By Rachel Pinton ’01 |  Spring 2025

For 27 years, Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chuck McBreen has been a cornerstone of Ramapo College athletics, leading the Roadrunners to historic success. Since taking the helm in 1998, McBreen has guided the team to seven NJAC regular-season championships, 18 NJAC tournament appearances and five NJAC tournament titles. Under his leadership, the Roadrunners made eight trips to the NCAA Championship Tournament, recording nine seasons with 20 or more wins. He coached a team to the Final Four in 2018, the Sweet 16 in 2015 and the Elite Eight in 2003.

McBreen’s tenure has been filled with record-breaking games, NJAC championships, NCAA hosting opportunities and unforgettable moments—including an ESPN Top 10 buzzer-beating victory. On April 27, 2019, he was inducted into the Ramapo College Athletic Hall of Fame, which recognized his contributions to the Roadrunner Athletics community.

A Legacy Cemented

On Nov. 16, 2024, President Cindy R. Jebb, the Board of Trustees, Vice President Christopher Romano, Athletic Director Jan Koslowsky, staff, students, alumni and community members honored McBreen for his years of coaching, mentorship and leadership. Before tip-off, the Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation Center court was officially named Chuck McBreen Court.

The naming was made possible by establishing an endowment fund led by Wing Lee and contributions from alumni, community members, former players, families and staff that raised $50,000.

Coach Chuck McBreen with his family and (left from right) Trustee George Ruotolo, President Cindy Jebb, Athletic Director Jan Koslowsky, Chair Susan Vallario and Vice President Christopher Romano.

President Jebb shared, “It’s not every day that you name a space on campus. This is an honor that is reserved for individuals who have made an enormous impact on the college and our students, and I can’t think of a better person to honor with this recognition than Coach McBreen. When I think of his contributions, two attributes come to mind: commitment and character.”

“It was a surreal moment when I first heard the news,” McBreen said. “It’s a tremendous honor and very humbling. Coaching at Ramapo for the past 27 years has been a dream.”

Dr. Christopher Romano, vice president for strategic enrollment, outreach and engagement, praised McBreen’s impact on the program.

“We recognize the unparalleled coaching achievements of Chuck McBreen by etching his name on our court and his coaching legacy at Ramapo,” Romano said. “We’re proud to honor his years of service as head men’s basketball coach and his leadership both on and off the court.”

Building a Winning Program

McBreen has amassed more than 455 wins, making Ramapo one of New Jersey’s winningest four-year college basketball programs across Divisions I, II and III over the past two decades. He led teams to the Final Four in 2018, the Sweet 16 in 2015 and the Elite Eight in 2003.

During the 2002-03 season, McBreen’s team set school records for overall wins (26), conference wins (17) and consecutive wins (17). In 2016-17, the Roadrunners reached their highest national ranking, No. 5, according to D3hoops.com.

McBreen has earned multiple coaching honors, including three NJAC Coach of the Year awards, five Met Writers Coach of the Year honors and three Atlantic Region Coach of the Year recognitions. He also received the Presidential Staff Leadership Award.

Under his guidance, numerous student-athletes have been named All-Americans, and several have advanced to professional basketball careers. Beyond the court, McBreen leads by example, serving on NCAA national committees and encouraging his team to engage in community service.

“My goal is to impact the young men in our program and teach them the life skills they need to succeed,” McBreen said. “There is no ‘I’ in team. This journey has been about every player and coach who has been by my side.”

A Career Built on Dedication

Before joining Ramapo, McBreen spent two years as an assistant coach at Division I Western Carolina University. He was also the head boys’ basketball coach at Union Hill High School for four years. He began his coaching career in 1988 as an assistant at North Bergen High School, where he spent three seasons.

A North Bergen native, McBreen graduated from Towson State University in 1988 with degrees in physical education, driver’s education and health.

By Mark Gregorio |  Spring 2025

At Ramapo College, research isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a transformative experience for students, faculty and the community. Guided by the Office of the Provost, the college is building a culture where faculty-student research thrives. The goal? To make these collaborations more visible, interdisciplinary and impactful.

