Like Alexander Hamilton, Ramapo is scrappy, hungry, and isn’t throwing away its shot.

by Victoria Vuz ’24

Although some snow remains on the ground, the spring semester at Ramapo College is well underway. It is tradition for each semester to include a State of the College delivered by the Ramapo College president, and that is what President Cindy Jebb did on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

President Jebb emphasized the college’s remarkable accomplishments and its unwavering commitment to excellence in the annual spring State of College address delivered to faculty, staff, and students. Against the backdrop of a packed hall, the president outlined the college’s achievements and expressed a bold vision for the future.

In an overflowing Friends Hall, President Jebb welcomed the community and thanked Ramapo College community leaders in the administration, faculty, staff, and student body. This was followed by a moment of silence for the loss of EOF Scholar Andrea Mendoza who passed on January 7.

During her speech, President Jebb referenced philosopher John Stuart Mill, who said a good government is made by a learned and virtuous society, remarking, “Friends, our purpose could not be more clear–higher education’s mission is to serve society–to uplift the human condition.”

President Jebb acknowledged faculty and students for their dedication to academic excellence, citing a multitude of honors and achievements in various categories. Honoring the recent successes of the college, President Jebb invited recipients up to the podium and presented them with a presidential coin for their accomplishments, including:

• Dr. Fariba Nosrati, associate professor of IT management, who was awarded the Bright Idea Award by Seton Hall University Stillman School of Business.
• Nursing and Spanish major Anna Kozan ’24 and political science and space psychology graduate Kiely Paris Rodriguez ’23 for becoming Fulbright semi-finalists.
• School of Contemporary Arts Dean Ken Goldstein and Dr. Stephanie Sarabia, associate professor of social work, for their role as co-chairs of the comprehensive academic plan for the Boldly Ascending strategic plan.
• Ramapo Women’s Volleyball team for winning the program’s first NJAC Tournament Championship.
• First-year student Dale Leonard ’27 for becoming the first female Ramapo student to qualify for the women’s cross country NCAA Champion meet.
• Dr. Jacob Labendz, director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, for his hard work and dedication.
• Bioinformatics major Jenna Vesey ’24 for her first place win of the Joe Wong Poster Award at the SSRL/LCLS Users’ Conference at Stanford University.
• Dylan Heffernan, assistant director of the We Care Program and Civic Engagement, for his work earning upwards of $195,000 in Hunger Free grant funding.
• Evan Kutzin, RCNJ fire marshal and EMS coordinator, along with EMS students, for the establishment of the Ramapo College Emergency Medical Services student program. 

With a sense of pride, President Jebb announced that Ramapo’s first-year student body is not only the most diverse, but also the second-largest class in Ramapo’s history. Also, more than 8,000 applicants have applied to become part of the Class of 2028, which is 25% more applications than submitted by February 11 of last year.

Commenting on the success of the college, President Jebb noted, “It is not rocket science–it is hard work with everyone rowing together–the stakes are huge.”

Additionally, President Jebb highlighted the outstanding programs available for Ramapo students to participate in during Black History Month. Acknowledging the work performed EDIC, Black Student Union, and the School of Contemporary Arts to bring robust programming to the community in February, she and noted that “these programs are for everyone,” as well as the events planned for March, Women’s History Month.  “Realize that these themes do not start and end on their respective month, rather we continue to integrate awareness and knowledge throughout the year.”

Concluding her speech, President Jebb referred to her earlier reference to Alexander Hamilton and urged the audience to “find both inspiration and solace in our public purpose—we are a public liberal arts college, and our purpose is to further understanding and deepen empathy.”

President Jebb’s address serves as a poignant reminder of Ramapo College’s enduring commitment to excellence and its unwavering dedication to shaping a brighter future for students. 

Ramapo community members can read the full address on the RCNJ Intranet.