{"id":25,"date":"2023-01-03T11:05:12","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T16:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/?page_id=25"},"modified":"2025-11-06T14:03:03","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T19:03:03","slug":"history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/history\/","title":{"rendered":"History"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>History of the First-Generation Student Center<\/h3>\n<p><div style=\"padding:56.25% 0 0 0;position:relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/1134333863?h=407385c22a&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" style=\"position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;\" title=\"Ramapo College's 1st Gen History Video\"><\/iframe><\/div><script src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/api\/player.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h4>Timeline of the history of First-Generation Student Center<\/h4>\n<p><strong>2018<\/strong>: Members of the Minority Faculty Staff Association (MFSA) started the conversation about providing additional supports to first-generation students.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2019<\/strong>: The First-Generation Action Team was created to identify the needs of first-generation college students and establish support systems across campus, hosting a First-Generation College Celebration in November.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2022: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>As part of the College&#8217;s 2021-2022 Strategic Planning Process, the First-Generation Student Center was approved through the Priority Needs Proposal (PNP) process, written by Dr. Nicole Videla and Mr. John Yao.<\/li>\n<li>Ramapo was awarded the<a href=\"https:\/\/firstgen.naspa.org\/files\/dmfile\/One_Page_Announcement_2022.pdf\"> First-Generation College Celebration grant<\/a> from the Center for First-generation Student Success and Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).<\/li>\n<li>T<span style=\"color: #2f2f2f;\">he inaugural Assistant Director for the First-Generation Student Center was hired in November, which led to the First-Generation Proclamation, where the President declared November as First-Generation College Celebration Month at Ramapo College.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>2023: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ramapo established the Zetu Nu Chapter of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.1stgenhonors.org\/\">Tri- Alpha<\/a>, a first-generation honor society, inducting its first class of 93 students, faculty, staff, and honorary members.<\/li>\n<li>Ramapo facilitated its inaugural <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/legacies-in-the-making\/\">Legacies in the Making<\/a> first-generation summer pre-college program with 43 student participants.<\/li>\n<li>Ramapo was invited to participate in the FirstGen Forward Network through NASPA, The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>More highlights coming soon!<\/p>\n<div id=\"jig1\" class=\"justified-image-grid jig-9e58ce22071b15dae7399507946f137d jig-preset-global jig-source-wp-gallery\"><div class=\"jig-clearfix\"><\/div><noscript id=\"jig1-html\" class=\"justified-image-grid-html\" data-lazy-src=\"skiplazyload\" data-src=\"skipunveillazyload\"><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2022\/12\/First-Gen-11.16.22-Group-1024x683.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2022\/12\/First-Gen-11.16.22-Group-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"First-Generation College Celebration 2022\" width=\"344\" height=\"230\" \/><\/a><p class=\"jig-HTMLdescription\">First-Generation College Celebration 2022<\/p><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/1699476285384-1024x768.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/1699476285384-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"First-Generation College Celebration 2023\" width=\"306\" height=\"230\" \/><\/a><p class=\"jig-HTMLdescription\">First-Generation College Celebration 2023<\/p><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/JAuger-9839-1024x683.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/JAuger-9839-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"First-Generation College Celebration 2024\" width=\"344\" height=\"230\" \/><\/a><p class=\"jig-HTMLdescription\">First-Generation College Celebration 2024<\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/noscript><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>First-Generation Action Team (Executive Board)<\/h3>\n<p>Special acknowledgements to the First-Generation Action Team Executive Board Members who continue to assist with advancing first-generation initiatives at Ramapo College!<\/p>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/unnamed-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"76\" height=\"95\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/unnamed-1.jpg 269w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/unnamed-1-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 76px) 100vw, 76px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>Gabriella Ammiano<br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"color: #333333;\">Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program and Student Success<br \/>\n<\/span>Educational Opportunity Fund Program<br \/>\ngammiano@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Being a first-generation college student signified, and still continues to signify for me a profound sense of responsibility. It involved learning to balance my personal aspirations with the expectations and aspirations for upward mobility of my family and community. My college journey was about honoring my roots while educating and guiding my family as they accompanied me on this path. Being the first in my family carried significant sacrifices and necessitated taking risks, yet it was also met with immense support from my professors, mentors, and the academic community. That journey has now guided me to a career in higher education, where I strive to create a more resourceful and supportive academic environment for first-generation students.