“We’re aiming to change the culture,” said Dr. Ken McMurdy, president of the Faculty Assembly and an associate professor of mathematics. “We want to create an atmosphere where professors and students work together, experiment and build something bigger than the classroom.”

From addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) to examining sustainable fashion, Ramapo’s faculty-student research explores some of today’s most pressing challenges. One noteworthy project even uses storytelling to engage young people, producing comics that convey messages in a relatable way.

These efforts showcase how art and academic research can create meaningful conversations and solutions.

Supporting Gen Z Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Finding the proper support for intimate partner violence (IPV) can be difficult for young survivors. That’s why Dr. Satarupa Dasgupta, associate professor of applied communication, is working with her students to explore how Gen Z uses digital tools like safety apps and online platforms.

Professor Satarupa Dasgupta

Gen Z’s Call for Sustainable Fashion

Led by Drs. Enrique Nuñez, Fariba Nosrati and Desi Budeva at the Anisfield School of Business, the Sustainable Threads Research Collective is investigating Generation Z’s perspectives on sustainability in the fashion industry. With expertise in information technology, management and marketing, the research team has conducted a comprehensive analysis of social media conversations to grasp how young consumers view the necessity for government intervention. Their findings indicate that Generation Z expects more than corporate commitments—they expect measurable accountability.

“Gen Z isn’t convinced the fashion industry will regulate itself,” said Nuñez, an associate professor of management. “They’re calling for stricter government policies and real accountability.”

The research highlights key strategies supported by Generation Z, such as implementing government regulations, advancing sustainable materials and adopting ethical production practices. Students involved in this initiative have gained invaluable experiential learning opportunities, presenting their findings at prestigious academic forums like the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research Conference and the Society for Advancement of Management Conference.

“This type of interdisciplinary research prepares students to address complex global issues,” Nosrati said. “It’s inspiring to see faculty and students collaborate to create meaningful change.”

Comics as a Gateway to Literacy

Research at Ramapo also goes beyond social and environmental issues, delving into education. Dr. Michael Bitz, professor of teacher education, has proven that comics aren’t just for fun—they’re powerful learning tools.

Professor Michael Bitz

Bridging Academia and the Real World

At a small liberal arts institution like Ramapo College, faculty-student research plays a transformative role in academic development. By engaging in research, students gain advanced knowledge, develop critical problem-solving skills and build meaningful connections with faculty mentors. This high-impact learning experience fosters student retention and enhances career readiness, equipping graduates with the expertise and confidence to excel in their fields. Faculty-student collaboration at Ramapo underscores the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and its dedication to preparing students for success beyond the classroom.

Spring 2025

The Friends of Ramapo held an open house for interested community members to learn about the many benefits of joining the Friends, including auditing courses.

Alumni came together at the Prudential Center to cheer on the N.J. Devils against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Distinguished Citizens Gala

Mario H. Afram P’21, Kelvin O. Crumby ’11, and Bill and Linda Dator were honored as the 2025 Distinguished Citizens at the annual gala for their distinctive contributions to their profession and communities.
All donations to the event support student scholarships, hands-on learning opportunities and contribute towards College priorities.

Chris Romano, Mario Afram P’21, President Cindy Jebb, Keith Dawkins ’94, Peter Seminara ’00, Michael Hettesheimer ’99

The largest number of Ramapo alumni attended the event.

President Cindy Jebb, Kelvin Crumby ’11, Keith Dawkins ’94, Chris Romano

Catherin Zapata ’23 (far right) and colleagues from Sharp at the Career Fair recruiting Ramapo students.

Chris DeLuca ’23 (center) and colleagues from Smolin at the Career Fair recruiting Ramapo students.

By Professor Regina Clark  |  Spring 2025

The Women’s Center at Ramapo College, the first in Bergen County, marked its 50th anniversary this year. Officially opened in 1974, the center was a groundbreaking initiative rooted in Professor Lynne Farrow’s work. In 1972, at just 24 years old, Farrow began teaching the course Women in Contemporary Society. It was a pivotal moment during an era of major national change, including the Watergate scandal, discussions on ending the Vietnam War and the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

The ERA prohibited discrimination based on sex, and that made it a good year for women everywhere. Kat McGee, a Ramapo alum who served as coordinator of the Women’s Center from 2008 to 2015, said “Higher education has been a catalyst for many of these advancements, due in no small part to Women’s Centers like our own across the country.”

