Amanda Coker

Amanda Ruby Danielle Alyne Coker of Wauchula, FL is a Social Work major. She has a 3.2 GPA.

At Ramapo, she has been active in the Social Work club and Ramapo Pride.

Amanda has also been involved in off–campus activities including volunteering in hospice and working as a Crisis Intervention Specialist serving families throughout Morris and Sussex counties in New Jersey.

Amanda is a first-generation college student who already secured her dream job in the Social Work field as a Medical Hospice Social Worker. She also aspires to become a certified American Sign Language Interpreter.

Roselyn Martinez-Balbuena

Roselyn Martinez-Balbuena of Passaic, N.J. is an International Business Major on the 4+1 track. She has a 3.97 GPA and has earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester. She is a proud EOF Scholar and a member of the Tri-Alpha First-Gen Chapter.

At Ramapo, she is a member of the United Asian Association, showing her support at events, and is also a recurring member of Japanese Happy Hour sessions which works to immerse students in Japanese cultural activities.

In her hometown, Roselyn has been a part of many volunteer events such as a member of Mayor Hector Lora’s Youth Council where she distributes supplies for the townspeople and participates in city cleanups. She is also co-founder of the Study and Save program, which launched in Passaic last year, that helps students improve their study environments as well as boost their grades.

Next semester, she will participate in a study-abroad opportunity in Japan and will continue to pursue other international experiences.

After graduation, Roselyn wants to attend graduate school to refine her business abilities. Then, she hopes to travel and work in the hospitality industry to maximize her skills in intercultural communication. This will be helpful toward achieving her career goal to work in an international organization like the United Nations.

Abigail Rojas

Abigail Rojas of Lodi, N.J. is a Political Science major with minors in Public Policy and Latin American Studies. She was awarded the Presidential Scholarship and was the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Leadership Award by a First-Year Student.

At Ramapo, Abigail is active in the EMS Club, Peer Facilitation Program, Leaders in Service Peer Mentor, Sophomores Advancing In Leadership, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, HGS Dean’s Student Advisory Council, and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She currently works on campus at Starbucks as a Barista and for Ramapo EMS as an EMT.

Off campus, Abigail is a volunteer EMT at the Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad and at Englewood Hospital. She has her own crochet business and donates her earnings to non-profit organizations such as the ACLU. Last summer, she interned for Congressman Bill Pascrell’s office serving the constituents of New Jersey’s 9th district. 

Abigail plans to attend law school after she graduates to become an immigration attorney.

Jesiah Owens

Jesiah Owens of Maplewood, N.J. is a sophomore Business Management major with a  minor in International Business. He has a GPA of 3.85 and is a part of the Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Jesiah has been a part of the Business Dean’s Advisory Council, Leadership in Service, and HMT Lead for the Honors Program.

Jesiah has also served as an  Instructor and founder of Side Quest Clubhouse, which was an exposure program geared towards giving community children who have less access to clubs and programs a greater insight into the industry. The program was an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to the career paths and options that are available in the gaming industry which he is extremely proud of producing. 

Additionally, Jesiah created the conference iNTEC The Innovative Teen Entrepreneur Conference, which is a business networking and education platform dedicated to teenage innovative entrepreneurs. 

After graduation, Jesiah aspires to  work or develop his own firm that connects with other businesses abroad, as well as having some component of giving back in either the company he works for or the business he builds.

Niki Bajracharya

Niki Bajracharya is an Environmental Science major with a Sustainability minor. She has a 3.9 GPA and is a part of the College Honors Program. She is a junior who has made it to the Dean’s List since her freshman year. Niki is an international student from Nepal and is committed to working towards climate change and a sustainable future.

At Ramapo, Niki is the President of the International Student Organization, Program Coordinator for the College Programming Board, and Treasurer for Naach. She is also a member of Alpha Phi Omega where she serves as the Vice President of Fellowship.

Off-campus, she volunteers for the MEVO fresh root farms and the Mahwah Senior Center.

Erin Pryor

Erin Pryor of Mahwah, N.J. is a History major following the pre-law track. At Ramapo, Erin has been active in several organizations and activities including Future Teachers of America and the Debate club. Erin also holds a job as a server at a local restaurant and is a babysitter in her free time.

