Kimberly Fonseca

Kimberly Fonseca of Sloatsburg, N.Y. is in her third year as an Environmental Science major. She has a 3.8 GPA and has made the Dean’s List four semesters in a row at her previous institution, Rockland Community College.

At Ramapo, Kimberly tutors her fellow classmates in Biology and Environmental Science topics.

After graduation, Kimberly hopes to complete her Bachelor’s Degree at Ramapo and pursue a career in environmental science, specifically surrounding phytoremediation.

Kimberly Fonseca

Kimberly Fonseca of Sloatsburg, N.Y. is in her third year as an Environmental Science major. She has a 3.8 GPA and has made the Dean’s List four semesters in a row at her previous institution, Rockland Community College.

Kimberly tutors her fellow classmates in Biology and Environmental Science topics. She has also been involved in off-campus activities like her part-time job.

 Kimberly hopes to complete her Bachelor’s Degree at Ramapo and pursue a career in environmental science, specifically surrounding phytoremediation.

Karolyn Garcia

Karolyn Garcia of Passaic, N.J. is an Environmental Studies major with a minor in Environmental Science and has maintained a 3.0 GPA. 

At Ramapo, Karolyn is an Educational Opportunity Fund Scholar, a Brother of Alpha Phi Omega Professional Fraternity, and the treasurer for Association of Latinos Moving Ahead. She is also a student circulation assistant at the Potter Library.

Off campus, Karolyn has held a barista position at her local boba tea shop. 

After graduation, Karolyn plans to pursue her Master’s in Urban Planning.

Veronica Klenk

Veronica Klenk of Franklin Lakes, N.J. is an Environmental Science major at Ramapo College, where she maintains a 3.93 GPA and was on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. 

At Ramapo, Veronica has been involved in several organizations, including the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, the RCNJ Birding Club, of which she is a founding member, and the Rock Climbing Club. She also works in the greenhouse on campus and has organized several volunteer events focused on teaching students gardening skills.          

Veronica has also been involved in off-campus activities including volunteering with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey and the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. She is currently an intern at the New Weis Center in Ringwood, New Jersey, where she works as an environmental educator.

Charlene Trippeda

Charlene Trippeda of Saddle Brook, N.J. is an Environmental Science major with a plant studies minor. She is a part of the Alpha Delta Lambda honor society.

At Ramapo, Charlene has been active in several organizations and activities, including 1STEP and Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors.

Charlene has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including being an environmental educator at the New Weis Center as well as being a Summer Intern Lab Assistant at the Meadowlands Research & Restoration Institute.

Anonymous

The recipient of this scholarship wishes to remain anonymous.

Lisa Petrigliano Montany

Lisa Petrigliano Montany raised her family of two girls, ages 17 and 22, in her Maywood, N.J. home. After a 30 year absence, Lisa returned to complete her degree in Elementary Education and proudly achieved a 4.0 GPA in her first semester back. 

She currently works with the Maywood Recreation Department to develop and implement programs for children, adults and senior citizens.

Charlene Trippeda

Charlene Trippeda of Saddle Brook, N.J. is an Environmental Science major with a minor in Plant Studies. She has a 3.74 GPA.  

At Ramapo, Charlene has been active in several organizations and activities, including Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors, 1STEP and Garden Club. 

Off campus, she is an education intern at the New Weis Center.

Xaymaraliz Dumeng

Xaymaraliz Dumeng of Belleville, N.J. is an Environmental Studies major in the Honors Program. She has a 3.7 GPA and is a member of the Tau Sigma National Honor Society.

Xaymaraliz is highly involved in 1STEP and the Sustainability Committee, where she advocates for sustainable practices and environmental awareness, and volunteers at MEVO, a local sustainable farm.

She is most proud of completing an internship at the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute. Post-graduation, Xaymaraliz plans to continue her education and complete a Master’s in Sustainability Management.

Jessica Desiderio

“With the help from this scholarship, I will be able to take classes that will benefit me for the rest of my educational career and future job,” says Jessica Desiderio, who transferred to Ramapo from County College of Morris.

At Ramapo, Jessica is majoring in Environmental Science, and has earned a 3.58 GPA and a spot on the Dean’s List. She had an internship at Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute and likes to volunteer to assist in GIS projects on and off campus.

“I plan to go into the GIS field after graduation, possibly focusing on water quality or wastewater treatment.
Jessica is from Johnsonburg, N.J.

Xaymaraliz Dumeng

Xaymaraliz Dumeng of Belleville, N.J. is an Environmental Studies major. She has a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Honors Program.

All of her activities both on and off-campus illustrate her dedication to the environment. At Ramapo, Xaymaraliz has been active in 1STEP where she does trash clean-ups and raises environmental awareness. She has volunteered at MEVO, a local sustainable farm, and is a Sales Ambassador at Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.  She recently completed an internship at the Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute, doing research in composting. “I plan to be an environmental advocate to help businesses and communities become more sustainable.

Michael Stellitano

“The mission of the Meadowlands aligns with my own environmental-centric life goals, and this scholarship will allow me to realize my goal of receiving a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University,” says Michael Stellitano of Northfield, N.J.