Now the director of Title IX and institutional compliance at Ramapo, McGee has witnessed the center’s evolution.

Breaking New Ground

In the early 1970s, Farrow’s course gained popularity among female students, prompting her to advocate for a women’s studies minor. By 1973, as concerns over childcare, reproductive health and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault grew on campus, she recognized the need for a dedicated Women’s Center.

Lee Sennish

Meeting the Needs of Today’s Students

Over the years, the Women’s Center has adapted to meet students’ evolving needs. Marie-Danielle Attis, interim coordinator from 2020 to 2022, emphasized its ongoing relevance.

“We align with the college’s commitment to academic excellence by making our campus a safe and welcoming community for everyone,” said Attis, now assistant director for the Center for Student Involvement and coordinator of the Office of Violence Prevention.

In 2018, the center expanded its programming to include LGBTQ+ services and identity-based peer discussion groups. These groups provide gender and sexual identity-affirming spaces to foster dialogue and education.

“One of the programs I am most proud of has been the expansion of identity-based discussion groups,” said Dr. Rick Brown, director of the Center for Student Involvement. “For the current year, we have five discussion groups, each facilitated by a student staff member. We are also working to create a new discussion group for male-identified students.”

While some may find it surprising that the Women’s Center serves male students, its broader goal has always been inclusivity. Attis emphasized that students of all genders face challenges today and need various forms of support.

“The Women’s Center is needed now more than ever,” she said. “Whenever times are challenging, we remember our purpose—providing a space where people can meet and collaborate on issues relating to social justice.”

McGee echoed this sentiment, noting that the center remains a crucial resource in today’s political climate.

“In these times, when we witness attacks on the civil rights of women and marginalized communities, the Women’s Center stands as a beacon of safety for many students,” she said.

From its inception to the present, the Women’s Center at Ramapo College has provided advocacy, education and support, ensuring its mission endures for future generations.

Spring 2025

When Ramapo College needed a mascot, our Roadrunners didn’t wait around—they built their own! With creativity and school spirit, students crafted the original and eclectic Roadrunner, proudly standing beside Dr. Robert A. Scott, the college’s second president. Fast forward to today, and our mascot has had some serious glow-ups! Meet Rocky, the modern-day Roadrunner, striking a pose with Ramapo’s fifth and current president, Dr. Cindy R. Jebb.

From handmade beginnings to campus icon—Roadrunners keep the spirit alive!

Know anything about the original-eclectic-and-elusive Roadrunner?
Send us an email at alumni@ramapo.edu with the details.

1981

Donald V. McCormick (Economics) joined Advatek Lighting as chief revenue officer.

1985

Dawn Zimmer (Business Administration) has been named principal deputy CIO by the U.S. Department of Energy. Dawn served as executive director for information technology at Virginia Tech since 2019. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, she held various roles at the Federal Aviation Administration and at the Department of Justice, Ulticom and GE Capital.

1990

Kristine Denning (Psychology) joined the law firm of Schenck, Price, Smith & King LLP as a partner focusing her practice on insurance defense and commercial litigation. Kristine had been a partner with Harwood Lloyd LLP.

1992

Anthony Ferrandino (Business Administration), a member of DeMedio Wealth Partners, has joined the Rockefeller Global Family Office, the wealth management unit of Rockefeller Capital Management in Newton, Penn. Anthony serves as a private advisor and senior vice president.

1993

Jason F. Simon (Environmental Studies), associate vice president, data, analytics and institutional research at the University of North Texas, is among the contributors to a recent publication of the Chronicle of Higher Education, “The Data Informed Campus.”
(As pictured)

1997

Lynn Stamatelatos (Business Administration) is the new director of corporate and community relations for Berkeley College. Lynn joined Berkeley College in 2012 as coordinator of special projects. She also volunteers with Families for Families (NJ) and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. She is a member of the New Jersey Career Center Consortium (NJC3). At Berkeley College, Lynn received the “President’s Award for Making a Difference,” the “Extra Mile Award” and the “Be Exceptional Award.”

