Ramapo Magazine Fall 2008

FALL 2008

COVER STORY:

Building on Our Strengths PAGE 2

Building for Our Future PAGE 6

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT As we welcome the class of 2012 to our beautiful campus, I am pleased to present another edition of the Ramapo Magazine. Throughout this publication you will find several references to the Strategic Plan, a document that I believe is one of the most important accomplishments of the 20072008 academic year. Following last December’s approval of the Plan by our Board of Trustees, this year marks the synthesis of vision, mission and action.

Faced with continued State economic woes reflected in appropriations that are less than our 2000 levels, and increased competition for academically qualified students, the Strategic Plan establishes our priorities. In pursuing our primary goals of enhancing academic excellence, investing in the future and enriching College life and community presence we will ensure that our graduates receive a top notch education rooted in the liberal arts and centered on our four pillars.

As we prepare for our 40th anniversary celebration in 2009, it is important that together, as faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, legislators, friends, supporters, we embrace the future to achieve another 40 years of success as New Jersey's Public Liberal Arts College.

PETER P. MERCER, Ph.D.

President, Ramapo College of New Jersey

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Ramapo Magazine COLLEGE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Peter P. Mercer, Ph.D. President

FALL 2008

Cover story

Beth E. Barnett, Ed.D. Provost

Author and former child soldier Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Child Soldier, spoke at Ramapo College’s Opening Convocation in September 2007.

Pamela M. Bischoff, Ed.D. Vice President for Student Affairs Cathleen Davey Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dorothy Echols Tobe, Ph.D. Chief Planning Officer BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton Chair

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS Robert Tillsley Chair Lisa A. Ryan Alumni Association Board Chair

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

(L-R: Back Row): Rose Marie Padovano, Theresa Padovano, Anthony Padovano, Rosemarie Padovano, Paul Padovano, Mark Padovano (L-R: Front Row): President Peter P. Mercer and Jackie Ehlert-Mercer at the Salameno Spiritual Center Groundbreaking in May 2008

Margaret Mullen Friends of Ramapo Board Chair RAMAPO MAGAZINE STAFF Cathleen Davey Editor-in-Chief Anna Farneski Executive Editor Mary Cicitta Managing Editor Cynthia Burns News Editor Kathleen Mainardi Foundation Editor Rachel Pinton Sports Editor Carolyn Herring Photo Editor DESIGN: Words and Pictures Creative Service, Inc. Front cover: Len Rubenstein This magazine can be made available upon request in alternate media.

Requests should be directed to: 201.684.7611 Alumni contact and change of address: Purvi Parekh at 201.684.7115 STUDENT AFFAIRS CONTACT: Pam Bischoff at 201.684.7457 Ramapo Magazine is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

Visit our Web site at www.ramapo.edu

F E AT U R E S

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Cover story

Building on Our Strengths

Feature

Building for Our Future

D E PA R T M E N T S

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College news Faculty news Meet the Future Grant news Foundation news Alumni news Class notes Alumni in the spotlight Courts and fields Datebook Q &A: Admissions

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Cover story

BUILDING ON OUR STRENGTHS

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n February 6, Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer delivered the annual State of the College Address. Each year faculty, staff and students gather for a holistic assessment and review of College initiatives and happenings, ranging from academic programs to College finances.

Given the fiscal crisis gripping Trenton, the challenges presented by a looming recession and escalating prices for everything from bread to fuel and energy costs, the forecast could have been grim. Instead, President Mercer spoke of the future – specifically

how New Jersey’s public liberal arts college will embrace the challenge presented by the State’s budget woes and ensure that Ramapo continues to graduate generations of students through a curriculum grounded in a rigorous liberal arts program.

The most important achievement of the past academic year, Dr. Mercer told the crowd, was the development and approval of the Strategic Plan that will guide Ramapo College over the next three to five years. “The important thing is that we plan for the future directly and not simply as a reaction,” Dr. Mercer said.

Ramapo’s Success Story

Valerie Vainieri Huttle, State Assemblywoman, speaking at Ramapo's recent Berrie Awards for Making a Difference ceremony in May.

State officials were responding to the lack of access by many New Jersey citizens to higher education opportunities when they created Ramapo College in 1969. From September 1971 when 1,186 students arrived on campus for the first academic year, to September 2007, when 5,702 students arrived, Ramapo has grown into a nationally recognized institution offering bachelor's degrees in the arts, business, humanities, social sciences, as well as in professional studies that include nursing and social work. Elementary and secondary teacher certification courses and three graduate programs are offered. The quality and value attracts students from throughout New Jersey, surrounding states and seven foreign countries.

Over the past six years, Ramapo has undergone tremendous growth. First-time freshmen enrollment

Construction on The Overlook began in June 2003.

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has grown from 687 in 2002 to 902 in 2007, an increase of 31.3%. And as enrollment has grown, so have retention rates of first-year students and graduation rates.

Ramapo is ranked among the top five public Master’s Institutions in the Northeast Region in the U.S. News and World 2009 Report of Colleges and Universities.

And two national publications additionally recognized the College recently. The February 2008 issue of Kiplinger’s magazine named Ramapo among the top 100 public colleges and universities. And The Princeton Review profiled Ramapo in its 2009 edition of The Best Northeastern Colleges.

Matthew O’Neill, a member of the Class of 2012, who began his Ramapo career this semester, said the decision to choose Ramapo was simple. Unde-

The completed Overlook opened for residency in September 2004.

degree of integrity, scholarly work, care and concern for the students and both the desire and ability to link educational approaches with the real world challenges and opportunities.”

Such accolades are not atypical. During recent re-accreditation reviews the College’s Social Work program received stellar marks; the teacher education program underwent a similar review and ranked in the top 5% of programs nationally.

In order to keep pace with demand for a Ramapo education, leadership has added five residence halls, an addition of 1,617 new beds to meet demand for on-campus housing. Other new structures include a parking garage, observatory, greenhouse and the new home of the Anisfield School of Business. Currently, the Sharp Sustainability Education Center and the Salameno Spiritual Center are under construction.

Matthew O'Neill, member of the Class of 2012, under the Ramapo Arch.

cided as to whether he wants to pursue a career in teaching or science, he said he found the opportunity to receive a degree in physics and become a certified teacher within four years remarkable.

“My decision to attend Ramapo was easy and I couldn’t wait to start attending classes,” he said.

The positive response is not limited to students.

During the past two years, 42 new faculty members have joined Ramapo College, each supporting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence.

And each brings a wealth of academic experience and shares the College’s devotion to its four pillars: interdisciplinary curriculum, international educa-

Initial building stages for Laurel Hall began in October 2005.

tion, intercultural understanding and experiential learning opportunities – the four pillars of a Ramapo education.

“First and foremost my attraction to Ramapo College was based on the compatibility of my interests, which include a liberal arts education, a global, cross-cultural, and international approach to learning, an experiential component to educating its students and a commitment to community service, said Dr. Hassan Nejad, the new dean of the School of American and International Studies.

“Additionally, I found Ramapo’s administrative leadership and the faculty to possess a high

“We in Bergen County are so lucky to have this jewel of a college in our backyard. As a State Legislator, I will continue to advocate for support to fulfill the mission of this great academic institution. My goal is to help Ramapo provide the tools for our young people so they can become our next generation of leaders and professionals.”

VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE,

State Assemblywoman

The long-awaited Laurel Hall greeted its first residents in 2006.

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Cover story The Challenge

“It is in keeping with Ramapo’s culture that academic excellence is one of the primary goals of the Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Samuel Rosenberg, dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services. “A critical component to the Plan’s success is the requirement that each unit develops a rolling, three-year plan that will allow us to see where we are going, map out our future and assess our effectiveness.”

But despite the praise, the increased enrollment and expansion, State funding for Ramapo, which has historically been disproportionate to support received by other New Jersey colleges and universities, has decreased. The State Appropriation for the College is now below the 2000 funding level. State support, however, for student Tuition Aid Grants continues with a 5 percent increase for the 20082009 academic year.

At the same time, College leaders have trimmed costs and implemented efficiency initiatives that have netted nearly $5.6 million in savings since the FY 2006 budget, while still adding five new faculty positions for each of the past five years. They include a range of actions from cutting marketing dollars to reducing overhead expenses to implementation of a Curriculum Enhancement Plan that adjusted course offerings and allows students to graduate more quickly.

Meanwhile, net assets of the Ramapo College Foundation have grown by 130% over the past five years for a total $10.5 million; the Foundation’s endowment last year grew by 49% to $6.5 million.

And, Ramapo’s alumni have the highest giving participation rate among all the public colleges and universities in the State at 13.7%.

Planning for the Future

The recently ratified Strategic Plan is a collaborative multi-faceted approach to planning and budgeting that ensures all expenditures and initiatives, academic and administrative, will correspond di-

“It is in keeping with Ramapo’s culture that academic excellence is one of the primary goals of the Strategic Plan.”

DR. SAMUEL ROSENBERG,

Dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services

rectly with the three goals outlined in the Strategic Plan: enhancing academic excellence, investing in the future and enriching College life and community presence. All units within the College are developing rolling three-year plans that assess their needs, determine strategic priorities, set goals and measure results—all to ensure that sound planning drives Ramapo’s budget. The Plan will allow Ramapo to allocate resources based on strategic direction, guarantee funds are spent effectively and ultimately ensure that mission drives the budget.

Included is a funding mechanism that provides fiscal support around initiatives consistent with the Strategic Plan. Monies from the Strategic Plan Incentive Fund -- more than $1 million for FY 2008 -- will be distributed around five priori-

ties: new faculty positions, support for Educational Opportunity Fund students, new admission counselors for expanded outreach, use of a portion of operating funds for capital initiatives and monies to fund programs and initiatives within the College units that support Strategic Plan initiatives.

The Plan has received tremendous support throughout campus.

“We’re pleased that academic excellence is one of the primary goals, one that the College will support and enhance,” said Dr. Samuel Rosenberg, dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services. “Another important component is the three-year rolling plan. It will allow us to see more clearly the long term, to see where we are going, map out the future and to assess if we’re being realistic.”

Initiatives central to core beliefs of the Strategic Plan are currently underway.

This past summer, the College’s new Center for Innovative and Professional Learning (CIPL) introduced a Pre-College Program that offered high school students college credit- and non-credit courses in Hands-On Contemporary Arts, Fossils to Forests: Field Studies in Changing Landscapes, Enrichment in Reading and Writing/Cultural Enrichment and Literacy/Readings in Poetry/Film and Literature. The program allowed students to live on campus and was well-received by students and families from throughout New Jersey.

In addition, state and federal grants to Ramapo have nearly doubled since 2001, from $1.5 million to $2.8 million in 2007, for a total of $16.7 million.

Awards have been received from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as the New Jersey Department of Education and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.

Ramapo’s response to the budget challenges has won support on and off campus.

“We in Bergen County are so lucky to have this jewel of a college in our backyard,” said State Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle. “As a State Legislator, I will continue to advocate for support to fulfill the mission of this great academic institution.

My goal is to help Ramapo provide the tools for our young people so they can become our next generation of leaders and professionals.”

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In a Hands-On Contemporary Arts Pre-College Summer Program titled Create and Animate, assistant professor of Digital Media Stephen Jablonsky demonstrates an animation technique to Brianna Reisch.

Strategic Enrollment Management

Dr. Hassan Nejad, dean of the School of American and International Studies, addresses a Governor's School class.

“First and foremost my attraction to Ramapo College was based on the compatibility of my interests, which include a liberal arts education, a global, cross-cultural, and international approach to learning, an experiential component to educating its students and a commitment to community service.”

DR. HASSAN NEJAD,

Dean of the School of American and International Studies

This semester, Enrollment Management introduced a refurbished Adult Learners Program, offering adults the opportunity to complete a degree, obtain a new one in any one of Ramapo’s majors or enroll in specific courses to advance their careers.

During his State of the College speech, Dr. Mercer also identified opportunities for Ramapo to selectively grow niche graduate programs in areas where the College is uniquely situated to satisfy an existing demand. Following approval by the Board of Trustees last semester, Ramapo is applying to the State Commission on Higher

Education for permission to offer a Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies, building on Ramapo’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and is central to the Strategic Plan. The program would be the first of its kind in New Jersey. It would allow students to build upon and transform their experience and knowledge into the burgeoning professional practice and scholarly discourse.

Embracing the Future

Despite fiscal challenges facing New Jersey, and as the national dialogue on accreditation, accountability and assessment of higher education institutions continues, public scrutiny of higher education will most likely intensify. But Ramapo College is poised to continue on its trajectory of success with a Strategic Plan that identifies a vision for the institution and a blueprint for how each component of the institution will play an integral role in achieving that vision.

“The Board of Trustees and I are committed to ensuring that whatever the challenges, Ramapo College will prepare for the future,” said President Mercer. “We are establishing our goals, and we will fund them. We, along with the entire community, look forward to our future.”