Autumn Laird

“I am a first-generation college student,” says Autumn Laird of Forked River, N.J.. One of five siblings, she believes her four brothers have played a large part in making her the woman she is today.

Autumn is a Biology major with a double minor in Neuroscience and Public Health. She is a member of the Honors Program and co-president of the American Cancer Society Club. She’s also a member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and the Global Roadrunners.

Autumn works at the Center for Student Involvement, is a tutor for cell and molecular biology, and is the laboratory manager for the Palestroni Integrated Neuroscience Research Lab on campus. She is currently doing research on the DRD4 gene and its allelic variants along with very early electrical brain responses to visual and auditory stimuli in ADHD populations. 

After graduation, she plans on applying to a Phd.D. program and working in clinical research.

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.

James Martinez

James A. Martinez of the Borough of Fairview, N.J. is a senior Bioinformatics major enrolled in the Honors Program. He has a 3.6 GPA and has been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, and the Gamma Sigma Alpha National Academic Greek Honor Society.

At Ramapo, James has been active in several organizations, ranging from Sophomores Advancing in Leadership, Residence Hall Association, Honors Admissions Team, and Alpha Phi Omega.

James has been involved in activities off-campus through organizations such as APO, he has been involved in service opportunities from local gardening at MEVO to nature cleanups around the Ramapo reservation. 

James plans on pursuing a Masters/PhD program after getting his bachelors at Ramapo. “In my future, I’d first like to go into Medical Genomic Research. Then I’d like to teach the growing world of Bioinformatics as a professor.” says James. As of the time being, he is looking forward to completing the opportunities discovered at Ramapo to prepare himself for his future career.

Gabriela Ulloa

“As a first generation student I hope to one day continue my studies in graduate school or law school,” says Gabriela Ulloa. Gabriela is an International Studies major and a student in the Educational Opportunity Fund Program (EOF) and Honors Program. She has a 3.97 GPA and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for First Year-Students.

Gabriela has been active in several organizations, including Leaders in Service and Community Service of the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead (ALMA). She is also an Honors Program E-Board Member and serves as an EOF Peer Mentor on campus, as well as a Student Aide at the Testing Center. Additionally, this past summer she was a Supplemental Instructor for the incoming EOF class. Gabriela is from Union City, N.J.

Stephanie Guzman

Stephanie J. Guzman of Guttenberg, N.J. is a Business major with a concentration in Finance and a minor in International Business. She has a 3.9 GPA.  Stephanie is an Honors student who has made Dean’s List since she was a freshman. She works on campus at the Center for Student Involvement under SARM (Student Activities Revenue Management).

At Ramapo, she has served as Secretary for Model United Nations and is a member of the Honors Admissions Team. She is currently the Vice-President for the Association for Latinos Moving Ahead and is on the E-board for the Honors Program. Stephanie has also volunteered at the Hoboken Homeless Shelter and Jersey City Medical Center, MEVO, and House on the Hill.

Stephanie was a part of the Citi Bank Early ID Mentorship program where she learned a lot about the banking industry from her mentor. She previously worked at two law offices, and plans on pursuing law school after graduation.

Achyut Gautam

Achyut Gautam of Nepal is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Mathematics and Economics. He has a 3.8 GPA and is part of the Honors Program.

He has been extremely active in several organizations on campus, including Student Government Association (SGA), Board of Trustees, Dean’s Advisory Council, and Civic and Community Engagement Center. He is currently serving as a research assistant in the Anisfield School of Business where he assists faculty in designing econometric models.

Achyut studied abroad in Milan, Italy in fall of 2017, and has also traveled to Ghana as part of the SGA exchange program. He was one of the recipients of the “Outstanding Leadership by a Sophomore” award and was also selected by the Dean of ASB for the Seminara Memorial Award.  “After graduation, I am determined to make financial markets more efficient, transparent, and accessible to all people.”

Brendon O’Reilly

Brendon O’Reilly of Teaneck, N.J. is a Psychology major with a minor in Theatre.

At Ramapo, Brendon has been active in several activities, including Leaders in Service and the Honors program.  He is also involved in Technical Theatre and was recently the light board operator for “The Sonic Life of A Giant Tortoise,” performance on campus.

Brendon has also been involved in off campus activities, including the Master Fencing Academy, where he hones his fencing skills and earned third place in the “Grapes of Wrath” Tournament.

Upon graduation Brendon hopes to continue on the path of psychology and earn his PhD.

