Hands-on learning and mentoring are a hallmark of education here at Ramapo, and a 15 to one student to faculty ratio is a big reason why. Just ask Maya, a sophomore Mathematics major who will share why at Ramapo you’re a name, not a number.
– Thanks, Alex. One of the main reasons why I came to Ramapo was so I can get involved and make new friends while gaining some important business skills that I can use towards my future career. Luckily, Ramapo College is the perfect place to do just that. One of my first groups of friends I made coming into Ramapo was through the Honors program. The program is a close-knit family of students and faculty members who work together towards the betterment of the school and ourselves. And as we take classes made specifically for honor students and prepare for our senior research project, we also attend fun events in order to build up our network on campus and make new friends. You know who else is close-knit? The students and faculty relationship on campus. It’s due to the fact that Ramapo has a small class size with only a 15 to one students to faculty ratio. Plus, we aren’t taught by any teaching or graduate assistant, which means that we’re only taught by part-time or full-time faculty members. This opens the door to personalized attention. For instance, my teachers actually know my name and I’m not just some number on a class roster. Moreover, it’s very easy to get involved on campus. As a sophomore, I became president of Enactus, Entrepreneurial Action for Us. It is an international nonprofit organization that focuses on sustainable business. And at RCNJ, we focus on creating products and events based on one or more of the 17 UK sustainable development goals. I’ve worked closely with my club advisor who guides me every step of the way towards managing a team, running events, creating new project ideas, and presenting business pitches. Just because I’ve taken on a leadership role at Ramapo College I have been given the opportunity to reach my fullest potential through experiential learning. Because of Ramapo, I have gained entrepreneurial, leadership, career readiness, and project management skills all while making new friends and having a blast. That was my pitch. Back to you, Alex.
– Maya, there are big things ahead for you. Supportive faculty and staff clearly help Maya learn how to think critically and lead boldly. With an average class size of 21 and no teaching assistants, Ramapo faculty are in the classroom working directly with students on research and projects. This means as a student, you’re always rolling up your sleeves, awakening your curiosity, and encouraging to share your perspective. And that is awesome.
Okay, everyone. It’s time to hear from Josh, a Computer Science major and a junior. Josh was worried about making the leap from high school to college, but he found comfort in the Peer Facilitators program and decided to pay it forward. Josh, please take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a junior Computer Science major and member of the men’s volleyball team, I’m so proud to be where I am today. None of this would’ve happened had it not been for my peer facilitators and orientation leaders during my first year at Ramapo. Going from high school to college is a big change, but I found my calling when I was introduced to my two peer facilitators during my first year seminar class. The first year seminar is a required course to help all first years get adjusted. Each class is assigned two peer facilitators who work weekly with the first years. During what we call Peer Time, my peer facilitators showed me all the great resources Ramapo has to offer. They aided me in tasks, such as creating my schedule, showing me where important offices are, most importantly, becoming a friend when I needed one. I decided I wanted to become a peer facilitator to give back to what the program had given to me. Ramapo really emphasizes the importance of welcoming a smooth transition to college. It starts from the moment you drive onto campus for orientation weekend and watch a bunch of current students head toward your car with giant orange laundry carts to help move you into your dorm. This welcome is just what you and your parents wanna feel. While most colleges have orientation leaders that guide throughout the summer, Ramapo has peer facilitators that guide transfers and freshmen throughout their entire first semester here. Being an orientation leader and peer facilitator has unlocked so many opportunities for me since I accepted the positions. I am no longer scared to speak in front of a crowded room, nor am I scared to be myself. It is the best feeling knowing I am able to help guide and change the lives of students who choose Ramapo. Well, that’s my story. What’s next, Alex?
– Josh, thank you for keeping it real. You’re right, going to college is a big transition. Parents can feel confident having peer facilitators like you and the first year seminar to help students feel welcome. It’s fantastic that becoming part of such an incredible program help Josh find his voice and the confidence to use it. I wanna take a ride in one of those move-in bins, too. Take care.
