Participants in the 35th Annual Rutgers Turfgrass Symposium included research associate Stephanie Rossi; graduate student Mark Labarge; invited speaker Susana Milla-Lewis, professor of turfgrass breeding and genetics at North Carolina State University; and Distinguished Professor Bingru Huang, who also served as moderator of one of the sessions. Photo credit: Shaun Barry

The Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science hosted its 35th Annual Turfgrass Symposium on March 19, bringing together faculty, staff, students, researchers and industry leaders for a day of collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Held at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, the symposium highlighted the breadth of turfgrass research underway across the university while reinforcing Rutgers’ leadership in advancing sustainable turf systems.

Rutgers post-doc associate Juan Gonzalez, keynote speaker Eric Watkins, and Stacy Bonos, associate director of the center and a moderator of one of the sessions. Photo credit: Shaun Barry

Josh Kohut, dean and director of research at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, welcomed attendees and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing emerging environmental and industry challenges.

The keynote address was delivered by Rutgers alumnus Eric Watkins, professor in the Department of Horticulture and Vice Provost for Distributed Learning at the University of Minnesota. His presentation, “Investigating New Strategies for Turfgrass Survival in a Changing Winter Climate,” explored how innovative tools are being used to better understand and mitigate the unpredictable effects of winter stress on turfgrass systems.

According to James Murphy, director of the Center for Turfgrass Science, the symposium also featured a distinguished group of invited speakers. Susana Milla-Lewis of North Carolina State University presented insights from 14 years of collaborative warm-season turfgrass breeding. Lisa Bern of Syngenta reflected on 25 years of innovation in plant protection, while James Brosnan of the University of Tennessee addressed evolving strategies for managing Poa annua, a persistent challenge in turfgrass systems.

The symposium also showcased research from Rutgers faculty, postdoctoral associates and graduate students. Stephanie Rossi discussed early detection of heat and drought in creeping bentgrass. Mark Labarge presented results from his research on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass fairway turf. Juan Gonzalez presented his research on high-volume turfgrass monitoring using drones. Ryan Earp described his experience at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort during the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Leandro Lopes da Silva discussed his research on SDHI fungicide resistance in Clarireedia jacksonii (the dollar spot pathogen). Matthew Brown presented research on the interactions among entomopathogenic nematodes, fungicides, silicon and plant hosts. Katie Diehl Tuck described the effects of plant growth regulators on goosegrass and cool season turfgrass.

Invited speaker James Brosnan, professor in the Plant Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee; Matt Brown, post-doc associate, Department of Entomology; Matt Elmore, associate extension specialist, Department of Plant Biology, who served as moderator at one of the sessions, and Katie Diehl Tuck, Department of Plant Biology. Photo credit: Shaun Barry

Graduate student excellence was a central highlight of the event. Three students were recognized for award-winning presentations at the Crop Science Society of America Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. Ryan Earp earned first place in the Turfgrass Breeding, Genomics, Physiology and Molecular Biology poster session, while Devan Gladden received second place in Turfgrass Water Conservation, and Emmanuel Nwachukwu placed third in Golf Turf Management and Remote Sensing.

Earp was also recognized as the fourth recipient of the Sean S. Pattwell Graduate Student Internship, an experiential learning opportunity established through the generosity of Sean Pattwell in 2022. The program supports graduate training through immersive industry experiences; Earp recently completed a three-week internship at the renowned Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.

The success of the symposium was made possible through the efforts of the planning committee, chaired by Bingru Huang and including Jim Murphy, Stacy Bonos, Ning Zhang and Ming-Yi Chou. Barbara Fitzgerald and Kelly Esposito served as co-editors of the symposium proceedings. Technical support for livestreaming and event production was provided by Bernard Ward, Phil Wisneski and Brad Park.

“The center is grateful for the wonderful partnership with the turfgrass industry in New Jersey and beyond, which enables us to delve into these exciting topics in turfgrass science,” Murphy said.

As the symposium marks its 35th year, it continues to serve as a vital platform for advancing research, fostering collaboration and preparing the next generation of turfgrass scientists—further strengthening Rutgers’ impact on agriculture, environmental sustainability and the green industry.

Alumnus and veterinarian Adam Christman, CC’00, and 2026 SEBS Convocation speaker.

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) at Rutgers University has announced that Adam Christman, Cook College Class of 2000, will return to campus as the 2026 Convocation Speaker—bringing with him not only a distinguished veterinary career, but a vibrant, media-savvy voice that resonates with millions.

Christman will address more than 750 graduating seniors, along with their families and guests, at SEBS Convocation on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. on the George H. Cook Campus, overlooking the iconic Passion Puddle.

