Madison Case

Madison Case of Bedminster, N.J. is a Psychology and Social Science double major with a concentration in Community Mental Health. They hold a 3.8 GPA and are members of both the Psi Chi International Honor Society and the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society. On campus, Madison works as the Women’s Outreach Coordinator at the Women’s Center and as a Wellness Is Now (W.I.N.) Peer Educator. They have also been active in the Student Government Association, where they authored the bill that resulted in Narcan accessibility on campus.

Madison’s passion for activism and advocacy can be seen through their off-campus endeavors as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the intersectional feminist publication Periphery Magazine.

Madison plans to attend graduate school to become a licensed therapist for LGBTQ+ adolescents and youth with disabilities.

Aneesha Malla

Aneesha Malla is a senior Marketing major with a minor in Business Analytic. She has maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.82 during her time at Ramapo. 

Aneesha has completed volunteer work and served as a Counselor at Camp Sunshine, providing support and creating an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. She also initiated a chapter of We Light the Candle, bringing joy to children in foster care through personalized birthday cards. Aneesha has actively participated in community events addressing homelessness and food insecurity, organizing donations, and distributing care packages. 

The passion Aneesha has extends beyond business and community service. She possesses a deep love for education and an eagerness to support students both academically and personally.

After graduation, Aneesha aspires to publish a children’s book that promotes mental health awareness. Through her writing, she hopes to positively impact the lives of young readers and contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Ryan Kim

“As a transfer student, I have adjusted well to the new environment and academic setting here on campus during my first year. I plan on joining an honors program, as well as clubs that are affiliated with volunteer opportunities,” says Ryan Kim of Mahwah, N.J., who is a Management major with a minor in Human Resources. 

Ryan works full-time as a shift leader at Old Navy, where he is responsible for onboarding, recruiting, training, and development processes. With over four years of experience in the retail industry and interpersonal concentration in the business, Ryan has learned various skills in relation to communication, effective leadership, and the development of individuals in the workplace. 

Alexis Jones

Alexis Jones is a junior Communication Arts major with a concentration in Journalism. At Ramapo, she is the president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated’s Rho Gamma Chapter, and the treasurer of the Black Student Union. One of her proudest accomplishments was when she interviewed ex-Disney star, singer, and songwriter Coco Jones. 

Alexis says, “Once I graduate from Ramapo, I hope to work for a broadcasting company to travel to developing countries to see these beautiful landmarks and produce documentaries and hold interviews and to continue to grow my platform to spread knowledge of global issues worldwide.”

K. Julianna Fernandez-Ruiz

K. Julianna Fernandez-Ruiz of Hackensack, N.J. is a Nursing Major with a 3.4 GPA. A few of her academic honors include the Dean’s list and the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Julianna has been a member of the Peer Facilitator Program and The Nursing Student Organization. She has also been involved in off-campus organizations, such as the Mahwah Emergency Medical Services. 

Julianna enjoys art museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and hopes to travel to all the art museums worldwide, specifically La Casa Azul-Frida Kahlo Museum. Her future aspiration is to become a NICU nurse or Labor and Delivery Nurse.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.

Rachel Olivo

Rachel Olivo of Long Valley, N.J. is a History major in the Teacher Education Program. She has a 3.9 GPA and is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Kappa Delta Pi, and has made the Dean’s List every semester.

At Ramapo, Rachel is active in several organizations and activities, including the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Peer Facilitation Program. As a Peer Facilitator, Rachel helps guide freshmen through their first semester of college. 

Rachel has also been involved off-campus working at a part-time job.

Lionel Chen

Lionel Chen is a Humanities and Global Studies major. When he was five years old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor which impacted his education. “With patience and perseverance, I never gave up but instead kept trying my best.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree at Ramapo, his goal in the future is to be able to help others with disabilities better adjust to society.

Lizzet Soto

Lizzet Soto of Hackensack, N.J. is double majoring in Finance and Marketing and double minoring in Psychology and International Business.

At Ramapo, Lizzet has been active in several organizations and activities, including APO the service fraternity of Ramapo, ASL Club, and Stock Market Club. She is currently VP of her NIM class for APO and next semester she will hold Conference Chair Officer.

Lizzet has also been involved in off–campus activities and organizations, including tutoring elementary school students who are in ESL, volunteering for the Lupus Foundation of America and the Arthritis Foundation. She also dedicates her time to give back to her community by visiting nursing homes and spending time with the seniors during the holidays, bringing them small gifts that are collected in her community.

