Area December 7, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 25 As supporters and friends of Ramapo College of New Jersey gathered late last month to celebrate a $40 million capital campaign, the surprise announcement of a $3 million gift from Allendale residents Lawrence C. and Theresa Salameno helped the campaign reach its initial goal. The gift will support renovation of the A and B Wings of the Academic Complex, and endow a Center of Excellence in British Studies and a Dean’s Scholarship Fund in the School of American and International Studies. In recognition of the gift, the school will be renamed the Salameno School of American and International Studies. “This is a tremendous moment for the college,” Ramapo College President Peter P. Mercer told the crowd. “This generous gift from longtime supporters of the college builds on a series of major gifts over the past few years that will enable Ramapo students to fulfill their promise. It is with great humility and gratitude that I thank all of you who have brought us to this point. As the campaign continues, I know we will prevail with your help.” The Salamenos have a 10-year affiliation with Ramapo College and are known throughout the region as generous philanthropists for education. Their daughter, Francesca, is a 2006 graduate. “Theresa and I are so pleased to be able to help the college move forward in its Capital Campaign, specifically the School of American and International Studies, whose graduates will help shape and inform our increasingly complex world in the years to come,” said Mr. Salameno. “The benefit of a stellar education is one of the best advantages we can bestow upon the leaders of College foundation reaches $40 million goal tomorrow.” Mr. Salameno, who is semi-retired, is senior executive vice president and vice chairman of Permal Group Inc., part of Legg Mason. He joined Worms and Company Inc. (Permal) in 2000 as a director and executive vice president of new business development and has been responsible for product, marketing, and distribution strategy. A 1966 graduate of Cornell University, he received his J.D. degree from the Cornell University School of Law in 1969. Mrs. Salameno, a professional chef, is a member of the Ramapo College Board of Governors and serves on the Executive Committee. She is a member of the Stonehill College Board of Trustees, volunteers with the Bringing History Alive program at Colonial Williamsburg, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary. Mrs. Salameno is active in her parish, where she is developing a new educational program for the first through sixth grade and is in the process of launching an international youth and business etiquette program for non-profits and educational institutions throughout the region. The couple also volunteers with Peace First, a schools program that promotes non-violence. The Salamenos share their philanthropy with the Valley Hospital Foundation in Ridgewood, the Saddle River Day School, Oak Knoll School, Colonial Williamsburg, Cornell University, Stonehill College, and other organizations. In 2006, the Salamenos made a $500,000 challenge grant to name the Salameno Spiritual Center. The non- denominational sanctuary for reflection, meditation and dialogue opened in fall 2010. The $1.5 million center is on the banks of Kameron Pond in the center of campus. The Salameno’s initial gift led to a succession of others that ultimately funded the 1,525-square-foot facility. In 2007, the Salamenos were honored at the College’s Distinguished Citizen’s Dinner for their support of higher education. The Ramapo College Foundation’s Capital Campaign had raised $35.8 million, prior to the announcement by the Salamenos. Gifts were made by alumni, members of the Ramapo College Board of Governors, and area corporations to fund capital projects, endowments for students and programs, and support faculty development and research. Cathleen Davey, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the Foundation, told the gathering that the campaign, the largest in the college’s history, will conclude by June 2013. However, Davey told the crowd that the foundation will strive to far surpass the initial goal. “This is our moment to push boundaries; to further the promise of today’s student as well as that of each student who will someday walk beneath the college’s historic arch,” she said. “There is unmistakable momentum. There is no denying that this is Ramapo’s moment.” For more information about the campaign, and opportunities for giving, contact Cathleen Davey at (201) 6847612. To review the campaign website visit: http://www. ramapo.edu/campaign.