A proud Rutgers alumnus, Christman earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science, with a minor in Spanish. He went on to receive his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and an MBA from Aspen University.

Today, he serves as Chief Veterinary Officer for dvm360—an MJH Life Sciences® company—where he oversees content strategy and development and serves as the brand’s voice and personality across its multimedia platforms. Known for his charisma and relatability, Christman brings wit, humor and authenticity to animal health care through a wide range of channels, including hosting dvm360 Live!, The Vet Blast Podcast, continuing education webinars and live media broadcasts.

Christman has two decades of experience in private practice and shelter medicine, and pairs hands-on clinical expertise with a deep commitment to advancing the veterinary profession. He currently serves as a member and treasurer of the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, reinforcing his leadership within the field.

A national thought leader, Christman is widely recognized for his work in practice management, social media and rehabilitation. He is also coauthor of Honey, Have You Squeezed the Dachshund? A Pet Owner’s Guide for Owners Who Are Terrified of IVDD, a compassionate and practical resource for pet owners navigating canine disabilities. His insights have been featured in numerous publications and across major media platforms, including a recent live appearance on Good Morning America on April 11, as well as segments on Fox Weather and Elvis Duran and the Morning Show.

Beyond his professional achievements, Christman has built a powerful digital presence as an advocate for animal health care. With more than 800,000 followers on TikTok and over 50,000 on Instagram, he actively engages pet parents and veterinary professionals alike—translating science into accessible, engaging and often joyful content. His ability to connect across platforms makes him especially relevant to today’s graduates, who are navigating careers in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Christman’s impact has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2025 AVMA Media Award, the 2024 VMX Speaker of the Year Award, the 2024 Bright Minds Veterinary Influencer of the Year, and the William Switzer Award.

Known for his belief in “laughing and dancing while learning,” Christman represents a new generation of scientific leaders, combining expertise with authenticity and purpose with personality. His return to Cook Campus is both a celebration of his accomplishments and a powerful example of where a SEBS education can lead.

For the SEBS Class of 2026, his message is expected to inspire not just professional ambition, but meaningful connection, and reminding graduates that impact is measured not only by what you know, but also by how you share it.

For more information about the 2026 SEBS Convocation ceremony, visit: https://sebs.rutgers.edu/graduation.

Michael Silva, CC’96.

For Michael Silva CC’96, innovation didn’t begin in a boardroom. It started in a driveway.

An environmental sciences major at Rutgers Cook College—now the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences—Silva never imagined he would one day pitch a patented backyard football game on national television. Yet in October, he stepped through the iconic doors of Shark Tank Season 17 to present PlayQB54, the portable football-inspired game he and his brother first invented as children.

Silva transferred to Cook College after his freshman year at the University of Tampa. What followed, he says, were three of the best years of his life. Cook wasn’t just an academic home; it was a proving ground.

He met his wife, Janet, also a Cook graduate, during his second year. They began dating around New Year’s 1995 and married in 2001. More than three decades later, their partnership remains central to both family and business. Cook College also introduced him to lifelong friends, fierce intramural competition and a deep sense of community.

Although he did not major in business, Rutgers prepared him in essential ways. The independence, problem-solving skills and confidence he developed there helped to launch his 30-year career with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). At OSHA, he advanced early and built a stable professional foundation, traits that would later prove just as valuable in entrepreneurship.

“Cook was like camp with books,” Silva recalls. “All your friends in one place, just enough responsibility to grow up, but not enough to know how good you had it.”

Michael Silva with his patented invention, PlayQB54.

The Backyard Experiment That Became a Patented Game

The genesis of PlayQB54 traces back to the early 1980s. Silva and his brother wanted to figure out how to play football with just two people. Improvising, they tossed a ball into a garbage can for touchdowns and kicked extra points through the CB antennas mounted on their father’s pickup truck.

They didn’t revisit the idea until 2015, when inspiration struck again. This time, they transformed the concept into a portable game built around a chair, officially bringing QB54 to market in 2016. Since then, the company has generated more than $9 million in total sales and sold more than 60,000 units. The game is now carried in Dick’s Sporting Goods stores nationwide, another milestone Silva once considered unimaginable.

For him, selling the first game was a defining moment. Creating something from nothing and having someone purchase it, validated years of belief and effort. Seeing QB54 “in the wild,” whether at tailgates or on social media feeds, continues to provide that same sense of accomplishment.

Although his brother is no longer involved in the company, Silva has kept the business growing, fueled by consistent grassroots marketing and a strong digital presence.

