Roukema Center Welcomes New Programs Advisor

In October, the Roukema Center for International Education added a new member to its team, Donna Lane-Baur, who has taken on the role of International Programs Advisor. Lane-Baur brings a wealth of student advisement experience to her position, having previously worked in the Cahill Center for 23 years. The Roukema Center represents a homecoming of sorts: Lane-Baur began her career there, in 1993, when it was known simply as the Study Abroad Office.

Lane-Baur was born in Brooklyn and raised in Lake Grove, New York. She attended SUNY Empire where she earned a degree in literature. Before her career at Ramapo, she was a reporter for the Bergen Record and also worked for well-known travel company Perillo Tours. In 2002, she received her Master’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Ramapo. Her family has a long history at the College, as both of her children went to preschool at the Ramapo Child Development Center, which was formerly located on campus. Her son, Lane, is also a Ramapo graduate and is now studying law.

"She allows her students to follow their passion. She broadened my perspective on the steps I had to take for grad school and beyond,” said Ramapo alumnus Christopher McKenna.

As Ramapo’s International Programs Advisor, Lane-Baur helps students choose the right programs based on their academic needs and determines how their curriculum would translate abroad. She has connected students with study abroad opportunities in a variety of countries including Ghana, Peru, Cuba, India and Portugal. Her students have gone on to careers in the UN, the State Department, UNESCO and many international Fortune 500 companies.

“It’s an exciting time to work at the Roukema Center,” Lane-Baur said. “I’ve seen so many students, and I think Ramapo College’s international programs and activities have put the college on the map in terms of being a top choice for global education.”

In an increasingly global job market, students with international experience often have an advantage when seeking employment. Graduate schools and employers are increasingly looking for candidates with global competencies. Lane-Baur has personally enjoyed advising students on international opportunities, putting them on a clear path toward their desired careers.

“Through highly individualized counseling, I’ve gotten to know students’ dreams and passions. Seeing how they change after their time abroad is something that excites me. They’re much more interested and engaged in the world, and they have a renewed confidence,” Lane-Baur said.

Lane-Baur herself is an advocate of traveling abroad. She has been to Asia, South and Central America, the Middle East and countries throughout Europe. She wants to go to Africa next. Her son has been to 39 different countries and speaks several languages.

“He took my message to heart. He’s my best student,” Lane-Baur said.

For questions or advisement, students can reach Donna Lane-Baur via email at dkauder@ramapo.edu.

jgarci10@ramapo.edu