“The Board of Trustees and I are committed to ensuring that whatever the challenges, Ramapo College will prepare for the future. We are establishing our goals, and we will fund them. We, along with the entire community, look forward to our future.”

PETER P. MERCER, PH.D.

President, Ramapo College of New Jersey

An integral part of Ramapo’s Strategic Plan calls for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to integrate the College’s programs, practices, policies and planning to achieve optimal recruitment, retention and graduation of our students – an exercise known as Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM).

Under the direction of the College’s new associate vice president for Enrollment Management, a series of committees are reviewing and analyzing Ramapo’s enrollment within the requirements outlined in the Strategic Plan. A smaller SEM planning committee will ultimately review the assessments made by each group and develop planning strategies to formulate the enrollment management practices.

Ramapo’s admissions, retention and graduation rates remain a source of pride. The retention rate for first-year students has increased by nearly 5% from 85% in 2000 to approximately 90% in 2006. Ramapo’s current six-year graduation rate has improved from 53.7% in 1997 to 64.8% in 2001, an 11.1% improvement. And enrollment remains strong with first-time freshmen enrollment at 902 in 2007, a 31% increase over 2002 figures.

But the SEM Team’s assessment is also informed by the realities of the continuing decline in State support for all of higher education and demographic shifts that place colleges and universities throughout the nation at the beginning of a decline in the number of graduating high school students. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates in New Jersey will begin declining in Fall 2009 and more of the graduates will be of Asian and Hispanic descent, with declining numbers of Caucasians and African Americans.

Part of the SEM Plan includes an initiative to increase our graduate program offerings and graduate student enrollment, and re-establish our program for non-traditional adult students.

For Fall 2009, Ramapo plans to reintroduce the Adult Learners College Degree Program, for adults returning to school for their first or second undergraduate degree, as well as for those seeking post-baccalaureate and graduate programs.

The SEM initiative began meeting in Fall 2007 and will hold town hall meetings this semester on campus for community input on the SEM Plan. Subject to the approval of the President’s Cabinet and the Board of Trustees, the final SEM Plan will be implemented in Spring 2009 and reviewed and updated to ensure effectiveness.

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BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE

As Ramapo College prepares for the future, several capital projects that have received significant private support are underway. Each speaks eloquently to the goals of our Strategic Plan: enhancing academic excellence, investing in the future and enriching college life and community presence.

They build on the tremendous progress made since 2000 in revitalizing Ramapo’s campus and preparing it for the graduates of the 21st century. The addition of five new residence halls, Maple, Laurel, Oak, The Village and The Overlook, has doubled on-campus housing capacity.

A Place for Understanding

The Salameno Spiritual Center springs from Ramapo’s commitment to promoting intercultural understanding.

The concept for the Center was proposed by Dr. Anthony T. Padovano, a founder of the College and a distinguished professor of literature and philosophy. It will be a serene spot on the shore of Kameron Pond for students and the community to practice their faith, discuss ethical issues and reflect.

Community religious leaders, College officials and supporters of Ramapo College broke ground on the $1.5 million Center in June.

The Center is named in honor of Lawrence and Theresa Salameno of Allendale who provided a lead gift of $500,000. The establishment of the Salameno Challenge Grant served as an incentive to attract donors to the project.

Architectural schematics with color renditions applied demonstrate the plan for the new Salameno Spiritual Center.

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(L-R): Raymond Corbett, Cipora Schwartz, Nancy Kossowsky, Ralph Mastrangelo, Liz Mastrangelo, Dr. Carlo Mainardi, Kathleen Mainardi, Trustee Peter McBride, Pam McBride, Lawrence Salameno, Theresa Salameno, President Peter P. Mercer, Trustee Chair The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Theresa Padovano, Anthony Padovano, Anthony Marino, Andrew Mainardi, Esq., Trustee Tim Schroeder, Past Student Trustee Steven Bloom ’08, Student Trustee Thomas Ng ’09, Board of Governors Chair Robert Tillsley and Matt Kirschner of Holzman-Moss Architects

“When we learned of Ramapo’s unique focus for the Center – to encourage dialogue among religions, to debate ethical issues, to offer a quiet space for meditation and contemplation – we knew, indeed, that this was a very special place,” said Theresa Salameno. “And as the parents of a Ramapo graduate, we feel a special connection to the College, as does our daughter, Francesca. We are proud to play a part in the development of an institution so dedicated to the principles of excellence, inclusion and community service.”

Several lead donors provided forward momentum on the project including: Theresa and Anthony Padovano of Morris Plains, Pamela and Peter McBride of Franklin Lakes and Gail and Anthony Marino of Cedar Grove. The challenge grant was completed with 14 additional major gifts.

The Center, modeled on the United Nations Meditation Room, will be completed by Summer 2009. The main building, the Padovano Peace Pavilion, will be constructed in the form of a tent, an ancient and evocative symbol for religious encounter and hospitality. The McBride and Marino Meditation Rooms are named for the McBride and Marino families.

It is anticipated that College student organizations including Hillel, Catholics at Ramapo United, the Muslim Students Association, Campus Crusade for Christ and the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship will use the facility. The Center will also be available to celebrate weddings, anniversaries, memorials and other life events.

“I know I speak for all of my colleagues when I say we are committed to helping enrich the learning environment through fundraising for the College. I want to thank the members of the Board, and the firms they represent, as well as our faculty and staff, for their contributions and dedication.”

ROBERT TILLSLEY,

Chairman of the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors Ramapo magazine

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The Sharp Sustainability Education Center will be completed in Spring 2009.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Since its founding in 1969, Ramapo College has fostered an abiding commitment to sustainability. In 1975, a group of students and faculty created the Alternative Energy and Environment Center in response to the energy crisis. They provided a student-built environmental education facility that demonstrated alternative methods of producing and using resources, and technological and social approaches to understanding and seeking sustainability. Undoubtedly, countless Ramapo graduates remember planting and harvesting in the Center’s garden.

The Sharp Sustainability Education Center as windows and roofing are installed.

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In Spring 2009, current students will cut the ribbon on the new Sharp Sustainability Education Center. The 1,787-square-foot structure is located just west of the former Alternative Energy and Environment Center.

The Center will contain a multi-function classroom and demonstration space, a K-12 sustainable classroom, an environmental lecture classroom, an environmental science laboratory and display space.

The $1.3 million Center will be a showcase for sustainable and green practices. The building will include weather monitoring equipment, solar panels, a wind generator, energy efficient appliances and lighting, waterless toilets, organic gardens, a solar hot water heater and native permaculture plantings. Sharp Electronics provided $250,000 for construction and installation of Sharp photovoltaic panels on the roof that will feed any energy surpluses into the campus grid.

The project was additionally funded with federal grants obtained with the assistance of New Jersey’s congressional delegation, Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez and Congressman Scott Garrett.

“Sharp is a world leader in solar electricity, and we recognize the important role that education plays in extending the awareness and accept-

ance of alternative energy sources,” said David Alai, vice president, Human Resources, Sharp Electronics Corporation. “We’re proud to extend our relationship with Ramapo College for a cause we’re passionate about.”

Programming will be available for area school children, who will learn about environmental literacy and how to incorporate sustainability into their lives. Environmental science and sustainability courses, seminars and labs – for Ramapo students – will be based at the Center. And student clubs, most notably the Environmental Alliance, will have a gathering place for their activities.

The design also allows for future installation of a windmill, organic garden, cold frames and outdoor classroom. Construction will be completed by December 2008 and classes will begin in Spring 2009.

“Sharp is a world leader in solar electricity, and we recognize the important role that education plays in extending the awareness and acceptance of alternative energy sources.”

DAVID ALAI,

Vice President, Human Resources, Sharp Electronics Corporation

Supporting Excellence

The Anisfield School of Business, completed for the start of Fall 2007 classes, was dedicated in April. At the ceremony, Richard and Millicent Anisfield of Saddle River announced an additional $3 million gift to the school that bears their name.

The gift will be used to complete the fifth floor of the building and to support future school programs. Among the highlights will be a Trading Floor Simulation Room, a highly technical specialty space with wall space for screens and scrolling tickers, four classrooms, a seminar room, a board room, a director’s office and placement services offices.

With real-time access to financial data from around the world, students will expand their knowledge of the workings of global markets by managing virtual portfolios of stocks, bonds, commodities and currencies. The lab will provide a fertile environment for faculty and student research.

“Millicent and I are proud of Ramapo College and its fine faculty, students, staff and administrators who are responsible for the institution’s high stature in the academic world,” said Richard Anisfield, who with his wife received an honorary degree at the 2008 Commencement Ceremony. “We are delighted to contribute to the continuing growth of Ramapo and its College community.”

Sleek, modern and a central focus to the main entrance of the campus, the $32 million Anisfield School of Business is the culmination of an exciting transition in the business school’s history. The school also contains the Sabrin Center for Business Excellence, named in honor of Ramapo Professor Dr. Murray Sabrin and his wife, Florence; the Roukema Center for International Education, named in honor of Congresswoman Marge Roukema; and nursing teaching facilities.

In 2006, the Anisfields made a $2.5 million gift to facilitate construction of the building.

Design work is underway for the fifth floor with construction scheduled to begin in December 2008 and conclude by June 2009.

Above: Dr. Murray Sabrin, professor of Finance, spoke at the dedication of the Anisfield School of Business.

Photo courtesy of Len Rubenstein

Below: Richard Anisfield, at the Anisfield School of Business ribbon-cutting ceremony in April, announced an additional $3 million gift to complete the fifth floor of the building.

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College news

PILLARS The Mystical Culture of South India

Going to India for a study abroad program was a difficult decision to make. I was in my last semester and wanted to make the most of it. Somehow, traveling to India turned out to be the best way to do that.

The trip was an adventure. In our pre-trip orientation, we were told we would visit different areas in South India and learn about the mystical Indian culture. Indeed, the whole semester was a learning experience.

I had to get accustomed to living with nine other students I hardly knew. It took me some time to open up to them, but in the end, we were like family. The moments I shared with them I will never be able to share with anyone else. The bond we created was a once in a lifetime experience.

The tone at Fireflies Ashram, where the program is held, is unique. Located in the outskirts of Bangalore in a village called Dinnepalya, the Fireflies Ashram is a venue where spirituality embraces the environment, and the social tapestry becomes so much a part of the Ashram it is sculpted into the walls. Kindness permeates the air you breathe.

The staff is generous, patient and helpful.

During our trips, we each had to face personal challenges – fear of bugs, questions and concerns about food, strenuous physical activities and some sickness. We were, though, all able to muster the strength to overcome our obstacles and together, make our time in India unforgettable.

The classes were conducted in a setting such that I could totally immerse myself in the subject matter.

Students Immersed in China’s Business and Cultural Environment

By Dr. Huiping Li – Assistant Professor of International Business, Anisfield School of Business I first proposed an immersion trip to China shortly after joining Ramapo. My objective: introduce students to the business environment and culture of China through tours and guest lectures.

I hoped the students would learn about Chinese politics, civilization, society and culture.

China is the fastest growing economy in the world. From 1989 to 2006, its gross domestic product has grown annually by an average of 9

percent. China’s 2007 global trade surplus reached a whopping $262.2 billion. China now is the number one recipient of foreign direct investment in the world.

Seven students participated in the study abroad program, which occurred from March 8 to 16 with stops in Beijing and Shanghai. They saw tangible evidence of China’s remarkable economic growth,

(L-R): Carlos Amarilla, Carolyn Ucci, Omar Elrabie, Faris Elrabie, Jacques Borremans (Managing Director, Wyatt and Wang Ltd.), Maria Pantelis, Valentina Di Loreto, Lee Andra Tartaglia, and Huiping Li. (Taken by Simon Wong, Partner of Wyatt and Wang Ltd.)

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Photo courtesy of Ruma Sen

By Nadish Seebaluck – Majors: International Studies-Economic Development, International Business, Accounting Graduated May 2008

Dorina Georgeva, a freshman at Ramapo, with Nadish Seebaluck at the Mysore Temple, during their recent South India Study Abroad Program.

I also had the opportunity to have meaningful talks with lecturers during teatime.

After being in India, I feel as if I can do anything, no matter what the situation or obstacle. It has been a good farewell to Ramapo life. It was the end of my college years, but the beginning of life with a new vision. The quality time I spent in India will stay with me throughout my life and the friends I made on the trip will always have a special spot in my heart. and observed how the country’s political history has shaped its society and the business environment for domestic and foreign firms.

The students visited historical sites, too, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall. They met business executives and consultants, a government official and students and faculty from Shanghai Normal University.

They also visited Arenco, a company in Shanghai’s Pudong Economic Zone, funded through foreign investments that manufactures packaging systems and machinery. The students toured markets that sold counterfeit brand name products, and gained an appreciation of the challenges foreign and local businesses in China face in protecting intellectual property. The students were shown how foreign multinational corporations negotiate in this difficult environment, and learned the challenges faced by foreign firms in Chinese service and technologyintensive industries.