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong>Jason Balsan<\/strong><br \/>\nDirector<br \/>\nPublic Safety<br \/>\njbalsan@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><b>Diana Benavides<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Benavides-Diana-9.12-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"75\" height=\"103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Benavides-Diana-9.12-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Benavides-Diana-9.12.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"color: #333333;\">AACSB Accreditation Specialist<br \/>\n<\/span>Anisfield School of Business<br \/>\ndbenavid@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Growing up as a first-gen student, I was expected to do well in school and go to college even though my parents were not familiar with the college process or the culture of higher education. I am thankful for the educators, guidance counselors and people in my community who helped me access various educational opportunities and supported me in my journey. This experience led me to a career in higher education and I hope to provide similar support to the students I work with.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong>Anne Eke<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-310\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/aeke@ramapo.edu_-e1737472753849-975x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"90\" height=\"95\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/aeke@ramapo.edu_-e1737472753849-975x1024.jpg 975w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/aeke@ramapo.edu_-e1737472753849-286x300.jpg 286w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/aeke@ramapo.edu_-e1737472753849-768x807.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/aeke@ramapo.edu_-e1737472753849.jpg 1050w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 90px) 100vw, 90px\" \/><\/strong><br \/>\nAssistant Director of Residence Life, Student Recruitment, Retention and Education<br \/>\nOffice of Residence Life<br \/>\naeke@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a first-generation college student, my journey inspired me to pursue a career in Higher Education. During my undergraduate years, I didn\u2019t fully grasp the significance of being the first in my family to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree \u2013 and later, a master\u2019s degree. Now I deeply understand the challenges and rewards that come with that path. I want students to know that there are so many resources available on campus, and seeking help or guidance can make all the difference. Whether it&#8217;s about academics, personal struggles or navigating college life, don\u2019t hesitate to ask questions and reach out to someone!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong>Cynthia Guti\u00e9rrez Michalewski<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/cmichale-e1675094099525.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"75\" height=\"95\" \/><\/strong><br \/>\nSenior Assistant Director<br \/>\nCahill Career Development Center<br \/>\ncmichale@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Being the eldest child and the first in the family to attend college, I clearly remember feeling lost and under a lot of self-imposed pressure to not let my family down. My door is always open to any first-gen student who needs a place to go and ask for help. You belong here, you are home!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-151\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Aydin-Jacklin-1.24.23-01-226x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"75\" height=\"99\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Aydin-Jacklin-1.24.23-01-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Aydin-Jacklin-1.24.23-01-772x1024.jpg 772w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Aydin-Jacklin-1.24.23-01-768x1018.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Aydin-Jacklin-1.24.23-01-1159x1536.jpg 1159w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Aydin-Jacklin-1.24.23-01.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/>Jacklin Kurter<\/strong><br \/>\nFirst-Generation Counselor &amp; Outreach Specialist<br \/>\nCounseling Services<br \/>\njkurter@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I support first-generation students by providing a safe and confidential space to talk, by assisting with resources, and by encouraging a sense of belonging and empowerment. I will strive to provide assistance based on your specific experience and needs. Whether it is your first time seeking counseling or you are returning, I look forward to working with you at the Ramapo Counseling Center!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong>Uma Mahalingam<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-36\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784-237x300.jpeg\" alt=\"Photo of Uma Mahalingam, Assistant Director of the First-Generation Student Center\" width=\"77\" height=\"98\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784-237x300.jpeg 237w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784-808x1024.jpeg 808w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784-768x973.