Ramapo College Magazine Fall 2002

Leading International Understanding and Twenty-First Century Partnerships: The Inauguration of Dr. Rodney D. Smith

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DID YOU KNOW?

Scholarships are one of the most important means of support the Ramapo College Foundation provides. Generous donors – alumni, faculty and staff, corporations, private foundations, and other friends of the College – demonstrate their confidence in Ramapo students through these awards.

In the 2002 academic year alone, over 200 awards were Environmental Alliance, and a number of other organizagiven, valued at more than $275,000. Here are a few examples tions on campus. She graduated magna cum laude in May of the outstanding students who benefited from scholarships 2002 with a 3.77 grade point average. last year, and the donors who made them possible.

The Francis J. Dwyer Memorial Scholarship is Ashley Autenreith is the first-ever recipient of the named in honor of a union leader at Lever Brothers who Footstar Scholarship/Internship. In addition to tuition took labor courses at Ramapo College. After Mr. Dwyer’s assistance, the Footstar recipient completes a paid, coop- death in 1982, his family established this endowed scholerative education experience in a number of Footstar depart- arship fund in his name, to benefit a needy upperclassman ments, and a final project. Located in Mahwah, Footstar is from New Jersey who is “a social science major interested one of the largest footwear retailers in the U.S., through its in effecting social change.” One of the 2001-2002 recipiFootaction, Just For Feet, and ents of the Dwyer award is Guido Alberti, a political Meldisco subsidiaries. Ashley science major who finished the year with a 3.79 grade point carried a full course load at average. Guido maintained excellent grades while working Ramapo in addition to her work as an Italian tutor, coach for a girl’s soccer team, and a video at Footstar, started a marketing editor. The other recipient, Mary Howard, graduated cum club for students on campus, and laude from Ramapo in May 2002 with a 3.61 grade point was asked to be president of the average. Her major was marketing psychology. As an underDelta Mu Delta honor society. She graduate Mary was active in the Marketing Club and ended the year with a 3.96 grade Psychology Coalition, and was a member of the business Ashley Autenreith, recipient of the point average. honor society, Delta Mu Delta.

Footstar Scholarship/Internship Since it is endowed, The Anis- speaks to benefactors, scholarship Since 1999, 23 Ramapo students have participated in the field Scholarship will provide recipients and their families at the BD Scholars program. Sponsored by medical supplier BD annual Scholarship Reception. tuition assistance to minority More than 190 attended the (formerly Becton-Dickinson), the goals of the program are to students of outstanding academic annual recognition reception. recognize high-achieving international students, students of achievement well into the future. color, and students from undeserved areas. Students also work Millicent Anisfield, a former trustee of the College and closely with a faculty mentor to help assure their success in current member of the Ramapo College Foundation Board school. Seven of the 2001-2002 recipients are shown here. of Governors, created the Anisfield award. One of the 2001-2002 recipients, business administration/accounting major Cesarina Baez, finished the year with a 3.54 grade point average. Cesy is a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon and Delta Mu Delta honor societies, was a volunteer tutor and Student Ambassador, and received numerous awards and honors for service to the College and community.

Vidhi Parekh, an information systems major from India, was active in the International BD (Becton Dickinson) scholars with Mark W. Grannon (L) Co-Chair of the Foundation Development Committee and president Students’ Organization, the Model Rodney D. Smith (R) at the spring Scholarship Reception for benefactors, students and their families. During 2002-2003, the Ramapo College Foundation awarded 239 scholarships, grants, and awards totaling more than $275,000 to students, faculty United Nations Club, the and special College projects.

RAMAPO Magazine

College Executive Officers Rodney D. Smith, Ed.D. President

Fall 2002

Pamela M. Bischoff, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs

Volume 3, Issue 1

Victoria H. Bruni, Esq. Vice President for Administration and Finance Edward Cody, Ph.D. Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs

Feature

Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Dr. Rodney D. Smith is Inaugurated

Rita F. Tepper Vice President for Enrollment Management

Dr. Rodney D. Smith officially became the third president of Ramapo College of New Jersey in an Inauguration ceremony held May 2 on the College’s campus.

Board Chairs Gail Brady Board of Trustees Bernard Milano Board of Governors

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David Berntsen Alumni Association

Departments

Helen Thayer Friends of Ramapo

Ramapo Magazine Staff Editor-in-Chief Cathleen Davey

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Ramapo News

Executive Editor Rosa Diaz-Mulryan

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Ramapo Foundation

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Alumni

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Athletics

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In the Spotlight

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Calendar

Managing Editor Christine Baker News Editor Bonnie D. Franklin Alumni Editor Janet Dengel Foundation Editor Kathleen Austin Sports Editor Rachel McCann Design: Camarès Communications www.camares.com Cover Photo: Joseph Salmon Other Photos: Joseph Salmon, unless otherwise noted Information contained in this magazine can be made available upon request in alternate media.

Requests should be directed to the Office of Institutional Advancement, (201) 684-7611.

Alumni Contact and Change of Address: Janet Dengel at (201) 684-7179 or jdengel@ramapo.edu Student Affairs Contact: Pam Bischoff at (201) 684-7457 or pbischof@ramapo.edu Visit our Web site at www.ramapo.edu Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Institutional Relations.

Ramapo College of New Jersey 505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, New Jersey 07430-1680

Pinkie LeKoa, from South Africa, wearing traditional attire at the International Food Festival, part of

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International Week activities.

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RAMAPO SECTION NAME NEWS

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Bioinformatics Major is Approved Ramapo College has received state approval for its new interdisciplinary major, bioinformatics, which builds on well-established programs in biology and computer science.

Ramapo began offering courses in the bioinformatics major in September 2002. The program leads to a bachelor of science degree.

Ramapo’s program is the first baccalaureate degree program in bioinformatics in New Jersey and one of the first in the United States offered by a primarily undergraduate four-year college. Other existing programs are typically in research institutions that offer doctoral degrees.

Bioinformatics is a young i n t e rd i s c i p l i n a ry science that was born from the marriage of biology and computer science. It is applied to manage biologi-

Cornel West is Conference Speaker Dr. Cornel West, who recently announced that he is leaving his position as a professor of Afro-American studies and philosophy of religion at Harvard to move to Princeton University, was the keynote speaker at a conference on the State of the AfricanAmerican Professoriate held

Federal Appropriation Will Support Roukema Center

Professor Paramjeet Bagga, head of the interdisciplinary bioinformmatics major, reviews protein molecules for teaching students to understand and experiment with a protein structure.

cal information and solve biological problems with the help of computer science-based technology. The management involves gathering, storing, analyzing, and integrating data that can then be used for molecular modeling, gene discovery, assignment of func-

tions to newly discovered genes, and study of relationships like structure and function of genes and proteins. The information obtained by the application of this powerful new technology can potentially be applied to prevent, diagnose, and treat inherited

at Ramapo College in April.

Dr. Henry Vance Davis, associate professor of history at Ramapo, organized the conference.

Other major speakers included Dr. Sharon Harley, interim director and associate professor of the Afro-American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, College Park, who spoke on “The State of the AfricanAmerican Professoriate from the Gender Perspective,” and

Dustin Washington, director of the Youth Leadership Development Program with the Seattle American Friends Service Committee.

Additional presentations covered many subjects including self-esteem in “at risk” students, blacks in Africana studies programs in predominantly white colleges and universities, completion of the doctorate by students of color, and AfricanAmerican historical research.

and other diseases, design new drugs and vaccines, shorten the development cycle of new medicines and much more.

For more information, contact Dr. Paramjeet Bagga, director of Ramapo’s bioinformatics program, (201) 684-7722.

Dr. Cornel West speaking at a conference on the state of the African-American Professoriate held at Ramapo College in April.

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Ramapo College received a federal appropriation of $800,000 toward the planned Roukema Center for International Education and Entrepreneurship. The grant will provide funding for equipment, programs, and furnishings.

In recognition of her long-standing support for higher education and v i g o rous intern a t i o n a l commerce, Ramapo College will name the new center for Congresswoman Marge Roukema (R-NJ).

Expanded and upgraded facilities will make it possible to offer regional and national conferences on global business practices, global environmental issues, immigration and the economy, intercultural communications, international labor issues, women and the global economy and global human rights.

Ramapo Publishes Biography of Bukstein Brothers

the Holocaust era, life as refugees and pioneers in the newly-created state of Israel, and their eventual emigration to the United States. If interested in reading the Buksteins’ inspirational story, call (201) 684-6844 to request a copy.

Ramapo recently completed publication of a biographical booklet, Survival: The Story of Two Brothers, on benefactor Gregory Bukstein and his brother, André Z.

Delta Mu Delta Induction Delta Mu Delta, the national honor society in business administration, recently inducted 74 students from the School of Administration and Business undergraduate and graduate programs.

President Rodney Smith and Trustee Gail Brady were honorary inductees. Graduating senior Manshi Joisher was the third member of her family to be inducted into the organization.

Previously, her sister and mother, also Ramapo alums, were inducted.

Pascal, for whom a gallery in Ramapo College’s Berrie Center is named. Written by freelance writer Melissa Burdick Harmon, the booklet tells the story of the Bukstein brothers’ early childhood in Poland, exile to Siberia, survival during

Congresswoman Marge Roukema and Ramapo president Dr. Rodney D. Smith unveil plans for the Roukema Center for International Education and Entrepreneurship.