One of the students wrote that the trip afforded an opportunity to form an opinion about this “mystical country that in less than 25 years has become an economic might, environmental hazard, and central political actor in the international sphere.” Lesson learned.

Photo courtesy of John Yao

College Hosted International Human Science Research Conference

(L-R: Sitting): Annel Zamarrón, UTPA student Briana Hinojosa, UTPA student Agustin Ramos, Jean Semelfort, John Yao, UTPA student Stephanie Castellanos. (L-R: Standing): UTPA student Marcelina Pena, Ana Villarrutia, Ian Miller, Rachel Berry, Jamie Charniger, John-Robert Iruegas, and UTPA students Isabel Ramirez and Andrea Charkow, and Tatia Haywood and UTPA House on the Hill Head Start program in Goshen, NY. Emily Abbey, professor of Psychology

There are an estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. As the number grows, so does discussion of their impact on the country’s resources. In a dual alternative spring break program organized by Ramapo College and the University of Texas-Pan American (Edinburg, Texas), students from both institutions examined the impact of undocumented immigration on the United States from a variety of outlooks.

Titled the Border Exchange Project, the project focused on recent immigrants in Texas, residents of Reynosa, Mexico and recent immigrants from the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Ian Miller, an International Studies major who graduated in May, served as Ramapo’s student trip leader.

With John Yao, a service learning coordinator in the Cahill Center who designed, planned and coordinated the project with the University of Texas-Pan American, Miller helped organize the itinerary and screened trip applicants.

Photo courtesy of John Yao

Ramapo College hosted the 2008 International Human Science Research Conference June 11 through June 14. The conference is the premier venue for scholars seeking to establish a rigorous paradigm for conducting empirical qualitative research in the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Dr. Emily Abbey and Dr. James Morley, professors of psychology, organized the event.

The conference attracted an international roster of academic researchers. Paper sessions and special sessions explored a diversity of human expressions including mental and physical health, culture, nursing and education.

The theme for this year’s conference was “Imagination in the Human Sciences,” interdisciplinary and inclusive of several disciplines and professions.

The scholarly community of human scientists has been meeting for almost 30 years and has developed into an ongoing international multi-disciplinary research community that convenes annually.

The Border Exchange Project

James Morley, professor of Psychology

At the Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia, an inner-city neighborhood revitalization project, UTPA students (from left clockwise) Marcelina Pena, Agustin Ramos, JohnRobert Iruegas, Isabel Ramirez and Andrea Charkow spent an afternoon helping repair one of the facility’s mosaic stairwells.

On the first leg of the trip, from March 9 through 15, the University of Texas-Pan American hosted 11 Ramapo College students. They were accompanied by Dr. Charles Carreras, a professor of History and Latin American Studies who recently retired and returned as an adjunct this semester. Ramapo College students painted the exterior of a local church and beautified a park in Reynosa. They also restored a clothing storage room and food pantry for the Ozanam Center, a homeless shelter in Brownsville, Texas.

The second part of the exchange, from May 11 through 16, Ramapo College hosted their Texas counterparts to examine immigration issues in the New York metropolitan area. Participants worked at House on the Hill, a Head Start program for children of migrant farm workers overseen by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

They also volunteered with Grupo Cajolá, an agency in Morristown that helps recent immigrants from Guatemala learn English and use the Internet.

In addition, students painted two apartments for the International Rescue Committee, which provides transition services for refugees.

The trip to Texas was the third alternative spring break trip Miller has participated in. He’s been interested in immigration policies and issues since high school and said he has had a willingness to understand other cultures. “I have an American perspective,” said Miller. “It’s important to see the other side of how United States’ policy affects immigrants.” Miller, who has been accepted to the University of Nottingham in England to pursue a master’s in diplomacy, said he was particularly moved by the appreciation from those who received help from Ramapo students.

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College news President Peter P. Mercer with Natasha Tretheway at the AIS Colloquium Series reading of her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of poetry, Native Guard.

Pulitzer Prize Poet, Natasha Trethewey, Gave Reading

As part of its AIS Colloquium Series, the College sponsored a reading and discussion by the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey. Her book, Native Guard, for which she won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, focuses on historical erasure and memory by investigating the role of African American soldiers

during the Civil War and the murder of her mother. Trethewey is the Phillis Wheatley Distinguished Chair in Poetry at Emory University.

The AIS Colloquium Committee is comprised of faculty in Ramapo College’s School of American and International Studies. The event was supported with a grant from the Ramapo College Foundation.

Student News Briefs

(L-R): Chaya Bender, Najlah Feanny HIcks, Angelica Berrie and Juanita Hines at the 2008 Russ Berrie Awards for Making a Difference.

Berrie Foundation Pays Tribute to New Jersey’s Unsung Heroes Photographer Najlah Feanny Hicks of Clifton, co-founder of the Heart Gallery of New Jersey, earned a $50,000 cash grant from the Russell Berrie Foundation as winner of the 2008 Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference. Since she conceived the idea of a traveling portrait gallery to publicize the plight of adoptioneligible children mired in the foster care system, more than 100 children have been adopted into permanent homes.

Taking home the $35,000 award was Juanita Hines of Orange, who, every Saturday morning for the last 20 years, has traveled to Newark Penn Station to distribute sandwiches, soups and stews to the homeless and needy who affectionately call her “the chicken lady.”

Chaya Bender of Lakewood was awarded the $25,000 grant. As a high school student, she established the Special Children’s Center as an after school program for seven children with 12

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developmental disabilities. The center has grown into a full-service respite and family support agency for children, offering a daily after school program, summer camp, 48-hour weekend respite, 24-hour overnight respite, case management and other services, all at no cost to families.

In all, 19 finalists were selected by a committee comprised of eminent New Jersey business leaders and professionals. Cash awards of $2,500 each were presented to the remaining finalists.

Established in 1997 by the late Russell Berrie and administered by Ramapo College of New Jersey, the Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference honors Garden State residents for their unselfish dedication to serving others.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. David Butler, whose role in bringing medical care to women in Haiti earned him a 2005 Russ Berrie Award.

Faris Elrabie, a graduate who majored in Communication Arts, received the Top Undergraduate Paper Award for “Addressing Indecency: How FCC Laws are Making a Faris Elrabie Difference in Network Television” at the 99th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A proposal submitted by Natalie Miller, who is enrolled in the Master of Arts and Liberal Studies program, was accepted for presentation at the 16th Annual Afro-Hispanic Literature and Culture Conference in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Her presentation focuses on globalization, history and identity in Hispanic and Afro-Hispanic women’s writing.

Four students enrolled in the Social Work program–Martha Harris, Ryan Lee, Joanna Lewicka and Alison Turkel–have been accepted to the 2008-2009 Child Welfare stipend program. They will receive a tuition and tuition-related fees scholarship in addition to a $5,700 stipend. In exchange, they will participate in a 400-hour internship at New Jersey’s Division of Youth and Family Services and work at the agency for two years post-graduation.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Lutter

Members of Ramapo College's three singing groups – CantaNOVA, Skylark, and Take Twelve – at the International Festival of Academic Choirs in Prague where they won medals in every category of competition they entered. (L-R: Front): Katie Galvin, Ashley Cohen, Caitlin Carey, Alex Jones, Melissa Wood, Greg Elfers, Nicole Scaro, Lisa Lutter (director), Aimee Greenspan, Sarah Warren.

(L-R: Middle): Marjorie Polunas, Roberta Koo, Keri Rand, Lori Mendez, Brielle Ocot, Jessica Abrams, Annie Davis, Felicia Donatiello, Gabriella DeCandia. (L-R: Back): Gina Cirillo, Matt Young, Jessica Mott, Angela Dorstek, Matt Armenti, Jenna Myers, Christopher Boone, Tom Mazzarella, Jimmy Santos, Adam Posluszny, David Dabney, Brittney Watson, Eric Mendelsohn, Anne Liberman, Itay Goren (pianist), Karl Cepeda, Erin Messina, Andrea Winawer-Wetzel. Not pictured: Amanda Sweatlock

Singing the Praises of Ramapo’s Choral Groups They’ve delighted attendees of Ramapo College events with their resonant melodies and moved audiences at solemn occasions. Recently, members of CantaNOVA, Skylark and Take Twelve, a men’s ensemble, broadened their experiences by participating in the International Festival of Academic Choirs in Prague and bringing home top honors.

Dr. Lisa Lutter, assistant professor of vocal performance, accompanied the students on their trip June 29 through July 8 to participate in the International Festival of Academic Choirs in the Czech Republic.

The Ramapo choirs, participating for the first time, were the only American choirs invited to the festival.

The competition included 17 international choirs from South Africa, China, Russia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Ramapo’s three groups won medals in each competition category they entered. CantaNOVA won a bronze medal and Skylark a silver in the A Capella category; CantaNOVA and Skylark each won a silver medal in the Folklore category; CantaNOVA won a silver medal in the World Music category; Skylark won a silver medal in the Jazz category, and Take Twelve won a gold medal in the American Songbook category.

Winning was not the choirs’ goal said Lutter.

“We kept focused on our chosen goal, to work together to sing to the best of our ability.”

into the 14th century town square to the richly costumed and choreographed South African competition performance – the friendships that sprung up in this fertile cultural ground have added a rich dimension to the students’ experience.”

The professor is grateful for the support received from the Ramapo College Foundation and the Office of the Provost to offset the cost of the tour.

The grant money was used for educational and cultural experiences, such as a trip to the Terezin Internment Camp.

Lutter said, “In addition to the rich musical kaleidoscope we experienced – everything from the medieval brass choir heralding the choirs’ arrival

“Women Of Influence,” a Lecture and Networking Event, Held at Ramapo College

“Women of Influence in New Jersey,” a lecture and networking event honoring the State’s female leaders in business, government, academia and the arts was sponsored by Ramapo College and the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) on June 17.

The program featured presentations by Virginia S. Bauer, commissioner, Board of Commissioners,

Port Authority of NY and NJ; Brenda B. Hopper, state director, New Jersey Small Business Development Center; Nancy C. McDonald, Esq., founding managing partner, McDonald Law Group, LLC; and Ann M. Limberg, president, Bank of America of NJ and market executive, U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management of NJ, PA and DE. Sally Glick of Sobel & Co., LLC moderated.

CIANJ is the leader in free enterprise advocacy to provide an economic climate that enhances business potential in the state.

Ann M. Limberg, president, Bank of America of NJ, and member of Ramapo Foundation's Board of Governors

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Faculty news

James Hoch - Resident Poet

In July and August, The Frost Place in Franconia, New Hampshire hosted Dr. James Hoch, an assistant professor of literature as the 2008 poet-inresidence. Hoch lived and wrote in Frost's farmhouse and offered three public readings.

He also served as a guest poet during the Festival of Poetry.

“This opportunity allows me to pursue my creative interests, concentrate solely on my poetry, while putting my academic pursuits aside,” noted Hoch.

Hoch has worked as a dishwasher, cook, dockworker, social worker and shepherd. His first book, A Parade of Hands, won the Gerald Cable Award and was published in 2003 by Silverfish Review Press. His second book, Miscreants, was published by W. W. Norton in June 2007.

The Frost Place, founded in 1976, is a nonprofit educational center for poetry and the arts based at Robert Frost’s old homestead, now owned by the town of Franconia.

Dr. James Hoch, assistant professor of literature

Professor Co-Authors Book of Narratives by Italian Partisan Women Rosetta D’Angelo and Barbara Zaczek, editors and translators of Resisting Bodies: Narratives by Italian Partisan Women, read from their book at Ramapo College in April before an audience interested in Italian history and culture. D’Angelo is a professor of Italian Studies and Literature at the College. Resisting Bodies: Narratives by Italian Partisan Women is a translation of texts that explore the experience of partisan women in Italy between 1943

and 1945. The selected short stories and excerpts provide the reader with access to the experience of World War II from a perspective that history and literature have often considered marginal.

“This anthology offers not only a rich source of information but also valuable teaching materials for courses in Italian literature, culture, history, and women’s studies,” said Professor D’Angelo.

Jewel case insert for a short documentary by Bonnie Blake, Too Lost to Find, as presented at the New Jersey International Film Festival in May 2008.

Film Premiere

Too Lost to Find, a short documentary by Bonnie Blake, an associate professor of Design and Interactive Media, premiered at the New Jersey International Film Festival held at Rutgers University in May. This documentary invites its audience to meet a multiple personality priest/missionary/nurse practitioner, a child movie star, a clerk, an auto mechanic, a veteran and a former student who have three things in common—they are unemployed, have no money and living an invisible existence in a small city in northern New Jersey.

