Kelly Griffin

Kelly Griffin of Waldwick, N.J. is an Elementary Education major. She has maintained a 3.91 GPA and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Kappa Delta Pi, and Chi Alpha Sigma honor societies.

At Ramapo, Kelly is a proud member of the LEAD club, FTAR club, SAAC, and currently Captain of the Ramapo College Women’s Lacrosse Team. She volunteers at events held by the clubs including game nights, fall festivals, and dances for special education students and adults in the area.

Kelly has also assisted in sneaker drives for Soles for Souls, and Food Drives for Mahwah Center for Food Action.

After graduation, Kelly plans on continuing her education in the 4+1 program at Ramapo College and receive her Master’s in Special Education and serving as a teacher full-time.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Dawn Sy

Dawn Nadine Sy of Butler, N.J. is a Senior Biology major and Psychology minor. She is a part of the Ramapo College Honors Program and is a recipient of the Trustees Scholarship. She also made the Dean’s List for all semesters thus far.

Dawn was involved in numerous clubs and organizations throughout her four years at Ramapo. Over the past summer, she was an Orientation Program Coordinator for the Orientation Program. Currently, she leads as the President of the United Asian Association, Student Manager of Commuter Affairs, and as a Resident Assistant in The Village. She is also a current member of Phi Beta Delta International Honors Society and Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society.

Outside of academics, Dawn works at Chilton Medical Center as a Night Shift Patient Care Technician. In doing this, she fulfills part of her desire to help those who are medically in need. She hopes to continue this passion of helping others by pursuing a Physician Assistant license post-graduation.

Danielle Clark

Danielle Clark of Fairfield, N.J. is a senior Biology major with a concentration in Pre-Medical studies. She has a 3.5 GPA and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, The Honor Society for First-Year Success. Danielle has also been on the Dean’s List three times during her academic career.

At Ramapo, Danielle is an active member of the pre-med/pre-health and biology clubs, as well as a commuter mentor.

Danielle is a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician and works for Montclair Ambulance Unit in Montclair, NJ. She is also a volunteer EMT for The West Essex First Aid Squad, her hometown EMS agency, which serves five towns. Danielle has responded to over 300 emergency calls and worked during the COVID- 19 pandemic. 

After graduation, Danielle plans to attend graduate or medical school to further her interest in emergency medicine for underserved communities. 

Nyomi Vasquez

“I plan to go to graduate school to earn my MSW and begin a career working with children, youth, and families as a way to give back to my community and help others as they have helped me,” says Nyomi Vasquez of North Haledon, N.J. She is a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology, with minors in Psychology and Crime and Justice Studies. She has a 3.38 GPA. Nyomi is a first-generation college student and a Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 Dean’s List recipient.

At Ramapo, Nyomi has been a member of the Ramapo College Dance Company, NSLS, and served as an EOF peer mentor.

Kelly O’Neill

“I’ve been passionate about teaching and learning since I was a child,” says Kelly O’Neill, who aspires to teach high school calculus. Kelly is a Mathematics major in the Teacher Education progrma from Wayne, N.J. She has a GPA of 3.7 and has made the Dean’s List several times. 

Kelly has been active in several organizations and activities, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Lambda Delta, and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. 

Off-campus, she volunteers at elementary schools and pre-schools. 

Sela Stazzone

Sela Stazzone of Phillipsburg, N.J. is a Visual Arts major with a concentration in Electronic Art and Animation. She has a 3.8 GPA and is on the Dean’s List. After graduation, she plans to pursue a Master’s in Animation/Digital Arts.  

Sela is the Vice President of Omicron Delta Kappa and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. She is also a Global Roadrunner and Secretary/Publicist for the Animation Club.

Since her involvement as a student in high school, Sela returns to her alma mater to volunteer for the Annual Phillipsburg High School Comic Convention. “I enjoy promoting literacy through graphic novels and supporting local artists and writers in the comic industry,” she says. 

Alysa Rai

Alysa Rai is an international student from Nepal majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Accounting. She has earned Dean’s List status for the past three years and is a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship as well.

Alysa is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and Treasurer of the International Student Organization. She is also a student manager at the Berrie Center Box Office and a finance tutor at ASB. 

This year, she is representing Ramapo College at the College Fed Challenge by the Federal Reserve Board and looks forward to bringing in some good news for the team.

After graduation, Alysa plans to attend graduate school for her PhD in Finance. 

Rachel Loia

“I’d like to one day conduct scientific research, specifically in the biomedical field to improve the quality of life for people who are ill,” says Rachel Loia.  Rachel is studying Biology with a minor in Creative Writing. She has a GPA of 3.55.

