Report: Ramapo President Claims School Got Unfair Share of State Money

President Peter Mercer says the college received less construction bond money than it should have, report says.

Last November, voters across the state approved a $750 million bond referendum to help fund construction projects on college campuses in New Jersey. Now, Ramapo College President Peter Mercer is claiming that the school did not receive a large enough portion of the taxpayer-funded grant money, NJ.com reported Wednesday. According to the report, Gov. Chris Christie announced $1.3 billion in grants to state colleges last month, funded mostly by the bond. The state awarded grants to 176 building projects on 46 college campuses, the report said. Ramapo had applied for $38 million, but received less than half of that – about $18.6 million, the report said. Mercer told NJ.com he expects to meet with the state’s secretary of higher education soon…

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Ramapo Rumble Rolling Into Mahwah

The third annual poker run is next week, and will raise money for Ramapo College scholarships, research, and capital projects.

Anyone who has driven through Mahwah over the past few weeks has likely seen signs of the Ramapo Rumble. There is a banner hanging across the street from the entrance to Ramapo College, and a billboard promoting the charity event on Route 17. For its third annual Ramapo Rumble, the college is asking bikers from across the area, their families, and friends to take part in a 90-mile motorcycle tour that starts and ends in Mahwah. It’s a poker run, so the ride includes three stops to pick up poker cards, and a BBQ lunch after the ride with live music, awards, and a 50/50 raffle. Sponsored by Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets and the Ramapo College Foundation, the annual ride raises funds for Ramapo College student scholarships, faculty and …

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Berrie Awards Give $165,000 to NJ's 'Unsung Heroes'

A ceremony held in Mahwah Thursday gave a woman who created a safe haven for her neighbors in Little Ferry after Hurricane Sandy the awards' top prize, $50,000. Fourteen other Garden State residents took home prizes ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

During a ceremony at Ramapo College Thursday morning, a dozen New Jersey residents joined an elite group of do-gooders who have been awarded by the Russ Berrie Foundation for having a positive impact on the lives of Garden State residents over the past 17 years. The annual Russ Berrie Awards for Making a Difference were started by the Berrie Foundation’s namesake in 1997. Berrie, who founded a stuffed animal and toy company in the 60’s, was known for his philanthropy. Since his death in 2002, Berrie’s wife Angelica and members of the Russell Berrie Foundation have continued the tradition of giving. Thursday afternoon, inside the theater on the campus of Ramapo College that bears Berrie’s name, 12 volunteers from throughout the state were …

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Museum to Raffle Off Les Paul Signed Guitars

Tickets are available now, and the guitars will be raffled off at a gala in honor of what would have been the inventor’s 98th birthday

The Mahwah Museum announces a raffle of two guitars autographed by Les Paul, the legendary guitarist and inventor.  The winning tickets will be drawn at 9:30 p.m. on June 8, 2013 at the Trustees Pavilion at Ramapo College at a gala celebration of what would have been Les Paul’s 98th birthday. First prize is a White Epiphone Guitar, Les Paul Standard Royal, body autographed by Bucky Pizzarelli, Lou Pallo and others – pick guard autographed by Les Paul, circa 2007. Second prize is an Epiphone Mahogany Guitar, Les Paul Studio, autographed by Lou Pallo, Peter Frampton, Al Caiola and Peter Townshend. Third Prize – Les Paul and Mary Ford 45 rpm record and Gibson Ad, autographed by Les Paul. Raffle tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at the…

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Berrie Foundation to Award $165K to NJ’s Unsung Heroes

The nominees for the 2013 Russell Berrie Awards for Making a Difference include a man who saved a 72-year-old who had fallen in front of a PATH train and a woman who continues to help victims of Hurricane Sandy in Moonachie and Little Ferry

