(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Ramapo College of New Jersey welcomed New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., to see the expansion of the WeCare Food Pantry on campus. Earlier this year, thanks to the support of Secretary Bridges, Ramapo was awarded a $51,000 Hunger-Free Campus Grant by the State of New Jersey. The food pantry provides assistance to students who experience food insecurity, which continues to be a growing concern on campuses nationwide. The WeCare program began in 2017 due to the unwavering efforts of student leadership to advocate for state support for students in need of supplemental resources and who face homelessness.

Accompanied by Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb, Secretary Bridges also met with students in the Educational Opportunity Fund program in the newly opened Multicultural Center, students who receive support from the Office of Specialized Services, and visited the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence to see the state-of-the-art simulation labs.

“The chance to interact with Ramapo students who are supported by programs like EOF and the college’s Office of Specialized Students, students who might otherwise lack the support they need to be successful, reinforced the value of New Jersey’s state-level investments in higher education,” said Dr. Bridges. “Not only that, but seeing firsthand how Ramapo is contributing to the development of our workforce in high-demand fields like nursing, by preparing students in their simulation labs, demonstrates just how vital 21st century learning environments are to equip students for the careers of both today and tomorrow.” Secretary Bridges last visited Ramapo College on September 22, 2021 for the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Our students were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from and spend time with Secretary Bridges and to share with him their stories and experiences as valued members of the Ramapo College community,” said President Jebb. “Ramapo faculty and staff invest their time, resources, and energy in our students through individualized attention and mentorship. We are grateful that Secretary Bridges not only got to witness that investment first-hand as part of his campus visit but also furthered it by sharing his own story and experiences with Ramapo students.  We appreciate the advocacy Secretary Bridges provides for public higher education in NJ and the support of the state in helping Ramapo continue to meet our students’ educational, social, and well-being needs as learners and as society’s future leaders.”

Ramapo College is #1 in New Jersey for its online RN to BSN program and in the top 3 for its RN program. The College is also #1 in New Jersey and #24 in the nation for being a top college for students with disabilities. Visit the accolades page to learn more honors for Ramapo College.