Adeline Tao

“I’m passionate about Asian studies, and am proud of the cultural awareness and events I’ve brought to campus,” says Adeline Tao of Edison, NJ.  Adeline will be studying abroad this summer in Beijing, China and Tokyo, Japan. She has a 3.7 GPA, and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta (first-year honor society) and Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Arts honor society).

In addition to serving as a student ambassador for Ramapo Admissions, Adeline is the copy editor for the school yearbook and newspaper. She is also active in the United Asian Association and the college’s Honors Program.

Her major is Communication Arts with a concentration in Journalism. She has an East Asian Studies minor.  “After graduation, I plan to continue travelling as an international journalist,” she said.

Sara Catherine Lichon

Sara Catherine Lichon of Long Valley, NJ is a History major and International Studies minor. She has a 3.9 GPA, and is a member of various honors societies, including Alpha Lambda Delta (first-year honors society) and Phi Alpha Theta (history honors society).

At Ramapo, Sara Catherine has been active in the College Honors Program, French Club, and the newly-formed female barbershop quartet, Orchidstra, where she serves as business manager. Through the Honors Program, Sara Catherine has been to multiple conferences at both the regional and national levels, where she has presented a paper on the Ukraine Crisis and Cold War. She is currently in the process of getting this paper published.

Sara Catherine also works for the Jane Addams Papers Project as a research assistant. She has also interned at the Washington Township (Morris County) Municipal Building, where she helped organize two annual Green Living Festivals. After graduation, Sara Catherine hopes to continue her education through a Master’s program and find a career in either government or arts administration.

Mandie Mayer

Mandie Mayer of Pompton Plains, NJ, is an International Studies major and Creative Writing minor. She has a 3.8 GPA and is in the Honors Program. At Ramapo, Mandie has been active in several organizations and activities, including secretary and activities chair of Alpha Omicron Pi, a Peer Facilitator, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.  Outside of Ramapo, she works part-time as a server at Boom Burger.

Mandie will be traveling to Costa Rica with Alternative Spring Break in March 2017 and participating in various service projects that serve the wildlife and people of Costa Rica.  Moreover, she is planning on studying abroad during the fall 2017 semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“I’m passionate about human rights and also interested in medical anthropology,” says Mandie.  Post-graduation, she aspires to teach English overseas for a year.

Sean Farrell

Sean Farrell of South River, NJ is an Environmental Science major with minors in Biology and Environmental Studies. He has a 3.3 GPA.

Sean works as a Program Coordinator for the Civic & Community Engagement Center, is a Peer Facilitator under the First-Year Seminar program, and is a member of the College’s Sustainable Living Facilities. In addition, Farrell attended an Alternative Spring Break trip to Rutland, MA (2014), focusing on hunger and homelessness, and was the student trip leader for the Alternative Spring Break trip to Asheville, NC (2015).

Sean is also involved with the South River Fire Department.

Adam Cohler

Adam Cohler of Cherry Hill, N.J., is a business administration major with a concentration in finance. He is enrolled in the Honors Program. Adam has a 3.93 grade point average.

 
At Ramapo, Adam has served on the Toys for Tots Dance Committee and the Special Events Committee. He serves as an Honors Development Group leader and was proud to present a poster at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. In addition, Adam is a member of the men’s soccer team.

 
Adam plans to attend law school and is determined to become a criminal law prosecutor.

Gelline De Guzman

Gelline De Guzman of Elmwood Park, N.J., is an accounting major. She carries two minors, economics and international business. She has a 3.91 grade point average. Gelline has been inducted into the Golden Key Honour Society and Alpha Lambda Delta.
At Ramapo, Gelline is treasurer for the Student Government Association and is a member of Enactus. She is the business manager for Ramapo News.
Gelline plans to graduate a year early, become a CPA and pursue an MBA and Ph.D. so she will be uniquely qualified to start her own business.

Heather Landfield

Heather Landfield of Succasunna, N.J., is a communications major with a concentration in digital filmmaking. She carries minors in visual arts and psychology. Heather also earned a Business Essentials Certificate. She has a 3.72 grade point average.
At Ramapo, she is president of the You’re Not Alone Anti-Bullying Club and vice president of the Dance Company. She works as a consultant at the Center for Reading and Writing.
Heather hopes to have a career in marketing or digital film.

