Ralph Sotomayor

Established by Kena Colon Sotomayor in 2025 in Loving Memory of Ralph Sotomayor

Ralph Sotomayor cherished his time at SUNY New Paltz, where he graduated in 1991. A lifelong athlete, Ralph excelled in swimming, softball, and volleyball. He was a natural connector and leader—someone who led not only on the field, but in life. His ability to bring people together and elevate those around him defined so much of who he was.

Ralph began his career at Verizon in 1993 as a customer service representative, quickly advancing to a team leader and ultimately becoming an electrical engineer. Drawn to innovation and problem-solving, he approached engineering with both discipline and imagination. His passion for learning led him to earn a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2006, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Ralph’s love of science fiction and fantasy reflected more than personal interest—it represented his belief in progress, possibility, and humanity’s capacity to build a better future through knowledge and innovation. Always looking ahead, he was fascinated by what could be, and he encouraged others to think beyond the present and imagine new solutions to the world around them.

Ralph’s proudest achievement was being a devoted father to his daughters, Sofia and Scarlett, and building a loving family that meant everything to him.

Beloved by all who knew him, Ralph was an incredible husband, brother, son, and friend. He possessed a terrific sense of humor, remarkable wit, and a heart of gold. Ralph Sotomayor left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered and made the world a better place simply by being himself.

The Ralph Sotomayor Scholarship honors his legacy and celebrates students who embody intellectual curiosity, leadership, teamwork, and a future-focused mindset grounded in empathy and purpose. It is established in the hope of inspiring lives as meaningful, generous, and forward-looking as Ralph’s.