzese (TJ) was a graduate of Don Bosco Prep and attended Union College and Ramapo College. His family has honored his memory by creating the Thomas Joseph Franzese Foundation, which has partnered with Ramapo College to provide housing and need-based scholarships for students enrolled in the Ramapo Collegiate Recovery Program.

The Ramapo Collegiate Recovery Program allows students the opportunity to pursue or complete their education in a safe and healthy environment. The program is a comprehensive support system, managed by the Center for Health and Counseling Services, and offers stigma-free housing, resources and healthy programming for students in recovery.

  • Students enrolled in Ramapo College Collegiate Recovery Program
  • Students must have completed treatment and have at least 6 months of uninterrupted sobriety

2024 Recipients

Arielle Gromack

Arielle Gromack has been in recovery for nine years and shares her story to spread hope to others. She is a mentor of the Recovery Allies Fusion Organization at Ramapo, has a 3.075 GPA and made the Dean’s list. After receiving her BSW and minor in Substance Use Disorders, she plans to continue her education by earning a MSW.

“I want to turn my pain into purpose by helping others.”


Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.


2023 Recipients

Arielle Gromack

Arielle Gromack has been in recovery for nine years and shares her story to spread hope to others. She is a mentor of the Recovery Allies Fusion Organization at Ramapo, has a 3.075 GPA and made the Dean’s list. After receiving her BSW and minor in Substance Use Disorders, she plans to continue her education by earning a MSW.

“I want to turn my pain into purpose by helping others.”


Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.


2022 Recipient

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.


2020 Recipient

Melvin Jovel

Melvin Jovel was born in Hackensack, N.J. and raised in Mejicanos, El Salvador. He is an Economics major, with minors in Philosophy and Computer Science. He has earned a 3.0 GPA in his first semester at Ramapo. His goal is to earn a Ph.D. in behavioral economics.

Melvin is part of the first regular season championship in Ramapo College men’s soccer history. He works off campus at Segovia Tavern in Oakland, where he is the head food runner.

“I’m proud to be the first person in my family to go to college, and would like my donors to know that in February 2020 I will have 18 months of sobriety.”

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