The Shark Tank Moment

Silva’s business education, he says, came not from formal training but from watching Shark Tank for 17 seasons, often viewing episodes multiple times to study strategy and pitch delivery.

Then came his opportunity to step onto the set.

Walking through the doors was surreal. The staged fish tanks. The wood floor. The five chairs where the Sharks would soon sit. Two minutes before filming, panic set in. Months of preparation—his memorized pitch, assembly steps, anticipated answers—vanished from his mind.

“When the producers said ‘Go,’ it all came rushing back,” Silva says. “All the weeks, months, and years of preparing led to that moment.”

At left, Michael Strahan, NFL Hall of Famer, played QB54 on national television with Michael Silva center, and Robert Herjavic of Shark Tank, at right.

He delivered the pitch, answered every financial question confidently and demonstrated the game on air alongside NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, who played QB54 on national television. For Silva, seeing a Super Bowl champion engage with a game he created as a child was extraordinary.

While he did not secure a deal, the outcome proved meaningful in other ways. The national exposure from airing, followed by additional replays, generated significant attention and growth. Though initially disappointed, Silva ultimately embraced the experience and applied the advice he received.

“It was everything I expected and more,” he reflects. “And I’m incredibly happy with the outcome.”

A Family Business and What’s Next

Today, PlayQB54 is a true family enterprise. Janet supports the business, and their two children are learning firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up.

Silva hopes to expand retail distribution across the country and internationally. Orders are already coming from Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, an outcome he never imagined when the idea first took shape decades ago. He also has plans to expand into additional sports-inspired products, pending the capital and resources to execute those ideas.

Through it all, values like community, resilience, competition, and pride that he traces back to Cook, remain central.

“Cook holds a very special place in my heart,” he says. “Those were golden years. If you went there, you know exactly what I mean.”

From a garbage can in a driveway to national television, Silva’s journey reflects a distinctly Rutgers story of creativity rooted in childhood, strengthened by education and perseverance, sustained by family.

Rutgers alumnus Brian Sheafer CC’02

When Brian Sheafer earned his bachelor’s degree in business economics from Rutgers Cook College in 2002, he set out on a path that combined analytical thinking with a strong commitment to service. That focus has shaped a career dedicated to strengthening communities through the YMCA for more than two decades.

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges recently announced Sheafer’s promotion to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2027. In this role, he helps to guide operations and long-term strategy for the nonprofit, which serves families and communities across Bergen, Essex, and Sussex counties.

Sheafer joined the Metro YMCA of the Oranges in 2016 and has since played a key role in the organization’s growth and impact. He established and chaired Metro Y’s first Safety & Risk Committee. His leadership has helped embed safety as a core organizational priority, expand access to mental health services, and modernize YMCA facilities throughout the region. In addition, he launched Metro Y’s first Mental Health Department in response to growing community need for behavioral health support.

Brian Sheafer with YMCA mascot Dill P. Gherkin at the grand opening of the Sussex County YMCA Pickleball Center, marking the expansion of healthy living amenities for the community.

Under Sheafer’s guidance, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges earned Praesidium Accreditation, the gold standard in child abuse prevention and youth safety practices. Held by only a select group of organizations, the accreditation serves as a benchmark for youth-serving organizations across New Jersey.

His work has also supported more than $53 million in capital projects and helped lay the groundwork for a new, state-of-the-art West Essex YMCA, scheduled to open in late 2026.

Sheafer’s YMCA journey began just one year after graduating from Rutgers. In 2003, he started his career at the Summit Area YMCA and the YMCA of Rahway in New Jersey, building a foundation in youth development, wellness, and community programming. He went on to hold leadership roles across the YMCA network, including serving as Vice President of Youth Development at the YMCA of South Florida and Assistant Vice President at The Learning Experience World Headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, before returning to New Jersey to join the Metro Y.

Sheafer shared about his undergraduate experience at then Cook College, now the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

Why Rutgers?
I had my mind set on attending Rutgers University from a very young age. I still remember being in elementary school and attending an event where the football coach spoke. I can’t point to exactly what he said, but I remember it made me feel excited, curious, and convinced that Rutgers was where I wanted to be. That early spark stayed with me, and years later, walking onto campus felt like the start of something I had been working toward for a long time.

How has your college experience shaped your career?
One of the most meaningful experiences I had was a business and marketing internship with the New Jersey Devils when they were based at the Meadowlands. That experience gave me my first real look at professionalism and accountability in action. I learned what it means to show up prepared, take ownership of your work, and understand how individual effort contributes to a much bigger mission.

Can you recall a favorite Cook memory or a particularly impactful class at Cook?

