Tanesha Caswell

Tanesha Caswell is a senior from Jersey City, NJ majoring in Math.

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.

Kayla Pedone

Kayla Pedone of Middletown, NJ is a Nursing Major. She has a 3.2 GPA. Kayla has placed on the Dean’s List several semesters throughout her college career.

At Ramapo, Kayla has been involved in several activities, including The Italian Club, Colleges Against Cancer, and The Philosophy Club.

Kayla has also been active in many off campus organizations, including Halos for Angels and the Lyons Veteran Hospital.

Parker Tubman

Parker Tubman is a senior from Totowa, NJ majoring in Social Science.

Nicolle Milstein

Nicolle Milstein of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a biology major.  She has a 3.34 grade point average.  She is a member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honors Society.

At Ramapo, Nicolle has been active in several organizations and activities, including Relay for Life as a Co-chair for the Luminaria committee, Hillel and is a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Off campus, Nicolle also has been involved in the Northern New Jersey Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Affiliation.

Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen of Vernon, N.J. is an environment science major with a minor in environmental studies.

Off campus, Ashley has worked with a non-profit organization, Ryan Olsen Memorial Scholarship, which gives out swimming scholarships every year to high school students. She is an assistant coach with Aqua Gems Swimming.

Jorge Gomez Wei

Jorge Ivan Gomez Wei of Fair Lawn, N.J. is an environmental studies major. He has a grade point average of 3.5. Jorge Ivan graduated from Bergen Community College with honors as well as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Chi Alpha Epsilon.

At Ramapo, Jorge Ivan has been active in several organizations and activities, including trying to start an NAACP on campus as well as part of the Black Student Union.

Jorge Ivan has also been involved in off campus activities and organizations, including being the State President for the Youth and College Division of the NAACP, co-founder and president of KoKoKidz youth peer leadership group.

Angela Edson

Angela Edson of Union City, N.J. is a sociology major with a concentration in public sociology. She has a 2.8 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Angela has been active in several organizations and activities, including SAFE.

Angela has also been involved in off-campus activities and organizations, including delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.

Christopher Porteous

Christopher Porteous of Wood-Ridge, NJ is an Accounting major. A sophomore, his father died in his freshman year in March 2013. Prior to that, his father had been receiving disability benefits. As the youngest of three children, Christopher decided to commute to Ramapo to save on the housing costs and to give him an opportunity to obtain part-time employment. He chose Ramapo because of the curriculum, location and cost. His family experiences have had the impact of providing him “with an appreciation for the value of a quality education, which neither of my parents had the opportunity to pursue. In the future, I will earn a degree that may help me to provide for my own family without having to stretch every cent that I earn.” Christopher has a 2.40 grade point average.

Angela Edson

Angela Edson of Union City, N.J. is a sociology major with a concentration in public sociology. She has a 2.8 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Angela has been active in several organizations and activities, including SAFE.

Angela has also been involved in off-campus activities and organizations, including delivering meals for Meals on Wheels.

Receiving this scholarship has eased the burden of financial stress that a college education can accrue, and I am so appreciative to be one of the recipients. I’d like to thank the Crane Fund for Widows and Children as well as Ramapo College of New Jersey for seeing the need for additional financial aid as well as my potential to succeed and further my education.

Kelsey Kozak

Kelsey Kozak of Rutherford, NJ is a Social Science major with a concentration in Mental Health. She describes her immigrant father who died in 2008 as “an inspiration, a role model, a best friend, and most importantly, my one and only irreplaceable dad.” Kelsey wondered if she would be able to attend college because her family lived a sparse life. At Ramapo College, she decided to seek out every opportunity to make her life better. Kelsey is proud that she will be the first member of her family to graduate from college. “My past endeavors have inspired me to go into the helping and educational counseling profession,” she said. “Higher Education Administration is a field that I am determined to pursue in graduate school.” Kelsey has a 3.31 grade point average.

Michele Feola

Michele Feola of Jefferson, NJ is an Integrated Science Studies major. She said that her father helped to fund her college education. However, when he died, it made it difficult for Michele to attend school. “This money helped me to continue attending school and to pay for the necessary supplies for the classes I am required to take,” she said. Michele enjoys cooking, nutrition and exercise. She plans to attend graduate school and to pursue a career in physical therapy. She has a 3.02 grade point average.

