Barbara Wexler OSS Memorial Fund
The Barbara Wexler OSS Memorial Fund was created by Barbara’s colleagues, family, friends and former students in 2019. In keeping with Barbara’s commitment to students, and her dedication to collaborating with her colleagues, this fund also provides a meaningful way to honor other members of the OSS staff who have passed away (listed below). Like Barbara, these staff members were tireless advocates for students with disabilities, and helped hundreds of Ramapo students meet their career and transition goals.
William Ward, Psychological Counselor and Founding Staff
Beth Shapiro Steele, MSW ’79, Career and Independent Living Counselor
Christina Hartman ’89, Office Manager
James Piatti, Career Counselor
More about Barbara Wexler
After Barbara joined the College in 1989 as a Disability Counselor with the Office of Specialized Services, she methodically honed her professional development with additional degrees and certifications, primarily focused in later years on meeting the OSS students’ career and transition needs. During her time at RCNJ, she was routinely tapped to fulfill state-wide leadership roles with the NJ Association on Higher Education and Disability, was a proud Safe Zone ally, and also was for a time the campus advisor to Hillel. She passed away on February 15, 2019, after having served the college for almost 30 years.
Barbara is fondly remembered for her compassionate support of students and her engaging sense of humor. She was passionate about helping others of all backgrounds. Like her colleagues, she embodied true advocacy, especially for students with disabilities. In working with faculty and staff to advocate for her students, she was implicit with making sure they understood that providing accommodations for students was no excuse for them not being accountable for their academic responsibilities. Moreover, she gave students hope, empowering them to achieve their academic and career goals. Her legacy continues through love and the many students who have gone on to become leaders and agents of positive change.
The purpose of this fund is recognize Ramapo students who are affiliated with the Office of Specialized Services, in order to assist them to meet their career and transition goals. The recipient will be nominated by members of the College and selected by members of the Office of Specialized Services, in consultation, whenever possible, with family or friends of OSS staff who have passed.