What I appreciated most about Rutgers was how hands-on the learning was. Whether I was working on the farm, in a science lab, or applying concepts in real-world settings, those experiences made learning feel real and lasting. Environmental Design Analysis, in particular, gave me a deep appreciation for the environment and sustainability. Today, I carry those lessons with me as I help design YMCA community centers and resident camps — spaces meant to serve people while respecting the world around them.

How has Rutgers shaped you as an individual and your career?
Looking back, Rutgers taught me that leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about responsibility. Balancing academics, work, and involvement forced me to develop discipline and time management, but it also taught me the importance of people. I learned that organizations succeed when people feel seen, supported, and valued. Rutgers exposed me to different perspectives and real-world challenges, and it prepared me not just for a career, but for a life centered on service, community, and impact.

For Rutgers alumni, Sheafer’s story is a reminder of how a Rutgers education can serve as a foundation for purpose-driven leadership. As he steps into his new role, he continues to exemplify the values of service, collaboration, and impact that connect Rutgers graduates to communities across New Jersey and beyond.

James F. Dougherty. Photo: courtesy of Rutgers-New Brunswick Honors College website.

The Class of 2026 inductees into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni have excelled in a varied range of fields—obstetrics and gynecology, addiction prevention and treatment, veterinary medicine, football and entrepreneurship, and government and insurance industry leadership—but they all share a uniquely Scarlet bond: A significant, unwavering devotion to supporting the university where they began their journeys.

James F. Dougherty RC’74, GSNB’75 is one of five outstanding graduates selected by the Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) Board of Directors and will be inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni at a ceremony in April.

Dougherty earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at Rutgers College and a master’s degree in animal science at Rutgers–New Brunswick. He is a retired veterinarian who has generously supported the university. Cofounder of Metropolitan Veterinary Associates in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he was awarded the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served on many Rutgers committees and is vice chair of the Board of Governors.

Introduced in 1987, the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni’s first class of inductees included Paul Robeson and two Nobel Prize winners—economist Milton Friedman and scientist Selman Waksman. Since then, more than 250 alumni have been inducted, including five former New Jersey governors, Emmy Award-winning actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Carli Lloyd, a professional soccer star who led the U.S. team to two Olympic gold medals. 

The 2026 awardees also include Eric LeGrand SAS’14, James H. Rhodes CCAS’94, Creighton Drury RC’92, and Gloria A. Bachmann NCAS’70, RWJMS’72.

Read more at the full article which first appeared on the Rutgers University Foundation website.

Attendees of the Rutgers Food Science Alumni Committee and the Food Science Undergraduate and Graduate student clubs’ annual Alumni & Student Speed Networking and Awards Ceremony.

On October 21, the Rutgers Food Science Alumni Committee and the Food Science Undergraduate and Graduate student clubs held their annual Alumni & Student Speed Networking and Awards Ceremony. The event took place at the NJ Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health on the George H. Cook campus.

Nearly 50 attendees, including more than a dozen alumni, gathered for dinner in the atrium, where they acquainted themselves with each other. After a few remarks from the alumni committee, representatives of the student clubs and the Department of Food Science, the professional alumni introduced themselves and shared the paths they took to their current careers. This helped the students formulate their questions and gravitate to certain alumni during the speed networking sessions over the course of the next hour. In each rotation, the alumni provided students with invaluable industry knowledge and career insight to help guide them along their burgeoning career paths.

Food Science alumnus Hank Izzo (at left) and former Food Science professor Rick Ludescher (second from left) interact with student attendees.

Chris Wippich (SEBS’26), president of the Food Science Undergraduate Student Club, found the experience valuable. “I participate to connect with alumni, students, and faculty. I greatly enjoy being able to expand my network and learn more about food science and the industry from a variety of esteemed individuals.” 

After networking, the alumni committee presented awards to members of the community, recognizing their contributions to food science:

-Hank Izzo, Ph.D. (CC’89, GSNB’91, ‘93), Leadership Award, presented by Joe Panarisi M.S. (CC’89, GSNB’91)

-Kristine Lukasik, Ph.D. (DC’98, GSNB’04), Scientific Achievement Award, presented by former Food Science Professor Rick Ludescher

-M. Erhan Yildiz, Ph.D. (GSNB’03), Communication Award, presented by Marc Meyers, Ph.D. (GSNB’84, ‘85, ‘87)

-Joe Panarisi, M.S. (CC’89, GSNB’91), Special Recognition Award, presented by Laura Rokosz, Ph.D. (CC’84, GSNB’86, ‘92, ‘93)

-Marc Meyers, Ph.D. (GSNB’84, ‘85, ‘87), Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Akino Tomizawa (SEBS’21)

-Charley Wang, Student Award, presented by Trina Baptista (SEBS’23)

Food Science students and alumni will next have the chance to network at the New York Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Student Night on Cook campus on February 19, 2026.

