#HomeSweetPo | Short Read

Ramapo College Makes ‘Prime’ Time Debut:

The College Tour Episode

By Lisa Ambrose, Director of Communications & Public Relations | Winter 2023

Ramapo College is often referred to as the best kept secret in New Jersey. With rankings that include being one of the 50 most beautiful campuses in America, having the #1 dorms in New Jersey, and a multitude of accolades on affordability, return on investment and student success, it was time to show not only the nation, but also the world, what it has been missing with its episode ofThe College Tour, which debuted on Amazon Prime and streaming services such as AppleTV, GoogleTV, tubi, and Freevee this past fall. From the producers of hit shows such as Survivor and Undercover Boss, The College Tour is a one-of-a-kind TV series that takes a deeper dive into one college or university each episode. “Ramapo College has been on our radar for a while, and we couldn’t wait to produce this episode. There are so many unique aspects that make this institution so special. In the episode we talk about how the students at Ramapo not only think critically about the world; they are inspired to lead boldly in it,” said producer and host Alex Boylan.

Male student filming a scene for the College Tour episode Developing the 30-minute episode took a considerable amount of time, with conceptualization beginning in February of 2022. Students were invited to submit audition reels and become segment hosts, each covering one aspect of all that Ramapo offers. “We know we have an amazing story to tell,” said Christopher Romano, Ed. D, vice president of strategic enrollment, outreach and engagement for Ramapo College. “There is no one better to tell it than our own students.” It was not easy deciding who would become Ramapo’s 10 newest celebrities, as everyone who expressed interest shared compelling stories unique to their experiences, coming from various backgrounds and being part of different clubs, teams, and organizations on campus. All students who auditioned to become part of the student talent were invited to participate in scenes during filming later in May.

Female student filming a scene for the College Tour episode

“It was an amazing experience to work with the crew from The College Tour and Ramapo College to share my story and my internship experience…I always wished there was a way to truly explain how amazing Ramapo can be if you want to get involved and succeed academically and professionally.”

— Janea Tozer-Murphy ’23

Female student filming a scene for the College Tour episode with videographer The ten students who represent Ramapo in the episode were naturals on-camera, even though almost none of them have ever worked on a project like this before. Janea Tozer-Murphy ’23 fondly recalls that, “It was an amazing experience to work with the crew from The College Tour and Ramapo College to share my story and my internship experience, completing the Pathways Program, and participating in and leading the Peer Facilitation Program on campus. Coming all the way from Cape May, I always wished there was a way to truly explain how amazing Ramapo can be if you want to get involved and succeed academically and professionally, so to be able to share my experience with others on such a large platform was an honor. I hope I inspire others to look into how Ramapo can be a great match for them and encourage them to get involved to make Ramapo home.”

As if narrowing down student talent was not difficult enough, the Ramapo producers needed to determine which aspects of Ramapo College to share with the world. From innovative academic programs to showcasing our #1 residence halls in New Jersey…from competitive Division 3 athletics to engaging campus activities…from the tight-knit community spirit to traditions such as Arching, it was not an easy task, but all who watch the episode now know what makes Ramapo so special.

The College hosted an on-campus viewing party for the community in October, at which student talent shared what it was like to be in front of the camera. T-shirts were given out to audience members and the Student Government Association held Ramapo trivia during intermissions to test the Roadrunners’ knowledge about #HomeSweetPo. Learn more about the students featured on our The College Tour website.