At Ramapo, Lizzet hopes to finish her studies next year and pursue her MBA.

Noah Mazzeo

Noah Mazzeo of Rumson, N.J. is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Global Communication and Media. He plans to attend graduate school for Sports Management and pursue a career in the sports industry. 

During his first semester as a transfer student, Noah proudly made the Dean’s List. He has a 3.53 GPA and is a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

Apart from playing in the Pep Band and Concert Band, Noah is the Public Address Announcer for Ramapo College Athletics. He announces starting lineups, game actions, and gameday information for 8 different teams. Noah also completed an internship with the New Jersey Jackals and the University at Albany (SUNY).

Ma’ayan Deutch

Ma’ayan (Maya) Deutch of Roxbury Township, N.J. is a Social Work major who wants to provide therapy for those with mental, physical, intellectual, and/or developmental difficulties. She completed her Associate’s Degree at the County College of Morris (CCM), where she ended with a 3.68 GPA and made the Dean’s List each semester.

At CCM, Maya was a member of the Jewish Student Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She intends to join both the Psychology Affiliation and Hillel at Ramapo.

At her temple, Maya was the Social Action Vice President of the Youth Group. She organized a program called “Midnight Run,” where they distributed clothing, food and toiletries to the poor and homeless in Manhattan.

In her free time, Maya is a lead vocalist in a band called A Door with No House.

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.

Gabriel Hernandez

“I’ve always felt the need to help others in any way I can,” says Gabriel Hernandez, a Social Work major with a minor in Substance Abuse Disorders. Gabriel is of Puerto Rican/Cuban descent and lives in Fair Lawn, N.J. He has a 3.73 GPA and makes the Dean’s List every semester. 

It was his mother and father who inspired him to pursue social work, for they both work with individuals with developmental disabilities.

Gabriel previously earned his Associate’s Degree at Bergen Community College, and after earning his Bachelor’s Degree, he plans to join the Master of Social Work program at Ramapo. He hopes to one day have his own private practice in counseling.

Blaise Pena

Blaise Pena of Howell, NJ is a Visual Arts major with a Concentration in Electronic Arts and Animation. He has a 3.3 GPA. He has been active in several organizations at Ramapo: attending Hillel Hillel events with friends, co-hosting a show on WRPR, and hosting games. He practices martial arts as well.
He has spent time at Alfa Art Gallery helping to orient new interns.
“My goal after I graduate is to work in New York, and then move out west.”

Em Moxley

Em Moxley of Vauxhall, N.J. is a Contemporary Arts Contract major. They have a 3.85 GPA and have received Dean’s list every semester.

At Ramapo, Em has been active with the college radio station, WRPR, where they host a Broadway-themed radio show. They are also a member of the college’s Honors Program.

Em works as an Infrared/Sound Associates representative to provide devices for the hearing impaired, blind, and non-English speaking. Em’s goal after college is to work in the theatre industry.

Savanah Moreno

Savanah Michelle Moreno of North Bergen, N.J. is a Psychology major with a minor in Environmental Studies.

She has been active in several organizations on campus, including the Black Student Union, Organization of Latinos Moving Ahead, and the Enhance Program, where she served as a peer mentor for autistic students in the Enhance program.

“I plan to continue my studies and continue my schooling for a MSW degree. I hope to work within the foster care system and help place children in good homes.”

Seth Frey

Seth Frey, from Caldwell, N.J., is a sophomore majoring in Music with a concentration in Music Performance. In pursuit of becoming a K-12 music teacher, he plans to join the Teacher Education program and add-on a Music Education concentration. “I hope to spend a portion of my career working in a high-needs school and being a role model for young Latino boys.”

One of Seth’s proudest accomplishments occurred during a trip to his native country, Guatemala, where he raised money for materials to build a new home for a local family in need.

He is on the Ramapo Men’s Tennis team and is a member of the Roadrunner Jazz Ensemble, where he plays the drums and is learning to play keyboard. Additionally, Seth loves spending his summers teaching kids to play tennis at Jeff Lake Camp.

Saira Fuentes

Saira Fuentes is a returning adult student from Passaic, N.J. She graduated from Passaic High School in 2005. At the age of 23, she started having severe migraines that resulted in the loss of her vision. Now, after having transferred from Bergen Community College with a 3.53 GPA, she is pursuing her bachelor’s in Music Production at Ramapo College.