Muneshwar Samlall

Muneshwar Samlall of New Milford, NJ is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Finance and an International Business minor. He participated in the China Immersion Experience and plans to create economic and econometric analyses of the United States and China. Muneshwar viewed his trip as fieldwork and an extension of his learning experiences for his major and minor, one that will serve as the basis of the thesis he needs to complete for the Honors Program. Muneshwar has served on the Executive Board and Special Events Committee and as a peer facilitator for the Honors Program. He also serves on ASB’s Dean’s Student Council Advisory Board and the Pushing Boundaries Integrated Marketing Committee. He was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Muneshwar has a 3.21 grade point average.

Danielle Corcione

Danielle Corcione of Ocean View, N.J., is a literature major with a concentration in creative writing. She is enrolled in the Honors Program and was inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta Literary Honor Society. Danielle has a 3.73 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Danielle has been active in Residence Life, the Potter Library, the Educational Opportunity Fund, Ramapo College Democrats, Model United Nations and the Ramapo News.

Danielle particularly enjoyed participating in a Study Abroad program in Prague, Czech Republic. Danielle plans to attend graduate school to become a college professor.

Anthony Darakjy

Anthony Darakjy of Wyckoff, NJ is an Accounting major and an International Business minor. This spring, Anthony participated in the China Immersion Experience, which took him to Beijing, Shanghai and rural China. He believes the experience will help him to become a better student and businessperson. Anthony is a Student Trustee of the College’s Student Government Association, serves on ASB’s Dean’s Student Council Advisory Board, is a Student Ambassador, co-founder of Building Tomorrow and a member of the Accounting and Finance Clubs. He has completed internships at Bank of America and Aegis Insurance Services. His community service activities include the College’s Leaders in Service Program and SIFE. Anthony has a 3.96 grade point average.

Alexandra Lehaf

Alexandra Lehaf of Holmdel, NJ is a Global Communications and Media major and an International Business minor. Alexandra is a writer for the College newspaper, Ramapo News, co-chair of Public Relations for the Residence Hall Association, an event planner for the spring 2013 Fashion Show and a member of the Crafting Club. She works on campus as an attendant at J. Lee’s. Alexandra, who has a 3.96 grade point average, says, “I have a passion for language and traveling. Studying abroad will give me the multicultural learning experience that I feel is necessary for college students to have. I plan to take classes that not only directly relate to my major, but that will give me a taste of the foreign landscape in France. It is fortunate that scholarships are given for students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

In an increasingly internationalized system of higher education, studying abroad is an excellent way to prepare students for their futures both inside and outside the classroom, and I’m happy this scholarship gives me the opportunity to do so.

Annie Arjarasumpun

Annie Arjarasumpun will study in the Czech Republic this summer, and has carefully planned out her time there in order to take advantage of the most important cultural and historical sites, and she hopes to gain an understanding of the impact that Communism had in the Czech Republic. She looks forward to her time in Prague, and will share the experiences through her art. At Ramapo, Annie is a Digital Filmmaking major and has earned a 3.95 grade point average. She works for the Berrie Center Box Office, and welcomes performers and the public to the College’s performing arts space. Annie sings with the 4GotteN SuitCase, a student run a cappella group, and is a member of the Ramapo Chorale, Skylark and CantaNova music performing groups. She is from River Edge, NJ.

With Mr. Marino’s generous donation, I will be able to study abroad. This summer I hope to study in Prague, Czech Republic and learn about its rich culture and art history.

Maeve Kirwan

Maeve Kirwan is from Oradell, NJ and is majoring in Psychology. Having grown up in Ireland, Maeve has decided to travel so that she can “be immersed in another culture and understand what makes us different, and more importantly what makes us similar.” The sophomore is minoring in Biology. Maeve is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and participates in the Ramapo Chorale and the Ramapo Community Service Center. She volunteers with The Children’s Therapy Center.

I would like to say thank you so much! This scholarship is providing me with the opportunity to study abroad and that would have been completely impossible for me otherwise. I’m so grateful that there are such generous people out there who are so willing to give students like myself this chance, enabling me to do something I’ve dreamed of for years.