She has served as treasurer of the Beekeeping Club for three years and is currently the treasurer of the Sigma Xi research honor society. She has tutored for OSS, is a teaching assistant for biology labs, and works in the greenhouse on campus. She also conducts research in the lab on campus with Dr. Xu and Dr. Monen. In her free time, she volunteers at her church.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given through my education, and hope to return the favor one day.”

Rachel is from Randolph, N.J.

Claudia Borodziuk

As a first generation college student, Claudia Borodziuk of Landing, N.J. is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Neuroscience. She has a 3.7 GPA and is a member of the Biochemistry/Chemistry Club, the Gardening Club, and the TAS Honors Research Program, where she studies protein and polymer binding interactions.

Claudia volunteers at NJ/NY Trail Conference, is a biochemistry tutor, and works as a clinical lab assistant at Morristown Medical Center. Additionally, she studied abroad at Bristol University in England for a biomedical lab program.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Claudia plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of a master’s degree in cardiovascular perfusion.

Achyut Gautam

“After graduation, I’m determined to make financial markets more efficient, transparent, and accessible to people,” says senior Achyut Gautam, who is a double major in Finance and Economics with a minor in Mathematics. He has a 3.8 GPA and is part of the Honors Program.

Achyut has been active in several organizations and activities, including Student Government Association (SGA), Board of Trustees, Roadrunner Financial Group, 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 and also travelled to Ghana as part of the SGA exchange program. He was one of the recipients of the “Outstanding Leadership by a Junior” and was also selected by the Dean of ASB for Seminara Memorial Award.

Emma Lucier-Keller

“After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in the museum field and go on to graduate school for museum studies,” says Emma Lucier-Keller of Point Pleasant, N.J. Emma is a double major in History and American Studies with a double minor in Museum and Women & Gender Studies. She has a 3.9 GPA and is president of the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society and a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. This past summer her essay, “The Visual Production of Chinese Masculinity in Political Cartoons, Photography, and Laundry,” was published by the New Errands Undergraduate Journal of American Studies.

At Ramapo, Emma has been active in several organizations, including History Club, and Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors. Last semester she served as president of Colleges Against Cancer, which raised over $33,000 for the American Cancer Society through their Relay for Life event and various other fundraising initiatives. This semester, Emma has served as president of History Club, which is an organization that hosts guest speakers and history networking sessions.

Emma also works for the Jane Addams Papers Project as an editorial assistant, and transcribes documents of the early twentieth century.

Lindsey Gray

Lindsey Gray of Dumont, N.J. is an Engineering Physics major with a minor in Mathematics.  She has a 3.63 GPA.  She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Xi, and the College Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Lindsey helped in the foundation of the Females in STEM Society and now serves as president.  She is also the president of the Engineering Physics Club and secretary of the Bass Fishing Team.

Lindsey has also been involved in tutoring, working at Le Gourmet Factory, and conducting research at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the Department of Homeland Security.

Mehnaz Ladha

Mehnaz Ladha of Dumont, N.J., is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in International Studies. She has a 3.988 grade point average and is a member of the College Honors Program.

At Ramapo, Mehnaz is the president of Lambda Pi Eta, staff writer for The Ramapo News and newsletter editor for the College Honors Program. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key Honor Society, Sigma Iota Rho and Omnicron Delta Kappa. During her study abroad in Athens in summer 2017, Mehnaz conducted research on the effects of the bailout crisis on small business owners in the Pangrati neighborhood.

She is also active off-campus as an editor at SunCity Paradise, where she writes monthly articles and interviews celebrities for the site’s travel profiles. This past summer, Mehnaz was featured in two digital galleries for Glamour.com that highlight diversity on college campuses. She has also interned at Wainscot Media, publisher of regional magazines such as BERGEN, and the Borough of Franklin Lakes. She is also the website manager for Andrea Smith, an award-winning technology reporter.

After graduating from Ramapo, Mehnaz plans to earn her Masters in Business Administration. I’d like to work toward increasing diversity within a business communications context.”

David Cifelli

David Cifelli of Millstone Township, NJ is a pre-dental Biology major. He has a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

At Ramapo, David serves on the executive board of the College Honors Program, Biology Club, and the PreMed/PreHealth Club. He is a student researcher within TAS and HGS, a peer facilitator, chemistry teaching assistant, and tutor.

In addition, David is an editorial assistant for the Psychohistory Forum and assists at an orthodontist’s office in his hometown.

Michael Stellitano

Michael Stellitano of Northfield, N.J. is a junior Environmental Science major with minor in Public Policy. He has a 3.7 GPA and is a member of both the Honors College and the Alpha Lambda Delta academic honors society.

Michael has several leadership roles on campus, including President of Newman Catholic Club and President of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma. He is also the Vice President of Ramapo’s Inter-Fraternal Council (IFC). “Between these organizations, I’ve been successful at leading events that have raised over $2,000 for various charities, and engaged in hundreds of hours of community service at Ramapo.”  He also plays lacrosse for the College’s club lacrosse team.