2002

Robert Helm (Business Administration) was promoted to executive vice president and chief financial officer of Ollie's Outlet Holdings, Inc. headquartered in Harrisburg, Penn. Robert joined the company in 2022 as senior vice president and CFO.

2005

Blaise Lucas (Accounting) has been appointed vice president of accounting at Woodmont Properties. Before joining Woodmont, Blaise served as senior vice president and controller at Vornado Realty Trust. He has also worked for Turner Construction and Deloitte and led his own firm, Lucas Financial. He is a certified public accountant.

2007

Lisa Rizzo (Psychology) was recently profiled by 201 Magazine. Lisa is an entrepreneur who founded Limitless Slides, a footwear company. Lisa also owns ChallengeU Softball in Wyckoff.

2010

Jennifer Cohen (American Studies and Literature) is now the head of adult information services at the Suffern Library in Suffern, N.Y.

2012

Carolyn M. Nagle (Communication Arts) was named vice president at The Next Solutions Group (NSG), a reputation management firm. Carolyn was most recently an integrated strategic communications manager at Bayer where she worked for over a decade in various roles across the U.S. communications.

2013

Tiffanie Henry (History) was accepted to the White House History Teacher Institute, sponsored by the White House Historical Association.  It is a week-long professional program which will take place in July in Washington D.C.

Drew Illingworth (Business Administration) has joined CohnReznick LLP, an advisory, assurance and tax firm, as managing director in its digital advisory practice. Drew had been senior director of global IT strategy at PVH Corporation. He holds an MBA from Binghamton University. Drew serves on ASB alumni advisory board and has taught at the college as an adjunct professor of finance.

Kaitlin M. McGuinness (Political Science) was promoted to state deputy director of the office of Senator Cory Booker. Kaitlin has served in the senator's office since he was first elected to the Senate in 2013. Before her time in the Senate office, she was a press assistant for then Mayor Booker of the City of Newark. Kaitlin was also recently honored by the publication, the Irish Echo, with a 2025 “Irish 40 under 40 Award.”

2014

Eneuri Acosta (Communication Arts) was elected vice president of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY). Eneuri previously worked as chief brand officer at HODINKEE, Inc.

2017

Wayne Mallette (MAEL) has been elected president of the Eastern Division of the National Association for Music Education (NAFME).  Wayne is immediate past president of New Jersey Music Educators Association and supervisor of fine arts and physical education (PreK–12) for the Scotch Plains–Fanwood School District. He is also a lecturer and adjunct professor of music education at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University.  Wayne received a bachelor's of music and music education from Rutgers University and a master's in music and music education from Northwestern University. He received an Ed.D. in music and music education from Columbia University, Teachers College.

Ashley Mehyo (Mathematics) has been appointed vice president of claims for fine arts and collectibles at Distinguished Programs, a national insurance program manager. Previously, Ashley served as claims supervisor at Berkley Asset Protection.

2018

Kelly Huie (Psychology) recently completed a Ph.D. in criminology at Queen's University in Belfast, Ireland.

2019

Christopher J. Chiusolo (Business Administration) has been named vice president at NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co., a commercial real estate brokerage firm based in Woodridge. He will focus on industrial property sales and leasing.

Christopher Wong (Business Administration) has a new position at J&J as a senior auditor in its LIFT (Lean into Future Talent) program, a CFO-nominated leadership program.

2021

Jonathan Lee Lancaster (History, 2016; MAEL, 2021) has been selected as one of 21 educators from across the country to serve on the National Humanities Center's teacher advisory council.  The council was formed to aid in NHC's ongoing effort to encourage excellence in humanities teaching. Jonathan is a social studies teacher at the Bergen County Academies.

2023

Shane Storms Zurbach (BSN), a registered nurse in the clinical decision unit at Valley Hospital, received a “Daisy Award” this past March for his exceptional patient care.

