Brianna Gomez

“My greatest honor in life is being a mom of two beautiful boys. I am beyond excited to make them proud of their mom for accomplishing her college degree as a first-generation student” says Brianna Gomez of Pompton Lakes, N.J.

She is a Biology major with a double minor in Psychology and Neuroscience, with a 3.66 GPA. She is on the Dean’s list and is a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha Honor Society.

At Ramapo, she has participated in several organizations including the Association of Latinos Moving Ahead as Community Service Chair. Within this role, Brianna helped organize an event that commemorated Native dance and its traditions by inviting Danza Azteca Nahui Ollin Teotl on campus. She also participated in alternative Spring break by volunteering as an animal keeper at the Natuwa Sanctuary of Costa Rica.

Post-graduation, Brianna hopes to continue her studies in a Master’s Program of Public Health or Clinical Psychology.

Awarded Scholarships

2024

Mary K. and Salvatore J. Fanale Memorial Scholarship

After raising eight children, “I was excited when my husband suggested that I attend college and obtain that long-desired accomplishment of a college degree,” wrote Mary Fanale. So, at age 56, she enrolled at Ramapo, taking courses in the School of American and International Studies. For three years Mrs. Fanale reveled in her studies and was an active college student, serving as secretary of the Center for Returning Students. “I believe the feelings for older students … is so good that we fit in perfectly,” she said. Sadly she died in 1981 before finishing her degree. In memory of her contributions to the Ramapo community and to support other mature students who seek excellence in their studies, Mrs. Fanale’s husband and children established an endowed scholarship fund in her name. At Salvatore Fanale’s death in 2006 the Fanale children directed additional funds to significantly build the endowment. The Mary K. Fanale Memorial Scholarships recognize high-achieving female students who are New Jersey residents and are non-traditional college age.

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