Radcliffe Bailey Exhibit Explores Family History Atlanta artist Radcliffe Bailey, a visiting artist at Ramapo during the spring 2002 semester, created a unique installation about spiritual migration that referenced his family history in Georgia and New Jersey. Collaborating with students, Bailey transformed the Ramapo College gallery space by painting two of the walls green and building an environment.

The installation includes large photographs from family albums and other found sources as well as actual tobacco leaves, glass jugs, preserved insects, text, silk-screened train tracks, and recorded sounds. Wall texts denoted places of African Diaspora migration ranging from Richmond, VA to Benin, Nigeria. The exhibit was the second in the semester’s AfricanAmerican Series.

Radcliffe Bailey’s unique installation about spiritual migration that references his family history.

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RAMAPO NEWS

Walter Brown Is Awarded a Fulbright

Patricia Ard Is Co-Author of The Jews of New Jersey

Walter T. Brown (AIS) was recently awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant through the United States Department of State. This is his fifth Fulbright Award, with three previous awards funded through the U.S. Department of Education and one through the Department of State. All of his research has dealt with Muslim minority populations, their culture and politics. His most re c e n t Fulbright Scholar grant s u p p o rted teaching and research at the Institute of Asia and Africa in Tbilisi in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia from September 2001 through June 2002.

Through a happy coincidence that may be a first, Brown’s daughter, Kara Brown, also recently received a Fulbright Fellowship. She has completed all course requirements for the Ph.D. at Indiana University and through the Fulbright program is pursuing Ph.D. research in Estonia. She received scholarship awards to study Russian, Estonian, and Czech languages at universities in those respective countries and published articles on their education, policies, history, and politics.

The Jews of New Jersey: A Pictorial History, the first book to pay tribute to the visual heritage of this group, offers the reader a glimpse into the rich culture and history of New Jersey’s Jewish community. Co-authored by assistant professor Patricia M. Ard and Michael Aaron Rockland, a professor of American studies at Rutgers U n i v e r s i t y, the book combines a lively narrative and hundreds of archival and rare family

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photographs that contribute to the reality of Jewish history. Published by Rutgers University Press, the book is of interest to a wide audience, from historians to general readers.

Volgograd/ Ramapo Joint Ventures Dr. Tom Heed, associate p rofessor of history, was recently awarded professor emeritus status by Volgograd Pedagogical University. This is only the fourth time in the university’s seventy-year history that this honor has been conferred. Heed also

RAMAPO NEWS

was featured in the newsletter Frontline, published by the Irex Corporation. The article described the activities of Heed and visiting scholar Olga Leonovich, whose students at Ramapo and Volgograd share research and professors in a grant-supported project.

Heed and Leonovich have received a new grant from the State Department for a project to construct a model for international studies, linking two new internationalized American studies programs. The two institutions will share faculty and pair students in this innovative pedagogical venture.

Rector Valery Danilchuk presents President Rodney Smith with a gift from Volgograd. Rector Danilchuk visited Ramapo College in February, participating in the U.S. Department of State grant received by Professor Thomas Heed, to develop the American Studies program at Volgograd State Pedagogical University. Rector Danilchuk is a leading force in Russian higher education.

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Dr. Kwadwo Yeboah-Gyan, head of biology (second from left), and Dr. Aboagye Menyeh, dean of the science faculty (middle), both from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, meet with Ramapo President Dr. Rodney Smith (far right) and Dr. Kwesi Aggrey, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Ramapo (far left), to finalize details of an exchange agreement between the two institutions.

Exchange Agreement with University in Ghana Administrators from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana recently met with their counterparts at Ramapo to work out the details of an exchange agreement.

Dr. Kwadwo Yeboah-Gyan, head of biology, and Dr. Aboagye Menyeh, dean of the science faculty, both from Kwame Nkrumah, worked with Dr. Kwesi Aggrey, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Ramapo, President Rodney Smith and Ramapo faculty to finalize the agreement which will produce study abroad opportunities for Ramapo students and exchanges of faculty between the two institutions. The exchange will

New MBA Course Developed

start in fall 2002 when a biology professor from Ghana begins teaching at Ramapo. This will be followed by a study abroad program in Ghana in environmental science and West African history, slated to take place in summer 2003. In addition, following upgrades in Ramapo’s computer and science labs, the College will send surplus Dell computers, MACs, monitors, scanners, printers, physics and biology lab equipment, and textbooks to the Ghanaian university. Previously, Dr. Edward Saiff, professor of biology, and Kathleen Burke, assistant dean of Ramapo’s joint nursing programs with UMDNJ, along with Aggrey, went to Ghana to discuss starting a nursing program in the Ghanian university’s medical school.

Professors William Frech and Peter Hellawell (both from the School of Administration and Business) recently developed a new MBA course, International Business Issues, focusing on economic, political and social aspects of international business. A requirement of the semester-long course is a one-week stay in Ireland, studying six international businesses first hand. Wa t e rf o rd Crystal was one of the companies studied during the class’ March trip. Students also met with executives of the six companies onsite. The program, which is affiliated with the National University of Ireland at Galway, will be offered on an annual basis.

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Upward Bound Students Win Awards Rizwana Yasmin and Milan Vasic, two Ramapo College Upward Bound students, won Edison Memorial Scholarship Awards based on research p rojects they completed last summer with Professors Paramjeet Bagga and Rob Mentore.

They received a $1000 scholarship and a Congressional Resolution was presented by Congressman Bill Pascrell at Edison Day on June 1. Their names were inscribed on a permanent plaque and their projects will be displayed for one y e a r. Yasmin will be attending Ramapo in the fall. Vasic will attend Montclair University.

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“Ramapo College of New Jersey:

Leading International Understanding and 21st Century Partnerships.”

Dr. Rodney D. Smith officially became the third president of Ramapo College of New Jersey in an Inauguration ceremony held May 2 in the Athletic Center on the College’s campus. In his remarks, Smith presented his vision for Ramapo in an address entitled, “Ramapo College of New Jersey: Leading International Understanding and 21st Century Partnerships.” Attending the Inauguration were Governor James McGreevey, who was awarded his first honorary degree, delegates from other colleges and universities, and faculty and staff of Ramapo College and Hampton University (VA), where Smith held the position of vice president for planning and dean of the Graduate College.

New Jersey Governor James McGreevey and Ramapo President Rodney D. Smith listen to remarks during the Inaugural ceremony held May 2, 2002 at Ramapo College.

Also attending were Ramapo’s two former presidents, founding President George T. Potter, who served the College from 1969 to 1984, and Adelphi President Robert A. Scott, who was president of Ramapo from 1985 to 2000. Former U.S. Senator Paul Seward Trible, Jr., president of Christopher Newport University in Virginia, was the guest speaker at a brunch prior to the ceremony.

Dr. Donna Crawley, then acting vice president for academic affairs, served as master of ceremonies of the Installation ceremony, which began with a musical prelude by the Mahwah High School Brass Ensemble, directed by David Butterfield. The processional was led by Dr. Pamela Bischoff, vice president for student affairs and the event’s chief marshal, and Dr. Edward Saiff, president of the Faculty

Assembly, who served as mace bearer. Following an invocation by the Reverend Prince Singh of Saint Alban’s Episcopal Church and the singing of The National Anthem

by Ramapo student Khadijah Baker ‘03 accompanied by, Mack Brandon, assistant professor of music, Gail Brady, then vice chair of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees, welcomed guests.

Greetings were offered by: Jargalsaikhany Enksaikhan, ambassador, permanent representative of Mongolia to the United Nations; Joeen Ciannella representing the Honorable Marge Roukema, congresswoman; Honorable James E. McGreevey, governor of New Jersey; Joann Haysbert, representing Dr. William R. Harvey, president, Hampton University; Dr. Joseph McCarthy, associate dean and direc7

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tor of degree programs, Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government; Thomas Palmer, chair, Foundation Board of Governors; David Berntsen, ’95, president, Alumni Board of Directors; Dr. Joseph Dallon, Jr., professor of biology, and John Tomaszewski, then president, Student Government Association.

A musical interlude by Street Singers, a select group of Ramapo College student performers directed by Dr. Barbara Gordon, adjunct professor of music, followed the greetings.

Arthur C. Ramirez, then chair of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees, conducted the Investiture ceremony and presentation of the president’s medallion, after which Smith presented his Inaugural address. Student Tara Hannagan ‘03, accompanied by Mack Brandon, led the singing of the alma mater. A recessional by the Mahwah High School Brass Ensemble directed by David Butterfield concluded the ceremony.

Following an outdoor reception, guests enjoyed an Inaugural dinner held in The Trustees Pavilion and viewed a congratulatory video message from Dr. Harvey, a mentor to Dr. Smith. The Friends of Ramapo hosted a luncheon in honor of Dr. Christina Ramirez-Smith on May 3. That evening, a Caribbean Night party for students celebrated President Smith’s Inauguration and Bahamian heritage with food, music, and dancing.

Excerpts from the Inaugural address May 2, 2002 Given by Dr. Rodney D. Smith, Third President of Ramapo College of New Jersey “Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon… must inevitably come to pass!”

