#HomeSweetPo | Long Read
Diversity Beyond the Arch
A Catalyst for Growth and Success
By John Yao | Winter 2024
John Yao, associate director of student success for advisement, spoke with students about their experiences joining Ramapo and reflects on the importance of a diverse student body.
On a sunny Sunday in late August, members of the class of 2026 streamed through the Arch to begin their academic journey at Ramapo College of New Jersey. As the crowd of beaming students greeted President Jebb on the other side, it became apparent to everyone that diversity was not just a buzzword at Ramapo. As we watched the students process through the ceremony, we reflected that the multicultural and multiethnic composition of our classes has become the keystone that helps us realize our students’ academic, social, and personal development. This paves the way for a rich educational experience that prepares students for a globalized world.
According to the Fall 2023 Enrollment Report, the demographics of our incoming class includes 10.4% of students who identify as Asian, 7.2% who identify as Black and 30% who identify as Hispanic or Latino. First-generation students, who are the first in their family to attend college, make up about 47% of this year’s class. Additionally, 11% of students identify as persons with a disability. This diverse student body melds our community together with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds and life experiences. It contributes to enriching classroom discussions, especially as students bring different viewpoints to the table. This exposure challenges one’s comfort zone and encourages critical thinking. When students engage with peers who have a variety of viewpoints and backgrounds, they are more likely to develop a well-rounded, holistic understanding of the complexity of the human condition, which is the essence of a liberal arts education. This is outlined in the goals of our Strategic Plan, which encourages us to “foster a diverse, empathetic and vibrant community that inspires a culture of inclusivity, accountability and collaboration.”
New First-Time Students by Race Ethnicity
47.6% Asian, Black, or Latino/Hispanic
Enrollment of First-Generation New First-Time Students
46.9% First-Generation Students
Source: Institutional Research Fall 2023 Enrollment Report, based on self-reported numbers
Juliana Mayer ’27, an English and literary studies major with a creative writing concentration, is autistic. She reflects on what she calls hidden diversity: “Growing up, I always felt out of place, as if I didn’t belong. I was a fish out of water wherever I went. Here, I’m no longer afraid to be 100% myself. At Ramapo, I’m a fish that breathes oxygen. For the first time in my life, I feel like I belong where I am. I know that I belong here.” In our community, she found an amazing group of friends with support from the ENHANCE program that has helped her to develop during her time here.
Juliana Mayer
Richler Innocent
Similarly, Richler Innocent ’26, a computer science major who identifies as Haitian-American, notes that he found a home away from home after transferring here from Brookdale Community College as a first-generation student. Richler posits that, “Transferring to Ramapo College was initially a nerve-wracking experience as I left behind my familiar campus and friends.” After deciding to get involved with organizations that complemented his interests and aspirations, he was pleasantly surprised to find a welcoming community with supportive friends. As he got involved in student organizations, he was impacted by “the profound value of community and the transformative power of finding a sense of belonging, even in a new place.”
Jasonmar Ibea ’27, a visual arts major with a concentration in electronic arts and animation, is Filipino. As a first-generation student, he wondered what his future would hold before entering Ramapo. When he arrived, he was worried whether he would be ready for the workforce and able to develop his passion as an artist. However, he had a shift in mindset because he developed a better understanding of other people’s cultures and perspectives in his classes, which contributed to a greater sense of community. This mindset helped him fine-tune his craft as an aspiring artist, creating some pieces of which he’s genuinely proud.
Jasonmar Ibea
Izzzelah Diaz
Izzzelah Diaz ’25 underwent a similar transformation during her time at Ramapo. As a Latina, first-generation student and social work major, she is preparing for a field that focuses on the importance of community. She notes that “the definition of one’s community varies depending on their environment.” Since beginning at Ramapo, she has developed a solid social support system and an educational one that consists of welcoming, committed and knowledgeable professors. They consistently encourage her to “take full advantage of her education and position herself best for success by creating uplifting environments that foster a true passion for learning.” She promises that she will “carry her experience of community at Ramapo in all future encounters of life with the confidence in knowing that it was born in a place that promotes involvement, awareness and personal growth to the utmost extent.”
Domenic and Vincent Cianni ’27, Italian-American twins, didn’t know what to expect when arriving at Ramapo. Domenic notes that he began to realize that all of his classmates were just like him, trying to adjust to the college atmosphere. At first, he felt shy around his peers, but now he feels like he has known them for quite a while. As such, he has grown to enjoy college more than high school. Domenic reflects, “Being a college student has shown [him] how much more there is in life.” He strongly recommends that students use their resources and be appreciative of having the opportunity to attend college. At the same time, his brother, Vincent, also underwent major and beneficial adjustments after his enrollment at Ramapo. Vincent notes, “Ramapo allows me to be as successful as possible in the near future. Peers, advisors and professors have all welcomed me to a new environment. Overall, my experience at Ramapo has kicked off to a good start due to the supporting cast that the college has provided.”
Domenic and Vincent Cianni
All of these students share the undeniable impact of the welcoming community and diversity at Ramapo. This community enhances academic excellence while helping them prepare for a globalized world. It also fosters inclusivity and harmony while challenging comfort zones so they can become more conscious of pluralism in the workforce. Embracing diversity at Ramapo benefits not only individual students, but also our campus community. By prioritizing diversity, Ramapo is not only advancing education, but also contributing to a more equitable future.