Matthew DiPietro

Matthew DiPietro of Suffern, N.Y. is a senior Social Science major with a concentration in Education Studies and Phys Ed/Health certification. He is currently enrolled in the 4 + 1 MASE program, and he has a 3.8 GPA. Matthew is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Kappa Delta Pi Honor Societies and has made the Dean’s List every semester. 

At Ramapo, Matthew serves as President of Ramapo Sports Club, President of Ramapo Basketball Club, and works as a Peer Facilitator to mentor incoming first-year students. As President of these clubs, Matthew is instrumental in creating a welcoming environment for college students who enjoy watching sports and being active. 

Matthew has also been involved in Ramsey is for Everyone (RIFE), where he assists individuals with special needs participating in sports clinics and other fun events. He has also been a substitute teacher for almost a year.

Currently, Matthew is in his Clinical Internship at Eric S. Smith Middle School in Ramsey, N.J., and he will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in May 2024. 

After graduation, Matthew will then work towards obtaining his Master of Arts in Special Education by May 2025 while simultaneously working as a Phys Ed/Health teacher. 

Awarded Scholarships

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2024

Cathy Davey Endowed Scholarship

The Cathy Davey Endowed Scholarship was created to honor the dedication of Ms. Davey, who served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Ramapo College Foundation.

Cathy Davey began her career at Ramapo College in 1994, as Executive Director of the Ramapo College Foundation and Vice President of Institutional Advancement. She remained in that role for the next 26 years. As the College’s chief fund raiser, her efforts helped garner more than $56 million for the Further Our Promise campaign, helping Ramapo build or renovate some of its most iconic buildings: The Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for the Performing and Visual Arts, the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, the Padovano Commons, the renovation of the Anisfield School of Business building and G-wing building. In 2016, she also spearheaded the College’s Power of Place campaign to renovate and expand the library building and create the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons.

“Cathy has been an integral part of virtually every major development at Ramapo,” President Peter P. Mercer wrote in 2020. “In particular, her efforts in building the Ramapo College Foundation have been remarkably successful. I know that I am joined by many who will miss her energy, creativity, and integrity.”

To honor her success at Ramapo, the Board of Governors of the Ramapo College Foundation decided to surprise Cathy and create a permanently endowed scholarship in her name. Members of the Foundation Board, the College Board of Trustees, senior leadership of the College, and members of the campus community contributed to the endowment, which is a lasting reminder among current students of the tremendous impact Cathy had on Ramapo College.

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Marina and William Topken Teacher Education Scholarship

Marina Topken graduated from Ramapo College in 1987 with a degree in American and International Studies. She taught and translated German at several language institutions in the area and tutors children in underserved schools in Paterson, NJ. Mrs. Topken has been a steady supporter of the College’s The Fund for Ramapo College since 1997. She and her husband William have been involved with the Friends of Ramapo for many years and were instrumental in raising funds for the Friends. Mrs. Topken served as the Friends’ president and Mr. Topken as the group’s treasurer.

In 2006, Mr. and Mrs. Topken established this endowed scholarship fund to honor the positive relationship they have shared with the College and their commitment to education. Specifically, the Topken Scholarship benefits teacher education students who demonstrate community service and leadership at Ramapo.

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