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Joyce Biener Scholarship

Alexander Biener, MD created this award as a surprise for his wife, Joyce, in 2010 to recognize Joyce who is so ready to help her family and the many that come her way or live in her community.

“Though an accomplished X-ray and ultrasound technician, now on her third career as a makeup artist, Joyce tirelessly, with dedication and insight, gets a myriad of little things done, all the while spreading warmth and understanding,” says Dr. Biener. “And in everything she does there is a flair, an unmistakable style, that belies her rich imagination and creativity, born of love for the people she is with and does so much for. Never expecting anything in return, she seeks deep within people to find and then give them, that which they need most. Sometimes she’s a holiday angel, a town committee member, a million times it was Mommy’s taxi or someone’s go-for. Other times it’s what only a mother’s love can accomplish.

Dr.Biener wrote:

“I wish this scholarship for students who play one or multiple supporting roles, leaving the limelight and titles to those whose endeavors they quietly but so vitally support. This one is for them!”


2023 Recipient

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.


2021 Recipient

Michele Bodden

“I believe I have the empathy and compassion to make a difference in someone else’s life and I would love to return the kindness and support that has been given to me during these difficult years,” says Michele Bodden of Clifton, N.J.

Michele is a returning adult student majoring in Social Work. She has a 3.74 GPA.

She has volunteered at her church, the local hospital, and before the pandemic, she volunteered at her daughters’ school. When she is not homeschooling her children, she enjoys spending time with them reading and playing. “My girls keep me going and it is because of them that I want to earn my Bachelor’s degree.”


2019 Recipient

Peter Duffy

Peter Duffy from Garnerville, N.Y. is majoring in Social Science with a concentration in Community Mental Health.  “Wellness and helping others are priorities for me,” he says. Peter has joined the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  Peter plans on pursuing a career as a psychologist, nutritionist, and physical/occupational therapist. His current GPA is 3.58.

At Ramapo, Peter has applied to be a Resident Assistant, and he attends many of the Men4men meetings, a group for gay students on campus. He is also involved in sports, including basketball, soccer, and Kung Fu.

Off-campus, Peter volunteers at a local food pantry in N.Y., giving low income families the opportunity to choose what they eat. He also has volunteered at Saint Peter’s Church and Saint Mary’s Church as an alter server and a singer.



2018 Recipient

Lauren Robertson

Lauren Robertson of Green Pond, N.J. is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. She has a 3.64 GPA.  Lauren has achieved Dean’s List status each semester and was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta first-year Honor Society.

Since her freshman year, Lauren has been an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a national community service fraternity where she holds a leadership position as the Historian. She works on campus for the Ramapo College Foundation where she is a Student Aide for the “Russ Berrie Making a Difference Program.” She is also a member of Colleges Against Cancer and the Yoga Club.

Off campus, she is involved in the Special Needs Activity Program in Westwood and Camp Sunshine in Ridgewood.

“I hope to earn my MBA after graduation and start my own art business. I’m excited to continue my education and become a strong businesswoman.”



2017 Recipient

Rachel Lubitz

This spring, Rachel Lubitz will attend the Northeast Regional Honors Council Conference where she will present her research on the Human Papillomavirus vaccine.  The Nursing major has a 3.75 GPA, and is a member of the Executive Board for the Honors Program.

“I’m very involved in my favorite department on campus, which is Residence Life,” says Rachel.  She is a Resident Assistant in Overlook Hall, a Desk Attendant in all of the residence halls, and Office Assistant for the Office of Residence Life.  She is also an active member of the Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors.

After graduation, she hopes to become a traveling nurse, focusing on public health.  She dreams to ultimately work at the United Nations where she will have a voice in advocating for better living standards and human rights.

Rachel is from East Brunswick, NJ.



2016 Recipient

Lauren Santoro

Lauren Santoro of Old Bridge, NJ is a Psychology major with a minor in Neuroscience. She has a 3.8 GPA.  Lauren was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and appointed secretary.

At Ramapo, Lauren is a resident assistant as well as a Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassador.  She is also the chair of community champions of Relay for Life.

Off campus, Lauren is involved with Special Needs Aquatics Play.  She works as a physical therapy aide and aspires to become an occupational therapist.



2015 Recipient

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.



2014 Recipient

Martin Noah

Martin Noah of Vernon, NJ is a Social Science major. “Almost every aspect of my life for the past 10 years has been in the service of others or working towards it,” he said. He has done mission work in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi and is a manager at SCARC, Inc., a nonprofit organization that assists the developmentally disabled. He is proud to have been named Employee of the Month in February, 2012. Martin is also a manager of his church’s Board of Trustees. Martin said this scholarship has renewed his passion, encouraged his motivation and solidified his commitment. He quotes Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher to describe his outlook on life, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” Martin has a 3.92 grade point average.


2013 Recipient

Yovanna Garcia

Yovanna Garcia of Passaic, NJ is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Journalism. She carries a Sociology minor. Yovanna served as class secretary and then president at Passaic High School. There she was involved in the Interact Club and Leaders in Service among other activities. She plans to become an investigative journalist. This desire is based on Yovanna’s belief that “there are countless awful truths in the world that are shielded from the public eye.” She is the first in her family to aspire to higher education. She appreciates the efforts of her mother to provide for her and her four siblings. A freshman, Yovanna has a 2.76 grade point average.

As a first generation college student, my family and I are truly honored to receive financial help to fund my schooling; this scholarship is a big help for my education and can help me move forward in my studies.


2012 Recipient

Hannah Morrow

Hannah Morrow of Kinnelon, NJ is a Biochemistry major. As a teenager she was diagnosed with a chronic disorder from which, she says “I emerged with more strength, determination and faith than I could ever imagine.” She entered the workforce after high school and earned an associate’s degree at a community college. Hannah has admiration for the physical therapists who helped her and plans on becoming one to help others. Hannah volunteers at an animal shelter, a hospital and works with children who have cerebral palsy. She a member of Ramapo’s Biology Club. Hannah is particularly proud of being the recipient of a scholarship awarded by the American Association of University Women.

This scholarship will assist me greatly in getting closer to my professional goal of being a Physical Therapist. I can’t express my gratitude enough to those who granted me this scholarship. As I get closer to my life’s goals I will always have you all to thank. Thank you so much!”


2011 Recipient

Jennifer Forde

Jennifer Forde of Dumont, NJ is a Psychology major who is in the process of transferring to the Nursing program. She would like to work in the pediatric or neonatal unit of a hospital and eventually, specialize in infant or toddler intensive care. “I am one of those individuals who will research information outside of class just because I find the material fascinating,” Jennifer notes. She is a member of the Nursing Club, has volunteered at Englewood Hospital and is a receptionist and infant caregiver at a chiropractic office. Jennifer has a 3.36 grade point average.


2010 Recipient

Megan Mulharin

Megan Mulharin of Stanhope, NJ is a graduate of Hopatcong High School, she thrives on helping others both as a volunteer and in paid employment. Megan tutored Pre-calculus Honors students, presented information about the dangers of drugs and the importance of completing homework as a member of Kids for Kids, participated in the Adopt a Grandparent program and umpired softball during the summer. Megan was active with the school’s Math League, literary magazine and newspaper and played field hockey and softball. At Ramapo she is a Mathematics major with a grade point average of 3.67.


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