Now, we’ll hear from Luka, an international student from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A Theater Studies major who took time to find his passion through the liberal arts curriculum, learning how to think and not what to think. Let’s head over to the Berrie Center where it’s lights, camera, action for Luka.
– Thank you for that epic intro, Alex. As an international student and a theater lover moving all the way from Bosnia and Herzegovina, finding a sense of camaraderie and ocean away from home was immensely important to me. Ramapo College offered that together with affordable, broad, and expansive academic programs. Being a creative person, interested in a wide array of aspects involving theater, it was essential to me to be a part of a college that would offer me the opportunity to explore different avenues of creativity, such as acting in, writing, and directing theater place, being the captain of the college’s comedy improv troop, the Fooligans, and being a part of student films. That is why I was so drawn to the fact that being undeclared at Ramapo is welcomed. And that my process of exploration is supported. Coming from a vastly different education system, I was quite afraid of not being able to fit in and transition into college properly, but those worries were alleviated almost instantly. The faculty helped me find connections between my general education courses, as well as allowed me to take courses across multiple disciplines, all while fostering my love for creativity. The small class sizes, the constant feeling of community, and the ease with which one could switch majors, all made Ramapo feel like a home away from home. And I think those aspects are the biggest strengths of a liberal arts education and degree. All my courses at Ramapo helped me develop critical thinking skills and repeatedly show me the value of learning how to think rather than what to think. After graduating, I feel prepared to tackle any obstacle that comes my way. Well, that was my performance, Alex. Now let’s see some more of yours.
– That was incredible. Let’s give a standing ovation for Luka. Ramapo College is considered an innovative school by U.S. News and World Report in part for its curriculum and facilities, which provide the opportunity for students to study over 40 different majors or embrace being undeclared while finding where their true passions lie. The Roukema Center for International Education support students like Luka with its emphasis on international, intercultural, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning. Luka, please break a leg out there. We’re all wishing you luck. Take care.
The serenity of Ramapo’s picturesque campus with access to the hustle and bustle of New York City provides Roadrunners with the best of both worlds. Kaitlin is a junior majoring in Communication Arts and she’s ready to share the beauty of the campus and location through her lens. Kaitlin, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex and hi everyone. I always knew that I wanted to continue swimming in college. So when I toured Ramapo, I knew I found a school for me. One with both majors I wanted to pursue, a swim team, and a beautiful campus with plenty of spots to enjoy nature. Since coming to Ramapo, I’ve been able to challenge myself both academically and athletically while also gaining incredible work experience. Thanks to Ramapo’s ideal location, we’re just 30 miles away from New York City and 45 minutes away from Newark Liberty Airport, which is great if you’re an out-of-state student. This really came in handy this past fall as my professor and I flew to California for a research trip to photograph and report on the wildfires taking place. Ramapo’s location is not only ideal for work experience as there are plenty of fun spots to go to with friends right around campus. One of New Jersey’s largest malls is just 15 minutes away from campus and the Roadrunner Express takes students there for free. But if shopping isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of hiking trails right nearby to explore during any season. Balancing school, sports, and work can be a lot, so I always make sure to spend time at one of Ramapo’s many scenic spots. When the weather’s nice, my friends and I love to picnic in The Grove, walk around Kameron Pond, or go hiking in the Ramapo Mountains, which are just one mile away from campus. Before coming to Ramapo, I was really nervous and I didn’t know what to expect from college. But now, I can confidently say that coming to Ramapo was the best decision ever as I’ve been able to grow while also meeting some of my best friends on this beautiful campus. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow! Thank you for sharing, Kaitlin. Having access to so many beautiful outdoor spots on campus is a great way to take a wellness break and reconnect. It’s no surprise that Ramapo is named one of the 50 most beautiful campuses in America. I don’t know if I wanna relax in an Adirondack chair or hop on the Roadrunner Express and head to the mall next. That was great. Thank you for sharing.