Paul J. Meyer I am inspired by the challenges and magnitude of the charge of leading this most innovative of institutions into the future. Often in life we find ourselves taking on challenges that both weigh heavily and strengthen us at the same time.

While they empower us, these challenges also require all the strength, creativity, skill, patience, and sensitivities that make us who we are. They cause us to reach beyond our expectations of ourselves – beyond our limitations – becoming and fulfilling our destinies.

I remember growing up on a small island, away from the U.S. mainland, in the Atlantic Ocean – where we took it for granted that we could fish whenever we wanted, swim where we wanted, and live wherever we wanted. I remember the cool tropical breeze sweeping over the sea…as I looked out at the vast ocean where the sky met the sea – watching the sun sink deep into the water. I remember wondering what was beyond those deep waters – I wondered about what future awaited beyond the horizon.

Time has indeed answered that question for me, as it surely will for all of you. Call it a dream – a wish – an expectation or even a plan – it may be totally unanticipated. It will require patience, persistence, and perseverance…and yes, prayers – but know that it is there – waiting. Believe in it. Believe in your-

To view Dr. Smith’s Inaugural speech in its entirety, please visit www.ramapo.edu/ inauguration

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self. Trust that it will come – then, when it does – you too will feel as blessed and as grateful as I feel today.

By these Inaugural events, you have allowed me to enter into a partnership as a co-heir of Ramapo’s achievements, traditions, challenges, and dreams. You have welcomed me to partner in your ideals, to join in the fulfillment of Ramapo’s duties, rights, and obligations.

As we forge ahead in this new partnership, this strengthened relationship, we must look to the future as we reflect on where the College has been, the courses that were chosen, the choices made, and then move to establish a clear vision beyond the vast unknown oceans that lie ahead. We must seek to understand the tides, the many currents, the uncharted seas. We must appreciate the richness of the ocean and respect the unknowns…that await within its depths. We must have confidence in our ship, our course, and yes – our cargo.

Our ship, Ramapo College, was firmly built some thirty years ago from the most sturdy of stock. Ramapo College is the direct result of faith, determination, and persistence, sprinkled with a genuine concern for others and a true love for teaching and learning.

Today, Ramapo College continues to survive and thrive because of the undying devotion to teaching and learning…that has been nurtured by these same founding faculty and staff. The success of this experimental institution is not just to be found in its mission…but also, and perhaps more so, in the degree of commitment the faculty and staff have maintained toward creating better graduates, expanding the world of knowledge, sensitizing all to the need to create and maintain sustainable living and learning environments, and yes, a commitment to finding opportunities to be of service

in ways that most institutions did not even dream of 30 years ago. The common denominator within the equation has been the maintenance of all factors over time – longevity of service.

As I prepare to explore with you, the future of Ramapo College, allow me to remind all of us that we owe it to ourselves, simply on the basis of our own integrity, to be true to ourselves…as individuals and as a teaching and learning institution, to continually examine and adjust our lives…so we are harmonious…with who or what we want to be and where we want to go.

Change and growth at Ramapo College have always been linked with historic events; events that have either altered our interpretation of the world, or social and demographic events resulting in redefining the College’s mission.

There is no doubt that this has been a year like no other, a year of national and international tragedies and heartbreaking losses. These events should initiate in each of us, as keepers of the flame, the commitment to examine and adjust our institutions, no matter how painful the process, so we can once again be in harmony with who we want to be and where we want to go.

Today, we live in a world that has changed – therefore we must prepare students for a changed world; a world that requires interpretations and understandings…that we were never asked to imagine.

Ramapo College of New Jersey, a 21st Century pace-setter, must become, by its very mission, one of the top schools…that our corporate and public sector partners seek when recruiting…both American and international students…who possess global understanding at the undergraduate level.

Inaugural Reception. Presidents of Ramapo College, Dr. George Potter, 1969-1984 (L); Dr. Rodney D. Smith, 2001-present (center); and Adelphi University President Robert A. Scott, 1985-2000 (R) at the Inaugural reception.

Inaugural Brunch. John Tomaszewski, then president of Ramapo's Student Government Association (L) greets Ramapo President Rodney D. Smith (middle) and Senator Paul Seward Trible, Jr. (R) at the Inaugural Brunch. Senator Trible, President of Christopher Newport University, presented the keynote address.

Inaugural Procession. Leading the Inaugural processional are Francis Raftery, piper, Dr. Edward Saiff, bearer of the College mace (L) and Dr. Pamela Bishoff, chief marshal (R).

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Installation Ceremony. (L to R) Arthur C. Ramirez, then chair of the Board of Trustees, David Berntsen ’85, president Alumni Board of Governors, Thomas Palmer, then chair Board of Governors, Joeen Ciannella with remarks on behalf of Congresswoman Marge Roukema, President Rodney Smith, Donna Crawley, then acting vice president of Academic Affairs, Jargalsaikhany Enksaikhan, ambassador, permanent representative of Mongolia to the United Nations, and former Ramapo President Robert Scott.

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The mace

symbolizes the office of the president and is carried by a representative of the president. Ramapo’s mace is hexagonally shaped, hand-crafted from solid natural cherry, and custom turned by hand.

A new mace, featuring Ramapo College’s seal in silver, was created for the Inauguration of Dr. Smith.

The old mace was retired and this new mace will be used in all future presidential ceremonies and commencements.

International Education We will seek to expand the four pillars of excellence throughout the curriculum, while seeking to partner with corporate groups at home and abroad to collaboratively introduce initiatives at the undergraduate level…to prepare new leaders for the 21st century.

We will expand corporate partnerships to offer newly designed post-9/11 Executive Development Seminars for renewed understanding and appreciation for world events and meanings.

Ramapo College will maintain its position as a pace-setter in the corporate/higher education arena. And, in the very near future, we will bring all these resources and partnerships together in the creation of even more innovative opportunities under the Roukema Center for International Education and Entrepreneurship.

Toward the fulfillment of our mission of international education, the students of Ramapo College must be prepared for the challenges of world citizenship and world leadership.

Our students must have a solid understanding and concern for the fundamental issues of world peace, poverty, commerce, and politics…including: war, terrorism, racism, global warming, pollution, and the depletion of our forests and fisheries.

Ramapo students will be prepared to understand and tackle important issues of our world. In that respect, part of our mission is to develop Ramapo’s relationship with the United Nations and other global players. This will be a powerful new strategy that fully exploits the fact that the United Nations is in our backyard.

Intercultural Understanding Therefore, in fulfillment of our mission of intercultural understanding, we will not confuse America’s richness in multiculturalism with intercultural and intracultural understanding.

Despite America’s diversity, we have remained shut-off, segregated in our knowledge and understanding of our fellow Americans…and thus the world-at-large. At Ramapo College we will create forward and backward linkages to the past and the future. We will not be narrow in our interpretations of our neighbor and thus the world.

In America, we have the greatest diversity of any country; we are more diverse in religions, in ethnic groups, in languages, in cultures and customs. We will expand programs to foster an appreciation of American diversity. We will expand opportunities for all students. We will partner with other colleges and universities to provide learning experiences within international and intracultural environments.

Inaugural Dinner. Mr. & Mrs. Manfred Edelman and Dr. Christina Ramirez-Smith (center) attended the Inaugural dinner. The late Mr. Edelman was a past chairman of the Board of Governors of the Foundation and served as co-chairman of the Foundation's Development Committee.

The President’s medallion

prominently displays the new Ramapo College of New Jersey official seal. The Ramapo College seal depicts the ornate pillar carved in the College’s red sandstone arch situated at the core of the campus.

The Ramapo College arch is a visual and symbolic college centerpiece that was moved from New York City in 1916.

The carved pillar on the seal is a symbol of the four pillars of The Ramapo College mission and our liberal arts foundation.

The overall design of the medallion is meant to embody the spirit, essence, and philosophy of our educational institution. It is used for special presidential functions.

programs, thus giving students the opportunity to complete undergraduate degrees in three years. Our interdisciplinary approach will be expanded, allowing faculty to explore the implementation of five-year master’s degree programs that allow undergraduates to work toward advanced degrees.

Liberal Education Our students will be world leaders who have passion and compassion. Their liberal education will equip them to deal effectively in a rapidly changing world. Through our emphasis on the liberal arts, our students will learn not only skills of math, sciences and technology, but also gain knowledge of cultures, languages, history, literature, art, geography, all with a global perspective on the world’s issues.

Ramapo’s education will be at the heart of a 21st century public liberal arts education. We will not seek university status.

We will seek even greater recognition as a liberal arts college of distinction, focusing on a rigorous undergraduate academic program, while offering graduate and professional opportunities.

We will foster levels of understanding – at the undergraduate level – that are similar to graduate levels at most universities.

Our students will be able to work effectively across America and across different cultures. The future belongs to them. And they shall be prepared for it!

The future of Ramapo College continues to beckon as a beacon for this 1969 innovation that became a 1986 tradition and now, in 2002, a 21st century pace-setter – Leading International Understanding and 21st Century Partnerships!

Ramapo College believes that the key to international understanding and world peace begins at home. In expanding our mission to seek opportunities to make education accessible to underserved populations, we will seek to expand services to the community by providing continuing education opportunities; we will ask the faculty to explore a means of keeping a promise made to our founding trustee, Mrs. Thomases back in 1969.

