Allison Tanasy

Allison Tanasy of Long Branch, N.J. is a Neuroscience Major and Biology and Psychology minor. She has a 3.573 GPA.

At Ramapo, she has been active in several organizations and activities including the Ramapo College Field Hockey Team, Peer Facilitators, and Biology Club. Allison was featured on DIII’s National Academic Squad and the Dean’s list. She has also founded the Ramapo College Neuroscience Club, starting in the Fall of 2024.

Allison has also been involved in off–campus activities including working as a Pharmacy Technician and a Field Hockey coach for Falcon Field Hockey Club.

Her future plans include attending medical school to earn her Doctorate in Neurology.

Celine Panis-Pardo

Celine Panis-Pardo of Randolph, N.J., is a double major in International Studies and Law & Society. She has a 3.9 GPA, is President of both Phi Beta Delta International Honors Society and the newly developed chapter of Model UN on campus.

At Ramapo, Celine has been part of many organizations throughout her college experience: one of which being the United Asian Association, where she is currently the Internal Vice President. She is also the head photo-editor of the Ramapo News, where she has so far written and published 11 articles on entertainment and cultural issues.

After graduating, Celine hopes to get her Master’s in Social Work and later attend law school, working within non-profit organizations to maximize human rights efforts, particularly within the field of child advocacy and immigration.

Anxhela Kalia

Anxhela Kalia of Fair Lawn, N.J. is a junior Psychology major with minors in Neuroscience, Crime and Justice Studies, and Marketing. She has a 3.8 GPA. She is a member of the Honors Program and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society. She has also been a Dean’s List recipient every semester.

At Ramapo, Anxhela is a Resident Assistant, Founder and President of the Psychology Affiliation on campus, President of Psi Chi Honors Society, and Secretary of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. She was also an Honors Developmental Leader and part of the Admissions Team for the Honors Program.

Off campus, she is a Crisis Text Counselor and Intern at Advance Housing and has attended the National Collegiate Honors Conference. She also volunteers through various organizations such as tutoring for Million Reasons, volunteering for blood drives, Special Olympics, and her church’s youth group.

Anonymous

The recipient of this award would like to remain anonymous.

Diana Tieluszecki

“I strive to live life with a positive mindset and would like to help others do the same,” says Diana Tieluszecki of Haskell, N.J.  Diana is a Psychology major and a Dean’s List student. She is currently a research assistant at Ramapo and a member of the Psychology Affiliation.

“I love psychology because it helps me gain a better understanding of myself and others,” she says. Diana would like to become an Occupational Therapist and maybe even a Professor one day. She hopes to better the lives of others through compassion and empathy.

Sabrina Santamaria

Sabrina Santamaria is a senior Political Science major with minors in Public Policy and Women’s & Gender Studies. She has a 3.9 GPA and has continuously received recognition by the Dean’s List for her academic achievements. She is also a member of several Honor Societies, such as Alpha Lambda Delta, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International Honour Society (Vice President). In addition, Sabrina serves as the President of Pi Sigma Alpha: Political Science Honor Society.

Sabrina has been active in several organizations on campus, including the HGS Dean’s Advisory Council, Phi Alpha Delta: Pre-Law Fraternity, the Ramapo Journal of Law & Society (Volunteer Editor), and the Student Government Association (Senator of the HGS). This year, Sabrina is excited to be serving as the Student Government Association’s Vice President.

Sabrina recently had an internship for a Congressional Campaign where she assisted a candidate’s team in the election process. Additionally, last summer, she interned for the Honorable Judge Linda Lordi Cavanaugh in the Superior Court of Essex County. This year, she will be in the process of applying to law schools.

Ewelina Grabowska

Ewelina Grabowska of Clifton, N.J. has been accepted into the MSW program to pursue a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

She is part of the Social Work Club on campus and volunteered with Ramapo Readers.  Ewelina serves on the Bergen County Board of Social Services in Rochelle Park and volunteers at the community center in her hometown.

Allan Day Chapman

“Through my own experiences with trauma, my intention is to fuse my passion for the arts, daily spiritual practice, appreciation of the natural world, activist philosophies and desire to assist others into a rewarding career change,” says Allan Day Chapman.  Allan is one of only two hundred nationwide recipients of Phi Theta Kappa’s Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship in 2016.

Allan serves as co-chair, DJ, and coordinator of The Barefoot Boogie, a nonprofit organization that hosts substance-free community dance events in NYC.  He also currently facilitates a twice-weekly interactive music session at the Fairview Center for Senior Citizens, and drums for local meditation groups.

After completing his Social Work undergraduate degree, he plans to earn his MSW and clinical licensure in order to serve underserved communities.

Allan is from Fairview, N.J. and has a 4.0 GPA.

Melissa Dweck

Melissa Dweck of Long Branch, NJ is a Social Science major with a concentration in community mental health and a double minor in Biology and Psychology. She has a 3.94 GPA.

She was on the Dean’s list for her entire first year of Ramapo and was invited into the Golden Key National Honor Society. She was also awarded valedictorian of both her middle school and high school classes. At Ramapo, Melissa has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Hillel Club. She participated in an organization called Sharsheret, to spread awareness for breast cancer. Melissa also volunteers at the community center in her home town.

