Helene Fishman ’78 was raised in Brussels and arrived in the United States via France in 1958 with her father, as her mother had passed away when she was only a child. Helene attended Ramapo College as a returning adult student, and graduated with a degree in sociology. She continued her education at Columbia University’s School of Social Work. “I feel Ramapo prepared me for graduate studies particularly well. My professors at Columbia were very familiar and impressed with the College and the quality of my work.”

After earning her MSW, Helene worked in New York City with the homeless and later established a private practice in Nanuet, N.Y. She also earned further certification in substance abuse counseling.

The Abraham and Helene Fishman ’78 Social Work Scholarship will recognize seniors who are committed to furthering their education in graduate school, and who plan to pursue careers in community service

Make a Donation

2024 Recipient

Colette Zaloom

Colette Zaloom of Ridgewood, N.J. is a senior Social Work major with a minor in Substance Use. She holds a 3.98 GPA, is a member of Judith K. Winn’s Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. Colette also received the Academic Award for Social Science and made the dean’s list every semester. 

She transferred to Ramapo College after attending Bergen Community College and obtaining her Associate’s Degree in Social Work. She started her career after doing community humanitarian work in Costa Rica.

While obtaining her degrees, Colette has gained hands-on experience working with Oasis – A Safe Haven for Women & Children, as an Assemblyman in Gary Schaer’s Office, and at The Kintock Group Paterson Reentry Program. 

Her goals include becoming a certified Trauma & Grief Counselor, obtaining a Masters in Social Work, and eventually a PhD.

2023 Recipient

2022 Recipient

Back to List