All In the RamaFamily

All In the RamaFamily

Being a student at Ramapo College is often described as being surrounded by family. For four 2020 alumni, who are also cousins, no truer words could describe their experience. Sisters Kathryn and Rachel Agnello, and sisters Heather and Hope Jans, graduated this spring and now join six relatives for an impressive total of TEN alumni in their family.

Cousins Rachel Agnello, Kathryn Agnello,  Hope Jans, and Heather Jans held their own graduation ceremony.

Attending Together

“Growing up, we always wanted to go to the same school being that we lived two minutes away from each other. Ramapo gave us that opportunity,” said Rachel, who earned her Master of Social Work degree this year, about her twin sister Kathryn and cousins Heather and Hope.  “We’d run into each other in the Fish Bowl, the parking lots, and a few times I ended up driving behind Heather on Campgaw Road on the way to campus,” Kathryn recalled. She also shared how being a twin created some mixed-up moments on campus. “We often confused our professors and waved back at people in the hallway that we didn’t know. One time, one of my friends started a conversation with my sister and didn’t realize it wasn’t me until halfway through!”

Heather and Hope had the added pleasure of seeing their father, Roger Jans ‘09, Manager of Workforce Planning, Organizational Development and Classification in Human Resources, on campus. “I would always stop into his office, ask about his day or maybe even grab lunch. That was an amazing experience to be able to have,” shared Hope. Rachel and Kathryn’s father, John Agnello, also works at Ramapo College in Public Safety.

Just a few years earlier, Karen Jans ‘12 attended Ramapo along with her son, Sean Jans ‘14. They were supposed to graduate together, until Sean decided to obtain teacher certification. Going to college with siblings and cousins seems like fun, but what about with your child? “I thought it was great going to school with my son and that we ended up sharing a passion for children and wanting to help students learn in any and every way possible. I was not sure how he felt then, being a kid in college with his mom…I didn’t want it to be awkward for him” said Karen.

Sisters Rebecca Morel ‘16 and Erica Morel ‘16, overlapped time on campus with their cousins Karen and Sean, as well as Hope and Rachel. “The best part about having so much family at Ramapo was that I never knew who I’d bump into. With busy college schedules, family time gets cut down, so having them at the same college gave us plenty of time to catch up and help each other out,” Rebecca recalled. Erica shared the same sentiment. “I felt so supported and there was always someone I could find to hang out with.”

While attending college with relatives has given this family a unique and rewarding experience, Kathryn also noted it is not the only way to make connections, as many alumni and current students know. “If you try to connect with the people in the college, you will succeed. It doesn’t take much to make close connections and friendships. Because Ramapo has a small population of students, you start recognizing faces early on in your school career.”

Amanda (Swanson) Jans ‘11, a presidential scholarship recipient, married fellow Roadrunner Sean, though they did not meet while attending Ramapo together. With Amanda double-majoring in biology and psychology, and Sean majoring in theater, the chances of having any coursework together were quite slim. Little did Amanda know that the lead actor in the Berrie Center production of Playboy of the Western World she attended one night would later become her “playboy” husband, she joked.

Choosing Ramapo

Having so many relatives attend the same school, it is hard not to wonder what influence, if any, they had on each other’s decisions. Roger was the first to attend Ramapo in the family, and served as an ambassador for not only his children, but his wife Karen. “Roger spoke very highly of the school, the programs, and his professors while completing his degree.  I originally decided to take just one class to see if I could handle the course load while taking care of my family and working full time.  It ended up working very well because of the amazing support from my family.”

Erica grew up in Mahwah, and having many relatives attend Ramapo, she was ready to rebel. “I wanted to hate it. However, when I toured the campus, I knew it was the school for me. I knew I was going into a tough major [nursing] and that Ramapo had what I needed to make it through.” Rebecca felt similarly, having been on campus many times long before even looking at colleges while in high school. “I didn’t want to go there because it’s about a three-minute drive from home. After I went to an open house and went on a tour, however, I knew this was the college for me.”