Okay, so what do neuromuscular electrical stimulation, no hitters, and love connection calculators have in common? Plenty for Lily, a student in Hanover’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Lily also earned her bachelor’s degree at Hanover and returned to continue pitching for Hanover’s softball team while earning her doctorate. Okay, so please add all these pieces up for us, Lily. Take it away.
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I knew I always wanted to pursue a career in the healthcare field, whether it was veterinary medicine, pharmacy, or the field I’m currently pursuing: physical therapy. I’m currently enrolled in Hanover College’s Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. It’s an accelerated two-year program that is completed largely online but offers multiple in-person lab immersions. The labs take place in some of the very same classrooms where I completed my undergraduate degree as a kinesiology and integrated physiology major. Some of my undergrad courses included working hands on in the human cadaver lab and using a life-like patient simulator. As a graduate student, I’m still able to experience a close relationship with faculty and staff members while continuing to gain hands-on experience. I’m confident my Hanover education will help me care for my future patients. I’ve not only been a student here at Hanover College but I’m also an athlete. As a pitcher on the softball team, I have learned teamwork, time management, and conviction in my work both on and off the field. Some of my favorite memories from being on the team include traveling to Florida to compete. It’s a great chance to bond as a team, plus I have also thrown two no hitters and I hold the school record for the most career strikeouts. You will find one particular person in the stands that is always cheering for me, and that’s my husband, Jared. We met at Hanover in the cadaver lab. He was the professor’s assistant, but we did not truly start dating until next semester in statistics class. It all started with a simple question, “Do we need a graphing calculator for this class?” And ever since then, we’ve been inseparable. I’m lucky to have not only met my husband here but also some of my very best friends through softball and my major. The experiences and relationships I have made throughout my Hanover journey will forever remain with me. That’s my story, throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Lily. Two degrees, two no hitters, and a husband, that’s a pretty stellar college career.
This cheery Tokyo native came to the mainland US and discovered a calling to serve rural communities. Hina, a double major in international studies and business, has been a great resource for Hanover’s international students. Hina will tell us about her transition from urban Japan to Hanover’s welcoming campus community. Take it away, Hina.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Growing up in Tokyo with family members who had study abroad, I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I’ve been to Hawaii before but I had never been to the mainland US. None of my family members studied in America and I wanted to experience a college environment in a beautiful rural area. I generally feel a passion to learn about the world. I am an international studies and business double major with an economics minor. In the future, I would love to do economic domain work to help people in rural areas, mainly with non-governmental organization. It was definitely hard adapting to a small liberal arts college in the US. I was always homesick right after coming back from Japan during the summer. Knowing the struggles of international students, I wanted to help incoming students transition to the US. I also invite them to study, have meals, and hang out. I have been involved a lot on campus. I joined a sorority. I love seeing my friends around campus and giving them hugs. My friends recommended me to be a student ambassador, and I feel that this position is a great fit for my cheery and optimistic personality. In addition to this, I also work as an intern for international student admission and provide help to prospective students with their Hanover appreciation. I also serve as a president International Club, senior resident assistant, and tutor. I’m sure these experiences have helped cultivate many skills that I can utilize in the future. My academic career at Hanover definitely broadened my horizons. Now, let’s travel back to Alex.
– Thank you, Hina. Hanover’s campus community encourages togetherness and presents many opportunities and activities to share our commonalities and uniqueness. Hanover’s international students and students of color are also supported by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Haq Center for Cross-Cultural Education. These offices help celebrate individual differences, promote inclusion, and provide great campus programming. Thanks again, Hina.
