Two alumni from Ramapo College, Stephan Lally (Class of 2020) and Brady O’Connor (Class of 2016), have joined the institution’s Board of Trustees. Their appointments mark a move to include more recent graduates in the college’s governance, bringing perspectives shaped by recent student experiences.
Lally described his new role as a Trustee as meaningful. “I’ve always had a deep connection to Ramapo, and that never really went away after I graduated,” he said. “Ramapo shaped how I think and lead, and being able to return now as a Trustee is both humbling and meaningful.” As a student, Lally was president of the Student Government Association and worked on issues such as student health, hunger, mobility, and homelessness. He also served with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Currently, Lally works as Deputy Chief of Staff to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin in the New Jersey Assembly Majority Office and serves on the Woodbridge Township Board of Education.
“It feels like a sign that I’ve built something of value since graduating,” Lally said. “And it gives me the chance to give back to a place that played such an important role in my life.”
O’Connor’s path from Ramapo has led him to work on large-scale events. As an undergraduate, he played for the NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Team and was involved with the Civic and Community Engagement Center. Today, O’Connor is Chief of External Affairs for the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee. His responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, intergovernmental affairs coordination, external communications, and managing donor programs for event preparation.
“It means the world to me to have the opportunity to give back to the College,” O’Connor said. “Ramapo helped set me up for success in my professional career. I want to help ensure that the students here now have the same or better opportunities than I had.”
The inclusion of these younger alumni reflects national trends showing that many college boards do not represent current student demographics or experiences. By adding members from recent graduating classes, Ramapo aims to address topics such as affordability and workforce readiness with firsthand insight.
Lally and O’Connor were sworn in at a February 9 board meeting presided over by new Board Chair Albert Nieves. Both expressed optimism about Ramapo’s future direction.
“What excites me most is that Ramapo is entering a really important moment,” Lally said. He emphasized challenges facing graduates including competition with artificial intelligence: “That makes Ramapo’s focus on a strong liberal arts education incredibly valuable… The ability to think critically, read carefully, write clearly, lead in real-world environments, and create original work without relying too heavily on technology is going to matter more than ever.”
O’Connor added: “I continue to believe that Ramapo College is our State’s best hidden gem,” he said. “I look forward to helping drive the College’s continued growth.”
Ramapo College President Cindy Jebb commented on this evolution in governance: “As we welcome our new Board Chair, Albie Nieves, and alumni trustees Lally and O’Connor, Ramapo College affirms a governance structure designed for the future—agile enough to meet emerging challenges, and anchored firmly in the mission that defines who we are, why we are here, and where we are going together.”
Board Chair Nieves noted: “Trustees Lally and O’Connor bring fresh perspective, insight, and enthusiasm to our Board of Trustees… As alumni of Ramapo with a wealth of leadership experience in state government, I have every confidence that their service and contributions will strengthen the Board’s fiduciary care of Ramapo and advance our mission.”
He added that board members contribute expertise across areas supporting strategic priorities like expanding healthcare programs and ensuring resources for students and faculty.
Lally and O’Connor join following Marize Helmy’s appointment on January 30; Trustees William F. Dator, George C. Ruotolo, David G. Schlussel, Susan A. Vallario were reappointed; other board members include Michael Ben-David, Chris Lopez, Albert C. Nieves (Chair), AJ Sabath ’93 as well as Student Trustees Sarah Glisson ’26 and Olivia Ha ’27.
Both new trustees see their roles as continuing their commitment begun during their time at Ramapo through leadership positions held as students—a continuity they hope will benefit current students.
More information about Ramapo’s Board can be found at ramapo.edu/board.