We will seek to establish the Ramapo College Hackensack Center as a direct means to provide educational and training opportunities.

In the words of Langston Hughes: “The dream belongs not just to the dreamer, but to all the hands that help to build.”

Interdisciplinary Teaching Towards our mission of interdisciplinary teaching the faculty will collaborate and continue exploring future changes in subject and area majors. We will seek ways to expand summer

To view Dr. Smith’s Inaugural speech in its entirety, please visit www.ramapo.edu/ inauguration

Friends of Ramapo Luncheon. Helen "Muff" Thayer (L) President of Friends of Ramapo, welcomes Dr. Christina Ramirez-Smith (R) at an Inaugural luncheon in her honor hosted by the Friends.

Cordials and Conversation. President Rodney D. Smith and Dr. Christina RamirezSmith (L) with Mr. & Mrs. Arthur C. Ramirez (R) as they celebrate Dr. Smith's Inauguration. Mr. Ramirez then served as Chairman of the Ramapo College Board of Trustees.

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Carribbean Night. Ramapo students celebrated President Smith’s Inauguration and Bahamian heritage with food, music,and dancing at a Caribbean night party.

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(L to R) Bernard Milano, chairman of the Distinguished Citizens Dinner committee; Thomas Palmer, chairman of the Foundation; Edward (Ned) B. Lipes, Carol D. Schaefer (distinguished honoree), Senator Jon S. Corzine, Michael J. Regan (distinguished honoree); Ramapo College President Rodney D. Smith and Cathleen Davey, executive director of the Foundation.

Past recipients of the Distinguished Citizens Award who attended the 2002 affair, (L to R) Thomas Dunn, John Nallin, William Miller, Frank Kraus, Ed Kopko, Congresswoman Marge Roukema, Sam Kusumoto and the late Manfred Edelman.

Distinguished Citizens Dinner An Evening to Remember Senator Jon S. Corzine; Edward (Ned) B. Lipes, group president of Howmedica Osteonics Corp.; Michael J. Regan, vice chairman and the chief administrative officer (CAO) of KPMG LLP; and Carol D. Schaefer, a psychotherapist and 1984 graduate of Ramapo College were honored for their leadership and commitment to higher

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2002 Foundation Mission Award

Foundation Annual Golf Outing

Performing Arts and Dinner Series

Donald J. Mahoney ’73 and Richard Conti were the 2002 Ramapo College Foundation Mission Award recipients. The award recognizes distinguished service by members of the Board of Governors in fulfilling the Foundation’s mission “to provide the resources that make the difference in Ramapo College’s quest for educational excellence.’’

Combined, the recipients have provided more than thirty years of service to the Foundation. Conti serves as secretary of the Board of Governors and Mahoney is chairperson of the Golf Committee and a past Distinguished Citizens Dinner honoree. Instituted in 1998, the award is presented each year at the Foundation’s annual meeting.

The 15th Annual Foundation Golf Outing, sponsored by SEIKO CORPORATION OF AMERICA and held July 15 at the Tuxedo Club, raised more than $64,000 to support efforts for students.

Be in the spotlight of Ramapo College Foundation’s Performing Arts & Dinner Series. Dinner receptions are held prior to the performances. Preferred seating is available in the breathtaking Sharp Theater at the Berrie Center. Your participation will support student scholarships, faculty development opportunities and critical College projects.

Six outstanding performances are being offered: October 19, Phoebe Snow in concert; November 23, The Second City comedy troupe; December 13, The American Boychoir Holiday Concert; January 29, The Acting Company Presenting Studs Terkel’s American Dreams: Lost & Found; and February 8, Eileen Ivers in concert.

This series is great for couples, groups, friends, or business clientele. Don’t miss out. For additional information contact Kathleen Austin at 201-684-6834 or e-mail kaustin@ramapo.edu.

Representing SEIKO CORPORATION OF AMERICA at the Foundation’s annual golf outing (L to R), president Toyoji Todaka, Ron Luino, Tom Rossiter, and Dan Miller.

education at the 20th Annual Distinguished Citizens Dinner held March 2, 2002 at Rockleigh Country Club. The Dinner raised more than $137,000 to support efforts for student scholarships, College projects and faculty development opportunities.

The Commerce Bank Summer Concert Series The Summer Concert Series sponsored by Commerce Bank and hosted by the Foundation, opened with a record crowd. Additional support for the four concert series was provided by the Friends of Ramapo, Ramapo College Alumni Association and the McBride Agency, Realtors.

On Thursday, July 11, the New Jersey Pops and a brilliant display of fireworks dazzled the audience.

Larry West, Branch Manager of the Interstate office (L) and Devry Pazant, Branch Manager of Lake Street office (R) from Commerce Bank welcome the New Jersey Pops at the Commerce Summer Concert Series.

KPMG’s Bernard J. Milano to Head Foundation’s Board of Governors

Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors at the Foundation’s annual meeting in June 2002. He has served as a member of the Foundation’s Executive Committee for more than five years and is also a member of the Ramapo College Strategic Planning Committee.

Bernard J. Milano, executive director and trustee of the KPMG Foundation, was named president of the

The late Manfred H. Edelman.

Tribute to the late Manfred H. Edelman

Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss the 2003 Distinguished Citizens Dinner on March 8, 2003.

For additional information contact Kathleen Austin at (201) 684-6834 or e-mail kaustin@ramapo.edu.

Fusion Tango

Thomas Palmer, president of DAF Products, Inc., who has served as chairman of the Board of Governors since 2000, will co-chair the Foundations Distinguished Citizen Dinner committee during the coming year.

Bernard Milano is the new chairman of the Board of Governors.

Mission Award recipients Richard Conti (second from left), Donald J. Mahoney ’73 (center) with Dr. Smith (far left) and Tom Palmer (far right).

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13

Manfred H. Edelman, who passed away on June 29, 2002, was a principal/partner in The Leadership Center, a management consultant firm located in Upper Saddle River. He retired from the Sharp Electronics Corpora-

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Career Networking:

A Business Concept Working for Alumni and Students

tion in Mahwah, where he was a group vice president and senior executive for thirteen years. Prior to joining Sharp, he spent most of his career in the international field. He traveled extensively while associated with The Pfizer Corporation, E.R. Squibb and Sons, Inc., and the Singer Corporation.

Edelman was very active in local business and community activities. He served

on the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors for more than fifteen years, including three as chairman (1994-97).

He successfully chaired Ramapo’s first comprehensive capital campaign, which raised funds to build the Center for Performing and Visual Arts, and was the current co-chair of the Development Committee leading the Sports and Recreation

The Business of Networking

meet and network. Presenters have included Clateo Castillini, former CEO of Becton Dickinson; Jim Florio, former governor; Bill Bradley, former United States senator, Rhoads Scholar, and New York Knicks’ star; Per Lofberg, former president of MerckMedco; John Stossel, ABC News correspondent; and Rick Cerone, owner/president of the Newark Bears Baseball Club.

Four presentations are offered each year and the business community is invited to take part in the events without charge, thanks to the generosity of Merrill Lynch’s Private Client Group. The group, headed by Merrill Lynch Vice President Scott Mahoney, sponsors the Business Network and underwrites the costs as a service to businesses and the general public.

Robert Tillsley has chaired the Business Network Committee since its founding. Tillsley is president of McBride National Services, a nationwide commercial real

About ten years ago, a group of Ramapo College supporters from the business community conceived an idea to bring business and professional people to campus. They reasoned that if this community was more familiar with the College, they would spread the word about the excellent education offered at Ramapo College, and there would be increased support for scholarships, research, and program expansion.

The Ramapo College Business Network was born, and still operates successfully a decade later. The network offers presentations by individuals known throughout the region. The speakers attract audiences from the business community in northern New Jersey and parts of New York State.

Presentations are made in an informal atmosphere after a wine and hors d’ oeuvres reception allows attendees to

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Center Campaign. He was a former director and president of the Mahwah Chamber of Commerce and vice chairman of the Board of Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ).

Manfred recently served as the interim president for CIANJ. His leadership and dedication was greatly valued by many non-profit organizations including the

Mahwah Education Foundation, United Negro College Fund, Boy Scouts, and Good Samaritan Hospital.

Edelman graduated from Bucknell University and served in the United States Marine Corps. He and his wife, Joy, recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He treasured spending time with their three children, Karen, Kirk, and Karl, and four grandchildren.

(L to R) Cathleen Davey, vice president of institutional advancement; Ramapo College President Rodney D. Smith; John Stossel, ABC News Correspondent and featured Business Network presenter; and Ramapo College Professor Murray Sabrin share a few minutes of conversation at a recent Business Network meeting.

estate organization. He also co-chairs the Foundation’s Performing Arts & Dinner Series through which he stays involved with his lifelong love of music and theater. Additionally, he serves as vice chair of the Ramapo College Board of Governors. Robert and Susan Tillsley support every performance, and have contributed significantly to the success of the Center as a focal point for performing arts in the region.

A dedicated committee works with Robert Tillsley to engage presenters and to locate financial support for the Business Network.

Committee members include

14

An alumni profile usually features one prominent graduate who has risen to great heights after receiving a degree from Ramapo. In this case, the profile is about 600 alumni who are rising to the call to stay connected to Ramapo and are providing a real resource to the College.