(L-R): Dr. Rosetta D’Angelo, professor of Italian Studies and Literature and Dr. Barbara Zaczek, professor of Italian at Clemson University

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The documentary was shot over a period of two years. During the filming Blake made friends, enemies and became part of a world that in many ways wasn’t very different from her own. The film concludes with an epilogue that reveals the fate of the characters, and brings the lives of these six individuals full circle.

A Most Staged Event

Terra Vandergaw, an associate professor of Theater, knows a good act when she sees one.

In addition to her involvement with the College’s student productions, she is a regional respondent who views and critiques performances and makes recommendations for the Kennedy Center All College Theater Festival sponsored by The Kennedy Center.

She was particularly impressed with the 2007 festival and decided to involve Ramapo College’s theater program. At her urging, two College productions were entered in the All College Theater Festival.

Photo courtesy of Terra Vandergaw

Dr. Behzad Yaghmaian, professor of economics

Professor Writes Chapter for Book on Political Blog

Dr. Behzad Yaghmaian, a professor of Economics wrote a chapter for a book, The World According to Tomdispatch. Tomdispatch.com is the go-to blog for contemporary U.S. politics. The book is a collection of previously posted essays and offers readers a chance to catch up on political analysis, including accounts of the two Bush administrations, catastrophic adventures in Afghanistan and Iraq, Guantánamo, Hurricane Katrina, global warming, black gold and the rise of Hugo Chávez.

Terra Vandergaw, associate professor of theater

Vandergaw recommended two students, Dave Dabney and Jessica Ross, for the Irene Ryan Acting Competition, where they placed as finalists.

“This was the first time Ramapo participated in the competition and having them make the finals was amazing,” said Vandergaw.

Dabney, who had two scenes and a monologue, drew from his portrayal of Tony Aronica, a character in the Ramapo College student production of Savage in Limbo.

“You have to be a well rounded person to be a good actor,” Dabney said. “The liberal arts education I received outside of my theater classes helped me develop other aspects of my intellect that have, in turn, served me on stage.”

Dave Dabney in RCNJ's production of As You Like It

Photo courtesy of Kathleen Burke

Ramapo Nursing Program Joins Sierra Leone SaLeone Health Pride

In May three members of the Nursing Program joined SaLeone Health Pride on a medical mission to Sierra Leone. SaLeone is an organization dedicated to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality in Sierra Leone, which has one of the highest maternal/child mortality rates in the world. The President of the organization, Florence Dowrie MSN, APN-C asked Kathleen Burke, G. Elaine Patterson and Kathleen Moskin of Ramapo’s nursing faculty to assist the faculty of Nursing of SaLeone in a transition to a baccalaureate model of nursing.

(L-R): Ernest Ndomahina, Ramapo Instructor of Nursing Kathleen Moskin, Ramapo Associate Professor of Nursing G. Elaine Patterson, Assistant Dean of Nursing Dr. Kathleen Burke, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone Aiah Gbakima and President of SaLeone Health Pride Florence Dowrie after signing the agreement between Ramapo and the University of Sierra Leone.

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Meet the future

Spotlight on

DR. HASSAN NEJAD

Dr. Hassan Nejad was appointed to a three-year term as dean of the School of American and International Studies effective July 1.

Dr. Nejad has a B.A. from Tehran University, an M.A. from California State University at Los Angeles and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Hassan Nejad, dean of the School of American and International Studies

He served as an associate professor and associate dean at Tehran University Law School in the 1970’s. At Antioch, Nejad was appointed vice president for the college and, in 1997, the Dean of Faculty. Nejad chaired The Task Force on the college’s

Strategic Plan, which developed a five-year strategic plan for Antioch College. He was also the director of Antioch’s study abroad program in Egypt.

He has published numerous books, most notably Political Parties, Research Methods and American Foreign Policy and over a dozen articles in professional journals, many relevant to Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations.

When asked about the role of AIS in developing and implementing Ramapo's Strategic Plan, Dr. Nejad said he looks forward to helping implement the College’s Strategic Plan.“Strategic planning has certain prerequisites which include strong leadership commitment, broad community participation, excitement and consensus around the fundamental assumptions and goals, reliable data, a willingness to take risks, a process in which participants are willing to rise above personal and unit interests, financial resources and an assessment and evaluation mechanism,” said Nejad. Such a plan helps our institution move forward and adapt to changes in its internal and external environments. Based on what I have seen so far, Ramapo meets and exceeds these prerequisites.”

DR. SAMUEL ROSENBERG Dr. Samuel Rosenberg, a faculty member since 1995, was appointed to a three-year term as dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services in April 2008. His goal is to provide a seamless transition to his leadership. He’s concluded that the deanship is a more difficult job than it had been several years ago.

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He is particularly enthusiastic about Ramapo’s commitment to becoming a global institution and facilitating international education in its curriculum, culture, study abroad programs, and student and faculty exchange. Nejad is resolved to working closely with his AIS colleagues, as well as colleagues in our other schools and programs, to facilitate student success, enhance academic quality, and improve advisement and mentoring. He further plans to develop new programs, encourage and facilitate online courses and establish relations with AIS alumni.

The Master of Liberal Studies master’s degree is under his supervision and the dean believes the MALS program is “strong in its leadership, goals, and curriculum content and has a dedicated and talented faculty.” He envisions forward momentum to increase enrollment of adult learners interested in career development and intellectual pursuits.

His teaching experience and passion for teaching include courses on international law, international relations, international organizations, American politics, social and political change in the Global South and the politics of the Middle East.

The National Council of Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation voted to reaffirm the accreditation of Ramapo's Social Work Program for another eight-year period, ending February 2016. This is the fourth time that the program has been reaccredited since its initial accreditation in 1977 and rated in the top 5 percent of programs nationally. In addition, the Accreditation Panel of the Teacher Education Accreditation Council voted unanimously to grant the College’s Teacher Education Program “New Program Accreditation.”

Spotlight on

“The job has been re-defined with added responsibilities,” he said. With the new three-year planning and budget cycle that’s a staple of the College’s Strategic Plan, he will oversee SSHS’s curriculum, personnel and operational resources. The Master of Science in Education Technology master’s

Nejad will oversee 36 faculty and 764 students while directing the AIS curriculum, personnel and operational budgets.

Dr. Samuel Rosenberg, dean of the School of Social Science and Human Services

degree is under his supervision as is undergraduate education and the Teacher Education program.

SSHS received two prestigious accreditations this past year.

Rosenberg is particularly excited about a master’s in sustainability degree that has been approved by faculty and the College’s Academic Review Committee. The school now seeks State approval. He serves on the College’s Steering Committee for Middle States Accreditation, the only dean to do so. Accreditation and assessment issues discussed there will also strengthen the school, he believes.

“SSHS provides quality education in the social sciences and also makes a significant contribution to general education.” The school has approximately 1,600 students and 100 faculty.

Grant news

The Foundation’s mission is to provide the resources that make the difference in Ramapo College’s quest for educational excellence. One aspect of this mission is our competitive grant program, which provides funds for projects that support the mission of the College in diverse ways. In 2008 Ramapo awarded grants in areas of interdisciplinary, international, multicultural and experiential education.

Dr. Christian Reich, assistant professor of Psychology

Dr. Christian Reich Shalom Gorewitz, professor of Communications Media

Scott Frees, assistant professor of Computer Science

Professor Shalom Gorewitz Research project developed Awarded a Senior Specialist by Dr. Scott Frees funded Grant by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission Professor Shalom Gorewitz (CA) was awarded a

Senior Specialist Grant by the U.S. Fulbright Program to spend the summer at KNUST, a college in Ghana. He will observe classes, consult on digital media, teach workshops and offer presentations in the college’s fine art and communications departments. Professor Gorewitz is a pioneer in the digital media field. His work has been displayed in leading museums and galleries in the United States and abroad.

A research project developed by Dr. Scott Frees (TAS) was funded by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. The project, Visualizing Hardwood Swamp Forest Ecology with Immersive Virtual Environments: Research and Educational Tools, uses immersive virtual environments technology to look at problems in a completely new way.

When he left the Department of Physiology of the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine to accept a teaching position at Ramapo College, Dr. Christian Reich (SSHS) brought along his research grant project that was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The project, Sex Differences in Endocannabinoid Medicated Behaviors, seeks to discover answers about stress-related disorders such as major depression, a serious mental illness that affects more than 20 million Americans. Endocannabinoids are neuromodulators implicated in regulating stress and anxiety. The long term objective of Dr. Reich’s research is to determine the function of the endocannabinoid system in the etiology and pathophysiology of mood disorders. He is currently applying for additional support for this important work.

Nursing Programs Awarded Scholarship Grants

The growing undergraduate and graduate nursing programs were both awarded scholarship grants by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grants are used to pay student expenses including tuition, books, room and board and travel to clinical sites. Assistant Dean of Nursing Dr. Kathleen Burke and Assistant Professor of Nursing Dr. Jody Williams prepared the data and narrative required for the submissions.

(L-R): Nursing student Sarah Clayton, scholarship donor Elaine Adler, nursing student Ruth Ann Anderson, President Peter P. Mercer, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Margaret Greene, nursing student Lovely Joy, scholarship donor Mike Adler, and Asha Mehta, advisor for nursing students

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Foundation news

Golf Outing At Tuxedo Club

The 21st Annual Golf Outing was held on July 21 at the Tuxedo Golf Club. More than 140 men and women enjoyed lunch, a round of golf and dinner on the patio. The golfers’ support of the auctions, raffle and other games throughout the day increased over last year and provide funding for student scholarships, faculty development and other needs at the College.

(L-R): Golf Outing Sponsors: Debra Perry, Chuck Luciano, Dan Miller, Akira Suzuki, Brian Flynn, Fran Hackett, Ned Lipes, Bill DeGasperis, Tom Mahoney

(L-R): Debra Perry and Frances K. Hackett, both Ramapo alumni, received the Foundation Mission Award in July.

Ramapo College Foundation Mission Award

(L-R): Francesca Salameno ’06, Theresa Salameno, Larry Salameno, President Peter P. Mercer at the groundbreaking for the Salameno Spiritual Center in June.

Salameno Spiritual Center

“Young people need a place to gather to better understand each other in our multicultural society,” said Lawrence Salameno. He was speaking at the ground breaking for the Salameno Spiritual Center held on June 12. The dramatic architecture of the Salameno Center enhances its meditation spaces, central gathering space and location on the

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edge of Kameron Pond. Salameno and his wife, Theresa, who is a member of the Ramapo Foundation Board of Governors, gave a $500,000 challenge grant for construction of the Center. “We were pleased to part with some of our treasure to make the Center a reality,” he continued.

Every year the Ramapo College Foundation Board of Governors recognizes one of its members who has displayed exemplary leadership and commitment during the course of the year. For the first time the nominating committee selected two women, both alumni, to receive the Mission Award, announced at the final board meeting on July 10.

They are Debra Perry, an attorney with McCarter & English and Frances Hackett, an executive with Prudential. Perry has been a Governor for five years and worked during the year to restate and file the Foundation's bylaws and corporate charter.

Hackett has been a Governor for three years, and is vice chair of the Board. Hackett was an extremely active member of key committees including the Executive, Distinguished Citizen and Golf Committees.

Anisfield School of Business Dedication

Ramapo College’s business school has a new home and a new name thanks to the generosity of Millicent and Dick Anisfield. On April 28 the Anisfield School of Business was officially dedicated, recognizing the Anisfields’ unprecedented gifts to strengthen the business program and build it a state-of-the-art home. At the dedication Dick Anisfield announced an additional gift to complete construction, bringing the Anisfield’s total contributions to Ramapo's business programs to $6 million, and marking them as some of the largest donors in Ramapo's history. A highlight of the final phase of construction is the trading floor simulation room on the fifth floor.

(L-R): Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney, Trustee Esther Suarez, Past Trustee Chair Thomas Zelante, Trustee Chair The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Richard Anisfield, Trustee Peter McBride, Millicent Anisfield, Past Student Trustee Steven Bloom, President Peter P. Mercer and Congressman Scott Garrett at the ribbon-cutting dedication of the Anisfield School of Business on April 28.

Commerce Bank Summer Concert Series

The Events Committee for the Friends of Ramapo gather for a “Step Back in Time.” (L-R): Linda Dator, Bob Cella, Frank Rodriguez, Constantine "Gus" Vasiliadis, Margaret Mullen, Stan Richmond, Tom Dunn

Friends of Ramapo

The Friends of Ramapo held two events that celebrated Ramapo’s past and present. The public was invited to “Step Back in Time,” which featured former Trustee Tom Dunn sharing his extensive knowledge of the history of the Ramapo campus.

Ramapo supporters Linda and Bill Dator provided

artifacts to display and bring the presentation to life. In April the Friends hosted a dessert reception prior to the student theater production of One Touch of Venus, with music by Kurt Weill and book

by Ogden Nash. Co-chairs for the evening were Stan Richmond and Margaret Mullen.