Saira’s main interests are in sound engineering and music production. “After graduating, my goal is to find work in this field so I can do what I am most passionate about,” Saira says. “I am very thankful that there are associations such as the Commission for the Blind and scholarship donors who help people with disabilities continue with their education,”

Alfonso Gonnella

Alfonso Gonnella of Emerson N.J. is a Law and Society Major. He has a 3.1 GPA.

At Ramapo, Alfonso has been active the Radio Club where he has a weekly radio show.  He is also involved in the singing group, 4gotteNSuitCase, and has participated in several 4gotteNSuitCase concerts.

Alfonso also has had an internship at the law offices of Zaremba Brown PLLC.

Hunter Helfenbein

“Never limit yourself because then you might never see how far you can truly go,” says Hunter Helfenbein of Montvale, N.J.  The Visual Communications Design major has learned that others can only provide encouragement, but the belief starts within yourself.

After completing her Bachelor’s Degree and gaining some career experience, Hunter would like to return to school for a Masters’ in Teaching to give students a compassionate understanding of others that is all too often lacking in school systems. “Only you know what you are capable of and if you do not take risks then you will not know the extent of your capabilities.”

Hunter has a 3.0 GPA.

Amanda Vanderputten

Amanda Vanderputten of Pequannock, N.J. is a Music Production major. She has a 3.15 GPA. Amanda enjoys all forms of music and is currently taking Guitar lessons, and Hip-hop dance classes. She is also a trampoline enthusiast. Off-campus, Amanda works part-time, and is a volunteer at the Wayne Township Animal Shelter.

She writes lyrics in hopes of becoming a songwriter for herself and others. Her other ambitions include being a professional pet-sitter, and music teacher for children. “I’m so appreciative of this scholarship and the opportunities it provides for people like me.”

Patrick O’Hagan

“I’m proud that I’ve been able to return to college as a full-time student,” says Patrick O’Hagan of Wyckoff, N.J., who transferred to Ramapo from SUNY Cortland.  “I never give up and have been able to turn difficult situations into opportunities,” added Patrick, who missed a full year of school due to a traumatic brain injury.

Patrick is a Communications Arts major with a concentration in Global Communication. He is interning at The DSM Group, a marketing communications agency, and also works as a senior counselor and assistant basketball coach at the Wyckoff Family YMCA.

He has a 3.6 GPA and made Dean’s List in the fall of  2016 and spring 2017.

Talina Toscano

Talina Toscano of Suffern N.Y. is a sophomore, majoring in Music Performance. She has a 3.6 GPA and is a member of the Alpha Delta Lambda Honor Society.

Talina has been active in several musical organizations and activities on campus, including the Ramapo Chorale, the Skylark Women’s Choir and the Ramapo Gospel Choir. She also enjoys performing at many of the school’s open mic nights.

Off-campus, Talina has been very involved in spreading autism awareness and raising money for many autism organizations, including Autism Speaks and West Bergen Mental Health. “I’m particularly proud of my autism wish bracelet project where I created and sold handcrafted beaded bracelets and donated the profits to various autism organizations.”

She is studying music with the goal of becoming a high school music education teacher. Talina enjoys donating her free time by performing at various fundraising events. She has always been happy to help others and hopes to continue to inspire people by doing what she loves.

Rachel Dickstein

“I hope to work in the photography field, combining my love of travel and exploration with my unique way of seeing things through a lens,” says Rachel Dickstein of Pennington NJ.  Rachel is a Visual Arts major with a concentration in Photography. She has a 3.7 GPA and is a member of two honor societies, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Lambda Delta.

At Ramapo, Rachel has been active in the Outdoors Club, the Nutrition and Fitness Club and the Fusion Dance Club.  Off campus she is regularly involved in helping at the donation center at her church. She has also donated her time to the Brain Tumor Society fundraising campaign.

Jessica Freeman

Jessica Freeman of Hillsborough, NJ is a Music Industry major with a minor in Women’s Studies.

At Ramapo, Jessica has been active the Ramapo College Dance Company, OSS, and Archery.

Jessica has also been involved off-campus serving as a volunteer with the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Somerset County.

Hunter Helfenbein

Hunter Helfenbein of Montvale, NJ is a Visual Communication Design major. She has a 3.3 GPA.

She has been active in several organizations on campus, including the Creative Media Club and Design Derby.

Off campus, she is a volunteer for the Charter School of Paterson.

Joshua Rand

Joshua Rand of Bogota, NJ is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Writing. He has a 3.0 GPA.  Joshua was inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon society.

Joshua has been active in the Center for Reading and Writing at Ramapo, as well as the Boy Scouts of America in Bergen County.

