(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)February 27, 2024

Way encourages students to be present, take up space in the room, and show up for themselves.

Mahwah, NJ – Ramapo College of New Jersey held its 18th Annual Diversity Convocation on February 21, 2024, featuring keynote speaker Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. The Convocation additionally featured remarks from Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb, Ph.D., Chief Equity and Diversity Officer Nicole Morgan Agard, Esq., Student Trustee Gloria Jeong, and Student Government President Victor Oluwagbemi.

President Jebb emphasized in her opening remarks that Ramapo puts forward a culture of belonging, and that the community must hold one another accountable and elevate the voices that often go unheard. “We know who we are, and we know our identities are our assets. Our diversity makes us better, smarter, and kinder,” said Jebb.

Lt. Governor Way spoke about being raised in the Bronx, NY, by two hard-working parents who underscored the importance of education. She shared with the audience of students, staff, and faculty, the message her mother instilled in her: Be present. Take up space in the room. Show up for yourself. “We should embrace individuality, embrace people as their full authentic selves rather than trying to make everyone the same,” she said, while stressing the importance of public service, diversity, and education. “And we’re richer for it…especially in government, where it isn’t just our goal, but our lawful responsibility to serve ALL the people.” Lt. Governor Way closed with a powerful message on the importance of diverse and inclusive spaces to create a better world.

The Diversity Convocation is hosted annually by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance (EDIC). EDIC serves to ensure compliance and coordinate leadership for college-wide equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice to uphold the College’s commitment to foster a safe and inclusive space of belonging for all students, faculty, and staff.

Tahesha Way serves as New Jersey’s 3rd Lieutenant Governor. She was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy on September 8, 2023 to fill the term of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. She additionally serves as the state’s 34th Secretary of State, a position she has held since the beginning of the Murphy administration. Lt. Governor Way is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Virginia School of Law, as well as a strong advocate for financial aid, youth voter engagement, equal protection under law, and inclusive census counting. 

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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