Nearly 100 retired faculty and guests of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and Rutgers Cooperative Extension gathered December 3 for their annual fun-filled reunion at the Retired Faculty Luncheon.

In addition to Rutgers Dining Services' legendary buffet and a lovely musical interlude presented by retired faculty member Lou Iozzi and his wife Fran DePalma Iozzi, attendees received an update by Executive Dean Bob Goodman on two important celebrations that will take place in 2014: the 150th anniversary of the School's designation as the land-grant institution for the State of New Jersey and the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Smith-Lever Act, which established Cooperative Extension. Details connected with these milestones will be posted on our various websites in the weeks ahead. Photos from the luncheon will be posted on the Discovery website's "Event Highlights" page.

Beginning this month, the Office of Community Engagement becomes the Office of Alumni and Community Engagement, emphasizing the connection between the School and the tens of thousands of alumni and friends who take pride in the work we do and the impact it has on the quality of life in New Jersey and beyond. This move prompts a makeover for the Discovery website. Please take a moment to visit it.

New features include rotating images on the homepage, mostly featuring alumni who have shared their stories with the Office of Alumni and Community Engagement; a message from the Executive Dean that will be updated periodically; features on new programs and buildings that are "On the Drawing Board;" profiles of "Gifts With Impact;" easy links to news, publications, past Discovery newsletters, upcoming events, and the website of the Rutgers University Alumni Association; and much more.

Comments on the new website? Send them to the director of the Office of Alumni and Community Engagement at orban@aesop.rutgers.edu.

More Alumni Stories: Brevoort Conover (Ag '52)

A proud alum, who also is a retired faculty member, recently shared his "story" with the Office of Alumni and Community Engagement in a memoir he called, "RU Through and Through." This is part of the Office's campaign to feature 150 alumni stories in honor of the 150th anniversary of the School.

As a young boy growing up on a farm in rural Hunterdon County, his first introduction to Rutgers was when he attended farm meetings with his grandfather and saw the scope and influence of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. He became very involved with the county 4-H program and after coming to Rutgers continued his involvement through Collegiate 4-H, becoming president of the organization his senior year. After graduating from Rutgers in 1952 and after some experience "in the field," he got word of an opening as a 4-H Agent in Warren County. His long career and service led to his election to the National 4-H Hall of Fame, a considerable honor for a very deserving individual. His story - in his own words - is posted in the Newsroom.

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December 7, 2013 - Rutgers Gardens Winter Tour, hosted by Bruce Crawford

December 24, 2013 - Winter Break Begins for Students

January 18, 2014 - Rutgers Gardens Winter Tour, featuring Hollies

January 21, 2014 - Spring Semester Begins

February 3, 2014 - Karl Maramorosch Seminar