The Alumni Career Network, with more alumni signing up online each day, has matched students with alumni for internships, co-ops and mentoring relationships, as well as providing a networking system for all alumni.

In spring 2002, alumni and students had many opportunities to connect with tangible results–jobs, interview skills, and career connections. On March 19, alumni helped current students discover career opportunities as they shared their work experiences and handed out business cards during the first Faculty/ Alumni/Student CONNECT night.

The Alumni Lounge was sectioned into five areas–one for each school of study–with a faculty representative and alumni holding degrees in those areas. The evening was co-sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Cahill Center for Experiential Learning and Career Services. The next day, students sat one-on-one with professional alumni who conducted mock interviews, giving students valuable feedback, tips, and tactics.

“Seventeen years ago when I graduated from Ramapo, I had no alumni contacts–if they were out there, I didn’t know them,“ said David Berntsen ’85, president of the Ramapo College Alumni Association. “Today, we are starting a network with 17,000 alumni who can help with jobs and career advice. Somewhere in

Alumni and faculty connect with Ramapo students to provide job search advice, career insights, and mentorships. (L to R) Priscilla Tovey ’86, Cynthia Holland ’89, Manshi Joisher ’02, and Purvi Joisher ’01.

Ramapo graduates as members. The Alumni Career Network is also in the process of compiling a list of alumni who own businesses or sell products/services. This will allow alumni to help each other through tough economic times while developing business contacts and renewing friendships. Business Card Exchange Nights are also being planned. For information, call the Alumni Office at (201) 684-7179 or e-mail jdengel@ramapo.edu.

Now you can be a part of the online Ramapo Alumni Career Network. Here are some ways to get involved: • Sign up for the Alumni Career Network online at www.ramapo.edu.

• Become a mentor to students and fellow alumni to help them in their job search and professional development; or, post your resumé and search jobs targeted to Ramapo College.

To begin, go to www.collegecentral.com/ramapo. Then click Students/Alumni. On this page, click Alumni Central (the school code is Ramapo). From here, you can post your resumé, then search jobs or visit the mentoring network to post a mentoring profile for students and fellow alumni. All services are free and your personal information is kept confidential.

• Tell us your story–the new Alumni Web and Editorial Committee is looking for great alumni success stories to post on the alumni section of the College Web site. To tell your story, call (201) 684-7179 or e-mail jdengel@ramapo.edu.

• Watch for Web for Alumni and Alumni Connections soon to be added to the Ramapo College Web site. These areas will provide an interactive way for alumni and students to explore career options plus post jobs, internships, and resumés online.

In 1999, 750 alumni completed our print version of the Alumni Career Network questionnaire. Just think of the networking possibilities as we grow online!

• Sign up to attend the fall ’02 or spring ’03 Student/Faculty /Alumni CONNECT nights. Share your career experience with Ramapo students.

Robert Tillsley, president of McBride National Services and chairperson of the Foundation’s Business Network Committee.

Richard Conti, Fred Champlin, James Essig, Janet Chin-Lyn, Edward Herter, Edward O’Connor, Edward P. Wallace, Joyce Menegus, Frances Rodriguez, Roger Bosma, and Robert Cella.

Invitations to Business Network presentations are mailed to almost one thousand individuals. To receive invitations to Business Network events, please contact Dr. Ron Kase at (201) 684-7287 or e-mail rkase@ramapo.edu.

Professor Amruth Kumar, (L to R) Kris Carpenter ’00, Gregg Axel-Lute ’02, and Jenny LaPlaca ’01.

the Class of 2002 is the next Bill Gates, famous athlete, or an artist whose works will sell for $1 million. That person will say, ’I am where I am because Ramapo helped me get there.’“ Of all the committees of the Alumni Association, the Career Network has elicited the highest response. From the earliest graduates, who offer insight, wisdom, and a new perspective to the Class of 2002–the Alumni Career Network welcomes all 15

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Golf Outing Links Students With Scholarships On August 19, Ramapo Alumni spent time on the greens playing golf for a good cause. Proceeds from the Alumni Golf Outing went to the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund, which has now grown to almost $70,000. Five scholarships are awarded each year through this fund–to one student in each of the five schools of study at Ramapo.

The golf outing was held at the beautiful Central Valley Golf Course in Central Valley, New York and featured eighteen challenging holes, barbecue lunch, and an elegant dinner.

Exciting raffles for golf clubs, electronic equipment, sports memorabilia, tickets to area events, and many more items guaranteed a good time for everyone. A highlight last year was the three luxury cars–a Porsche for the weekend for Closest to the Pin provided by Jack Daniels ’77, a Jaguar for

(L to R) Cassandra McKendall ’93 with her mother, Alfreda and Ramapo parent Esther Nuñez enjoy a reception at the Havemeyer House prior to the gospel concert. (photo courtesy of the Alumni Office)

Concert Raises Alumni Interest The Recruitment Outreach Committee (ROC) invited alumni back to Ramapo College on February 23 for a gospel concert and reception with President Rodney Smith. Prior to the inspirational concert, over fifty people, including some parents and community members, joined together to hear the beautiful sounds of the best voices in gospel, directed by Mack Brandon, assistant professor of music.

Alumni and guests met at the Havemeyer House on campus to learn how they can help the efforts of the Recruitment Outreach Committee.

Alumni signed up to volunteer to visit their former high schools, assist at a college fair, or arrange for an admissions representative to speak at their church or community group.

The ROC’s mission is to encourage alumni to assist in the recruitment of high-achieving

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high school students, especially in underserved areas, such as New Jersey’s cities. If you would like to volunteer, call Mandy Restivo, admissions counselor, at (201) 684-7308 or e-mail mrestivo@ramapo.edu.

Alumni Directories Connects Classmates The Ramapo College Alumni Directory 2002, 30th a n n i v e r s a ry issue, has been published. This comprehensive new volume is a compilation of the most current data available on more than 14,000 Ramapo College alumni. Our new directory, produced by Bernard C. Harris Publishing Company, is an excellent way to relive your college days and get reacquainted with former Ramapo classmates. If you wish to order a copy, call 1-800-877-6554.

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the weekend for Longest Drive provided by Bergen Jaguar, and a Volvo provided by Englewood Volvo for anyone lucky enough to get a Hole in One.

New Faces Bring New Enthusiasm The Alumni Association ballot returns are in and counted. The Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomes the following officers and new members: president (interim until December 2002), David Berntsen ’85; vice president, Lisa Ryan ’84; secretary, Leslie Maklin ’89; members: Cindy Davis ’78, Joe D’Angelis, Kristan Mathews ’98, Bryan Steros ’98. A new committee launched by the Alumni Association will focus on the alumni Web site and Ramapo Magazine. Spearheading this new effort are Angela Mangano ’98 and Carol Fletcher ’87. The Alumni Association and the Alumni Board also welcome Nadine Mooers ’90 as assistant director, annual giving and alumni relations.

Dan Furphy ’92 was given an award to honor his years of service to the Ramapo College Alumni Association. Dan served as president, oversaw a car raffle that doubled the alumni scholarship endowment, and is currently serving on the alumni Web/Editorial Committee. Pictured are board members (L to R) Kristan Mathews ’98, Lisa Ryan ’84, Laurisa Sampson ’89, Furphy, Jim Kraft ’85, and alumni president David Berntsen ’85. (photo courtesy of the Alumni Association)

We Can’t Thank You Enough!

A tremendous “thank you“ to all alumni who supported the Ramapo College Annual Fund 2002. Alumni participation is an important factor in our ranking in U.S. News & World Report and in grant applications. Currently, approximately ten percent of Ramapo alumni contribute to this fund–let’s all pitch in to make it a success and show our support for the 2003 Annual Fund.

Student callers did a wonderful job on phonathon and enjoyed speaking with alumni throughout the country,

updating them on all the wonderful news at Ramapo. This spring, student caller Chrissy Kerwin ’05, called her father William Kerwin ’75 and received a generous pledge from him.

This will become more common as alumni proudly send their sons and daughters to their alma mater!

Don’t Lose Touch– Join the New Alumni!

Each year Ramapo College graduates a class of nearly 800 students. During their time as students they were involved in clubs, honor societies, Greek life,

Annual Appeal • 14% Over goal • $114,000 Raised • 3-% Increase Over FY01

Annual Appeal Achieved Unprecedented Success in Key Areas • Average gift – 20% Increase • Donor Participation – 13% Increase • Dollars Raised – 30%

(L to R) Peter Q. Morris ’96, John W. Morris, Jack Melen, and Len Santangelo enjoy a day at Central Valley Golf Course to raise money for the Alumni Association Scholarship Fund.

16

Jenny La Placa ’01 (L) and Nona Angelini (R) attended the 2nd Annual Alumni Art Auction in November, sponsored by the New Alumni Committee. Alumna Robin Keller ’98 generously donated a beautiful acrylic painting for a silent auction during the event (see Class Notes). For this coming year’s event, the committee would like to feature more original works by alumni and faculty. To donate or offer artwork on consignment, call Kristan Mathews, committee chair, at (201) 684-7179.

“Thank you so much!“ from student phonathon callers: (L to R) Dominic Sposato, Chrissy Kerwin, and Nancy Natoli. (photo courtesy of the Alumni Association)

17

student government, and more.