A highlight of the year for many families and neighbors at the College, the Commerce Bank Summer Concert Series featured four swinging shows in the outdoor Bandshell. The July 10 concert, with fireworks, attracted the largest audience and featured Jimmy & The Parrots. Kids threw frisbees and couples picnicked during the other three concerts, which featured Beginnings a Chicago tribute band, The Classics (“Till Then,” “P.S. I Love You,” “You'll Never Know”) and Asbury Fever. Thanks to our sponsors, Liberty Mutual Insurance, McBride Realtors, Orange & Rockland, the Alumni Association and the Friends of Ramapo.

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Alumni news

Anisfield School of Business Alumni Advisory Board Hosts First Annual Networking Roundtable Students enrolled in the Anisfield School of Business learned first-hand how a network of business contacts can facilitate career success when the school’s Alumni Advisory Board hosted its first Alumni Networking Roundtable on March 26.

The goal was to give juniors and seniors an opportunity to practice their networking skills and begin to develop a valuable network of contacts with successful Ramapo business school alumni who work in a variety of industries and professions.

The alumni, in a roundtable format, shared information about their careers, including the areas in which they earned their degrees, where they are employed and their job responsibilities. Students participated in two discussion sessions and attended an opening session where they mingled with alumni.

Alumni participating in the roundtables were Michael J. Bialek ’95; Kyle Boettke ’01; John G. Brewster ’75; Todd C. Brown ’88; Thomas W. Caccamo ’84; Ernest H. Ehling Jr., Esq. ’86; Jill Freudenfels ’06; Fran Hackett ’80; Trudy Hardy ’91; J. Patrick Hunter ’01; ’05; James E. Jaworski, Esq., ’81; Meena Joisher ’91; Donald Mahoney ’73; Joe Monaco ’85; Tina-Louise Moyer ’98; Christine Rotonda ’99; David Stellenwerf ‘95; Donna Sullivan ’81; Diane L. Tidwell ’95; and Mark Yamout ’79. Manshi Joisher ’02 and Bryan Steros ‘98 coordinated the networking event.

Recent graduate and Past Student Trustee Steven Bloom '08 and alumnus Don Mahoney ‘73

When asked what they learned from this experience, students cited networking skills such as taking initiative and discovering how to connect with people in a valuable way to mutually benefit each other. They learned how fields are related and can lead to different careers, and picked up tips on interviewing and marketing themselves.

Alumni also enjoyed the experience, agreeing with Todd Brown ’88 who said, “It was a great event and one that I found to be as fulfilling as the students did. Count me in for participation in the future!”

Mark Yamout ’79 and Provost Beth Barnett, received an honorary membership to Delta Mu Delta, National Honors Society in Business Administration during the DMD induction ceremony on April 10.

(L-R): Joe Monacho’85; Meena Joisher ’91; Donna Sullivan ’81; and Ifeanyi Igbo ’09

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EOF Alumni Return to Campus

Saturday, June 7 was a special evening for Ramapo alumni who are graduates of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program. Joy and laughter filled the Trustees Pavilion as classmates reconnected. The evening was filled with memories, plans for the future, dancing, dinner and inspirational speakers.

“I wouldn’t be doing what I am today if it weren’t for EOF at Ramapo College,” said speaker Richard McDowell ‘77. “I look around and see my classmates and others I have met this evening who have accomplished a great deal with their lives because of what we learned and experienced at Ramapo and EOF.”

Alumni from the very first class of 1974 through the most recent class of 2008 were represented.

“It was great meeting the newer EOF alumni, hearing about the EOF program now and sharing with them our experiences during the first years of the College,” said Patricia McClenton ’76, a member of the Alumni Association Board.

Dee Bright Foreman, associate director of EOF, identified opportunities in EOF for alumni who want to stay connected and support the program: student mentorship, career exposure, the EOF Alumni Advisory Board, transitional and orientation workshops and establishment of an EOF Alumni Scholarship. Alumni who are interested in learning more about these opportunities were encouraged to contact Lorne Weems, Director of EOF at 201.684.7543.

(L-R): Standing: Santa McDowell, Richard McDowell ’77, Patricia McClenton ’76, Lisa Ryan ‘84, president of the Alumni Association, (L-R): Seated: Angeolina Castillo ’77, Nelson Alonso, Aida Munoz ’76, Miriam Vega

From the pre-dinner tour of campus to the last dance of the evening, alumni agreed the evening was a great success thanks to the following committee members: Khadijah Baker ’03; Elizabeth Caraballo ’01; Doris DeJesus ’06; Lakeesha Eure ’02; Mercedes Fabor ’03; Wilkis Figuero ’03; Kevin Gittens ’99; Robert Hanna ’00; Obie Hill ’08; Delvin Kartuki ’06; Maria Marte ’03; Patricia McClenton ’76; Santa McDowell ’80; Sekema Newton ’99; Nicole Pacheco ’02; Zoila Quezada ’05; Emily Rodriguez ’06; Gaudy Rodriguez ’02; Victor Sanabriga ’03; Keimesha Sykes ’00; Daniela Terrero-Brito ’07; Randy Then ’06; Ervin Thomas ’99; Jorge Ventura ’03; Jasmine White ’01; Erica Whitiker ’07; and Yosayra Eusebio ’05.

(L-R): Richard McDowell ’77, President Peter P. Mercer, Tatia Haywood ‘08

New Alumni Summer Reunion

Ramapo College alumni and their guests joined with others at Bar Anticipation in Belmar for the annual New Alumni Summer Reunion.

(L-R): Paul Weber ’02; Assaf Langer ’02; Jessica Schaff ’04; Dennis Interdonato ’02; Alison Weber ’06; Jennie Strobel ’04 and Matthew Chase ’07

(L-R): Anthony Dovi ’05, Gina Sallustrio ’07, Katelyn Mulligan ’08, Stephen Cucchiara ’08, and Amanda Bordfeld ’08

(L-R): Alexandra Escobar ’08, Rae Esmores ’08, Olga Manukhina ’08, and Nova Hanna ’06

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Class notes Marriages and Unions Karen Wyman ’75 to William Torell Mark Kemp ’92 to Devra Beth Rosen Mark Wendrychowicz ’93 to Ann O’Sullivan Jennie Casciano ’96 to Dwight Blakney Brooke Kaska ’97 to Sal Esposito Megan Charney ’99 to Keith Cormier Lisa Drogon ’01 to John Bersey Christopher Guddemi ’01 to Corrie Davidson Kevin McCarthy ’01 to Bethany Young ‘01 Leland Pavoll ’01 to Cindy Zibel Marc Weinstein ’01 to Pamela Fertel

Daniel P. Quinn ‘74 celebrated his 25th anniversary as a director and producer at the artsPRunlimited benefit at Birricchino’s Northern Italian Restaurant in New York City on June 18th.

Dean Shapiro ’74 released his fourth published novel, The Eleventh Commandment. Dean has been living in the New Orleans area since 1981 and writes for various magazines and newspapers.

Competition in April. Vincent is a professional photographer and educator for the Paterson Public Schools and currently resides in Paterson.

James (Jim) Stagnitto ’75 has been named Director of Engineering of WNYC Radio, New York City. His responsibilities include overseeing all technical operations of WNYC-FMAM. Jim has been a professional broadcaster for 37 years. He and his wife, Beverly Ververs ’75, live in Riverdale.

James also directs Lamar’s Center for Public Policy Studies, which conducts studies on the political attitudes of citizens in the area, as well as on economic development priorities of statewide political leaders.

Larry Harris ’77 received a MA from Rutgers Newark. He has retired from the U.S. Customs and is an adjunct professor at Bergen County Community College.

Donald Weekes ’75 is the co-editor of the book, Recognition, Evaluation and Control of Indoor Mold, published in June 2008 by the American Industrial Hygiene Association. Donald is a partner in InAIR Environmental, Ltd. in Ottowa, Ontario and has been honored as a Fellow of the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

Peter Small ’76 performed as Franklin D. Roosevelt at Holland Christian Home, located in North Haledon. Peter uses his love of history and education to entertain and educate others.

Tara Larkin ’02 to Timothy Wuorinen Rosa Pena-Lara ’02 to Francisco Lara Carly Wohlleb ’02 to Kevin Stead Brenda Avila ’03 to Steve Green Janise Haberstroh ’03 to Arthur Thomson ‘03 Cheryl Bachmann ’04 to Christopher Botsolas Jenna Catalioto ’04 to Peter Lorie Joann Ferraioli ’04 to Frank Boccio Christina Lynn Hoch ’04 to Brett Charles Santowasso Erin Hogan ’04 to Shawn Curcio Julie Pych ’04 to Raymond Kester Diane Darcy-Schmidt ’05 to Walter Schmidt Dana Karabinos ’05 to Kenneth Pressler Rebecca Karger ’05 to Darin Williams Kristen Purpura ’05 to Glenn Fertitta Nicole Buffalino ’06 to John Sergi Matthew Palko ’07 to Patricia White

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Paul Beland ’75 is entering his 30th year with the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services. Beland, a Vietnam War veteran who served with the US Army’s 1st Calvary Air Mobile Division, began full time employment with the division in 1978. He served as the division director from 1988 to 2004.

Vincent T. Marchese ’75 was presented with the Honorable Jurors Selection Award for his black and white image, “The Dead Part of the House.” It was awarded by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Media Photographs at their annual Juried Fine Arts Photography

James Vanderleeuw ’76 is the coauthor of the book Race Rules: Electoral Politics in New Orleans, published in October 2007. The book looks at the relationship between race and electoral politics in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. After graduating from Ramapo, James earned his degree from the University of Nevada-Reno and his Ph.D. from the University of New Orleans. He is a political science professor at Lamar University.

Richard ’77 and Santa (Sandy) McDowell ’81 met at Ramapo and celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary this year. Richard is employed at Prestige Lexus in Ramsey as a lease return coordinator. Sandy was a police radio dispatcher, corrections officer, and court translator for the Ridgewood Police Department in Ridgewood. She is now disabled, makes beautiful handmade jewelry and volunteers much of her time to caring for the community and its members. Above is a picture of Sandy and Richard during their days at Ramapo.

John Sarno ’77 earned an MA degree in counseling and education, as well as a law degree, from Seton Hall.

John is a labor lawyer and the president of the Employers Association of New Jersey in Livingston.

Timothy Eustace ’78 was elected mayor of Maywood in November for a four-year term. Tim and his partner, Kevin Williams ’74, will be traveling to Kenya along with a group of volunteers to work at the school they support in the Maasai Mara.

Larry Feld ’78 is the director of marketing at Hunter Group in Fair Lawn. He has been selected as North Essex Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Member for 2007. Larry is chair of the Chamber’s Marketing scholarship committees. He also serves as the Communications Committee chair for the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey and he is on the Executive Marketing Committee for CPAmerica International.

Peter Gasiewicz ’78 was named Vice President of Sales for Colonial Commercial Corporation, a company in the HVAC distribution business.

Henry Rosehill ’78 was recently named national accounts sales director for Owens Corning Corporation, a fiber glass manufacturing, sales and research company.

Thomas Scheck ’78 worked at AT&T for 17 years after graduating Ramapo. He is now retired and resides in Belmar.

Roger J. Muller, Jr. ’79 is an instructor in scuba diving and underwater photography. He also plays ice hockey with Dr. Pat Chang on the Hoboken Rockets.

Michael Ricciardi ’79 was inducted into the North East Collegiate Volleyball Association’s Hall of Fame in April 2008. He has been the Commissioner of the Association since 1995 and has been responsible for the growth of the association from 12 local teams to 39 interstate teams.

Debra Minter ’80 was guest speaker for the Hammonton Arts Center’s meeting on October 22, 2007. After graduating from Ramapo, Debra continued her studies in visual arts at NYU Film School, the International Center of Photography, the School of Visual Arts and Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has been published in a variety magazines and newspapers, which include Time Magazine, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Ronald Rizio ’80 was awarded the New Jersey Library Association’s Public Relations Award for his work as the editor of Montville Library’s Buzz Newsletter in April.

second time for The International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.

The election will take place in February 2009.

CBS News’s Bob Schieffer hosted Joyce Cohen, Esq. ’82 and her husband David at a live broadcast of “Face the Nation.” Joyce is a campaign aide to Leslie Byrne, who is running for U.S. Congress in Virginia.

Since graduating from Ramapo, Kevin Gainer ’82 received an MA in Economics from New School University, located in Manhattan.

Jacqueline Melchior ’82 earned an MA degree in research psychology from Rutgers. Jacqueline is also the owner of Sophisticated Storage Solutions and has organized workshops focused on informing women about home, family, recreation, and business matters.

Cynthia (Mitchell) Sherman ’80 is working for the Fireman’s Fund in Bethlehem, PA.

