In September 2023, Greg DiLalo (CC’77; GSNB’79) celebrates 50 consecutive years on the George H. Cook Campus, a journey that matches the lifespan of Cook College itself. A member of the first class of Cook College students to matriculate in 1973, Greg’s unbroken connection to the beloved Cook campus covers four years of college, two […]
Alumni
Nicoletta “Nicki” Graf (CC’77): Doyenne of the Floriculture Greenhouse Complex
Since 1988, the Floriculture Greenhouse complex, located on the Cook campus has been the domain of Nicolette Graf (CC’77). Tucked away between Nichol Avenue and Red Oak Lane, the greenhouse – one of several on the campus – boasts some 15,000 square feet of protected tropical and sub-tropical environments under glass, plus outdoor gardens that […]
Alumnus Doug Piekarz (CC’89): Wildlife Is His Life
Rutgers alumnus Doug Piekarz has devoted his life to saving wildlife, wild places, and the world. By Debbie Meyers Doug Piekarz grew up spending holidays and weekends at his grandfather’s cabin nestled in the wilderness of upstate New York’s Catskill Mountains. His childhood love of nature led Piekarz (CC’89) to Rutgers University and ultimately to […]
Daniel Van Abs (CC’77): A Leader on the Environment and in Philanthropy
“Dan is the state of New Jersey’s undisputed leader in the field of watershed planning and management and as accomplished a professional as you will ever find. His students have benefitted tremendously from Dan’s real-world experience in solving environmental challenges and his service to nonprofit watershed organizations has been exemplary,” said Jim Waltman, executive director […]
In its 10th Anniversary Year, Personal Bioblitz Breaks Records!
The Personal Bioblitz was launched in 2014 by Lena Struwe, director of the Chrysler Herbarium and professor of botany in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources, challenging participants to observe and report as many wild species as possible from everyday life using the global community science website and free app, iNaturalist. It was another record-breaking year […]
Cook Community Alumni Association Honors Alumni
On Sunday, April 30, with the spirit of Ag Field Day at Rutgers Day still permeating the George H. Cook campus, the Cook Community Alumni Association (CCAA) held its annual Distinguished Alumni Awards luncheon at Neilson Dining Hall. Alumni, students, faculty, staff and their guests joined past honorees to induct the 2023 class into the […]
Frederick Tyson CC’77, GSNB’83 – Acclaimed Scientist, Educator and Mentor
Editor’s note: Frederick Tyson was honored in 2022 by the Cook Community Alumni Association with the Dennis M. Fenton Distinguished Graduate Alumni Award, the highest honor presented by the association to advanced degree alumni who have “demonstrated and significant impact in their field of study.” This story first appeared on the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance […]
Chi Modu (CC’89): Life through a Lyrical Lens
Editor’s Note: Chi Modu CC’89, a hip-hop photographer known for his iconic images of rappers such as Tupac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G., and Snoop Dogg, died on May 19, 2021 in Summit, New Jersey. He was 54. This article about his life originally appeared on the Rutgers University Alumni Association webpage. Born in Nigeria in […]
Jill Lipoti (CC’77, GSNB’85): Key Role in the Development of Academic Minor in Sustainability
At a transformative period at the school tied to the theme of sustainability, Jill Lipoti (CC’77, GSNB’85 – Ph.D. in environmental science) was in the proverbial right place at the right time. She played a crucial role in the development and implementation of a new academic Minor in Sustainability. Because of her work experience and her […]
2023 SEBS Convocation Remarks by Class Representative Genaye Deal
Editor’s Note: Genaye Deal, 2023 SEBS Class Representative, is an Animal Science major, with a minor in Jewish Studies. Hello, Class of 2023! I’m an animal science graduate, and a transfer student. While many may not know me as I joined you all later in your college journey, I know that everything happens for a […]