The New Alumni Committee is committed to keeping this momentum going. By joining this group of alumni of the past five years, you can have a voice on the alumni board, network with other recent graduates, enjoy social events hosted by the committee, and continue to make a difference at Ramapo.

The New Alumni sponsor a summer reunion, alumni art auction, and Champagne at Sunset to toast the graduating class each year, plus many events that mix fun with volunteering, including Habitat for Humanity, Mahwah Beautification, soup kitchen, and charity walk-a-thons. To get involved in this active group, call Kristan Mathews, chair, at (201) 684-7179.

Alumni Athletes Honored and Active at Ramapo Alumni athletes have been taking center stage and center court at reunion games and the Athletic Hall of Fame awards.

The Eighth Athletic Hall of Fame on April 27 honored five

alumni: Jorge A. Comas ’85, baseball; Thomas Ebert ’80, football; Malik El-Amin ’95, football and wrestling; Doris Ann Pezzolla ’93, softball; and John Durkin ’78, who received a long-time service award. The Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those who have made significant contributions to the history of intercollegiate athletic competition at Ramapo College. It is the highest honor awarded to a Ramapo athlete.

At the Alumni Basketball Reunion on February 9, the game was close, alumni players turned in peak performances, and fun took the court as twenty alumni played in the Annual Alumni Basketball Reunion.

Family members and friends cheered on the teams and gathered for lunch afterwards. The excitement continued as the former graduates stayed on to watch the Ramapo women’s and men’s basketball teams face off against Montclair.

In March, alumni traveled from as far as Phoenix and Atlanta to play in the annual Alumni Hockey Game. After the game, which featured members of the 1975 “dream team“ who RA M APO M AG A Z IN E

CLASS NOTES

Alumni Calendar Check online at www.ramapo.edu for more information on these upcoming events.

2002

Sept. 30-Oct. 30, Alumni Phonathon for 2003 Annual Fund.

Oct. 28, Student/Faculty/Alumni CONNECT, 5 p.m.

(L to R) Malik El-Amin ’95 football and wrestling (club), Doris Ann Pezzolla ’93 softball, Jorge A. Comas’85 baseball, John T. Durkin ’78 Long Term Service, Thomas J. Ebert ’80 football (Todd Siben ’80 accepting the award) were honored this year at the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame.

were inducted into last year’s Athletic Hall of Fame, family and friends gathered for a dinner on campus. Ramapo’s alumni athletes in all sports continue their proud traditions and support their alma mater.

Alumni Benefit Offered to MALS Graduates Each semester alumni take advantage of a very popular benefit–the Alumni Education Plus Program, which allows them to sit in on a class, further their education, add to their marketable skills, or explore an interesting subject. Dr. Sydney Weinberg, director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program, has now extended this benefit to graduate students who have completed the MALS program, allowing them to make learning as a MALS graduate a lifelong program. For information on the Alumni Education Plus Program, call (201) 684-7179.

Share career tips with Ramapo students/network with alumni.

Alumni Toast New Members

Lois L. Angrick ’86 Anthony M. Celentano ’95 George Fried ’75 Dorothy A. Fromm ’80 Christopher Paulsen ’93

Nov. 15, Alumni Art Auction, 7 p.m., The Trustees Pavilion. Wine & cheese social.

2003

Over 500 people attended the Champagne at Sunset reception that was held the evening before Commencement 2002 for graduating seniors and their families. The Grove behind the Berrie Center was the perfect place to celebrate. Prestige Lexus sponsored the event and held a drawing for a computer. Five alumni gave toasts welcoming the graduating seniors into the Alumni Association and Dr. Rodney Smith, president of Ramapo College, and David Berntsen ’85, president of the Ramapo College Alumni Association, offered inspiring words.

A highlight of the evening was when the 2002 Arch Yearbooks were distributed to the graduates along with a Senior Gift Drive “In Honor“ listing through which the Class of 2002 raised more than $3,800 for the Annual Fund 2002.

Feb. 22, Alumni Basketball Reunion, 11 a.m. Alumni

athletes take the court for a fun competition

and community members, fire and police officers, and friends, Denis was remembered as a sincere, brave man who loved to laugh. Displayed in front of the church during the service were Denis’ helmet and uniform decorated with the three unit citations he proudly received from Ladder No. 2 during his seven years as a firefighter. His older brothers Michael and Brian also serve with the FDNY.

Denis Germain ’94. When Denis received the call at Ladder Company No. 2 on September 11, he answered without hesitation. The 33year-old Tuxedo Park, NY resident gave his life along with more than 300 of his comrades to save others during the September 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. In a memorial mass at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Sloatsburg, with hundreds of family

followed by a family lunch.

March 1, Alumni Hockey Reunion, 1:30 p.m., SportO-Rama, Monsey, NY. Former players face off on the ice for a friendly game and a family dinner.

March 8, Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner honoring Carolyn M. Merkel ‘78. To be held at the Rockleigh Country Club 6 p.m.

March 10, Student/Faculty/Alumni CONNECT, 5 p.m.

Share career tips with Ramapo students/network with alumni.

April 26, Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame, 6:30 p.m., The Trustees Pavilion. Join the Ramapo community in honoring alumni athletes.

May 22, Champagne at Sunset, 6:30 p.m., The Grove.

Alumni toast the Class of 2003 and congratulate their families.

’77

Art Sheldon was

recently appointed to the

Concert Series, 8 p.m., Band Shell.

System Advisory Board in Gwinnett County, Georgia.

July 26, New Alumni Summer Reunion, 2 p.m., Bar

One of the projects of this

Anticipation, Belmar.

newly formed board will be

For information on any of the above events, or to nominate a candidate for the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame, or to make a toast at Champagne at Sunset, call (L to R) Ramapo College alumni: Leyla Amzi ‘01, Jenny La Placa ‘01, Vanessa Saracena ‘01, Ronnie Jackson ‘01, and Kristy Pinand ‘01 raise their glasses to toast the 2002 graduates.

18

(201) 684-7179 or e-mail jdengel@ramapo.edu.

Gary Frank Vaccaro is employed with SAIC

book Moonlight on the Ganga by Daybue Publishers in San Francisco, was one of three finalists for the Best Editing Award by the Northwest Publisher’s Association. The book, a journalstyle account of chance meetings and the resulting spiritual inspirations that take place as the author walks alongside the sacred Ganges River, has received many excellent reviews from notable publiClaire Krulikowski ’75 and fellow graduate Martin cations and wellCicchino ’75 at her book signing at Walden Books, Woodbridge Center Mall in Iselin, NJ. known authors.

newly formed Gwinnett Transit

announced.

’81

’75 Claire Krulikowski, author of the recently released

July 10, 17, 24, 31, Commerce Bank Summer

August, Alumni Golf Outing, date and location to be

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In Memoriam

operating the new bus system for the county. Sheldon followed up his environmental studies undergraduate degree with a master’s degree in city planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Environmental Consulting in Hackensack as a project manager. In his time since Ramapo, Vaccaro has been very active in community theater, most recently in productions of Godspell and H.M.S. Pinafore at the Starving Artist Café in Ocean Grove.

’83

Sarah BuckleyBrelvi recently celebrated a twenty-year career with AT&T. She is the nationwide director of the AT&T/United Way

’80

John DeConna is the new superintendent of the Gloucester County School system. His education background is in sociology and handicapped education, and his community volunteer work includes YMCA camps and local charities. A motorcycle enthusiast, he is part of a charitable group of bikers called ABATE (Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education) that organizes Christmas “Toys for Tots“ events and fundraisers for education.

Weddings Suzanne Katherine Daley ’93 to Bradley James Hesser Nicole Giunta ’95 to Jeffrey Seligmuller

Donna Jean Huntington ’00 to Judd W. Herr Heather Ann Morin ’96 to James Raymond Perdue

Stephen Trocolar ’00 to Denice Errico

Gary Frank Vaccaro ’81 to Randi Beth Hansen

Community Giving Campaign encouraging the concept of community giving on a nationwide basis. She also serves on the board of directors for the Freedom House, Family Afterward Program.

Dr. Phyllis E. DiAmbrosio was one of two women recently honored by her high school, Immaculate Conception High School in Lodi, NJ, at their annual Women of Distinction Reception.

Dr. DiAmbrosio is currently a staff psychologist with the Bronx Veterans Hospital and also has a private practice.

’79 Glenn Lazzaro is the director and creative director at Crossroads Television, making award-winning spots for ABC, ESPN, Lifetime, Food Network, Travel Channel, Disney Channel, and other major commercial agency clients. Lazzaro directs music videos, documentary films, and commercials. He has received numerous awards including seven Emmys and two Clios and is widely recognized as the creator of the MTV editorial style.

19

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CLASS NOTES

lake community in West Milford with their two shelteradopted dogs and have spent much time volunteering at local animal shelters helping with dog care , adoptions, and fundraising.

’89

John McChesney,

chief appraisal officer for Columbia Savings Bank in Fair Lawn, has earned the MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute in Chicago after completing its numerous challenging requirements. McChesney has been with Columbia Savings since 1996.