David (Skip) Storch ’80 will be starring in a fly fishing segment titled, “Fly Fishing with Skip Storch on Cape Cod.” The segment will be featured on the show “Fly Rod Chronicles,” which will air on the Outdoor Channel from August through October. Skip is also nominated for the

Sarah Brelvi ’83 has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of the United Way of Warren County. Sarah has been associated with United Way for several years, creating new relationships and programs for the organization.

Dr. Barbara Klemt Boxleitner ’83 is a contributing writer for eight newspapers and magazines, most recently Florida Weekly and the Hendersonville, North Carolina, Times-News. Her work has appeared in 24 publications throughout the country. She is a fulltime mother to her daughter, Denver Bree, who is in preschool.

Old friends, Joseph Truglio ‘85, David McCabe, Brian Duffy ‘85, and James Nardello ’84 remembering a night at The Pub in 1983. The Pub used to have live bands on Tuesday & Thursday nights.

Johanna D. Roccanova, Esq. ’84 practices law in Arizona.

Christine L. Rusin ’84 is the founder and artistic director of the 10th Hope and Dreams Film Festival in Hope, NJ. The festival screens national, international and local films for competition. Christine has been the President of Parashoot Productions since 1985 and produces films for training, marketing and distribution. She is an award-winning filmmaker and her work has appeared in multiple film festivals.

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Class notes

Christopher Stevenson ’85, ’88 is an attorney for Norris, McLaughlin, & Marcus, P.A. He was recently involved in obtaining variances and site plan approval for the Raritan Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity for the Somerset County Franklin Township project. The project includes the construction of four homes for low income families. Christopher’s efforts, along with his colleagues, earned Norris, McLaughlin, & Marcus, P.A. the reward as a Golden Hammer Supporter.

In Memoriam Jeffrey Sellarole ‘75 Carolyn S. Karg ‘77 Alonzo Kinard ‘77 Karen Le Grand ‘78 Frederick M. Ruthlein ‘78 James Moulin ‘81 Kenneth Keegan ‘83 Bernice L. Tiktin ‘83 Leonard Maletta ‘84 Marilyn Turnamian ‘89

Robert Vliet ’85 has been named Senior Vice President of Atlantic Stewardship Bank. He has been with the bank for two years as the consumer loan manager. Robert’s responsibilities include managing residential mortgage, home equity and consumer lending, loan operations, new business development, security and insurance.

Daniel Kellogg ’87 was promoted to sergeant after serving 13 years on the Wyckoff Police Department.

Daniel also serves as a DARE officer, juvenile officer, bicycle patrol, safety officer, crime prevention officer and field training officer.

Claire McLafferty ’87 is running for the trustee position of the Waldwick Board of Education. Claire has served three years on the Traphagen PSO Executive Board, the final two as president. She is a marketing director for a financial services firm.

Laura Wellington ’87 created the television show, “The Wumblers,” which began airing nationwide in 2006. She has been named Woman of the Year for Arts and Entertainment by the Garden State Woman magazine and received the Forbes Enterprise Award for small business, both in 2007. Laura resides in Ridgewood with her four children.

Richard Alnor ’89 was appointed mayor of Wyckoff on January 1, 2008. Richard has been involved in the community for years, serving as a member of the township committee

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and a member of the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department. He also received the Dana Hannon Distinguished Service Award for the construction of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

Joseph Burke ’91 is business manager, imidacloprid products, for Bayer Environmental Science. He is in charge of marketing for Merit insecticide, Allectus insecticide, CoreTect insecticide and other products.

Elliot Chalef ’91 and his wife, Donna, welcomed their son, Lucas Daniel Chalef on March 5, 2007.

Lucas joins his sisters Stephanie and Erin as future Ramapo students.

ized in broadcast automation and subtitling solutions. Cathy holds a BA from Ramapo, an MBA from the University of Bridgeport, and a master’s degree in tax and business law from the Paris Graduate School of Management.

Mark Wendrychowicz ’93 married Ann O’Sullivan on June 2, 2007.

The couple honeymooned in Greece and now resides in Westwood. Mark works in financial services at UBS Wealth Management in Secaucus.

Kevin Brennan ’92 has been married for eight years and has three stepchildren. He is self-employed in the steel manufacturing industry and has also been a private pilot for five years.

Arthur Dennis ’92 runs the recruiting engine and manages consultants for Vertical Resources, Inc.

Mark Kemp ’92 married Devra Beth Rosen on June 24, 2007 at Temple Emanuel in Worchester, MA. Mark is employed as systems integration specialist for Konica Minolta Business Solutions in Windsor, CT.

Catherine Ramey-Johnson ’93 published her first book, Sentenced Before Birth, in December 2007 in the U.S., Canada, and other Englishspeaking countries. She was also appointed chief marketing and communication officer for Ninsight SAS in Montpellier, France. The company publishes software special-

Marie-Noelle Moginie’s ’94 art work was featured at the exhibition “Ni Noir Ni Blanc,” located at the Painting Center in New York City through March 22, 2008.

James Sexton, Esq. ’94 was twice featured in the New York Law Journal and in March of 2008 was named one of New York’s “Ten Leaders in Matrimonial/Divorce Law.” He continues to practice as a trial lawyer and is a managing partner of a growing law firm with offices in Rockland County and Manhattan.

Sean Powers ’99, former associate director of admissions at Ramapo, is the senior associate director of admissions at Ross University, a provider of medical and veterinary education.

From his office in Edison, Sean is responsible for all recruitment activities in the mid-Atlantic region.

Lori (Smith) Genzel '95 and her husband Jason live in Flemington and have a little girl, Jenna. Lori works for All-State Legal in Cranford, managing the company's events, sponsorships and advertising.

Raymond O’Hare ’97 and his wife, Noel, had their second child, RJ, on August 1, 2007.

Kelley (Botsolas) Helbig ’95 and her husband, Len, welcomed their first child, Kaylin Marie, into the world on February 19, 2008.

Jennie Casciano ’96 received her master’s degree from NYU in 1998 and married Dwight Blakney in 2005.

She resides in southern New Jersey and works at the Regional Perinatal Consortium of Monmouth and Ocean Counties as the community education manager.

Louis J. Pepe ’96 received a 2007 Pinnacle of Achievement Award from The Association of School Business Officials International for his program “First Who, Then What: Implementing Effective Change Through Quality Team Building.” The award is presented to individuals who have improved the efficiency of schools through creating new practices, proposals or publications and have played a role in the growth and development of schools in regard to business management.

Brooke Kaska ’97 married Sal Esposito on December 26, 2007 on the beach in Key West, Florida. She holds a MA in English education from Teachers College, Columbia University and will be beginning a program in educational administration in the fall. Brooke resides with her husband in Hopatcong and is employed by the Sparta School District as a high school English teacher.

Kevin Christiana was chosen to compete on Bravo Television’s reality show, “Project Runway 2007”. After attending Ramapo, Kevin transferred to the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, where he graduated in May 2000. He became head designer and partner for the labels Kevin Christiana and KJEANS, but closed the business to participate in the reality show, which launched in November 2007.

Alison ’98 and Neil Gibson ’99 welcomed their second child, Jace Ryan, on August 28, 2007. He joined his sister Alexandra Rae who was born September 27, 2005. Alison and Neil have been married for six years, and received graduate degrees in administration from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. They reside in South Plainfield.

Robin Keller ’98, ’02, ’07 juggles dual careers; she is a programmer at Ramapo College and an artist. She enjoys painting classrooms, cubicle life, family life, and college activities. Paintings featuring her “Commencement Series” were showcased at the Alumni Redux 5 Art Show in the Berrie Center at Ramapo College, from October 26 through December 7, 2007.

Robin’s son, Ian Keller, is a 2008 Ramapo graduate and her daughter, Laura, also attends the college.

Ursula Pico-Reinacher ’98 has joined Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Saddle River as a sales associate.

Dr. Heather Sculthorpe ’98 opened her own pediatric dental practice, Your Child’s Smile, in Franklin Lakes. After graduating Ramapo, Heather received her DMD degree from UMDNJ and spent two years in a post-graduate residency program at University Hospital in Newark to earn a specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry.

Bryan Steros ’98 is Director of Major Gifts for Seton Hall Law School. He is also pursuing his MBA at Fordham University with a concentration in management systems. He is a May 2009 graduation candidate.

Megan Charney ‘99 and Keith Cormier were married on September 8, 2007 at the Renault Winery. They honeymooned in Kauai and currently reside in Audubon, PA. Mark Riad Mikhael ’99 is a fulltime writing instructor at the American University in Cairo.

Lisa Throckmorton ’99 and her husband, Matthew Marino, had a beautiful baby boy, Nate Marino, on September 11, 2007.

Melissa Bradicich ’00 and Drew Bradicich ’00 welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Olivia Jones Bradicich, on December 13, 2007.

Laura Fagnano ’00 and Hovan Zadourian ’00 announced their engagement. A wedding is planned for June 29. Laura works as a graphic artist for Imagine Tomorrow, a nationally recognized children’s computer program. Hovan is an eighth grade science teacher for the Dumont school district and is completing his master’s degree in educational technology.

Heather Keene ’00 and her husband Jeffrey welcomed Steven Albert Keene, who was born April 15, 2008.

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Class notes Frederick L. McGarril ’00 was promoted to chief of police of the Bergenfield Police Department on October 16, 2007.

Lisa Drogon ’01 and John Bersey were married on August 1, 2007.

Anthony Mwangi ’00 received a master’s degree in education with a focus on educational technology from Northern Arizona University in 2006.

Anthony has been a high school business teacher for six years. He also has been an instructor for various staff training, support, and assistance programs to integrate technology in the classroom. Anthony is an educational technology specialist in Middle Essex.

David Stroger ’00 announced his engagement to Brenna Pepsin. David is an accountant and client services manager for Citi Global Transaction Services in Roseland. A September 2008 wedding is planned.

Richard Zwickel ’00 has been named Vice President of Medi-Scripts PLUS, a project that is developing a new type of prescription pad model from Medi-Promotions, Inc. Richard is responsible for business matters relating to pharmaceutical clients as well as the strategies and executions of all Medi-Scrips PLUS lines.

Lisa Amendola ’01 announced her engagement to Matt Stout. The wedding is planned for April of 2009.

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Christopher Guddemi ’01 was married to Corrie Davidson on June 24, 2007. Christopher is employed as a land use consultant and surveyor.

Purvi (Joisher) Parekh ’01 ’04 and Bijal Parekh are the proud parents of Suhani Parekh. When Suhani was born on May 28, 2008, it was a happy day for quite a few Ramapo Alumni.

In addition to Purvi, Meena Joisher ’92 is Suhani’s delighted grandma, and Vidhi (Parekh) Shah ’02 and Manshi (Joisher) Mehta ’02 are her doting aunts. With a Ramapo legacy like this, Suhani and her loving older brother Aayush could one day be part of Ramapo’s Class of 2026 and 2023.

Kevin McCarthy ’01 and Bethany Young ’01 were married on October 27, 2007. Bethany is a therapist with Ocean Mental Health.

Kevin is a history teacher for the Elizabeth Township Board of Education and is pursuing a master’s degree in educational administration at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Christine O'Neill Vandersnow ’01, ‘06 is the associate registrar at Paul Smith's College located in the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

Leland Pavoll ’01 married Cindy Zibel on July 15, 2007. Leland earned a J.D. from Pierce Law Center. He is an in-house counsel for Stephens and Michaels Associates in Windham, MA. The couple resides in Nashua, MA.

Jonathan Quinn ’01 announced his engagement to Krista Joy with a fall 2008 wedding planned. Jonathan is employed by Rockland County as a police officer.

Michael ’01 and Tanya Washington ‘02 welcomed their first child Kayla LoRe' on February 2, 2008.

She weighed 6lbs 4oz.

Marc Weinstein ’01 married Pamela Fertel on March 22, 2008.

Marc is a marketing specialist with L&R Manufacturing in Kearny.

Jessica Westcott ’01 announced her engagement to Ryan Estok. An April 2009 wedding is planned.

Jessica is acting director of outpatient services at Discovery Institute for Addictive Disorders in Marlboro.

She will also be obtaining a master’s degree in psychological counseling from Monmouth University in May.

Ginny Botti ’02 announced her engagement to William Oels, III, with a wedding planned for July 11. Ginny is pursuing her master’s degree in educational leadership at Kean University in Union. She is employed by the Union County Vocational-Technical School District as a teacher.

Richard Callahan ’02 announced his engagement to Victoria Taylor.

The wedding is planned for November 22.

Lisa Firenze ’02 has announced her engagement to Francesco Sciortino, with a wedding planned for July 11, 2009. Lisa is pursuing her master’s degree in education at Walden University. She is employed by the Ringwood Board of Education as a fourth grade teacher.

Kevin Holm ’02 is a senior editor at John Wiley & Sons, Inc., where he publishes finance and investment books. Since graduating with a B.A. in communications, Kevin has completed a professional degree in book publishing from New York University and graduated in May from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an M.B.A. in management. He recently completed research in the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Gina Holter ’02 announced her engagement to Jason Guadagnino with a July 2009 wedding planned. Gina is a social worker for children with disabilities.

