Ramapo College of New Jersey

The news you’ve been waiting for! We’re just one month away from the start of the TD Summer Concert Series.

Check out the lineup and what night has fireworks at dusk: https://www.ramapo.edu/summer-concert/

A pledge to a lifetime of noble service: last week, 56 nursing students in our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program participated in an important rite-of-passage as part of their medical and healthcare education. Each was cloaked in a white coat by a nursing faculty member, symbolizing a “psychological contract” that nurses must “care as well as cure,” shared Kathleen Burke, the assistant dean of the nursing program. Nursing students also recited a pledge as they promised to devote their lives to the well-being and safety of their patients. This ceremony is always held during the first week of a nursing student’s clinical experience, marking the beginning of the chapter where experiential learning becomes true hands-on job training.

Ramapo College became one of the first nursing programs to hold a White Coat Ceremony after it was created by The Arnold P. Gold Foundation in 1993, and in recognition of that, each student also receives a pin from the Gold Foundation. In honor of Elaine and Mike Adler, both longtime benefactors of the Gold Foundation and for whom the Alder Center of Nursing Excellence at Ramapo is named, our ceremony is called the Adler White Coat Ceremony. Kathleen Burke shared that this day “reminds students that scientific proficiency must be balanced with empathy and respect for the patient.”

Congratulations to all the ABSN Class of 2027 for reaching this milestone!

A familiar spot gets a new look! We’re loving how the refreshed outdoor Salameno Center has reintroduced us to the beauty of Kameron Pond.

It’s perfect for enjoying a quiet moment in nature, doing yoga or meditation, gathering with community, and so much more. Here’s why it was thoughtfully redone after experiencing water issues: https://www.ramapo.edu/news/slide/ramapo-unveils-renewed-outdoor-spiritual-center/

Love summer baseball with the New York Yankees? Why not enjoy a night out in the Bronx with fellow Roadrunners! Catch this deal with the Ramapo College Alumni Association for the 7:05 pm game on Thursday, June 18, 2026 when the Yankees face off against the White Sox.

Ticket comes with a Ramapo/Yankees hat, as well as a food and beverage voucher. Details: https://www.ramapo.edu/alumni/events_/

“A real community.” That’s what William Kennedy ’26 says he and his teammate Hunter Sabbers ’26 felt when Ramapo College hosted a unique Commencement Ceremony for them on-campus because they missed attending the main Commencement at the Prudential Center. Why? William and Hunter were away with the Ramapo College Baseball team as the team played in the NCAA Baseball Championship Tournament! William, who graduated with his BS in Data Science and Hunter, who graduated with his MBA, were invited with their families and coaches to a small ceremony in the Birch Mansion’s York Room last week. President Cindy Jebb, Provost Michael Middleton, and Dean of Students Melissa Van Der Wall delivered short remarks and the key moments of a typical Commencement ceremony were celebrated such as William’s tassel turn, Hunter’s hooding, and a quick cap toss.

William shares, “I knew coming to Ramapo I would be in a good place both academically and athletically on the baseball field. I had a good relationship with the coaching staff and the Data Science program fit all my needs. After four years, I can say it was the best decision I've ever made. To cap it off the school hosted a beautiful ceremony for my teammate and I. Since [we missed Commencement], the school created an environment to allow us to feel appreciated and loved by those around us. I am so thankful to have spent my time at Ramapo with people who care for each other.”

Jen Kennedy P’26, William’s proud mom and member of Ramapo’s Parent Council, was gushing afterwards. “Thank you so much for the graduation ceremony that was so thoughtfully put together for Will and Hunter. We were absolutely overwhelmed and impressed with the care and detail that was put into the afternoon. President Jebb’s speech was tailored to the boys and the career they have had on and off of the baseball field. It was heartfelt and so kind. The amount of people in attendance including deans, coaches, athletic department members and more was overwhelming and unexpected but so very much appreciated. And the photographer?! What a wonderful surprise. The boys and families were treated with such appreciation and care and made to feel so special; but that is how Ramapo has always been and why we are so happy that Will chose this school and baseball team to be a part of. The afternoon far exceeded any expectation that we had … and left us talking about it long after it was over.”

Advancing our support for first-gen success: thanks to an incredible $500K gift from the Russell Berrie Foundation, Ramapo College's commitment towards enrolling and retaining first-generation students will be strengthened.

As a parent, you'll be happy to know that if your child is a first-gen student here at Ramapo, this gift enables us to increase our support services, scholarships, and resources to ensure that they overcome any academic and financial challenges they may face to find success and graduate.

Read more on how important this gift is to meet the needs of this growing student population and about our remarkable decades-long partnership with the Russell Berrie Foundation here: https://www.ramapo.edu/news/slide/russ-berrie-foundation-invests-500000-in-first-generation-student-retention-at-ramapo-college/

Our summer orientations for the Class of 2030 and incoming transfer students are starting in June! Did you know parents (or up to two guests) are highly encouraged to attend a new-student orientation with your student?

We have specific presentations for you to learn about life at Ramapo and available resources - all to sure your Roadrunner is set up for success as they make this transition. Find out what to expect if you attend: https://www.ramapo.edu/orientation/families/

Arching is a time-honored tradition here at Ramapo College! Here is why it is such an important full-circle moment for our Roadrunners: https://www.ramapo.edu/news/slide/a-spirited-tradition-class-of-2026-arching-day/

Undeniable joy from an unforgettable day! 🎉🎓🥹

More photos will be available on https://www.ramapo.edu/commencement/ soon.