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Boykow, Thomas G. Memorial Scholarship

Ramapo alumna Nicole Williams ’16 created this scholarship to perpetuate the memory of her cousin Thomas Boykow.  As cousins growing up together, Thomas and Nicole shared a love of music, and in later years, Thomas shared his desire to continue his education and have a college experience.

Thomas’s five-year struggle with substance abuse started when he was just thirteen years old, and he spent years going from rehab to detox centers, hospitals, detention centers, and halfway houses. On December 13, 2013, Thomas passed away of an unintentional drug overdose. Nicole wanted to find a way to honor Thomas’s life, and give recovering young adults the opportunity to pursue the education that her cousin wanted so badly.

The intent of the Thomas G. Boykow Memorial Scholarship is to provide support for a student who is recovering from alcohol or other drug addiction.  Candidates will work closely with the Center for Health and Counseling Services to determine readiness and appropriateness to complete their education and remain abstinent from alcohol and other drugs. The recipient will be chosen by members of the Counseling Center

 

  • Student nominated by Center for Health and Counseling or applies on scholarship website
  • Compelling essay
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Good academic standing (2.5 GPA)
  • Financial need considered, but not determinative

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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