After college, she plans to go on to graduate school and pursue a Doctor in Physical Therapy degree.

Michael Danenberg

Michael Danenberg is from Livingston, New Jersey. He is a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology, and holds a 3.88 GPA.

At Ramapo, he is the head student coordinator of RASA, where he helps facilitate all the open houses and admitted student days for Ramapo.  He is also an admissions student aide, and a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. Michael co-founded and serves as president of the Ramapo Wrestling Club.

Off campus Michael is an intern at the Essex County Superior Court.  He plans to attend law school.

Franciszek Gryglak

Franciszek Gryglak of Carlstadt, NJ is an Environmental Studies major with a 3.8 GPA.  At Ramapo, Franciszek initiated the Post-Consumer Food Waste Audit by bringing together students, college administration and dining services to assess food waste at the Pavilion Dining area during meal times for an entire week.  His hope is that the organic waste can be composted and used in student gardens on campus.  Franciszek is a member of One Step (student club for sustainable change) and Vice President of Plant Strong (vegan, vegetarian club).

Off campus, he works at the Meadowlands Environmental Center where he can practice his teaching skills with children of all ages. “Our environmental classes are fun and educational and we are hoping that through them we can raise appreciation of nature and interest in environmental science. This is a good learning opportunity for me as I get ready to become an educator myself.”

Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn of Sussex, NJ is a Social Work major with a minor in Substance Abuse.

She has a 4.0 grade point average. Heather was inducted into Psi Beta Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. She was also a candidate for induction into the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Heather is active in the Social Work Club on campus, where she is working to set up a poverty/welfare simulation to teach others who do not understand the cycle of poverty and its intergenerational hold. Off campus she is a Senior Residential Program Instructor at Willowglen Academy.  She also volunteers for the Wallkill Valley Rotary and Sussex County Board of Health.

“A lot of people fear what they do not understand and it is because of that misguided fear, that people with disabilities are shunned, abused, and neglected. Shedding light on the issues faced by marginalized people is important because it is something that is not going to go away.”

Sara Divito

Sara DiVito of Clinton, N.J. is an environmental studies major. She has a 3.975 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Sara has been active in several organizations and activities, including Students for Environmental Progress (1STEP) and the Ramapo College Beekeeping Club (RCBC).

Sara also has been involved in off-campus activities and organizations, including the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization (MEVO). She interned as an Earth Crew member with the group in 2014.

Julia Hughes

Julia Hughes of Glen Rock, N.J., is a social work major.

Off campus, Julia has worked as an Apple store specialist for almost five years.

Julia is proud to have paid for five international trips without assistance.

Cristhian Vera

Cristhian Vera of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., carries a double major in economics and international business. He also carries an international studies minor. Cristhian is a member of the International Honor Society for Economics: Omicron Delta Epsilon. Cristhian has a 3.73 grade point average.
Off campus, Cristhian has been active in the Ecuadorian and Colombian communities as a member of a civic committee and he teaches ESL to immigrants. He completed an internship at the United Nations where he worked in the second commission dealing with economic and financial issues.
Cristhian plans to pursue a doctorate degree in economics. He is particularly interested in economic development. His goal is to design effective public policies for the best use of resources for education, the eradication of poverty and other global issues.

Allison Gutworth

Allison Gutworth of Colonia, NJ is a Sociology major and an Information Technology Management minor. She completed the requirements of the Business Essentials Certificate. Allison is proud of her internship with the Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services in which she drafted a federal grant, created informational brochures and compiled a list of resources for underserved populations. She said the internship allowed her to contribute to a purpose greater than myself. “Not only did I grow professionally, but I was able to interact with members of the community and better understand the populations within my area,” she added. Allison is a student research assistant in SSHS and compiled a database of over 150 journal articles on violence prevention and edited an international textbook. She is a member of Hillel, the Sociology & Criminology Club and the Residence Hall Association. Allison also serves on the College’s Judicial Board and off campus is a volunteer for the Girls Scouts of Northern Valley, the EOF Pen Pal Program in which she corresponds with a fifth grader and participates in an annual carnival for adults who are physically and mentally disabled. She has 4.00 grade point average.

This scholarship will allow me to further my academic and professional goals. For that, I am truly grateful.

Allison Gutworth

Allison Gutworth of Colonia, NJ is a Sociology major and an Information Technology Management minor. She completed the requirements of the Business Essentials Certificate. Allison is proud of her internship with the Woodbridge Township Department of Health and Human Services in which she drafted a federal grant, created informational brochures and compiled a list of resources for underserved populations. She said the internship allowed her to contribute to a purpose greater than myself. “Not only did I grow professionally, but I was able to interact with members of the community and better understand the populations within my area,” she added. Allison is a student research assistant in SSHS and compiled a database of over 150 journal articles on violence prevention and edited an international textbook. She is a member of Hillel, the Sociology & Criminology Club and the Residence Hall Association. Allison also serves on the College’s Judicial Board and off campus is a volunteer for the Girls Scouts of Northern Valley, the EOF Pen Pal Program in which she corresponds with a fifth grader and participates in an annual carnival for adults who are physically and mentally disabled. She has 4.00 grade point average.