Alumni baseball fans came out to hear Rick Cerone, owner of the Newark Bears and former Yankees player, at the Business Partners event sponsored by Merrill Lynch. Cerone (center left) posed for a photo with (L to R): Glenn Fallon ’01, public relations manager for the Newark Bears, Jim Sorace ’84, Angela Mangano ’98, Lesley Maklin ’89, Eugene Marshall, director of athletics, Lisa Ryan ’84, Ed Herter ’87, and David Berntsen ’85.

Paul Holland is employed

by Jersey Skyline, a manufacturer and distributor of trade show exhibit booths, as an Exhibit Marketing Consultant.

He recently spoke at a seminar for trade show exhibitors hosted by the New Jersey Technology Council.

’84

Debbie Archimbaud was working on the 92nd floor of Two World Trade Center for Aon Corporation and is blessed to have survived the attack on September 11. “I returned to work in October (in midtown), but it was impossible to concentrate. I went to memorial services several times a week to support the 176 families of our lost coworkers. My husband and I visited Ground Zero in November, but it left me cold–my best friend and coworker is still there, somewhere. Sept. 11 was the worst day of my life, and I was completely changed by it. I still find it hard to put into words that

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’91

Heidi Anne (Lerman) Duerr is the manag-

do justice to the horror, the fear, the sadness, but also to the renewed joy of life and the people I spend time with.“ Susan Spatt is the newly appointed director of development for Eva’s Kitchen and Sheltering Programs in Paterson, after a 14-year career with the Boy Scouts of America in New Jersey. Spatt’s new role extends beyond fundraising and development work; she is responsible as well for donor recruitment, public relations, and certain aspects of the quarterly newsletter. Eva’s Kitchen handles 250 lunchtime meals and operates a medical clinic, a substance abuse service, and three sheltering programs.

ing editor for a psychiatric publication. Duerr also attended Oxford University where she graduated with honors.

Erin (Looney) Sola is serving as a senior account manager at Phoenix Marketing Group, a marketing firm for the pharmaceutical industry, located in Lincoln Park. She

and her husband have one daughter and are expecting their second. Congratulations!

’93

Suzanne Katherine Daley is currently employed by Becton Dickinson in Franklin Lakes as a supply planner.

’95

reports a 100 percent acceptance rate into professional/ medical schools for the following 2001 alumni:

’01 Joyce Lehmann, SUNY optometry ’01 Robert Lehmann, SUNY Stony Brook medical program ’01 Tiffany Patterson, UMDNJ-SOM medical program ’01 Veljko Popov, Dartmouth M.D./Ph.D. program

Carol (Lawrence)

Fletcher is currently employed

’01 Shakti Ramkisoon, UMDNJ medical program

as the marketing manager and product trainer for corporate accounts by Tronex Healthcare Industries, a medical and nonmedical supplies manufacturer.

She and her husband live in a

’01 Ben Selzer, NYU dental program ’01 Dave Violette, Medical College of Virginia ’01 Raj Yalamanchili, UMDNJ medical program

20

’99

Nicole Giunta

is currently working as a human resources manager at Programmers Paradise Inc. in Shrewsbury.

Alan Heyman is currently employed with NextMedia Group, an indoor/outdoor radio and advertising company. He enjoyed his recent wedding to Kim Marcincuk in August of 2002.

Damien McKeever was recently hired by the New Jersey Education Association as a software application developer/programmer. He previously worked on NJEA information systems as a consultant with Thomas Havey, Inc., as well as having other experience in software development.

The School of Theoretical and Applied Science at Ramapo

’87

Development Corp. An organization of volunteers, they offer assistance and education to their local community. One example of a recent project is a large mural painted by teenagers on the wall of Eva’s Kitchen.

Josh Sarfity has been promoted to senior accountant for the North Jersey Media Group. He will assist in the advertising division for The Record and other publications as well as Internet operations.

Robin Keller ’98, ’02 poses at her art exhibition at the George T. Potter Library. Robin’s works are figurative paintings of memories that have touched her life. Her work was also exhibited by UPS during Women’s Herstory Month.

’96

Heather Ann

Morin is serving as an investment operations manager with Prudential Financial, Prudential Real Estate Investors in Parsippany.

Damian Testa is serving as president of the retail property and casualty brokerage division of the Kaye Group in Manhattan.

’00

ing her MBA from the University of Canberra in Australia.

Why Australia? Well, according to Darlene, it’s been her lifelong dream to visit there, so she decided to visit and get her degree at the same time.

James Warren

joined The Packet as the inside phone room supervisor for the classified advertising department. His advertising career started at Ramapo as the adver-

’97

Heather Noelle Ellis received a master’s degree in secondary language arts and a teacher’s license with honors from the University of Colorado last spring.

Ellis had a recent showing of her photography work in Wyoming, and recently finished writing an original screenplay.

J e ff rey Hanna became the newest officer to join the ranks for the Montvale Police Department in January. Previously, Hanna served two years with the New York Police Department, working in the 10th Precinct in Manhattan.

Darlene Lardiere is traveling down under after receiv-

You never know when you’ll meet a Ramapo graduate! In attendance at the recent press conference on campus unveiling the Roukema Center for International Education and Entrepreneurship were: David Ortiz ’01 (L), a cameraman/ reporter for WMBC in West Caldwell and John Gil ’01 (R), a staff assistant for Congresswoman Roukema.

’98

tising sales manager for the Ramapo News. After graduation he was employed at Chesapeake Publishing Company as a classified sales representative, where he was

Janel Bodner

served as a program manager for AmeriCorps, a national service program operated by the New Jersey Community

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promoted to classified advertising manager before he left to join The Packet.

Donna Jean Huntington is a marketing associate with MEECO Inc. in Warrington, Pennsylvania.

Stephen Trocolar is teaching biology for the Ramsey school system.

’01

Jennifer Berchtold

recently passed the N.J. NCLEX Nursing Exam. She is currently employed at the Atlantic City Medical Center in Galloway.

Lisa Drogon just started her new position teaching kindergarten at KinderCare in Clark.

Drogon is very active with community theater in her area, using her perfoming arts/theater degree to direct and perform many children shows.

Wilbert Peji works as a skills trainer at NeuroRehabilitation Specialists in New Jersey.

He is pursuing a second degree in nursing with a concentration in general education at William Paterson University.

Mario Rapetti has just started his master’s in student affairs at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Dawn VanCleef has joined the Northeast Conference as an intern. Dawn played basketball with the Roadrunner’s Woman’s team and is pursuing a career in sports management.

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Tara Larkin,

who had a stellar career in basketball while at Ramapo College, is now an administrative assistant for the Metro Atlantic Conference.

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Ramapo Men’s Basketball at its Best

Basketball Diary

From Worst to First

Robert Anderson ’02

Head Men’s Basketball time in school history by c o u n t ry, hails from St. Anderson, Whitted, and Coach Chuck McBreen, has hammering NJAC rival Anthony’s in Jersey City. Ransom have amassed a brought his team from the New Jersey City University, Stokes, at 6’8” has devel- number of awards. Whitted bottom of the NJAC to the 101-83. oped into the best big man led the nation in steals and top in just four short years.

“My staff and I accom- in the conference. Kevin assists. He was named McBreen saw success this plished this amazing turn attended Ramapo High NJAC Defensive Player of the year as his team finished around from worst to first School in Franklin Lakes, Year for the second year in a 12-6 in the NJAC and 21-8 with our tremendous 1999 and Ransom is a graduate row and First Team All-Conoverall.

His players re c ruiting class.

We of Dickinson High School ference. Ransom was the achieved goals they only recruited Robert Anderson, in Jersey City. With these NJAC Rookie of the Year in dreamt of before coming to Tennyson Whitted, Kevin four athletes, Ramapo was ’99 and received NJAC Ramapo. With the Honorable honors support of the entire this year. Anderson athletic staff and his was awarded NJAC tremendous work ethic, First Team All-ConferM c B re e n ’s team has ence, ECAC Most risen up and chalValuable Player, ECAC lenged opponents, First Team All-Conferbeginning a whole ence, D3Hoops Allnew era in Ramapo Region First Team, College athletics.

NABC First Team All“Four years ago I Region, Metropolitan left Division I Western Writers Association C a rolina, where I First Team, and Most spent two years as an Valuable Player for assistant coach, to the Roadrunners. become the head Said McBreen, “I coach of the Roadrunbuilt a solid foundaners. When I came to tion and since then I Ramapo I inherited a have added other program that was 5-20 quality athletes such and tied for last in the as Rasheen Gadsen, prestigious New Jersey J a red Milligan, Jay Athletic Confere n c e .

DeGroat, and Eliazar In my four years here, Velez. I truly believe the Roadrunners have that with this base, averaged 15 wins per Ramapo’s basketball year and have an overfuture looks bright. all re c o rd of 60-43.

With a new $24.3 This year my team finmillion arena on the ished 21-8, which is w a y, to be comthe second best record pleted in 2004, the Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chuck McBreen, has brought his team from the bottom of the NJAC to in school history. We the top in just four short years.

R o a d runners are also finished in a threelooking for bigger way tie for first in the and better things which NJAC at 12-6, qualified for Stokes, and Charles ‘Truck’ able to qualify for the includes the NCAA Tournathe NJAC playoffs for the Ransom. Anderson was a ECAC Championship Tourfirst time in ten years, and transfer from Western Car- nament in my second year ment and a trip back to won the ECAC Metro olina. Whitted, arg u a b l y with a 15-10 re c o rd , ” the final four just like the 1991 team.”