Michelle Maskaly ’03 was hired as a news editor with FoxNews.com in Manhattan. She was also elected President of the New Jersey chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Tara Marlene Larkin ’02 married Timothy Andrew Wuorinen on July 14, 2007 at the Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange. Tara completed her master’s degree from Saint Peter’s College in education administration/ supervision in spring 2008. Tara is the academic/athletic coordinator at Saint Peter’s College.

Janise Haberstroh ’03 and Arthur Thomson ’03 were married on April 7, 2006 in Asbury Park. Janise is a preschool teacher for the Long Branch school district. Arthur is a singer and DJ for Elite Entertainment.

Jeff Vybihal ’03 is working at Risk Sciences Group, a subsidiary of Crawford and Company in Mahwah as a technical consultant.

Cheryl Bachmann ’04 married Christopher Botsolas on August 11, 2007 in Lake George, NY. Both Cheryl and Christopher are teachers at West Milford High School.

Jenna Catalioto ’04 married Peter Lorie on August 11, 2007. Jenna is currently a teacher at Robert Erskine School in Ringwood. After graduating Ramapo, Jenna received a master’s degree in the art of teaching from Mary Grove College.

Rosa Pena-Lara ’02 and Francisco Lara married on August 21, 2004.

They welcomed their second child, a son named Angel, on December 27, 2006 who joined his big sister, Angelique, born August 2, 2005. Rosa is a federal parole/probation officer in Washington, DC. The family resides in Maryland.

Royce Shapllo ’02 continued his education after Ramapo and graduated from Kaplan University in 2007 with a MBA. He is working for a European-based pharmaceutical company.

Carly Wohlleb ’02 and Kevin Stead were married on April 14, 2007 at Ocean Inlet Park, Boynton Beach, FL. Carly is employed by Medco Health Solutions.

Brenda Avila ’03 married Steve Green on September 2, 2007.

Victoria Colman ’04 earned her master’s degree from Montclair State University in counseling with a concentration in higher education and student affairs. She is currently working at Caldwell College as the assistant director of student activities.

Joann Ferraioli ’04 married Frank Boccio on November 16, 2007.

Joann is currently working in the fixed income, currency and commodities department of Goldman Sachs in New York City.

Derrick Hensel ’04 recently launched www.isparc.net, a website that enables professionals to network online.

Christina Lynn Hoch ’04 married Brett Charles Santowasso on November 17, 2007. Christina is a marketing manager for Kaplan Companies in Highland Park.

Erin Hogan ’04 married Shawn Curcio on May 31st at Davis Johnson Park and Gardens in Tenafly. The couple is looking forward to a move to Massachusetts by the end of the summer.

Theresa Malek ’04 and her husband, Luke Lesniowski, were blessed with a baby girl, Alexandra Elizabeth, on October 16, 2007.

Walter Pensack ’04 is engaged to be married to Dawn Sheehan in August 2008. He is a service manager and automotive technician with Phil’s Foreign Car Service.

Julie Pych ’04 married Raymond Kester in September 2007. Julie is pursuing her master’s degree in school counseling at William Paterson University. She is employed by the Mount Olive Board of Education as a teacher’s assistant.

Stephanie Weickert ’04 announced her engagement to Jason Pavao, with the wedding planned for November. Stephanie is a pharmacy technician for CVS.

Heather Bloomfield ’05 has announced her engagement to Steve Jason, III. Heather is a fourth grade teacher in the Livingston School District.

Melissa Corrado ’05 announced her engagement to Jorge Tavares.

Melissa is a middle school teacher for the South Orange/Maplewood school district and a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer.

Diane Darcy-Schmidt ’05 and Walter Schmidt are happy to announce their marriage on October 6, 2007 at the Venetian in Garfield.

They honeymooned in Puerta Vallarta and reside in Freehold.

Dana Karabinos ’05 and Kenneth Pressler were married on July 13, 2007 at St. Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn.

Dana is a second grade teacher in the Old Tappan School District.

Rebecca Karger ’05 married Darin Williams in August of 2005.

Jaclyn King ’05 and Jeffrey Sutton ’05 have announced their engagement. Jaclyn is a preschool teacher, while Jeffrey is a traveling nurse recruiter with Access Nurse.

Michael Lauch ’05 announced his engagement to Sandra Martin. The wedding will be on October 3rd.

Michael is an accountant with Pharmanet Development Group in Princeton.

Jessica Marconi ’05 announced her engagement to David Kriskowski, with a wedding planned for June 27th. Jessica is currently an English teacher with South Plainfield High School.

Jason Muller ’05 has accepted an educator position with the Beczak Environmental Education Center in Yonkers, NY. Jason will also earn his master’s degree in educational technology in May 2008.

Patrick Petretta ’05 is the new head coach of the Eagles, the men’s soccer team at Middletown High School South.

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Class notes Kristen Purpura ’05 married Glenn Fertitta on October 5, 2007 at St. Peter’s R.C. Church in New Brighton. Kristen is a recreational therapist employed by Sea View Rehabilitation Center.

Cindy Robbins ’05 announced her engagement to Mark Marotta, with the wedding planned for December.

Cindy is employed by the Roxbury Board of Education.

Nicole Buffalino ’06 married John Sergi on August 17, 2007.

Lauren Mosko ’06 was the Maid of Honor. Nicole is teaching second grade in Old Bridge.

Noel Colon ’06 and Tessa Fernandes ’07 welcomed the newest addition to their family, Elijah Noel Colon, on October 21, 2007.

Jeremy Melissari ’06 graduated in December from American University with a master’s degree in applied politics.

Natalie Ottaiano ’06 is engaged to be married to Michael Anthony Priore in December 2008. She is employed by the Children’s Place as an event coordinator.

Pamela Peschl ’06 is a third-grade 28

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teacher at Wanaque Elementary School. She also serves on the Wanaque Borough Educational Association Budget Committee, which keeps the community aware of important educational needs during the creation of budgets.

Jillian Scott ’06 is engaged to be married to Velid Suljic in 2009. Jillian is working with the South Bergen Jointure while attending Farleigh Dickinson University for a master’s degree in special education. She also holds numerous positions with Moonachie’s DARE and recreation programs.

Matthew DiBartolomeo ’07 was named media coordinator for Sigma Group, a full service advertising agency.

Tammy Douglas ’07 was inducted to the Omicron Pi Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses for her academic and leadership achievements.

Tammy passed the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses and is employed by the New York Pediatric Hospital.

Rebecca Duncan ’07 is pursuing her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University in marketing.

Vanessa Faxas ’07 announced her engagement to Harish Mansharamani. The wedding is planned for May 2009, in the Dominican Republic. Vanessa completed her graduate studies at Columbia University School of Social Work in May 2008, receiving her M.S.W.

Jonathan M. Barba ‘07 is employed

by CHANGE Collegian Network (CCN a non-profit Christian organization) as a mentor to CCN leaders at different colleges and universities. He is also a substitute teacher.

Ryan Benz ’07 was named account coordinator at Lanmark Group in Eatontown. His responsibilities include managing and maintaining marketing, advertising, and promotional programs.

Amanda Caldwell ’07 is teaching mathematics at Teaneck High School.

Diane Catlin ’07 announced her engagement to Richard Loehr on September 22, 2007.

Deshawn Cook ’07 is working at Drew University as a Complex Residence Director for a traditional style residence hall and for Drew University’s Theme Houses. Deshawn is also pursuing a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree at Ramapo.

Kristen Cuzzo ’07 was named Assistant Director at Plaza Research in Marlton, NJ.

Peter Kowalcyk ’07 is working at Zeus Scientific, Inc. in the research and development department and also works as an EMT with Palisades Park Ambulance Corps.

Michael La Porta ’07 is pursuing a MBA at Felician College in Rutherford.

Young (Kristen) Lee ’07 is employed

by New York Life Insurance Company as a Financial Services Professional.

James M. LoCascio ’07 is employed

by Sobel and Company Certified Public Accountants and Consultants LLC as a staff accountant in Livingston.

Todd Maniscalki ’07 is employed by the U.S. Department of Defense, and works as a logistics data specialist for the Army.

Ellie Miltner ’07 was hired by MTV Networks as a Production Assistant for SPIKE TV.

Matthew Palko ’07 married Patricia White; they reside in Boonton.

Matthew is employed by the Jefferson Township Municipal Utilities Department as a wastewater operator.

Christina Pizzella ’07 announced her engagement to Anthony DiPaolo.

Christina is a registered nurse for the Medical University of South Carolina.

Laura Greene ’07 announced her engagement to William Savio on March 15, 2008. Laura is an editor for the healthcare publishing company in Manasquan. A 2010 wedding is planned.

Meredith Hall ’07 announced her engagement to Anthony Fox. The wedding is planned for September 2008. Meredith is currently employed by Subsystem Technology.

Aimee Johnston ’07 announced her engagement to Todd Lauder; the wedding is planned for June 6, 2009.

Aimee is employed with the Human Resources department of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

Vlado Pjesivac ’07 is working at Exstream Software in Lexington, Kentucky. In the spring of 2008, Vlado plans to begin his master’s degree in computer science at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus.

Scott Seaman ’07 is working at Merrill Lynch in New York City with the Lebenthal Group.

Erin Bulger ’08 announced her engagement to Michael Allen with a wedding planned for May 2010.

Denise Marie Gianduso ’08 announced her engagement to Adam Shane Hatley with the wedding set for June 2008. Denise is employed by the Franklin Lakes Board of Education.

Alumni in the spotlight

Todd Lowber, Debuting with the Dallas Cowboys

Sports fans who follow the reality sport documentary series “Hard Knocks,” produced by NFL Films and HBO have been following the career of Ramapo alumnus Todd Lowber ’06. The show, which takes a camera inside the Dallas Cowboys training camp, follows the human drama inside an NFL training camp.

Lowber, an athletic wide receiver, who played basketball at Ramapo, is trying to make the team. The 26-year-old is the 80th player on the roster. Members of the College community will recall Lowber as an exceptionally talented athlete who made history during his time here.

Todd Lowber, number 16 (right) tries out for the Dallas Cowboys.

Lowber was a starting member of the men’s basketball team for two seasons, during which he averaged more than 12 points per game. At the NCAA Division III Championship high jump competition, Lowber was named champion. His jump measured 7 ½' – and Lowber became the first national champion in the College’s history. His athletic prowess drew the attention of a Minnesota Vikings scout, despite the fact that Lowber never played football, and Lowber signed as wide receiver in April 2007.

During the five-part series, the lives of Lowber and four others are chronicled, as well as the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.

Taiwan Festival, both held at Union Square in New York City.

“The Rising of the Sun,” the first track on the band’s 2007 debut album “Entering the Mandala,” was played as the Chinese basketball team’s entrance theme and the song and the band received international attention. Back in the United States, the band garnered publicity in newspapers and on radio stations across the New York-New Jersey metro area, as well as in USA Today and the International Herald Tribune.

The group was formed by Jack Hsu ’07, Brent Bergholm ‘07, Vinny Belcastro ‘07, Derril Sellers ‘08, Adam Toth ‘08 and current student John Manna. Their music consists of East-meets-West influence of Chinese traditional music and ranges to

Photo courtesy Hsu-nami website

Hsu-nami Makes Waves at the Beijing Olympics

A little piece of Ramapo College made it to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing when a song by Hsu-nami, an Asian fusion progressive rock band founded at the College in 2005, received significant air time.

Todd Lowber high-jumping to land a winning hoop shot at a Ramapo basketball game in 2005.

Hsu-nami performing at the Passport 2 Taiwan Festival in NYC.

the Western modern influence of hard rock. It incorporates the erhu, a two-string bowed instrument that is often used in Chinese classical music and folk ensembles; an amplified erhu takes the place of lead vocals. In January, Vinny Belcastro left the band and has since formed a new band, “Trust.”

The group has performed with major acts such as Yellowcard, ChthoniC, Nightmare of You, The Parlor Mob, World Leader Pretends and Jet Lag Gemini. They have performed for numerous festivals/conventions, including the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans Festival, and the Passport 2

During one of their Union Square performances last year, the band was filmed by an Asian cable channel, AZN Television; the broadcast was seen by a representative of NBA entertainment, who later became music coordinator for the Olympics. In addition to being played during the basketball team’s arrival, the song was played during timeouts, halftime and incorporated into a martial arts entertainment routine.

Hsu, whose nickname was Hsu-nami during his Ramapo days, studied the erhu as a teenager and played in at the College coffeehouse. When his coffeehouse partner left Ramapo, Hsu partnered with Brent Bergholm, who had his own conventional heavy metal band, Bleed the Stone, and the two fused traditional Chinese music and progressive rock.

Stay tuned as Ramapo College and the rest of the world sees where the Olympic exposure takes Hsu-nami next.