Brittany Ryan

Brittany Ryan is a senior majoring in Environmental Studies. Her minor is Public Policy, and she has earned a 3.86 grade point average. She participated in a student exchange at the University of Hilo last semester, and last year assisted in constructing the Saltbox Environmental Research Center in Torne Valley, NJ as part of her Environmental Seminar class. Brittany plans to continue her education and ultimately earn a Ph.D. in Environmental Policy. “Through the advancement of my education I feel I can impact society,” she says. “I long for environmental and social justice, the kind of justice that is brought about when the Earth and its people are treated fairly.”

Making decisions to continue my education has been hindered by financial hardships, and awards such as the Dwyer Scholarship, make pursuing graduate studies much more attainable. Thank you.

Stephan Bien-Aime

Stephan Bien-Aime is working with a faculty mentor on a research project in Chemistry. He participated in an internship during the summer of 2011 at Goddard Space Flight Center NASA, and was an intern this past summer at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in the RISE program. Stephan is majoring in Chemistry, and has earned a 3.93 grade point average. He works on campus as a peer tutor in French, as the Lodge Fitness Center Manager, and as a teaching assistant in the chemistry lab. He is a member of the Chemistry Club and The National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Stephan is from Bloomfield, NJ.

Robert Goldberg

Robert Goldberg of North Haledon, NJ is a Biology major. A refugee from Russia, he had completed nearly five years of medical school before coming to the United States. He has studied martial arts, taught himself to play jazz guitar, learned to play tennis and “was carried away by photography.” Robert, who has a 3.94 grade point average, has applied for a position as a phlebotomist at several hospitals and he volunteers in the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center.

This scholarship will help me afford higher education and resume my medical studies that I was forced to pause due to my immigration to the U.S.

Taryn Blaustein

Taryn Blaustein of Parsippany, NJ, a senior, is a Social Work major. On and off campus she has demonstrated her compassion for those with physical and mental illnesses. Taryn has completed internships with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Morris County, the NJ Aids Services/Eric Johnson House and NewBridge Services that provides services for mental illness and substance abuse. She is a member of the Mental Health Players, an acting troupe, with the Morris County Mental Health Association. As a member, Taryn received the 2011 Ambassador Award from the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma. She is a member of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and volunteers with Jersey Battered Women’s Services. Taryn, who has a 3.98 grade point average, choose Social Work as a major because it will allow her “ample opportunity to help those facing serious hardships to reach their greatest potential.”

Kelsey Goddard

Kelsey Goddard of Surf City, NJ is a Psychology major seeking elementary teacher certification. She is student teaching this semester and plans to find a teaching position after she graduates in May. On campus, Kelsey is a member of the Student Government Association, the student representative to the Foundation’s Board of Governors and a Student Ambassador. Kelsey, who has a 3.66 grade point average, says,“Winning this scholarship was a wonderful surprise.”

Sarah Warren

Sarah Warren, a Business Administration/ Finance major from Belle Mead, NJ is passionate about her studies and humanitarian causes. The senior, who has a grade point average of 3.84, is proud of her induction into Delta Mu Delta National Business Honor Society. As president of the Operation Smile Student Association, she helped organize numerous fundraisers. Sarah believes it is imperative to make a difference through action and particularly enjoys working as a tutor for the Office of Specialized Services.

Janine Casciello

Janine Casciello of Oakland, NJ is majoring in Psychology and is minoring in Latin American Studies. She is also taking courses toward teacher certification in Spanish. Janine envisions earning master’s and doctorate degrees, and ultimately establishing a psychotherapy practice. Although she is not a native Spanish speaker, the language and culture are important parts of her life, especially after traveling to Bilbao, Spain to study abroad. Janine, who has a 3.66 grade point average says, “I am fortunate to be knowledgeable and passionate about two challenging subject areas. I would love to be able to pass on that wisdom to others and help those who are struggling in academics as well as life situations.”

This scholarship will prepare me for my future by helping relieve some of the financial burden college places on many students. It also encourages me to fulfill my dreams and to keep working hard toward my future goals.

Whitney Breckenridge

Whitney Breckenridge of Fair Haven, NJ has always wanted to become a teacher. The International Studies major, who is minoring in Spanish, is also taking courses toward teacher certification in Social Studies. Volunteering as a tutor for elementary school children and as a camp counselor has allowed her to hone her skills. One of her fondest memories is teaching a second grader to subtract, a concept his teachers had been unable to accomplish. Whitney, who has a grade point average of 3.70, taught him to tap his fingers on the desk to keep track of the numbers. “I had been able to help him understand a concept that he found to be impossible. This is just one of the many reasons why I have chosen to go into the education field.”

The scholarship I received will help prepare me for my future because it will enable me to focus more on my academics without worrying about the financial burden that comes with education. Also, this scholarship inspires me to give back to my future students so that they will be able to continue their education.