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784-1212x1536.jpeg 1212w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784-1617x2048.jpeg 1617w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Uma-Mahalingam-Headshot-e1675094139784.jpeg 2012w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 77px) 100vw, 77px\" \/><\/strong><br \/>\nAssistant Director<br \/>\nFirst-Generation Student Center<br \/>\nmahalinu@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It is my goal to serve as an advocate for advancing first-generation student success here at the College. As an alum of Ramapo myself, I aim to ensure that all first-generation students feel heard, understood, and celebrated throughout their experiences as Roadrunners.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-297\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/Christine-Millien-Headshot-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"99\" height=\"99\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/Christine-Millien-Headshot-1.png 800w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/Christine-Millien-Headshot-1-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/Christine-Millien-Headshot-1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2025\/01\/Christine-Millien-Headshot-1-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 99px) 100vw, 99px\" \/>Christine Millien<br \/>\n<\/strong>Office Coordinator<br \/>\nEducational Opportunity Fund<br \/>\ncmillien@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am a fierce advocate for first-generation students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, because their stories resonate deeply with my own. As a proud first-generation college graduate and first-generation American of Trinidadian heritage, my journey has been marked by challenges that often felt like moving goalposts. Yet, I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me\u2014people who lacked the opportunities I\u2019ve been fortunate to access, such as pursuing higher education and earning both my bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s degrees. Their sacrifices fuel my purpose: to use my blessings to create a kinder, more accessible path for those walking alongside or following in my footsteps.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-228\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/09\/me-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Jack Nesmith\" width=\"99\" height=\"99\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/09\/me-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/09\/me-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/09\/me-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/09\/me-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/09\/me.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 99px) 100vw, 99px\" \/>Jack Nesmith<br \/>\n<\/strong>Coordinator Of Student Activities<br \/>\nCenter For Student Involvement<br \/>\njnesmith@ramapo.edu<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a proud First-Generation Alumnus of Ramapo from Jersey City allowed me to give back to a community which helped me learn and grow as a student affairs professional. Being a member of the First-Gen Action Team is a privilege to help current first-gen student leaders find their passion and leadership opportunities to successfully graduate. I want every first-gen student to feel they belong and make a difference as scholars, leaders, and Ramapo Roadrunners within this role while promoting the values of first-gen support within the Ramapo College community.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong>Natalie Qui\u00f1ones<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-136\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Quinones-Natalie-3.4.2020-01-e1675096336796-234x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"75\" height=\"96\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Quinones-Natalie-3.4.2020-01-e1675096336796-234x300.jpg 234w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Quinones-Natalie-3.4.2020-01-e1675096336796-798x1024.jpg 798w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Quinones-Natalie-3.4.2020-01-e1675096336796-768x986.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Quinones-Natalie-3.4.2020-01-e1675096336796-1197x1536.jpg 1197w, https:\/\/www.ramapo.edu\/first-gen\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/379\/2023\/01\/Quinones-Natalie-3.4.2020-01-e1675096336796.jpg 1199w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 75px) 100vw, 75px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/strong>Student Development Specialist\/Coordinator of Instructional Support Services<br \/>\nEducational Opportunity Fund Program<br \/>\nnquinone@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I am a proud Ramapo EOF Alumna who is not only the first-born in this country, but also the first in my family to graduate high school, college, and graduate school. As a student advocate, I will continue to illuminate a path for your success and will always encourage you to share your story with our campus community. We are first-generation, too, and are here to empower you!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"infoBox col-sm-12 col-lg-12 \"><div class=\"boxContent\">\n<p><strong>MaryCatherine Switala<\/strong><br \/>\nProfessional Services Specialist<br \/>\nCenter for Student Success<br \/>\nmswitala@ramapo.edu<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>History of the First-Generation Student Center Timeline of the history of First-Generation Student Center 2018: Members of the Minority Faculty Staff Association (MFSA) started the conversation about providing additional supports to first-generation students. 2019: The First-Generation Action Team was created to identify the needs of first-generation college students and establish support systems across campus, hosting [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":457,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-25","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.5 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - 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