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235 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724  /  732.542.4777

New Govil Cultural Learning Commons Celebrates Diversity

Ranney School is proud to introduce the Govil Cultural Learning Commons (GCLC). This space was inspired by the generous gift of a Ranney alumnus and Trustee, Dr. Niraj Govil ’85, who envisioned celebrating Ranney’s long tradition of and commitment to diversity. The Ranney community encompasses a mosaic of cultures, races, religious traditions, countries of origin, family structures, and socio-economic backgrounds. The new gallery space is located at the entrance to the Middle and Upper School and showcases, through rotating exhibits, the school’s ongoing conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) as well as its exploration of the school’s vision for its graduates: that they are curious, resilient, global citizens and authentic leaders.
 
Dr. Govil shares, “Diversity is our nation’s greatest strength and its greatest challenge. I attribute much of my success and my sons’ successes to the strong educational foundation we have received at Ranney. The community’s rich diversity has played an important role in establishing this foundation. I am proud to be a part of creating this new space.”
 
The Govil Cultural Learning Commons will feature quarterly exhibits showcasing different aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Evolving media content (including art, video, writings, and student-created work) will enhance curricular learning and be curated in an ongoing partnership among Ranney's Student Diversity Leadership Council, DEIB Director Ms. Simone Henry, the Visual Arts Department, as well as Ranney's Board Diversity Committee, faculty, and students across all three divisions.
 
The GCLC has launched with an opening exhibit focused on classrooms around the world and features the work of Ranney’s Women’s Studies Club, which has raised funds to support a young student in Nepal. Upcoming exhibits include: a celebration of the diversity of religious traditions within Ranney; a reflection on local Black history and culture in partnership with the T. Thomas Fortune Foundation; and coming together through food traditions.
 
In addition to Dr. Niraj Govil '86 and Dr. Ranjana Govil (Ankur '18, Ankush '23), other leadership donors who contributed significantly to the creation of this new space include: Dr. Otter and Mrs. Christine Aspen (Lily '23, Odin '30); Mr. Robert and Mrs. Raphaella Eliseo (Gianna '28); Mr. Dean and Dr. Eileen Lin (Marcella '25, Maxwell '27, Jackson '31; Dr. Daniel Stobie and Mr. Charles Dorsett (Brandon '23, Ethan '25, Julia '25); and Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Christine Baugh (Nina '19, George '22). Ranney School is also grateful to Trustee Mr. Christian Giordano of Mancini, Duffy for contributing the architectural vision and design of this new space.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777

Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.