(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)April 29, 2021

MAHWAH, N.J. – New Jersey’s Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) recently recognized scholars in Ramapo College’s Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program for their academic achievements. The OSHE Awards are based on students who completed their studies in August 2020, January 2021, and those who will graduate in June 2021.

Thirty-one Ramapo EOF scholars received the OSHE’s 2021 Graduate Achievement Award, representing nearly 41 percent of the current graduating EOF class. Fourteen students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement, earning a GPA of 3.5-3.9; sixteen students earned a GPA of 3.2-3.49; one student was honored for exemplifying the spirit and intent of the EOF Program. In all, 71 Ramapo EOF Scholars will graduate in 2021, many of whom will be the first person in their family to accomplish this feat.

“The EOF Program is especially proud of the EOF Scholars who were acknowledged in this year’s ceremony. With nearly 1,500 EOF Scholars across New Jersey earning these awards, the awardees comprise the largest EOF Graduate Achievement Award Ceremony in the history of the program,” said Nicole Videla, Ed.D., Director of EOF and Academic Success at Ramapo College. “This year especially is a testament to the success of our program and the students’ resiliency during the pandemic. Their perseverance and commitment to excellence inspires us all.”

Below are the OSHE Award categories, including the scholars’ names and majors:

Outstanding Academic Achievement (3.5-3.9 GPA) 

Tamia Anderson, Elementary Education; Tyra Asberry, Psychology; Carissa Bahadur, Biology; Mary Baladi, Management (August 2020); Sarah Eldib, Literature; Laura Hernandez, Social Work; Junghim Lee, Nursing; Val Loskor, Social Science; Debonaire Malcolm, Business Administration; Vanessa Messina, Elementary Education; Eda Sahgiller, Accounting; Anna Scarpis, International Business; Cheyenne Shannon, Communication Arts; Gabriela Ulloa-Parra, International Studies (August 2020)

Academic Achievement: (3.2-3.49 GPA) 

Christopher Arvelo, Marketing; Noemi Bello-Reyes, Music; Karina Cortes, Music; Shawna Douglas, Nursing; Javier Guzman, Information Technology Management; Charlene Hernandez, Business Administration; Saman Kazim, Finance; Ida Lopez, Social Work; Windys Paulino, Nursing; Carl Phillip, Psychology; Mariya Rastingina, Biology; Melanie Valeti, Psychology; Laura Veloso, Music; Melanie Viallacis, Communication Arts; Tia Wallace, Biology; Kelli Young-Kravitz, Communication Arts

Outstanding Achievement: Provided to an EOF Scholar that exemplifies the spirit and intent of the EOF Program: Raquel Belen Tejeda

The mission of the EOF Program at Ramapo College of New Jersey is to provide access to higher education and support for highly motivated students who exhibit the potential for success, but who come from families/communities disadvantaged by low income and a lack of access to quality educational preparation necessary to attend college. The EOF program provides such students full-time admission to the college, and the support needed to maintain their continued enrollment through graduation. This support includes grants and scholarships minimizing the financial burden of college attendance; and services designed to foster academic success and scholarship, promote social responsibility, and involve students in connecting their education to the world of work and graduate study.

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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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