The State of the College Address on Oct. 16 opened with President Jebb giving a speech about the importance of a liberal arts education here at Ramapo and recognizing the theme of being unstoppable here at the college.
President Jebb said, “We are unstoppable—we are on an upward trajectory towards national distinction as a public liberal arts college that develops empathetic, ethical, and responsible leaders, change agents, and problem solvers who make a positive impact and thrive in a changing world—the fly wheel is moving.”
After her opening speech, President Jebb discussed the ideas of who we are, why we are here, where we are headed and what our priorities are to get us there as students. Jebb said that we here at Ramapo are a phenomenal college that is defined by our values and that Ramapo is centered around the students.
Following the introduction of values placed on the school and its students, Jebb presented the presidential coin to the baseball team and the softball team for their efforts in the 2023-2024 season. The baseball team won its third New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament Championship last season and earned the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament making it their 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament in program history. Additionally, the softball team earned the program’s 10th NCAA Tournament appearance as well as earned academic distinction.
President Jebb then invited several students up that have made an impact on the Ramapo community. These students included Christopher Barbieri, Bibhuti Ghimire, Stefanie Viera and Ossiris Garcia. All of these students received presidential coins for their contributions on campus and their involvement in the community.
“Our foremost priority is culture because without a trusting, healthy, and productive culture, nothing else will thrive,” Jebb said of the school’s four priorities. Ensuring a culture of respect, empathy and dignity is something that will always be first priority and is important.
She then reflected on how her time at West Point was not open and inclusive, and how it made an impact on her and her role here at Ramapo. Jebb used these memories to transition into the new cultural conditions we have here on campus. She said it takes all of us to continue to cultivate a phenomenal community and that we need to address matters that deviate from our culture and be bold in order to do so. Jebb highlighted a few students here on campus like Lidiya Kelyman, Natasha Sicilian, Jennifer Lopez, Chantalle Reyes, Penelope Lammers and Lauren Altman for their efforts on campus.
Also recognized was the incoming freshman class — as they are the largest class in history — a new nursing expansion that gained 4.2 million dollars in outcomes, the launch of a new accelerated and bridge nursing program, recent grants of almost four-million dollars, securing an Interfaith Grant and graduation and retention rates that continue to exceed national averages.
To close out the State of the College, Jebb talked about talent management and how the activities on campus further the recruitment, retention and development of the Ramapo community. President Jebb said, “With respect to development, learning from one another and turning to our peers for guidance are two of the most resourceful and uplifting acts we can do as teammates.” Student services, classes, mentorship and advice are ensuring that students can thrive on campus.
Moments that students create on campus will turn into cherished memories that will help the Ramapo community grow, learn and contribute individually and collectively. Through respect, empathy and inclusivity, moments here as a community will further students to be bold, kind and good teammates and thinkers.
President Jebb closed out the address with the song “OMG” by Jose Iglesias and by using a quote by Dr. Seuss that tells us: “With respect to development, learning from one another and turning to our peers for guidance are two of the most resourceful and uplifting acts we can do as teammates.”
President Jebb said, “I am grateful to be here and I feel lucky to be a part of it all with you. Go Roadrunners!”
rbleich@ramapo.edu
Featured photo @ramapocollegenj, Instagram