The October event marked the end of Akino Tomizawa’s tenure as chair and the alumni committee and food science program extend their deepest appreciation for her dedicated service to the association and the department. Akino will be moving into a new role as chair of the Central New Jersey IFT chapter.

“We are sorry she is stepping down as chair, but glad she will remain involved with the committee and in leadership within the Central New Jersey subsection of IFT,” said Don Schaffner, chair of the Department of Food Science.

Akino regards her time as chair with gratitude. “Being a recent graduate (SEBS’21), I never could have imagined that 3 years later, I would be leading the Rutgers Food Science Alumni Committee as chair and planning the very events that had made such a large impact on me as an undergraduate, non-traditional/transfer student. I cannot recommend enough to both recent alumni, looking to gain valuable leadership skills, and industry veterans, looking for ways to reconnect with and give back to the community, serving in this role.”

Any SEBS/Cook/CAES/AG alum who is interested in networking or mentorship with students or alumni is invited to reach out to Brian McGonigle in the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at brian.mcgonigle@rutgers.edu.

Max Haggblom, chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, speaking on the history of beer at the Flounder Brewing Co.

On October 7, 2025, SEBS alumni gathered in the loft at Flounder Brewing Co., a brewery in Hillsborough, NJ, for an event called “Brewology: The Science Behind the Suds.” The brewery, a converted 18th century barn, is owned by Cook College alumnus, Jeremy Lees CC’99, Landscape Architecture.

Guests who participated in the event were treated to a light dinner of sandwiches and chips and received tickets for two free drinks to be used for any of the beers on the brewery menu.

Max Haggblom, chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, gave an enlightening and interactive talk about the history of beer and the process of fermentation from a scientific perspective. Lees also shared the background on his entry into the brewing business before giving guests a tour of the facilities and explaining the brewery process.

In addition to the unique ‘Brewology’ program, alumni really enjoyed connecting with each other over a few pilseners, ales, IPA’s and the like.

Lee was very happy to host the event at Flounder and to interact with fellow Rutgers alumni.

“Everyone who attended learned all about the brewing process from Prof. Haggblom, and to be able to show attendees the brewery where all of that happens is always a treat for us. Paired with delicious beer, it was a wonderful evening talking about brewing.”

Nicki Graf CC’77 at the Rutgers Floriculture Greenhouse on the George H. Cook campus.  

Perhaps as iconic to Cook Campus as Passion Puddle and the Rutgers Farm, the Floriculture Greenhouse with its towering smokestack has long been a joyful place for plant-minded people at Rutgers. One of the oldest buildings on Cook campus, the Floriculture Greenhouse originally served as a research station focusing on cut flower production and preservation while doubling as a dynamic classroom for the teaching of Horticulture coursework. As research initiatives changed, so did the role of the greenhouse, which now serves as a hub for student experiential learning, plant related instruction and Rutgers community wellness. 

 At the root of this evolution was Nicki Graf CC’77, who operated and oversaw the greenhouse from 1988 to 2025, an astounding 37 years. Nicki’s heart has been on the George H. Cook campus since studying here as a member of the first matriculating class of Cook College, and her efforts in supporting the educational capacity of the greenhouse have been unwavering. 

An annual keystone of Nicki’s efforts was growing a trial of poinsettias, which showcased new varieties of the holiday flower while giving students an opportunity to engage, hands-on, with the commercial production of plants.

 

Beyond growing plants and supporting plant-related coursework, Nicki was a champion for the student experience at Rutgers. She curated and maintained the botanical collection at Floriculture, an endeavor that gave students the opportunity to engage with hundreds of plants from around the world while honing their horticultural eye. Between the poinsettia project, caring for the collection and the development of a raised bed teaching garden behind the greenhouse, Nicki mentored dozens of students, many of whom satisfied their Experiential Learning requirement while working alongside her. Nicki furthered our students experiences by building connections with alumni and industry partners, such as EcoWalls, an alumni-founded living wall company whose prototype wall still exists in the foyer of the greenhouse, serving as a site for student experiential learning. 

Nicki Graf in her beloved second home, the Floriculture Greenhouse on the Cook campus.

She also empowered students to showcase their plant care efforts at events like the Philadelphia Flower Show, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society Show, and the North Jersey Orchid Society Show that meets on Cook Campus annually. The programs that Nicki started helped many students find their calling, including Lee Hazen SEBS ‘19, now a professional gardener.