24 hours in a day might not be enough for Manny who dutifully strives to follow his passions and make a difference. Manny, originally from Ghana, has enhanced his Hanover experience by starting his own club, joining Greek life, competing for Hanover’s football team, and more. Tell us all about it, Manny.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. I was born in Ghana, West Africa, coming to America was definitely a big culture shock. As an immigrant, I didn’t expect myself to be able to come to a school like Hanover College. I was always so busy helping my brother who has autism while my parents were at work. With family, work, and football and doing club activities, I cannot focus on school like I wanted to, but I had a little bit of help from great teachers and people. I had a wonderful teacher who graduated from Hanover who told me about the school. She encouraged me to apply for the Benjamin Templeton Scholars Program. It’s a scholarship for students interested in social justice initiatives. On my visit, I fell in love with the beauty of the campus. I also got to talk to my football coach who made me feel right at home. I knew this was the place I wanted to be and grow as a person. I can say after my first year, I was not wrong. Hanover is a place where you can be strong-willed and passionate in whatever you do. I have been able to fight for issues that I am passionate about, taking risk and not being scared. I created a club called Brothers-2-Brothers which is a group that empowers and creates a place of unity, love, and safety. Brothers-2-Brothers does community service, gives out food and clothes to those who have housing insecurities, and helps the local Boys’ and Girls’ Club. My involvement doesn’t stop with the football team and Brothers-2-Brothers, I am also a member of Black Student Union and one of Hanover’s four fraternities. Hanover College is where you make it. If you’re like me trying to make an impact on the world, this is a place you can do just that. Back to you, Alex.
– Take a rest, Manny. You have certainly earned it. More than 99% of Hanover students receive some form of financial aid. Hanover’s Templeton Programs support students, like Manny, who passionately wanna make a difference in the world. The Templeton Program aid students who tackle social justice issues and work tirelessly to create a better world. Thanks again, Manny.
The right combination of academic partnerships, extracurricular opportunities, and the supportive nature of Hanover’s tight-knit campus have provided connections to help our next student answer her calling as a healthcare professional. Hailey will tell us how our Hanover connections are helping shape her future. Take it away, Hailey.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Growing up, I was always drawn to biology but I was unsure what path I wanted to take with it. So when I began looking for colleges, I wanted somewhere that would help me excel no matter what my goals were. As a first-generation student, college was a little bit intimidating at first, but Hanover made the transition easy, thanks to supportive relationships of all faculty and staff members on campus. Our class sizes average 17 students, so lectures are always intimate. My professors here know me by name. Discovering my interest in becoming a nurse and nurse assist was doing large part to our health sciences program. Through this, I’ve been able to shadow healthcare professionals and connect with alumni. Hanover offers a great dual degree partnership for students who want to combine a liberal arts education with an accelerated degree in nursing. This program, plus the experiential learning opportunities I’ve received, will set me up for success in healthcare. Two of my favorite academic experiences include getting to dissect firsthand in the cadaver lab for my anatomy course and traveling to Virginia to study herpetology at the Mountain Lake Biological Station. It’s easy to form meaningful relationships with both professors and peers here at Hanover, especially with all the extracurriculars offered on campus. An organization I’ve been involved with for the last three years is Student Senate. It’s hosted weekly as a place to discourse for the student body. The group house covering campus, host forums in Hanover administration and student support staff, approved clubs, and more. I’ve found many priceless opportunities throughout my four years at Hanover both in and out of the classroom. Whatever major you choose, you won’t just learn about it at Hanover, you want to experience it firsthand with faculty who care about you and your success. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Hailey. Hanover has fantastic partnerships for students who are interested in careers in healthcare, business, education, and engineering. Pairing small classes and intimate lectures with internships and other experiential learning opportunities really enhance your education. All of that, plus your connections with staff members and alumni have really helped chart your course for the future, and that is awesome. Take care, Hailey.
Zach came to Hanover as a two-sport athlete. He decided to give Greek life a try and found so much more than a campus activity. Zach, a double major in communication and business, unexpectedly found an expanded family. Tell us about Greek life’s impact on your life, Zach.