Michael canvassed for the 2016 election for the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization, and has spent hundreds of hours of community service through his church youth group.

David Gardy Ermann

David Gardy Ermann of Hillsdale, NJ is a Political Science major with minors in Literature and Public Policy.  He has a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the College Honors Program.  David was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Golden Key, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies.

At Ramapo, David has been active in several organizations, including the Student Government Association, Phi Alpha Delta – Pre Law Fraternity, and Pi Sigma Alpha. He is the Senate Vice President of the SGA, the Vice President of Phi Alpha Delta, and the President of Pi Sigma Alpha.

David has also been involved as a Research Assistant in the Political Science Department, an editor for the Ramapo Journal of Law and Society, and the College’s Intern for Governmental Relations.

James Ticchio

James Ticchio of Mahwah, NJ is a Law and Society major.  He has a 3.9 GPA.  James was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and has earned a place on the Dean’s List each semester.

James has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Ramapo Journal of Law and Society, the Ramapo Honors Program, and the Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity.

He also holds the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

Joshua Luster

Joshua Luster of East Brunswick, N.J., is a biochemistry major and a psychology minor. He is enrolled in the College’s Honors Program. He has a 3.84 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Joshua has worked with Thomas Owen, Ph.D. on rat osteosarcoma cells to develop a way to inhibit the protein c-Src to decrease the recovery time of bone fractures. He is secretary of programming for the Student Government Association and president and co-founder of the First Responders Club.

Joshua has shadowed several doctors in their work and has applied to medical schools.

Chelsea Grama

Chelsea Grama of Hamilton, NJ is a Biology major and a Psychology minor. She has applied to medical school and has devoted her undergraduate studies to an intensive science and math curriculum. Chelsea has shadowed four doctors in their specialties. In pursuit of continual intellectual growth, she worked with Professor William Mitchell as an undergraduate research fellow investigating the effects of genetic variance and patterns of naturally- and artificially-induced polyploidy in the Silene species. On campus, Chelsea served as a representative to the Golden Key International Honor Society in Atlanta, GA and is president of Ramapo College’s chapter of the organization. She also serves as a Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador and team coordinator/fundraising chair for Relay for Life. Chelsea was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and is a member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Off campus, she holds several volunteer positions and serves as a driver for Meals on Wheels. Chelsea has a 3.84 grade point average.

Caitlin Vogel

“Caitlin Vogel is endlessly curious, hardworking, and a good representative for the literature program, both in the Center for Reading and Writing, and while presenting at conferences,” says a Literature faculty member. She is a senior majoring in Literature with a Psychology minor. Caitlin is enrolled in the Ramapo College Honors Program. She is active in Sigma Tau Delta, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Caitlin was inducted into Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She is a consultant for the College’s Center for Reading and Writing. “I am very grateful for receiving a scholarship because it will help alleviate student loan debt and allow me to pursue a graduate degree in English,” says Caitlin. She maintains a 3.95 grade point average and is from Wantage, NJ.

This award helps prepare me for graduate school and prepares me for success.

Danielle Mazza

A senior, Danielle Mazza is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Italian, and completed the Business Essentials certificate program. Danielle has earned a 3.99 grade point average. As President of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Danielle organizes community service drives and a high school/ middle school outreach program. Last summer she worked as a research assistant in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Rutgers. “Next year I will be attending Rutgers in the Master’s of Business and Science program,” she says.

Michael Chananie

“I am pursuing a Business Management major with a minor in Accounting,” says Michael Chananie, a senior. “I work at Holy Name Medical Center in its marketing department, following an internship I had a few summers back.” Michael is a volunteer at the Jewish Community Center of Paramus and for the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. On campus Michael holds leadership positions with Hillel, the Honors Program, Donate Life Ramapo, and plays on the intramural volleyball team. With a 3.89 grade point average, he is member of a number of honor societies. “I plan to continue pursuing management in the health care industry,” he says, “by attending graduate school in the fall.”

Jacqueline Ostrander

Jacqueline Ostrander is enrolled in a graduate program at Montclair State University.

Marissa Malkowski

Since both her parents are deaf, Marissa Malkowski is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), and has been intrigued by the cognitive abilities of deaf persons since she was small. This past summer she was an intern at North Jersey Developmental Center, and has been a volunteer at West Bergen Children’s Center. She is a member of the Psychology Coalition, Psi Chi (the psychology honor society), and helped create a website for psychology majors which includes information on different graduate schools in the area and advice on classes psychology majors should take. “I want to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology,” she says. “My studies will help me provide therapeutic intervention for the deaf community and allow me to analyze their language abilities and brain development.” Marissa is a senior majoring in psychology. She has earned a 3.78 grade point average.