“If I hadn’t worked at the Floriculture Greenhouse under Nicki I don’t know if I would’ve developed the confidence I needed to embark into the work of professional horticulture and end up proud of where I am today,” said Hazen. 

Above all, the programs and plants that Nicki created served as a vector for wellness. Under Nicki’s watch, the greenhouse became a place where students found community, felt safe and developed a sense of belonging. From welcoming people to explore and enjoy the botanical collection to always being a thoughtful listener, Nicki excelled in creating a comfortable environment for our community.

Jamie Lubov SEBS ’24, was one of Nicki’s students. “Working at the floriculture greenhouse with Nicki as my boss was a core part of my experience as a Rutgers student. This was not just a job for me, but a place where I was able to belong,” he said.  

Nicki’s talent for plants and people was well known to her colleagues.

“Nicki was a great greenhouse manager who provided critical support to Plant Science classes, but her true legacy is in the meaningful relationships she fostered, as a coworker, mentor, and friend, to those who worked with her,” said Donald Kobayashi, chair of the Department of Plant Biology. “She had a positive influence on many students; from guiding them into careers in horticulture to leading teams that won ribbons and awards at flower shows, Nicki shared her experience, knowledge, and a historical perspective that students couldn’t get from the classroom alone. She always made visiting the greenhouse enjoyable and worthwhile and will be missed,” he added. 

Jesse Deming SEBS ’27, former president of the Rutgers Undergraduate Students for Plant Sciences, echoes this sentiment.

“I am immensely grateful to have met Nicki while she was at Rutgers, and her work and dedication to the Floriculture Greenhouse was always awe-inspiring,” said Deming. “Going to the greenhouse always felt like walking into a space that was deeply cared for and loved.” 

We thank Nicki for her decades of dedication to the SEBS community, and for her enduring commitment to our students’ education and wellbeing.  

Abbey Isaac graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry in May 2025 and is now enrolled in the 4+1 Microbial Biology graduate program at Rutgers.

Transferring to Rutgers University from a New Jersey community college is a common and successful pathway for many students, aided by statewide articulation agreements that are designed to streamline the process. Abbey Isaac SEBS’25 has made that transition and feels she has a lot to offer other students contemplating that transfer journey.

Right out of Howell High School, Abbey always planned to first get an associate’s degree, then matriculate to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree. She was awarded a scholarship under NJ STARS—a state scholarship program that provides high-achieving high school graduates with a scholarship to cover tuition costs at any of the NJ’s 19 community colleges.

True to her goals, she earned an associate’s degree in biology and transferred from Brookdale Community College in May 2023 to Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences in fall 2023. Abbey graduated with an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry in May 2025 and is now enrolled in the 4+1 Microbial Biology graduate program.

Abbey brings a lot of energy to organizing and communicating information to help students transfer to Rutgers from community colleges across New Jersey.

She’s been purposeful in her efforts to help, often returning to Brookdale Community College, knowing that advice and assistance from someone who knows firsthand what it’s like to transfer from a New Jersey community college to Rutgers would benefit her peers.

L-R: Sharron Crane, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, and Abbey Isaac in front of Lipman Hall on the George H. Cook campus.

“I’ve gone back to my community college plenty of times to talk about my experiences transferring and completing my studies at Rutgers. I feel like having someone who’s done it provides relief to students, and allows them to begin to plan the steps of transferring for themselves.”

Her efforts have extended to collaborating with Sharron Crane, assistant teaching professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, to launch a program to assist transfer students in their transition to academic and college life at Rutgers–New Brunswick.

Aptly named “Transferring to SEBS?” Here’s what you need to know,” the program is designed to foster a network of support by providing incoming transfer students with information about transferring to SEBS, the NJ Statewide Transfer Agreement, and NJTRANSFER.org through a straight-to-the-point Zoom webinar. 

Held once a semester, community college students also get a chance to hear testimonials from current SEBS transfer students who share their transfer experience, including the ups and downs. Students are encouraged to drop questions in the chat and there’s an open Q&A immediately after the presentation.

“Many of our students transfer from community college and/or are first generation college students,” says Crane, whose interaction with students allows her to see firsthand some of the common challenges they face. “Navigating a large school like Rutgers can be intimidating and challenging. Students often have trouble choosing their courses when they first get here as well because they’re not always sure what the graduation requirements are.”

