Ramapo College reopens from its Winter Break this Tuesday, but thanks to the philanthropy of a Franklin Lakes couple, the school will be preparing for more than the students returning for the upcoming spring semester, which starts Jan. 19.

The college on Ramapo Valley Road is preparing to build the new Adler Center for Nursing Excellence for its future students, thanks to a $2 million donation made by Myron "Mike" and Elaine Adler this November.

The donation will be used to double the size of the college's simulation nursing lab to eight stations, create new computer labs with capacities to hold 50 students each, and build a tiered classroom for 60 students.  

The college has expressed its appreciation for the donation, and what it will mean to future Ramapo students.

"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Mike and Elaine Adler who, for so many years, have been among the greatest friends and supporters of Ramapo College," said President Peter Mercer.

The center created by the gift will be part of a $54 million renovation to Ramapo College's G Wing, which was completed in 1974. One of the oldest academic buildings on campus, the G-Wing is used by students in the School of Theoretical and Applied Sciences and the School of Social Sciences and Human Services.

"The Adler's most generous support will maximize the College's ability to add nursing graduate programs, to be a resource to health care professionals in the region, and take a leadership role in nursing education," said Board of Trustee Chairman A.J. Sabath.

For over 20 years the Adler's have been supporters of Ramapo College. The two were given honorary degrees in 1999 to recognize their accomplishments.

In 2003, the couple founded The Adler Aphasia Center in Maywood. This had been a goal for the couple since 1994, when Mike suffered a stroke and became aphasic, a condition that impairs his expression and understanding of spoken language, reading, and writing. The Center provides a therapeutic environment that promotes successful living for individuals with Aphasia.

 Myron and Elaine Adler started their own company in 1949, The Myron Manufacturing Corporation. The company evolved from a plastic manufacturer to a mail order business which markets products to other companies. Today, the family business employs over 1,800 individuals around the world.

Nursing has been a field that is in high demand, especially at Ramapo College. Since the program was developed in 1993, the enrollment has risen from 36 to over 400 prospective students striving to receive a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Over 460 students will be enrolled in Ramapo College's nursing program at the new Adler Center for Nursing Excellence. The new and improved simulation laboratories will be used not only by students, but by health care professionals from the area for training and professional development.

According to Elaine Adler, she and her husband are thrilled to donate to what they feel is an important, worthy cause.

"Well-educated nurses are the backbone of our society. Mike and I are privileged to be able to help future generations of nursing professionals and prepare them for the challenges that face our region, state and country," she said.