Ramapo College has announced its finalists for the 2013 Berrie Awards. The cash prizes, given out at a ceremony each spring, honors New Jersey’s “unsung heroes,” who have done things to significantly impact the lives of people across the state. This year marks the 17th that the Russell Berrie Foundation will honor Garden staters with the awards. Of the list of finalists, one will be chosen to receive a cash award of $50,000 from the Russell Berrie Foundation, and three finalists will each receive an award of $25,000. Up to eight runner-up finalists will be awarded $5,000 each. According to a release from the college and the foundation, this year’s slate of nominees is diverse, giving back to the greater community in a variety of ways. …

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Free Events Help Celebrate Shakespeare's 449th Birthday

Ramapo College is having a daylong tribute to Shakespeare Tuesday, and locals are invited to attend a string of different events through the day

The Salameno Center for British Studies presents Shakespeare at Ramapo on Tuesday, April 23. The multi-event festival, which honors Shakespeare’s 449th birthday, is co-sponsored by the School of Contemporary Arts, the Salameno School of American and International Studies and the School of Social Science and Human Services. Talks & Toasting will take place in the Birch Mansion’s York Room from 1 to 2 p.m. with mini-lectures and refreshments. Professor Todd Barnes will present “Against Bardolatry: Remembering and Dismembering Shakespeare on His Birthday.”Professors Ellen Ross and Roark Atkinson will present “Shakespeare’s Witches,” and Professor Yvette Kisor will offer “Guess the Shakespeare Quote or Insult—A Game.” A workshop entitled, …

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Rock Opera Music Headed to Mahwah Stage

The Ramapo College Chorale plans a concert showcasing music from the musical 'Chess,' as well as a sample of songs celebrating its upcoming tour of Russia and Estonia

The Ramapo College Chorale will be presenting the concert, “To Russia with Love” on Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. in the Berrie Center’s Sharp Theater. The concert, which celebrates the Chorale’s upcoming tour to Russia and Estonia, features American, Russian and Estonian master composers. After the intermission, the Ramapo Chorale, soloists and an orchestra will present a concert version of the 1980s rock opera, “Chess,” by Tim Rice and former ABBA band members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. “Chess” is based on the famous Cold War chess world championship between U.S. grandmaster Bobby Fischer and Russian champion Boris Spassky.  The Ramapo College Chorale will perform under the direction of Lisa Lutter, professor of music, with pianist …

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Student Organizes Tourette Syndrome Walk in Mahwah

Event at Ramapo College Sunday benefitted The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders

Sunday marked the first NJ Walks for Tourette Syndrome in Mahwah. The event was held at Ramapo College, thanks to one of its students. According to the event’s Facebook page, Ramapo senior AnnaKatharine Miehe, whose brother has Tourette Syndrome, organized the walk. Enthusiastic walkers gathered in Mahwah Sunday to express support for research about the syndrome. All of the proceeds from the walk will be donated to The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders, which helps support families dealing with Tourette Syndrome, and supports research for treatments and a cure. Submit your questions or news tips to jessica.mazzola@patch.com. And, remember to sign up for Patch's daily newsletter, and get updates on Facebook and …

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Academy Awards Head Writer Coming to Mahwah

Bruce Vilanch is also known as one of the celebs from the Whoopi Goldberg 'Hollywood Squares'

Bruce Vilanch is coming to Mahwah for a one-night stand-up comedy gig, Ramapo College announced this week. The College's Berrie Center released the following information about the event: Multi Emmy Award-Winner Bruce Vilanch brings his hysterical stand-up act to the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts at Ramapo College of New Jersey on Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m. Vilanch has been the head writer for the past 23 Academy Award ceremonies. Bruce Vilanch has also written for hosts such as David Letterman, Billy Crystal, and James Franco. Additionally, he has written for Bette Midler, Cher, Robin Williams, Diana Ross and Star Wars Jedis. Roger Ebert praised Bruce Vilanch as being  "a foil, a collaborator, a dueling partner, [and] a …

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NJ Walk for Tourette Syndrome Coming to Mahwah

The walk is happening at Ramapo College next weekend, and there is still time to sign up