Gary Panetta is an assistant dean for transfer students in the SEBS Office of Academic Programs. “New transfers often cite time management as a challenge. There are so many clubs, organizations, classes, research opportunities, etc. for our students to explore that their time becomes a precious commodity. Balancing commuting, class, and extracurriculars takes a few weeks to figure out,” he says.

“In addition, Rutgers is an academically rigorous school, and students are quickly introduced to the expectations in a research institution’s classroom setting. Further, many students expect Rutgers to be like their last school and assume they can study or work the same way they used to in their previous institution. Things are different here and successful students often learn to approach class content, exams and projects in more methodical ways. Learning centers, tutoring and office hours are key to success!”

Once a transfer student herself, Abbey understands these challenges, explaining that “a majority of community college students upon matriculation don’t finish their bachelor’s degree in the expected timeframe of two years.”

“With “Transferring to SEBS?”, the idea is to help streamline the transferring process by spreading needed information to community college students so while they’re at their community college, they can ensure they are taking the proper courses to transfer,” she adds.

Panetta highlights a SEBS course called Academic Mentoring, which supports new students’ transition to college by engaging them in learning about the processes by which individuals learn in college and, ultimately, achieve academic success in a small class setting. “I teach a separate section of that course for new transfers only in which we connect transfer peers, facilitate adjustment to the Rutgers community, recognize school resources and academically integrate students into our broad network of distinguished faculty conducting top-tier research,” says Panetta.

For anyone exploring Rutgers SEBS specifically, Panetta suggests that “prospective transfers should research our majors, minors, courses and outcomes, then look to contact our transfer team or even undergrad program directors to ensure SEBS is good fit. We are happy to chat with prospective students and explain the transfer process. In addition, I highly recommend the RU New? Podcast where our office of Orientation and Transition Programs interview current students/staff regarding common Rutgers questions.”

Abbey Isaac in the laboratory at Edgebrook Animal Hospital. A part time vet, Abbey’s favorite spot at the animal hospital is the microscope.

Abbey was motivated to assist her community college peers because of her own challenges. She recalls the help she received as she herself adjusted to Rutgers and SEBS, leading to her collaboration with Crane to help other transfer students.

“Faculty and staff members do not get enough credit for their influence in providing a safe and welcoming space for students, especially faculty/staff at SEBS. One instructor in particular, Dr. Sharron Crane, truly had an important impact in my undergraduate experience at Rutgers,” says Abbey.

“During an advising meeting with Dr. Crane, I shared my experiences with some of my credits not transferring properly, as well as other problems with credits faced by my transfer student friends. This sparked a whole conversation where Sharron agreed—she validated my concerns by acknowledging the problem and empowered me to work with her to help fix it. This is the conversation that built “Transferring to SEBS.” 

Crane is truly inspired by Abbey’s passion for transfer outreach. “She spearheaded the mission to develop the “Transferring to SEBS?” information session initiative. This semester is our third information session, and Abbey has been instrumental, not only in deciding what information to share during the session, but also in fielding questions and sharing her story about what it’s really like to transfer to Rutgers.” 

As to what advice Abbey would offer to students transferring from community colleges to Rutgers-New Brunswick?

“Remember that you were good enough to get into Rutgers—so you’re more than good enough to get through the rough parts! And reiterating a million times that we often are our own worst critics.” 

From personal experience, Abbey adds that “I also really recommend talking to your professors—they’re people too, and are more than often ecstatic to help students understand the topics they talk about. Establishing yourself as a student to your professor helps benefit you in the long run, especially when asking for letters of recommendations or professional/academic/research advice.” 

And “most importantly—have fun! It goes by so quickly, so don’t be afraid to live in the moment. You can’t enjoy college if you spend every second studying! You need balance.”

Rutgers supporter and Scarlet Knight super fan Steve Jankoski CC’77 and his dogs, Vida, left, and Oriole in the basement of his New Hampshire home.

Steve Jankoski will never forget the extremely hot 1977 commencement ceremony in New Brunswick when he and his brother, Frank, were the first in their family to receive college degrees.

“I thought ‘Wow! I made it! I graduated from Rutgers University,’” says Jankoski, who studied agricultural economics at Cook College, while Frank studied chemical engineering and business. “It meant so much, not just to me, but to my family. The Jankoski boys both graduated from Rutgers that day and it was an immensely proud moment.”

Jankoski’s love for the university continues almost 50 years since his graduation and is expressed through his philanthropic support of Rutgers Athletics and his enthusiastic fanhood, which includes a vibrant collection of all things Rutgers.

“When I am gone, I hope the university will continue to support students with financial aid so they can succeed as we have,” says Jankoski, who retired six years ago after a career in education and in food sales. Frank owns an environmental company in New Jersey and gives to Rutgers.