Michael is a senior Environmental Science major with minor in Public Policy. He has a 3.77 GPA and is a member of both the Honors College and the Alpha Lambda Delta academic honors society.

At Ramapo, he has been active in several organizations, including the college’s club lacrosse team. Michael has also been the President of Newman Catholic Club on campus, as well as President of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma. He has also served as the Vice President of Ramapo’s Inter-Fraternal Council (IFC). Between these organizations, Michael has been able to lead events that have raised over $5,000 for various charities, and engaged in hundreds of hours of community service.

He had an internship for the Raptor Trust, a renowned wildlife rehabilitation center for birds, as well as NJ Botanical Gardens, NY-NJ Trail Conference, and New Weis Environmental Center.

Megan Maddalena

Megan Maddalena of Matawan, N.J. is an Environmental Science major in the Teacher Education program. She has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.

On campus, Megan has been involved in Relay for Life, helping run the annual event during her four years at Ramapo. “I’m proud to say that last year the event raised over $50,000 for the American Cancer Society and had over 700 participants.” She is also part of Future Teachers, and works with Dr. Wiener on a Raptor Research Project in the Ramapo Mountains.

Megan has also been involved in off-campus activities, including clean-ups at the Ramapo Reservation, and volunteering at The Forum School to work with students with special needs. She also works as a hostess at The Shannon Rose in Ramsey. “I hope to work at a middle school and get an additional teaching certification in Chemistry.”   

Samantha Davis

Samantha Davis of Bloomingdale, NJ is a Biology Major. She has a 3.245 GPA and is part of the Theoretical and Applied Science Research Honors Program.

Samantha has performed at campus events such as Remembrance Day with 4GotteN Suitcase, Ramapo’s student acapella group. She has also presented at the Theoretical and Applied Science Research Symposium as a student researcher, an accomplishment that she is most proud of.

Off campus, she has volunteered for the Princeton Physical Therapy Group, and she was later hired as an aide.

“This scholarship is such a great way for me to connect with other scientists in environmental research, especially because I am interested in obtaining my Masters degree in Marine Biology. This scholarship is also helping me to take the classes I need to graduate this spring, and to live on campus so I can actively participate in the Research Honors Program,” said Samantha.

Andrew Herrera

Andrew Herrera of Lake Hiawatha, NJ is an Environmental Studies major.  He has a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta national honor society.

At Ramapo, Andrew has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Alpha Psi Omega theater honor society as an actor, the Ramapo Admissions Student Ambassadors, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.  He is also president of the Ramapo College Culture Club.

Evan Harris

Evan Harris of East Brunswick, NJ is an Environmental Science major and is pursuing certification in Elementary and Middle School Science Education. He has a 3.49 GPA.

At Ramapo, Evan has been active in The Future Teachers of America Club and the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society.

Evan has also been involved in the Fastbreak Buddyball Basketball Association, a program that provides an opportunity for disabled children and young adults to play basketball in a competitive setting.

Keri Race

Keri Race  has a 3.88 grade point average and is a recipient of the presidential scholarship. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and is being inducted into Sigma Delta Pi Hispanic Honor Society. At Ramapo Keri has been active in several organizations and activities, including Alpha Phi Omega national co-ed professional service fraternity, Ramapo College Dance Company, and Spanish Club.

Thomas Chupela

Thomas Chupela , is an environmental studies major and a public policy minor.  He has a 3.4 grade point average.

At Ramapo, Thomas is involved in the 1Step Environmental Club.  He resides in Ramapo’s Sustainable Living Facilities.  Thomas is eager to participate in the alternative spring break program to Albuquerque, N.M.   Off campus, he is a volunteer with the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization and works at the organic garden at Bergan Community College, the farm at Campgaw Mountain and cleaning up a polluted area in the Stag Hill section of Mahwah. N.J.

After graduation, Thomas plans to become involved in environmental policy on the local, state or federal level.

Heather Schoenberg

Biology major Heather Schoenberg is in her junior year. Heather’s minor is Chemistry, and she is pursuing courses toward teacher certification. She has a 3.93 grade point average. Heather works on campus as a chemistry tutor and as a staff member in the Lodge Fitness Center. She is a member of three honor societies and is a member of the Relay For Life student committee. “I love the outdoors, especially kayaking,” says Heather, who is from Forked River, NJ.

This scholarship will prepare me for my future by helping to cover college expenses needed to become a high school Biology teacher.

Shannon Pugliesi

Shannon Pugliesi is a Chemistry major who is pursuing courses toward teacher certification. She also is minoring in Italian and has earned a 3.27 grade point average. She is the president of the student club Future Teachers at Ramapo and volunteers for Ramapo Readers. She works on campus as a desk attendant and during the summer as the activities coordinator and outdoor supervisor for a camp in her home town of Colts Neck, NJ. “I am a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and most recently, Kappa Delta Pi, the international honors society in education,” Shannon reports.

My parents always advised me that if I chose a job I love, I will never have to work a day in my life.That’s why I chose to study Chemistry and a career in education.This scholarship shows support in my decision and in my passion.