at Ramapo College

By Ariana Rivera ’18 |  Winter 2024

2023 was a pivotal year for Ramapo College as it welcomed new alumni leadership. The recent appointment of dynamic and accomplished alumni to key leadership positions brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a renewed sense of community while building on the legacy of the past and a shared commitment to the growth of their alma mater.

At the forefront of this exciting transition is Keith Dawkins ’94, the new chairperson of the Ramapo College Board of Governors and its first Black chairperson. Dawkins, who is president of the Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios and owner of Rock Hill Media Ventures, has served on the board for 12 years, most recently as secretary. He brings a wealth of management and marketing experience as well as a passion for the college’s mission and is poised to make a significant impact on the college’s alumni relations. Recently, Dawkins pledged that the Ramapo College Foundation and Alumni Association will be broadening and growing its engagement with alumni. To that end, he invited alumni to share their stories about memorable moments and personal journeys at Ramapo by writing to alumni@ramapo.edu and to continue connecting with the college in a variety of ways.

 Left to right: Jennifer Bono ’17, vice president; Briana Rodriguez ’16; Carolyn Merkel ’78, immediate past president; Anthony Siciliano ’10; and Robert Santaniello ’13, secretary.

In addition to an alumnus becoming the chairperson for the Board of Governors, the Alumni Association Board of Directors was revitalized in the summer of 2023. The executive board includes: Joseph Vanacore III ’17, president; Jennifer Bono ’17, vice president; Robert Santaniello ’13, secretary; and Carolyn Merkel ’78, immediate past president. This board is taking on the important mission of serving alumni and students.

One of the primary goals of the Alumni Association Board of Directors is to strengthen the bond between the college and its graduates. By increasing engagement, it aims to build a robust alumni network that benefits both current students and graduates. This involves creating networking opportunities, fostering a renewed sense of community and collaborating on initiatives that leverage the diverse talents and experiences of alumni. Alumni can engage no matter where they are based. While there are opportunities on campus, such as the Networking Roundtables with current students, and in New Jersey, like the summer reunions at Bar-A in Lake Como, N.J., the Alumni Association is purposefully expanding its reach across the country. Recently, alumni living in New York City gathered with President Cindy Jebb for a holiday reunion at Whiskey Tavern, while those in Florida got together for baseball and softball events. Beyond events, alumni both in and outside of New Jersey can become an Admissions Ambassador or get involved in a number of other ways.

To further its goals, the Alumni Association Board of Directors is inviting fellow alumni to become involved at multiple levels. One new way alumni can engage within the Alumni Association is as a class representative. Class representatives will be integral in building relationships with alumni and between alumni and Ramapo.

The revitalization of alumni boards, the addition of class representatives and changes in leadership come at a pivotal moment for the college as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education in a post-pandemic world. The enthusiasm and dedication of the new leaders promise to infuse the Ramapo College community with renewed energy.