Janine McCaffrey

Janine McCaffrey, of Cresskill, N.J. is a student in the School of Contemporary Arts with a concentration in digital film making. She has a 3.8 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Janine serves as treasurer of the Anime Pokemon Club. Off campus, she has been involved in Habitat for Humanity.

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.

Victoria Daledda

Victoria Daledda of Rutherford, NJ is a Music Performance major. She holds a full-time job and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and as a camp counselor teaching children with disabilities how to live healthy lifestyles. “My life as been anything but easy and I wouldn’t change one experience,” said Victoria. “Each situation has contributed to the long and powerful journey that I have been on.” She has a 3.07 grade point average.

Janine McCaffrey

Janine McCaffrey, of Cresskill, N.J. is a student in the School of Contemporary Arts with a concentration in digital film making. She has a 3.8 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Janine serves as treasurer of the Anime Pokemon Club. Off campus, she has been involved in Habitat for Humanity.

Maegan Heaney

Maegan Heaney of North Brunswick, NJ is a Communication Arts major with a concentration in Digital Filmmaking. She is minoring in Theater. Maegan is a member of the College’s Tennis team and the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She has participated in several community service activities including Relay for Life and Habitat for Humanity and has volunteered at a home for senior citizens, done beach clean-ups and walkathons for breast cancer and MS. Maegan said having a learning disability will never stop her from accomplishing her goals. “With a positive attitude, a strong support system and a good work ethic, I can do anything I put my mind to,” she added. Maegan has a 2.84 grade point average.

Cary Goldberg

Cary Goldberg of Upper Montclair, NJ is interested in writing and performing original spoken word material to audiences around the country. He is gaining valuable experience by performing at benefit concerts and through his involvement with WRPR Radio. Cary says, “I think my disability has made me a better and stronger person.” Cary is a junior with a 3.13 grade point average. His major is Communication Arts with a concentration in Global Communication and Media.

Adam Landesman

Adam Landesman of Hillsdale, NJ is a Communication Arts major. He writes for the college newspaper, Ramapo News. Adam is basking in the academic success he is enjoying at Ramapo College. He is proud of being named to the Dean’s List in 2013. He performs a variety of community service work including volunteering at a psychiatric hospital, washing cars for a rental car agency and leading group meetings for recovering alcoholics. He said, “Receiving the scholarship validated my confidence, It showed me that I am working hard and being successful and that confidence has elevated my performance academically another few notches.” Adam has a 3.50 grade point average.

Kelly Peterson

Kelly Peterson of Mahwah, NJ is majoring in Visual Arts with a concentration in Drawing and Painting and carries a Psychology minor. Kelly fights to help others understand her bipolar disorder and believes that “it is not my disorder that will determine my life, but my drive, spirit and uniqueness.” Kelly, who has a 3.47 grade point average, is grateful for the financial support of this scholarship and hopes that other students will benefit from her experiences.

Danielle Feller

Danielle Feller of Ridgewood, NJ says receiving the scholarship allows her to carry out Cara’s spirit and her will to succeed. Danielle gravitates toward Art. She enjoys Sculpture and Metaphysics, both of which use intuitive thinking, an area she believes she navigates with more success than academics. Sculpture allows Danielle to think in three dimensions. She enjoys working with clay that gets poured into metal. Danielle, who is a member of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, also enjoys babysitting, swimming and running. Danielle, who has a 3.39 grade point average, says, “A person needs to work through their frustrations to solve problems in their art and in life.”

Alyssa Press

Alyssa Press of Fair Lawn, NJ is a Visual Arts major with a concentration in Photography. She was diagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis before she turned two. Alyssa’s had to live with the limitations of her illness and a compromised immune system her entire life. She pushes herself to participate in physical activities. “I know how to push through and persevere,” she says. She is following her dream of becoming a fashion photographer and completed an internship with EZ Studios in New York City. Alyssa is a member of Hillel, Alpha Omicron Pi and has participated in Walk for Suicide Prevention and Walk for Arthritis. Alyssa maintains a 3.49 grade point average.

Melissa Mugica

Melissa Mugica of Edison, NJ is a double major in Theater and Literature. She plans to pursue certification in Teacher Education. Her inspiration is a quote from the movie “A Cinderella Story”: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” Even with an autoimmune disease, Melissa is very much in the game. She is a member of the National Theater Honor Society and served in several leadership positions including vice president. She helped form an improvisational/sketch comedy troupe and has performed in the Ramapo College Theater Program’s main stage productions. With one foot always near a stage, she works at the Berrie Center box office and travels to Manhattan to audition for acting roles in film, television and theater. Melissa has a 3.39 grade point average.