Championship for the first the best point guard in the explained McBreen.

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An impact player on the court, team Captain Robert Anderson shares how he lost his chance to play in the NCAA Tournament. He graduated in May with a degree in psychology. He recorded over 1,000 points and leaves Ramapo College with hopes to see some playing time overseas. But for now, he sits with his son Nizaiah Bryce Anderson, and realizes the struggles he faced to accomplish so much. He talks about the 2001-2002 Ramapo College Men’s Basketball program, the bumpy road they traveled, the achievements, and the first ever ECAC Metro Championship.

Often I find myself thinking about our season.

I go over the games in my head trying not to torture myself too much with the thoughts of what I should have done diff e re n t l y. I think about the time we spent, the hard work and preparation that started in September. Early in the morning we were down in the gym, just to turn right around and come back in the afternoon. I think about our personnel. I think about the ’91-’92 team which made it to the final four and I say to myself: ’there is no way they had as much talent as we did this year.’

Then I remember the one thing that we knew could cause us to ruin our season – chemistry problems. It is funny how it started to get worse as the

race for the NJAC Championship and rights for the NCAA Tournament tightened. We had our destiny in our own hands and the time in which to accomplish our dreams. You can’t win championships unless you come together as a team. But everyone wasn’t on the same page. We were

say this, one that may have been deserved.

For the ECAC playoffs, we traveled out to Medgar Evers, and I really didn’t know what to expect. We ended up beating Medgar Evers in overtime. A last second shot to tie the game in regulation sent us into overtime and we just edged

Robert Anderson ‘02, drives up court against Richard Stockton College.

knocked out of the NJAC playoffs, right after we blew our opportunity to clinch first place in the NJAC for the first time in history. We were headed for the ECAC playoffs, definitely a trivial accomplishment when compared to the aspirations we had at the beginning of the season.

However, though it may pain me to

out a one-point victory. Of course old habits die hard as our chemistry problem once again surfaced. This time coach decided enough was enough, and action was taken. There were mixed feelings, but the fact still remained that we had to win the next two games in order to win the championship. And this time, 23

there could be no excuses, chemistry problems or not.

To make it even more dramatic, we had to travel down to South Jersey to the home of the Ospreys of Stockton College, who had beaten us twice in one week, knocking us out of sole possession of first place, and the NJAC playoffs. We traveled down to Stockton and we won. We came together and did our jobs. This gave us the chance to play in the ECAC championship game at home against New Jersey City. The irony in this was almost laughable. The team we thought we would have to battle in order to get to the NCAA Tournament, we were now playing in the ECAC Championship. We beat Jersey City on our court that day and won Ramapo College’s first ever ECAC Championship Crown. Something to be proud of, maybe, but frankly I was prouder of the way we came together as a team those final two games.

When I think about not getting to the NCAAs, I get disappointed, but while I may be disappointed, I remember to be grateful for all the team accomplished.

I think of the steps forward the program took and I can only hope that we learned something, and future Roadrunners can learn from us to help take the next step; a trip to the NCAA Tournament. GO ROADRUNNERS!

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Alumna Honored at 2002 Commencement Adele M. Stan ’83 was the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award of Merit at the 44th Commencement of Ramapo College on May 22.

Stan is a journalist and editorial consultant who has been published in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Daily News, The Nation, The New Republic, Working Woman, and many more.

Ms. Stan published her first major piece on religion in Ms. magazine, where she began her career. That piece chronicled the feminist dissent movement in the Roman Catholic Church, and kindled a life-long interest in religion reporting. In 1987, Ms. Stan covered Pope John Paul II’s tour of the United States for The Nation.

For The New Republic, she wrote on the political activities of New York’s late Archbishop John Cardinal O’Connor. On the eve of the 1996 presidential election, Ms. Stan authored Mother Jones’s epic cover story on the religious right, an article that is still considered the definitive magazine piece on the subject. In 1998, Ms. Stan’s interest in religion took her to India and Pakistan for a research project funded by the Ford Foundation on Women, Religion and Public Policy. Ms. Stan traveled to the refugee camps on the Afghanistan border, where she interviewed women who opposed the Taliban.

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November 7-9, 14-16 8 p.m.

RCNJ Theater Program Presents: Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Directed by Richard Topol.

Sharp Theater. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students.

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3 p.m. York Room Salon Series Presents Barbara Gordon, Lyric Soprano. Mansion.

Tickets: $10 includes coffee and pastry.

23 President Rodney D. Smith presents the President’s Award of Merit to Adele M. Stan ’83 at the 2002 Commencement.

24 In 1995, at the height of controversies on date rape and sexual harassment, Ms. Stan published her first book, Debating Sexual Correctness, which is used as a text by women’s studies departments in universities across the country.

she was appointed Washington correspondent for Working Woman magazine, which led to her exclusive White House interview with thenFirst Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, and a more recent interview with the Bush Administration’s Karen Hughes, who served as counselor to the President.

In the world of popular culture, Ms. Stan has had the honor of interviewing the great South African diva Miriam Makeba for Salon.com, and spent a week in the recording studio with David Byrne, then of the rock bank Talking

Also in the mid-1990s, Ms. Stan began to cover the national political scene, reporting on the 1996 Republican National Convention for Pacifica Radio and Mother Jones, and covering the 2000 Republican National Convention for Salon.com. In 1999,

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Heads, for a special issue of Ms. Today, in addition to her reporting, Adele Stan is experimenting with writing fiction, and gathering research for a book on American spirituality. In 1983, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Ramapo College, which she credits with nurturing her curiosity and interdisciplinary interests. It was at Ramapo that she wrote her first article as a reporter for the college paper, then called Horizons.

With that, she had found her vocation.

8 p.m. Jazz at the Berrie Center Presents Roberta Gambarini. Sharp Theater. Tickets: $21 adults, $17 seniors and Ramapo affiliates, $10 students, $5 Ramapo students.

8 p.m. Ramapo College Foundation’s Performing Arts & Dinner Series Presents The Second City. Sharp Theater. This event is part of a series. Contact the Foundation Office, (201) 684-6834 for series tickets and information.

2 p.m. Film at the Berrie Center Presents They Don’t Make Laughs Like They Used 2.

Sharp Theater. Tickets: $5 adults, $3 children.

December

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8 p.m. Ramapo College Foundation’s Performing Arts & Dinner Series Presents Holiday Concert: The American Boychoir. Sharp Theater.

This event is part of a series. Contact the Foundation Office, (201) 684-6834 for series tickets and information.

Through December 20. Opening Reception 5-7 p.m. Artist’s Talk 6 p.m. The Pascal and Kresge Galleries Present Figure and Puppet.

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3 p.m. Box of Light Theater Presents Peter Pan. Sharp Theater. Tickets: $21 adults, $17 seniors and Ramapo affiliates, $10 students, $5 Ramapo students.

3 p.m. New Jersey Tap Ensemble Presents Pass It On. Sharp Theater. Tickets: $21 adults, $17 seniors and Ramapo affiliates, $10 students, $5 Ramapo students.

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3 p.m. York Room Salon Series Presents The Halcyon Trio Clarinet, Viola, Piano.

Mansion. Tickets: $10 includes coffee and pastry.

8 p.m. Jazz at the Berrie Center Presents A Brazilian Christmas. Sharp Theater. Tickets: $21 adults, $17 seniors and Ramapo affiliates, $10 students, $5 Ramapo students.

Hold The Date Distinguished Citizen’s Award Dinner at the Rockleigh Country Club. 6 p.m.

March 8, 2002

For events at the Berrie Center, call (201) 684-7844 For tickets to Alumni events, call (201) 684-7115 For Ramapo College Foundation and Friends of Ramapo events, call (201) 684-7613 For Ramapo College gallery hours and events, call (201) 684-7147.

December 4-8 PuppetFest! Ramapo’s first-ever puppet festival featuring workshops, performances and exhibitions. Tickets: Purchase individual tickets or buy a passport which gives you access to all events for one price: $30 adults, $18 children.

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505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680

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May 2002 Commencement MSNBC anchor Rick Sanchez was the Ramapo College of New Jersey commencement speaker at the College’s 2002 ceremony on Wednesday, May 22. This was the first commencement presided over by Ramapo’s newly inaugurated President, Dr. Rodney D. Smith. A total of 758 students completed their studies in January and during the spring 2002 semester.

An additional 218 students who were expected to finish in August were also eligible to participate.

Author and journalist Adele Stan (Ramapo class of 1983) received the President’s Award of Merit.

Class of 2002 Rick Sanchez co-anchors the morning news with Alex Witt, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon Eastern time. He joined MSNBC from South Florida, where he was one of the most recognized news anchors on WSVN-TV, the Miami Fox affiliate. Born in Havana, Cuba, Sanchez won an Emmy for a five-part series on Cuban immigration into South Florida. In addition to covering numerous major national and international stories, Sanchez has covered the Contra war in Nicaragua, the invasion of Grenada, the uprisings in Haiti, the Reagan White House, and several assignments into Havana.

Rick Sanchez, MSNBC anchor speaks to the graduating class at the College’s 2002 Commencement.

Dr. Fred Champlin, Dean of the School of Administration and Business, congratulates a 2002 graduate.