Student Experiences

One of Amanda’s favorite times at Ramapo College was her study abroad experience in Spain. “I think I initially attended the presentation since there was pizza…I ended up living with a host family and taking courses at the Universidad de Deusto for a minor in Spanish. It was amazing to watch the running of the bulls, visit historical locations and museums, and taste European ice cream and other treats. I miss having tapas!”

Some of Sean’s fondest memories are from his time spent with faculty in the School of Contemporary Arts. In addition to taking a number of courses with Dr. Richard Langheim, he also loved Professor Maria Vail’s “wonderfully energetic, high-octane acting classes that push actors to and beyond their limits for growth,” while Heather enjoyed her time as a peer facilitator, which afforded her the opportunity to connect with incoming freshmen. Roger appreciated the opportunities to network with alumni through the many events offered on and off-campus.

Campus Traditions

Can you guess? Yes, it comes as no surprise that the favorite Ramapo tradition in this family is Arching. Graduating during a pandemic was incredibly bittersweet for Kathyrn, Rachel, Heather, and Hope, as they did not get the opportunity to savor this beloved and culminating activity as they had when they first arrived on campus as freshmen. Far be it for a pandemic to stop them, however. Check out the Arching Ceremony they created in the front yard of the Agnello house.

Amanda shared a perhaps lesser-known tradition, as it does not even have a name!  While walking around campus with her friends, she came across a tree that was covered with items left by students like stuffed animals, shoes, and even a bicycle. “Before graduating, I added a shirt I wore often…It was definitely one of the oddest traditions that I’ve ever found.” 

Looking Ahead

Hope accepted a nursing position at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Labor & Delivery, which is not uncommon for our nursing majors like her cousin Erica, who has been working at The Valley Hospital since graduating in 2016. Her most recent work was on the frontline in the Critical Care Unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, remarking “Ramapo prepared me to be the best nurse I can be in what will be, hopefully, the most difficult time.” Heather hopes to find a job in marketing and advertising, and Rachel wants to secure a position as a social worker. 

Roadrunner Advice

Without a doubt, like many alumni, this RamaFamily loved its time at Ramapo College, and has words of wisdom to share with the Class of 2024:

Fun facts about this RamaFamily!

“Use the resources on campus! The Writing Center, Cahill Career Center, counseling services, etc. They are all set up to help make your life less stressful, and a lot easier!” Hope Jans ‘20

“Try to connect with every professor you have, as they are the most important people in your life at the moment.” Kathryn Agnello ‘20

“You’re not supposed to have your whole life figured out yet. Embrace the uncomfortableness and simply enjoy your time as a new college student. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Utilize your professors and their resources.” Rachel Agnello ‘19, ‘20

“Join organizations, find your people. Make smart choices, and have an open mind to all of the experiences you will encounter.”  Heather Jans ‘20

“Be yourself, Talk to as many people as you can, and enjoy every second you are there.” Erica Morel ‘16

“Listen and learn, but also have fun. Enjoy every bit of your time there, because this time in your life will change you for the rest of your life.” Rebecca Morel ‘16

“Get in, and get it done.” Sean Jans ‘14

“Believe in your abilities, work hard, and take advantage of all that Ramapo has to offer.  As an adult student to any older adult still on the fence about going back to school as an undergrad, I would say, “Go for it!”  You will not be disappointed!” Karen Jans ‘12

“Explore the campus, join clubs, meet people, take trips, study abroad, and have adventures. It’s what college is all about.” Amanda Jans ‘11

“Get involved in everything you can. You do not know what you will learn or what opportunities will come your way.” Roger Jans ‘09

As we wish the outgoing Class of 2020 well, we do the same for the incoming Class of 2024. Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner. Congratulations to all on being part of the Ramapo Family!

Do you have a story about Ramapo College you would like to share? Please contact us at alumni@ramapo.edu.