I just want to say thank you so much for believing in me. Having a medical condition takes its toll, but it truly touches me to know I don’t have to do it alone.

Juliet Madison

Juliet Madison of Paramus, NJ is majoring in Visual Arts with a concentration in Drawing and Painting and also is seeking certification in elementary education. She is a senior who has earned a 3.07 grade point average. Juliet received her high school’s “best artist” award and tapped into her visual way of processing information to develop strategies to improve her memorization skills and her mathematical aptitude. Juliet, who has a 3.07 grade point average says, “I’ve learned that nothing in life worth working for comes easy. The key to success is to maximize your strengths and learn to cope with and improve your weaknesses.”

This scholarship is important to me because it helped me fulfill my dream of teaching and accomplishing my goal of graduating from college.

Jonathan Siatzyk

Jonathan Siatzyk of Mahwah, NJ is a senior majoring in Communication Arts. Jonathan attended a private school that understood his learning needs and graduated first in his high school class. He participates in extracurricular activities and works as a teller in a bank. He has earned a 2.93 grade point average. Jonathan says, “To know that I was able to surpass the limits of my disability has made my academic success even more special.”

Elliott Bronstein

Elliott Bronstein of Blairstown, NJ excels in subjects related to English, Literature and Mass Media. After earning an associate degree in Communications at Warren County Community College, Elliott transferred to Ramapo where he continues in Communications with a concentration in Digital Filmmaking. Elliott, who has a 3.37 grade point average, is a member of the Science Fiction and Comic Book Clubs and volunteers helping children at a local school.

Timothy Faroe

Timothy Faroe of Clifton, NJ was born with muscular dystrophy. He was raised in Turkey then relocated with his family to the United States after his first year of high school. His need for a wheelchair and the lack of accessibility in Turkey prevents him from returning to visit. He cites this as having been the biggest obstacles he’s had to overcome. “It may sound strange to think of the psychological or emotional impact of something as mundane as mobility and accessibility,” he says, “but the experience of having to wait, be flexible and ready to move on if something does not work has taught me maturity and patience.” The Contemporary Arts student, who has a 3.26 grade point average, is a member of the Sci-Fi Club, Ramashows and Campus Crusade for Christ. He also has served as a Summer Bridge volunteer, an orientation program for entering freshmen registered with the Office of Specialized Services.

Jeremy Kelly

Jeremy Kelly is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School where he was a member of various chorale groups and participated in spring musicals. “Jeremy was extremely enthusiastic about his involvement with school activities, particularly choir and theatre,” says one of his high school teachers. Jeremy also participated in the Festival of Music in New York City in his junior year. He was a member of the bowling team during each year of his high school career. At Ramapo, Jeremy is a freshman majoring in communication arts with a concentration in journalism.

Scott Sobol

Scott Sobol is majoring in Communication Arts with a concentration in Design and Interactive Media. He is a senior who has earned a 3.49 grade point average. “I work at the Lien Resolution Group doing website design and graphic design,” Scott reports. He also volunteers in the Information Technology department at Nyack Hospital and at The School for Adaptive and Integrative Learning at Ferncliff Manor. Scott is from New City, NY.

Lori Maltz

Lori Maltz is a senior from Manalapan, New Jersey. “When I got into middle school my resource room English teacher noticed the problems I was having and did not ignore them,” Lori says. “He encouraged me to stay after school and get involved with the technical crew in the theater. From there I fell in love with the theater.” Lori attended Brookdale Community College, where she held an e-board position in the Theater Club. At Ramapo Lori is majoring in theater with a concentration in design and technical theater. She has worked on three Berrie Center productions on the costume/wardrobe crew and in set construction. Lori has earned a 2.71 grade point average.

Andrew Brown

Andrew Brown is a sophomore from Upper Montclair, New Jersey. He is majoring in digital film making in the school of Contemporary Arts, and earned a grade point average of 3.08 in his freshman year. Besides a full academic program, Andrew is an assistant coach for the Montclair Boys Volleyball Team, manager of a dry cleaner in Montclair, works for The Food Company caterers, and is captain of a volleyball team that plays out of Ridgewood High School. He credits his receipt of the Hirschman scholarship last year as providing motivation and confidence to succeed with diverse responsibilities, and has enhanced his writing, analytical, communication and organizational skills.