“My brother and I lived the American dream,” Jankoski says. “We came from a humble background and were able to receive a college education and become successful because of scholarships and the generosity of others.”

Jankoski grew up in Linden, New Jersey, and attended Roselle Catholic High School. He says he wanted to go to college but could not afford it. When Rutgers offered him financial aid and a scholarship to study agricultural economics, he jumped at the opportunity.

Steve Jankoski’s 1977 Rutgers I.D.

“I got a free ride to Rutgers, and for that I am grateful,” he says. “After graduation, I always felt the responsibility to donate to Rutgers, and now that I have the means, I have funded an endowed scholarship and have included Rutgers in my will.”

As a student, he appreciated the diversity at Rutgers and his exposure to new things. “I went to a 100 percent male and predominantly white high school. When I went to Rutgers, I lived in a coed dorm and met people from different backgrounds. Rutgers exposed me to culture, including musical concerts and plays.”

Jankoski remembers Cook College professors as approachable and available. “The professors really cared about us, and they stressed being a good person, being a good citizen, being a good caretaker of the world . . . and it resonated with me and extended into my work in terms of being approachable, nonjudgmental, and thinking the best of people.”

Jankoski’s support for Rutgers today includes an endowed scholarship for football players. He also recently increased his commitment in his will, sharing that one day he hopes his cumulative giving to Rutgers will reach a million dollars.

“That’s been consistent, I just want to give back,” he says. “That is who I am as a person. I was fortunate to go to the university, try to make something of myself, and now I want to lead by example and give back to the university.”

Jankoski hopes this story “opens other people’s eyes who might feel the same way that I do. I support Rutgers University—that is really what I am all about.”

Jankoski supports every Rutgers team, particularly his beloved Scarlet Knights football team and the Rutgers women’s soccer team. From about 1994-2008, he was an active member of the Rutgers Touchdown Club, serving as club treasurer and secretary and has been a season ticket holder for 30 years.

His “Rutgers shrine” in his home displays a plethora of Rutgers collectibles, including a 3-foot-high Scarlet Knight and a Rutgers clock. “I took over the entire basement,” he says. 

He owns more than 50 Rutgers shirts, as well as Rutgers sweatshirts, pajamas, and flipflops and even wears his favorite Rutgers wide-brimmed hat when he goes trout fishing on the lake behind his house. His wife repurposes his old Rutgers clothing into decorative pillows. 

Jankoski repurposed his old New Jersey Rutgers license plates into a birdhouse.

His two retired Seeing Eye dogs, Vida, a golden retriever, and Oriole, a yellow labrador, sport Rutgers shirts for a big game and sleep in Rutgers dog beds. Jankoski and his wife Connie trained dogs for The Seeing Eye in Morristown for many years before moving to New Hampshire.

The birds near his home have even become Rutgers fans. Since Jankoski can no longer use his Rutgers New Jersey license plates in New Hampshire, he recycled them, building a backyard bird house.

A New Jersey native, he retired six years ago to New London, New Hampshire, where he renovated and converted his summer home into his retirement home. 

Looking back, he credits Rutgers for creating his career opportunities. He worked as a sales representative and manager for the General Foods Corporation until he was 39, when he was injured in a serious car accident and was unable to continue in sales. 

“Once again, I went back to Rutgers,” he says.

After earning his teaching certificate at Rutgers, he became a special education teacher at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, where he considered himself the top Rutgers fan. 

Not long after graduating from Rutgers, Jankoski met his wife Connie Andres, a Notre Dame graduate who worked as a chemist, on a blind date at a bowling alley. “I drove her home from the bowling alley, asked her out on a date for Saturday and the rest is history. We have been together 43 years.”

They have a daughter, Vickie, who now lives in Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband Kipp Mayne and son Corbin. As a Rutgers fan, Jankoski is outnumbered because his wife, daughter, and son-in-law all went to Notre Dame. He relished the Rutgers win over Notre Dame in basketball last November.

He looks back with happiness on Rutgers games with Vickie. “I have the fondest memories of taking my daughter to the games,” he says.

On Sept. 19, he plans to return to New Jersey to attend the Rutgers football game against Iowa and then enjoy his 70th birthday party at his favorite restaurant. The visit will give him the chance to warmheartedly recall past glories, including the football team’s 1976 undefeated season and their win against Colgate, the same year that the Rutgers basketball team made it to the NCAA Men’s Final Four. 

“I have all of these fond memories of sitting in the bleachers and supporting Rutgers as a student,” he says.

This article first appeared on the Rutgers University Foundation website.