2024

Brett Curtis (MAEL) has been named assistant principal of Westfield High School. Brett has been a social studies teacher at the high school since 2013. He has also served as coach of the freshman boys basketball team for the past nine years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Rutgers and a Master of Arts in teaching from Monmouth University.

Joseph Misilmeri (Law and Society) was recently sworn in as a police officer for the Village of Ridgewood. Joseph served in the U.S. Army before attending Ramapo College.

By Mark Gregorio |  Spring 2025

Ramapo College is stepping up to address the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree. Welcoming its inaugural class in fall 2025, the comprehensive program is rooted in the college’s strong liberal arts tradition, equipping students with technical prowess, critical thinking and even a foundation in psychology. The curriculum extends beyond the basics of coding and firewalls, emphasizing cybersecurity’s human and ethical aspects, ensuring graduates are prepared to navigate the challenges of the digital world.

“There’s a widespread misconception that cybersecurity is solely about machines,” said Dr. Michael Middleton, provost and vice president for teaching, learning and growth. “In reality, it encompasses people, policies and ethical decisions. Our program combines hands-on training in ethical hacking, network security and secure software development with topics like social engineering, legal issues and risk management.”

A Unique Interdisciplinary Approach

What sets Ramapo’s program apart is its interdisciplinary approach. Unlike traditional tech-focused cybersecurity degrees, Ramapo incorporates elements from criminal justice, business and psychology. This method provides students with a broader understanding of cybersecurity’s implications.

Dr. Scott Frees, a computer science professor and convener of the cybersecurity program, explained that a significant part of cybersecurity involves understanding human behavior. “Our students take courses like Ethics of Technology and Computer Law and Ethics; comprehending the rules and ethical dilemmas is just as vital as writing secure code,” he said. Additionally, students can pursue minors in related fields such as psychology to better understand cybercriminal behavior or in business to gain insights into risk management and corporate security strategies.

Addressing Major Cybersecurity Threats

Middleton pointed out that cybercrime is on the rise, and threats such as ransomware attacks, phishing schemes and data breaches affect businesses and individuals. Ramapo’s program addresses these pressing cybersecurity challenges by preparing students to combat social engineering tactics, safeguard sensitive data and minimize network vulnerabilities.

“Cybersecurity isn’t only about preventing hacking attempts—it’s about proactively addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited,” Middleton emphasized. “Our graduates will be trained to detect threats, respond to breaches and develop secure infrastructures that businesses and government agencies need.”

From Theory to Practice

Through labs, simulations and real-world scenarios, cybersecurity majors will gain practical experience to tackle industry challenges. The program culminates in a cybersecurity capstone, where students address complex security issues under expert faculty guidance.

Each student will select a focus area, which may include conducting a case study, implementing security solutions or analyzing and exploiting vulnerabilities in existing software. “We don’t just teach students concepts—we ensure they can apply them,” Frees noted. “From securing networks to developing hacker-resistant software, our graduates will be ready to enter the workforce.”

Furthermore, students will be prepped to sit for industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Students will work together on real-world cybersecurity challenges, applying strategies to safeguard digital systems from cyberattacks and data breaches.

Career-Ready Graduates through Experienced Faculty and Partnerships

Ramapo’s cybersecurity program is led by experienced faculty who specialize in machine learning, AI and software engineering, ensuring students have access to the latest advancements. In addition, industry leaders provided direct input to align the curriculum with the skills employers seek. “We collaborated closely with cybersecurity professionals to create a program that prepares students for real-world challenges,” Frees added.

Looking Ahead: Bridging the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

According to Frees, over 700,000 cybersecurity jobs are unfilled in the U.S. alone, and there is a global shortage of 3.4 million professionals. The demand for ethical and highly skilled cybersecurity experts is critical. Ramapo’s new program addresses this gap and focuses on producing ethical leaders and problem-solvers ready to face complex digital threats.

As Middleton states, “We’re not just training students for jobs; we’re preparing them to become ethical leaders and problem-solvers in cybersecurity.” Ramapo’s innovative curriculum, practical learning and commitment to real-world impact ensure that its graduates are well-equipped to tackle the industry’s evolving challenges.