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Alumni news Champagne at Sunset A Toast to the Alumni Association’s Newest Members

More than 400 graduating seniors and 230 members of their families attended the Alumni Association’s annual Champagne at Sunset reception held in the Bradley Center Arena on May 15. A dedicated committee of 12 student leaders presented a photo slide show and shared senior memories of academic and social experiences from their College years submitted by members of the Class of 2008. Serving on the committee chaired by Amanda Bordfeld: Hillary Ammerman, Rob Amon, Steven Bloom, Tia Haywood, Kristin Jamaca, Christopher Jeune, Danielle Mancini, Katie Mulligan, Michelle Putney, Justin Swisher and Carolyn Ucci. President Award of Merit Recipient, John Donofrio ’81, presented the Alumni Toast and welcomed the Association’s newest alumni.

John Donofrio '81 received the President's Award of Merit at Commencement 2008.

Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer received the Honor Roll of Donors for the Student Legacy Fund from Jessica Patterson ’09 and Amanda Bordfeld ’08.

(L-R): “Ramapo Memories” from the Class of 2008 were shared by: Danielle Mancini, Hillary Ammerman, Michelle Putney, Amanda Bordfeld, Desiree Seabeck, Tatia Haywood, Steven Bloom and Steven Cucchiara.

Register Now www.alumniconnections.com/ramapolive

“Ramapo Live is a great tool to locate fellow alums and reconnect.”

FRANCES K. HACKETT, ‘80

Ramapo Live

• Search for friends and make new connections with Ramapo’s very own Online Community – Ramapo Live. Membership is exclusive and free to Ramapo alumni. You will be able to:

• Search the Alumni Directory – find your classmates and network with alums based on class year, job, degree and other information.

• Update your classmates and friends with Class Notes.

• Secure a Permanent @alumni.ramapo.edu Email Address that forwards your mail to the email of your choice.

• View/Update your Alumni Directory Listing.

• Event Registration – Sign up and pay securely online for Ramapo events.

“As soon as I registered, I was able to locate some of my classmates.”

HOWARD PRINCZ, ‘80

For additional information contact Purvi Parekh, ’01, ’04 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations – purvi@ramapo.edu or Phone 201.684.7115 30

Ramapo magazine

Courts and fields

NEW RECRUITING OPPORTUNITIES AND FLEXIBLE PRACTICE SCHEDULES AVAILABLE ON NEW TURF

The Ramapo College Athletic Department has opened their new stadium field, which is equipped with field turf and a state-of-the-art track. Schedules are set for men's and women’s soccer, field hockey, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s track and field.

The playing field is comprised of a Field Turf surface on the soccer field that stretches 75 yards wide by 120 yards long.

“This new facility will greatly enhance the soccer program in every way possible,” said DJ Pinton, head coach of the men’s soccer program. “In the past we have had to cancel practices and games due to rain and sloppy field conditions. Now we can train in almost any weather without worry of ruining the field and it creates a great venue for home games.”

The track that surrounds the playing surface is a 400-meter all-weather track with eight lanes.

Dual long jump and triple jump runways sit on the north end of the facility, with a steeplechase water pit, a pole vault runway and a high jump competition area on the west end. A new area for discus, hammer and javelin throws will be located across Route 202 at North Field.

Mike Jackson, head coach of the men’s and women’s track and field programs, said the new facility will open new recruitment opportunities for Ramapo College.

Wide shot of the new field

“We are extremely excited about the new track and field facility,” he said. “It will give us more flexibility with practice time and it’s a beautiful site to see when entering our campus.”

On August 29, the men’s soccer team opened the venue by hosting the Cardinals of York College.

Check out the athletic Web site (www.ramapoathletics.com) for upcoming game schedules.

Assistant Swim Coach Nominated for ESPY Award

David “Skip” Storch, an assistant coach of the men’s and women’s swim teams, was nominated in July for a 2008 ESPY Award in the “Best Outdoor Athlete” category by ESPN. Storch traveled to Los Angeles for the awards ceremony hosted by Justin Timberlake and broadcasted on ESPN. A marathon swimmer, Storch broke two world records for three laps of continuous, unassisted swim around Manhattan. He completed 85.5 miles in 32 hours and 52 minutes.

The coach has sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease, which he attributes to exposure to dust and debris at the World Trade Center on 9.11. Storch donates money he raises through swimming to families and victims of the attack.

The ESPY Awards were voted on by the public through an ESPN Web site.

Players practicing on new tennis courts.

Ramapo magazine

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Datebook

September 17

Opening Convocation Natalie Angier, author of “The Canon: A Whirlygig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science”

October 11

Chicago City Limits

8 p.m., Sharp Theater “One State, Two State, Red State, Blue State”

1 p.m., Bradley Center Arena Join us for Opening Convocation with the Pulitzer prize-winner and best-selling author of “The Canon,” a playful, passionate guide to the science all around us. This book has been selected as our First-Year Experience summer reading for Ramapo’s incoming freshmen.

October 14

September 20

1 p.m., Sharp Theater Sixteen-year-old Matt Savage, a jazz pianist and composer, is one of fewer than 100 people known as a “prodigious savant.” He appears at Ramapo with his trio in connection with Disability Awareness Month.

Say Goodnight Gracie: The Love, Laughter and Life of George Burns

8 p.m., Sharp Theater Spend an evening in the company of the world’s favorite and funniest centenarian.

October 2

Poet Adrienne Rich 7 p.m., Sharp Theater

The poet has published more than 16 volumes of poetry and four books of nonfiction.

She appears at Ramapo in connection with Disability Awareness Month.

The Things They Carried

2 p.m., Sharp Theater Presented by American Place Theatre Literature to Life series and based on the novel by Tim O’Brien.

October 15

Portrait of a Savant: The Matt Savage Trio

October 18

The Official Blues Brothers Revival Tour

8 p.m., Sharp Theater This musical captures the spirit of the original Blues Brothers movie, combining the hits from the movie and the five albums put out by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

December 5

Folksinger John Gorka

8 p.m., Sharp Theater His multi-faceted songs are full of depth, beauty and emotion.

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Ramapo magazine

December 14

An Eileen Ivers Christmas

7 p.m., Sharp Theater Fiddler Eileen Ivers, with her band Immigrant Soul, brings her foot stomping, joyous and authentic Irish Christmas celebration to the Berrie Center.

December 20

Holidays Around the World Featuring the Newark Boys Chorus

8 p.m., Sharp Theater Celebrate the season with this world-renowned performing group that has a diverse repertoire including classical music, spirituals, African folk songs, contemporary show tunes, pop music and jazz.

December 21

International Russian Music and Dance Festival Featuring Ensemble Barynya

3 p.m., Sharp Theater This Eastern European dance and music ensemble will perform traditional Russian, Gypsy Roma, Cossack and Ukrainian dances, songs and music played on traditional instruments.

January 25, 2009

Direct from Paris: Gypsy Klezmer Music 3 p.m., Sharp Theater Featuring Les Yeux Noirs (The Black Eyes)

Q

Q&A: Admissions

QA Peter Rice, director of Admissions, joined the staff of Ramapo College in 2007.

He continues to uphold the College’s high criteria for attracting well-qualified and well-prepared students while evaluating the reasons students indicate Ramapo College as their number one choice. Ramapo Magazine asked him about the Class of 2012.

Is there an ideal Ramapo College student?

There is no typical student. Academically, Ramapo students are in the top 20 percent of their graduating class with a 3.5 GPA and an SAT Critical Reading and Math score of about 1170. However, a Ramapo student is more than that. He or she is an active member of the community, one who is passionate about whatever interests them. A Ramapo student is a person who wants to develop critical thinking skills, experience the world around them and experience all of this in a supportive, nurturing environment.

What importance does a potential student’s extracurricular activities play in acceptance to Ramapo?

sions staff to spend more time interacting with prospective students. Currently, we are working with ITS to explore a document imaging system that will enable us to reach our next goal of going paperless.

Which high school sends us the highest number of freshmen?

East Brunswick High School is our biggest feeder school in terms of the number of applications. This year, Fair Lawn High School sent us 14 freshmen.

Many high school seniors are focused on the four-year college experience. Yet, a number of students do change colleges after the first year. How do transfer students enhance the student body at Ramapo?

&

We always strive to look for the well-rounded student -an interested student who is willing to experiment and try new things. We find that students with a variety of extracurricular interests are eager to become members of the various clubs, community service organizations/Greek life. It is hoped, and expected, that they will build and enhance stronger relations within the College community.

One student who comes to mind is a Golden Glove and Junior Olympic boxer. What is truly interesting about him is that a year after high school he decided he wanted a college career under his belt. He will be enrolled in our EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund) program designed for students who don’t have the financial resources to attend college or who may have gaps in their educational preparation.

Another student, from Mahwah, is a singer, and she performed at Carnegie Recital Hall and at an Opera Festival in Italy. She’s enrolled in our School of Contemporary Arts, allowing her to pursue her musical talents while concentrating in the performing arts program at Ramapo.

Reducing expenditures is a college-wide initiative. How does the Office of Admissions plan to do this?

Our shift toward receiving and processing our admissions applications online underscores Admissions commitment to our Strategic Plan, to reduce expenditures on non-renewable resources. By receiving 75 percent of our applications online, Admissions has taken a huge step toward a paperless admissions office. Online applications translates into a great reduction in printing costs and, most importantly, it saves us hours of data entry time that allows admis-

Transfer students make up an active part of our campus and play a vital role in the academic and cultural diversity of the College. Transfer students choose to come to Ramapo for many reasons, including the wonderful faculty and programs - the beauty of our campus and our tremendous facilities.

An interesting aspect of the transfer student population is they bring the experience of other colleges with them and they are making a much more informed choice when they decide to attend Ramapo. Also, many students transfer to Ramapo due to financial concerns: they realize Ramapo provides the service and size of a private school for, in many cases, half the cost. We are so fortunate to have transfer students who add to the interactive classroom learning environment here. For the fall 2008 semester we have approximately 700 transfer students enrolled.

Do any students hail from countries people in this country may not be familiar with? How do international students add to Ramapo’s community?

In this class, we have one student from Oman, located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula and another from Turkmenistan, a west central Asian country east of the Caspian Sea. Through the acceptance of students from foreign countries, the College promotes intercultural understanding, another goal of our Strategic Plan. The cultural exchange between students born in this country and those who speak different languages, follow diverse customs, adhere to different educational systems and religious belief, broaden the experiences of all students. For the fall 2008 semester we have 30 international students enrolled.

How does the incoming class meet the Strategic Plan’s goal of enhancing academic excellence?

These students meet our criteria for enrolling and graduating students who are life-long learners and who possess the necessary skills, knowledge and ethics to seek enriching experiences and to develop new ways of thinking, acting and engaging.

The incoming class of 2008 features 42 students who have received Presidential Scholarships (full tuition and room). They are in the 96th percentile of their graduating class with a 1380 Critical Reading and Math SAT score. Twenty-nine additional students will be attending as Ramapo Scholars (full tuition). These students are in the 91st percentile of their graduating class with a 1335 Critical Reading and Math SAT score. Of the 122 students offered Presidential Scholarships, 71 chose to attend Ramapo. This represents a 58 percent yield, which is wonderful for students of this caliber. These scholars represent some of our best and brightest students in the graduating class of 2012.

Ramapo magazine

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505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680

New Jersey’s Public Liberal Arts College www.ramapo.edu

50th COMMENCEMENT 2008

Solemn, yet spirited, 1,358 students continued Ramapo College’s traditional graduation procession under The Arch, repeating the walk they took as freshmen, to begin the Commencement ceremony May 16. Students who completed their studies in January, May and August participated.

The Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, delivered the Commencement address, energizing the crowd and advising those assembled to stand strong and to give back to their communities. John A. Donofrio, Class of 1981, received the President’s Award of Merit.

Adding to our 50th Commencement celebration, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree was bestowed by the Board of Trustees on Richard Anisfield in celebration of his acute business acumen, outstanding commitment to business education and dedication to the future of Ramapo College. The Board also bestowed an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree on Millicent Anisfield to recognize the extraordinary example she has set for students, her outstanding commitment to the community and dedication to Ramapo College.

(L-R): Trustee Chair The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Richard Anisfield, President Peter P. Mercer and Millicent Anisfield after the Anisfields received their honorary degrees.

The rain could not dampen the spirits of the Class of 2008.

The Honorable Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, gives the commencement address.

(L-R): Past Trustee Chair Thomas Zelante, Trustee Timothy Schroeder, Trustee A.J. Sabath, Trustee Chair The Reverend Dr. Vernon C. Walton, Newark Mayor The Honorable Cory A. Booker, President Peter P. Mercer, Trustee Gail Brady, Richard Anisfield, Millicent Anisfield, Trustee Peter McBride, Trustee Sharon McGahee, Provost Beth Barnett and Trustee Esther Suarez.