President Demetre Gratiashvili Reflects on Leading the "It’s Razzling in Ramsey, NJ" Initiative
- Demetre Gratiashvili
- Dec 23, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 26, 2024
As the president of the "It’s Razzling in Ramsey" project, I, Demetre (Deme) Gratiashvili, am thrilled to share my reflections on this transformative experience. This project has been a unique opportunity to lead a talented team of students in showcasing the charm, history, and community spirit of Ramsey, NJ.
For me, this marks my third collaborative project with Professor Justin Watrel, whose guidance has been pivotal throughout my journey. I served as Vice President in two prior initiatives: the "I'm Glad I'm in Glen Rock, NJ." project, which focused on promoting tourism and local pride, and “Feasting in Style,” a creative campaign for Bergen Community College’s cafeteria. Each project built on my skills and confidence, but stepping into the role of president for “It’s Razzling in Ramsey” has been my most rewarding challenge yet.
This initiative allowed our team to operate as professionals, each with distinct responsibilities, from marketing and event planning to community engagement. Together, we developed branding materials, presented at Ramsey Borough Hall and Paramus Campus, and collaborated to bring innovative ideas to life. Every step, from brainstorming to execution, was an invaluable learning experience that tested and strengthened my leadership skills.
I would like to thank Professor Watrel for his vision and mentorship, which have been instrumental in shaping this project. His commitment to applied learning pushes students to think creatively, take ownership of their roles, and deliver professional-level results.
Projects like “It’s Razzling in Ramsey” demonstrate the value of hands-on learning. They provide more than academic knowledge—they offer real-world experience, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a tangible impact. For me, this project has been a stepping stone toward my professional aspirations, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team.
To students like me, I encourage you to embrace opportunities like this. These projects go beyond assignments—they’re chances to grow, lead, and innovate. As we wrap up "It’s Razzling in Ramsey," I’m truly grateful to have been part of something that celebrates community, creativity, and collaboration..
This journey will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of my academic and professional career, and I’m excited to see how it will continue to shape the future for Ramsey and for all of us involved.
It is nice to have student feedback on our coursework. For a Professor in the post-COVID environment, it has been a challenge to teach students some of who have made excuses for themselves not to give their best. In a Team Project, everyone has to contribute because what each individual does is bring their best to the project to make it better and more creative. This Team proved that!