– Hey, Alex, thanks for the introduction. Being a first-generation college student, I didn’t know what look for or really even to expect when selecting where I wanted to go. Coming from a small high school and being an only child, I really liked the community Hanover had. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I felt at home and ended up finding a second family I didn’t even know existed: Greek life. Coming into Hanover, my parents really wanted me to focus on my studies, and being a dual sport athlete already kind of worried them so you can imagine their thought when I said I might join a fraternity. At Hanover, great members supported me immediately. They helped me get a job on campus, and many of the members even offered to help me study considering that we shared majors for classes. Not only did I get better grades, I gained an entire brotherhood who have made my college experience unforgettable. Since Hanover has a deferred recruitment period, you have an entire semester before you’re eligible to join an organization. This allows interested students an opportunity to explore each Greek chapter. Our smaller pledge class is definitely make it easy to bond, but one of my favorite perks of being Greek is getting to live with my brothers. Living in the house has also brought some of my closest friends. From Run Night when we accept new members into our chapters to the first snow snowball fight of the year, traditions are rooted deep in Greek life here at Hanover, but my favorite tradition by far is Wiffle Ball and May Term. Not only do we get to compete against other chapters, unaffiliated students, and even our own brothers, we get to do it for a good cause. Philanthropy is important to our Greeks, annually hosting over 20 events for our local communities all the way to our nationally partnered nonprofits. Four years ago, I never imagined I’d learned so much from my brothers and call myself a fraternity member. Hanover hasn’t just taught me what community is, it’s proven what it means through brothers, sisters, friends, and family. That’s all for me, Alex, back to you.
– Thank you, Zach. There’s nothing quite like a large family. Hanover has four national fraternities and four sororities. These Greek organizations frequently come together in the name of charity, donating funds from initiatives ranging from dance, marathons, and football runs to the annual Wiffle Ball Tournament, which often features more than a hundred teams and has now been running for more than 30 years. Absolutely incredible, Zach, thank you for sharing your story.
A 650-acre wooded campus, miles of natural trails, more than a dozen waterfalls and convenient access to a historic river town, Hanover is perfect for lovers of the outdoors like Kara, a double major in sociology and business. Kara, we are looking forward to hearing about life on the bluff. Please take it away.
– Hey, Alex. How’s it going, everyone? I’ve always had a passion for traveling the outdoors so I knew when it came time to choose a college, I would have to be somewhere I could spend hours of time outside, and at Hanover I get to do just that. Located right on campus, you’ll find hiking trails and waterfalls, not to mention the best views of the Ohio River. On campus, we have tons of outdoor activities for students such as disc golf and a low ropes challenge course. I’ve had so many opportunities throughout my time as a student here that I know I would not have had anywhere else. One of those, being the opportunity to help kickstart the Outdoor Wilderness Leadership program, more commonly known as OWL, and play a role in getting more students excited about getting outside. Some of the things I’m most proud of during my time as a student here at Hannover are being able to double major in business and sociology while being involved in many clubs and organizations like OWL. You don’t have to just explore the trails on campus, a 10-minute drive from Hanover will land you in Madison, Indiana. Madison holds a designation as the nation’s largest Contiguous National Historic Landmark District, more than 130 blocks. You’ll find local eats, shopping, and scenic views all around this river city. Some of my favorite things about Madison are the many coffee shops and unique restaurants. This community is also home to Clifty Falls State Park where you’ll find many more miles of hiking trails and several waterfalls. Leaving this beautiful community will be very bittersweet. I will miss all the faculty and staff but I know the memories I’ve made here will last with me for a lifetime. I can’t wait to come back for future exploration and reunions. See you on the trails, Alex.
– That is awesome, Kara. Hanover’s massive campus is great for students who like to get outside for everything, from hiking and disc golf to studying and just lounging around. And nearby Madison, wow, this river town is a sightseer’s dream. It’s absolutely gorgeous here. Thanks for sharing, Kara.