Rachel Frank

Rachel Frank is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies with a minor in Psychology. She has earned a 3.86 grade point average. “I believe college graduates will find revitalization in their lives and a meaningful perspective on the world by forging new career paths in environmental sustainability,” she says. “Our challenges will be to reevaluate myths about what happiness means and to reverse the suffering from past decades of industrialized wastefulness.” Rachel is a member of the student E-Board, theYoga Club and the Students for Environmental Progress Club. She traveled to South India last spring on a study abroad program. On campus Rachel is a founding resident of the Environmental Living Facility, volunteers for the Ramapo College Organic Garden, and chaired a campaign to eliminate plastic water bottles. She volunteers at Cropsey Community Farm and for 350.org, a grassroots environmental organization. Rachel is from Oakland, NJ.

Maximilian Klube

Maximilian Klube plans to study in Geneva, Switzerland. Max is an International Studies major with an International Business minor. He has earned a 3.94 grade point average. Max is already fluent in German and worked last summer in Frankfurt, Germany. In Geneva he is looking forward to “dramatically improving my skills in French and gaining firsthand experience with the world of international policy making.” At Ramapo Max is vice president of the Model United Nations Club and is the student liaison to the International Studies major. He is from Fair Lawn, NJ.

The scholarship will help me further my knowledge of the French language, which is essential in the job field of my interest, international affairs. It will also help me gain more firsthand experience with international institutions by enabling me to study in Geneva, Switzerland.

Francesca Baratta

“When I go to Ireland for my study abroad, I can only wish to gain a speck of the Irish eloquence for my own writing (and hopefully without having to kiss any stones),” says Francesca Baratta, a Literature major concentrating in Creative Writing. Francesca also is pursuing a minor in Biology and has earned a 3.90 grade point average. She has worked as an intern atThe AquarianWeekly and at Points Medical and volunteered at the Meadowlands Hospital. On campus Francesca is a student ambassador for the Admissions Office and is a member of the Health Occupation Students of America and three honor societies. She is from Lyndhurst, NJ.

This scholarship will help me study abroad this summer in Ireland. This global experience will have a powerful impact on my future, my writing and my views of the world.

Kathryn Lee

“For years I have dreamed about watching flamenco on the street, of wandering the small markets, of seeing the Moorish palace conquered by Ferdinand and Isabella,” says Kathryn Lee. Kathryn is a Communication Arts major concentrating in Writing, who also is pursuing a minor in Spanish Language Studies. “Being in Spain I will be able to see for myself all of these things, which will give me an unending amount of inspiration for my writing.” At Ramapo Kathryn is secretary of the Literature Club, co-chair of Relay for Life and has volunteered for a number of activities. She works part time. Kathryn has earned a 3.90 grade point average. She is fromToms River, NJ.

Steven Wiltbank

Steven Wiltbank was elected Class Representative of the Class of 2013 in his freshman year. Now a junior, he is the president of the Student Government Association. Steven is majoring in Spanish Language Studies with a minor in Latin American Studies. He is also pursuing courses toward Teacher Certification in Spanish. “My honors independent research project will focus on effective ways of instruction in a foreign language, since learning a foreign language is very important in today’s globalized society,” he says. Steven has earned a 3.78 grade point average. He is from Belford, NJ.

Marie Hargrove

Marie Hargrove, a junior who is majoring in International Studies and Political Science, is immensely interested in other cultures. Marie, who has a grade point average of 3.09, studied Japanese at Ramapo College and is eager to experience the world. The trip to Ghana, her first out of the country, has motivated the Newark, NJ resident to participate in a spring 2010 study abroad program.

The scholarship I received allowed me to take an amazing trip to Africa, which furthered my interest in traveling and helping humanity.

Anthony Harris

Anthony Harris, a senior who is majoring in Psychology and Sociology, has worked on campus as a student ambassador for the Advisement Center and as the Men’s Outreach Coordinator. Tony, who is from Trenton, NJ and has a grade point average of 3.40, was excited to have the opportunity to travel to Ghana, where he conducted independent research on the globalization of the hip-hop movement as part of his Senior Thesis.

It has become the stepping stone to me deciding that I want to see the world.

Maria Geyman

Biology major Maria Geyman is in her junior year at Ramapo College. Maria is pursuing a concentration in physical therapy, and a minor in gerontology. She has earned a 3.87 grade point average. She is from East Brunswick, New Jersey. In the spring of 2009 Maria is studying abroad as part of the Fireflies program in South India.