Parker Tubman

Parker Tubman of Totowa, NJ is an American Studies major. He admits that his junior year at Ramapo has been more difficult than the preceding ones. He went from a residential student to a commuter to save on housing costs. He has chosen to live with his grandmother, and the hour drive is sometimes too much after a day of classes and work. Parker is not able to purchase new text books. He only does so when there are no used books available. He is grateful for being a part of the College’s EOF program. However, the program only covered tuition during his freshman year. In the summer, he works two jobs to cover his car expenses and to save money for textbooks. Parker is proud that his mother is doing her best to assist him and feels a responsibility to do for himself. “A scholarship like this could make the life and financial challenges of a fatherless child during his junior year of college a lot smoother,” he said. Parker has a 3.52 grade point average.

Ryan Bagnall

“I started out at Bergen Community College before transferring to Ramapo College,” says Ryan Bagnall. Ryan is majoring in Law and Society who has earned a 2.69 grade point average. He works part time as a park ranger for the town of Paramus, and during the summers has worked in construction and for a landscaping company. He will be graduating in May and plans a career in law enforcement.

Michele Feola

Michele Feola of Jefferson, NJ is an Integrated Science Studies major. She said that her father helped to fund her college education. However, when he died, it made it difficult for Michele to attend school. “This money helped me to continue attending school and to pay for the necessary supplies for the classes I am required to take,” she said. Michele enjoys cooking, nutrition and exercise. She plans to attend graduate school and to pursue a career in physical therapy. She has a 3.02 grade point average.

The Crane scholarship will allow me to afford college and get my bachelor’s degree.

Parker Tubman

Parker Tubman of Totowa, NJ is an American Studies major. He admits that his junior year at Ramapo has been more difficult than the preceding ones. He went from a residential student to a commuter to save on housing costs. He has chosen to live with his grandmother, and the hour drive is sometimes too much after a day of classes and work. Parker is not able to purchase new text books. He only does so when there are no used books available. He is grateful for being a part of the College’s EOF program. However, the program only covered tuition during his freshman year. In the summer, he works two jobs to cover his car expenses and to save money for textbooks. Parker is proud that his mother is doing her best to assist him and feels a responsibility to do for himself. “A scholarship like this could make the life and financial challenges of a fatherless child during his junior year of college a lot smoother,” he said. Parker has a 3.52 grade point average.

It will help me to continue attending Ramapo College. Without this award, it would have been difficult for me to pay for school. I am so thankful for this scholarship.

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.

Nicolle Milstein

Nicolle Milstein of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a biology major.  She has a 3.34 grade point average.  She is a member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honors Society.

At Ramapo, Nicolle has been active in several organizations and activities, including Relay for Life as a Co-chair for the Luminaria committee, Hillel and is a member of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Off campus, Nicolle also has been involved in the Northern New Jersey Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Affiliation.

After my dad passed away from pancreatic cancer, I received a scholarship that would allow me to pursue a career in Pharmacy and help people the way they helped my dad.

Joshua Wanger

Joshua Wanger of Nanuet, NY, a Political Science major, graduated December 2011. He says receiving the scholarship has eased the costs of tuition and living on campus. Living on campus, and becoming more independent, was important to Joshua as was the opportunity to meet people, gain knowledge and learn more about himself. He is grateful for the opportunity to attend on campus lectures and events. He served as corresponding secretary for the Coed National Community Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, secretary of the Study Club and was a member of Hillel and Political Forum. Joshua has completed internships with Senator David Carlucci and Congressman Eliot Engel. Joshua, who graduated with a 3.63 grade point average, was named to the Political Science Honor Society and Golden Key International Honour Society.

Helene Gebler

Helene Gebler of Mahwah, NJ is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. Receiving the scholarship has allowed Helene to remain enrolled at Ramapo and to carry on with her dream of becoming a marketing director. She completed an internship in the marketing department of a non-profit organization. Helene says the experience allowed her to “give back to my community” and “learn more about the field I plan to go into.”

Jeremy Karlson

Jeremy Karlson of Edgewater, NJ is an Accounting major. He admits that emotionally and financially life has been difficult since his father died in 2007. Jeremy says the scholarship will help him pay for his tuition, which had become more difficult for him and his family to do. To help pay for his education, Jeremy works on campus in the Athletics Department. Jeremy, who has a 2.82 grade point average, says, “College is a journey that I am going to finish with flying colors. Receiving this scholarship helps me along my path.”

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.

Lauren Sohnen

Lauren Sohnen is a freshman majoring in Communication Arts. She is from Marlboro, NJ.

Joshua Wanger

Joshua Wanger of Nanuet, NY, a Political Science major, graduated December 2011. He says receiving the scholarship has eased the costs of tuition and living on campus. Living on campus, and becoming more independent, was important to Joshua as was the opportunity to meet people, gain knowledge and learn more about himself. He is grateful for the opportunity to attend on campus lectures and events. He served as corresponding secretary for the Coed National Community Service Fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, secretary of the Study Club and was a member of Hillel and Political Forum. Joshua has completed internships with Senator David Carlucci and Congressman Eliot Engel. Joshua, who graduated with a 3.63 grade point average, was named to the Political Science Honor Society and Golden Key International Honour Society.

Helene Gebler

Helene Gebler of Mahwah, NJ is a Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing. Receiving the scholarship has allowed Helene to remain enrolled at Ramapo and to carry on with her dream of becoming a marketing director. She completed an internship in the marketing department of a non-profit organization. Helene says the experience allowed her to “give back to my community” and “learn more about the field I plan to go into.”

Michele Feola

Michele Feola of Jefferson, NJ is an Integrated Science Studies major. She said that her father helped to fund her college education. However, when he died, it made it difficult for Michele to attend school. “This money helped me to continue attending school and to pay for the necessary supplies for the classes I am required to take,” she said. Michele enjoys cooking, nutrition and exercise. She plans to attend graduate school and to pursue a career in physical therapy. She has a 3.02 grade point average.

Matthew H. Heitman

Matthew H.Heitman is a senior majoring in History with a minor in Political Science. He’s immersed himself in college life by becoming a member of the History and Republican Clubs and was accepted into the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society for Excellence in History, the Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society for Excellence in Political Science and has made the Dean’s List several times. Matthew, who hails from Saddle River, NJ and has a grade point average of 3.48 says, “My father, who was my role model and mentor, taught me to go above and beyond to accomplish my goals. His premature death has made me more determined than ever to succeed.”

The scholarship will help me with my future studies in Law.

Jaleesha McClary

Jaleesha McClary of Paterson, NJ is majoring in Law and Society and plans on a career in law enforcement. Jaleesha’s advisor describes her as “a person who demonstrates resiliency regardless of factors countering her motivation.” Jaleesha, who has a 2.31 grade point average, is conscientious and continually seeks out learning experiences, characteristics that will serve her well at Ramapo and beyond.

Meara Lockwood

Meara Lockwood is a freshman from Highland Park, New Jersey. She has been involved in Girl Scouts and soccer, and plans to join the Future Educators club, choir, and creative writing or book club at Ramapo. In addition to writing poetry and other creative works, Meara is currently writing a book.

My dad was a constant benefactor. He was always there for me. His generosity means the world to me because without him and my mom, I wouldn’t be here at college right now.

Kristen Potanka

Kristen Potanka of Wanaque, NJ is a senior majoring in Sociology. She is focusing on family and generational patterns. Her senior thesis includes in-depth research on the gender differences among Ramapo College students. Kristen is a resident assistant, and has received honors such as RA Rookie of theYear, Resident Assistant of theYear and Resident Assistant Best in Region. She’s also a member of the Residence Life Honors Association. In addition, she serves as president of Transfers Unite, a club she co-founded to address issues of interest to transfer students. She is a representative on the Student Government Association and is a Student Ambassador. Kristen, who has a 3.21 grade point average, says of her time at Ramapo, “Ramapo has helped me become not only a strong leader, but has let me use my creativity to benefit many students.”

Jeremy Karlson

Jeremy Karlson of Edgewater, NJ is an Accounting major. He admits that emotionally and financially life has been difficult since his father died in 2007. Jeremy says the scholarship will help him pay for his tuition, which had become more difficult for him and his family to do. To help pay for his education, Jeremy works on campus in the Athletics Department. Jeremy, who has a 2.82 grade point average, says, “College is a journey that I am going to finish with flying colors. Receiving this scholarship helps me along my path.”

This scholarship decreased the financial pressures that were mounting before school had started.