Alpha Zeta is the Co-ed, honors and service fraternity of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.  The Cook Chapter of Alpha Zeta was founded in 1922 and since then, has initiated and recognized students for their excellence in academics, service, leadership, character, and interest in agriculture and the sciences.
The Alpha Zeta Teacher of the Year Award is awarded to a SEBS Faculty Member nominated and voted on by the brotherhood of Alpha Zeta.  Nominations and selection is based on the faculty member who exhibits qualities synonymous to the ideals of the fraternity including leadership, character and service.

In honor of the late Dr. Barbara Munson Goff, former head of the Cook Honors Program and Alpha Zeta alumnus, the brothers of AZ have decided to add her name to the title of the annual Teacher of the Year Award. In memory of her hard work, dedication, enthusiasm for education and in tribute to her love of life, the environment and her students, AZ is proud to honor Dr. Goff in this way. By adding to the award title, she will be remembered along with each successive faculty member who possesses the same qualities of the honorable educator the award is named for. Ironically, Dr. Goff was the winner of the Teacher of the Year Award for the second time the year she passed away.

Reflections about Dr. Barbara Munson Goff from her husband, Dr. Fred Goff:

In her entry for the 1991 Wellesley Class Reunion book, Barbara wrote about receiving the Alpha Zeta Teacher of the Year Award the previous year: "I received one of the first 'academic excellence' awards from the college (for undergraduate advising) last year and, far more personally gratifying because it came from the students, was named Professor of the Year." Barbara always cared about the students, and her closest friends at Cook were those teachers and administrators who also cared.

She would be happy and proud to know that the students of Alpha Zeta were honoring her in this way.

Thank you for remembering her.

Dr. Barbara Munson Goff Teacher of the Year Award

“For over thirty years, Dr. Bruce Hamilton, also known simply as “Doc” around campus, has been a shining example of the ideals exemplified by The Fraternity of Alpha Zeta as well as an outstanding member of the Rutgers community.  There is not a Landscape Architect or Horticulturist in New Jersey who does not know his name or some of his work.  Through his time spent at Rutgers, he has not only educated numerous undergraduate and graduate students in his landscape plant courses or his Jr./Sr. colloquium trip to the Yucatan, but he has also devoted countless hours to the survival of one of Rutgers most valuable assets: Rutgers Gardens.  His leadership in education, devotion to service, and sound character has made him a worthy candidate for this award.  The Fraternity of Alpha Zeta is honored to present the 2007/2008 Teacher of the Year Award to one of its own, Dr. Bruce Hamilton.”
- by Matthew Meo, Class of 2009, Landscape Architecture, Alpha Zeta Brother since Fall 2007

Student of the Year

The Student of the Year Award is awarded to the Cook College/SEBS student of each class year who embodies the ideals of the Fraternity of Alpha Zeta in addition to their commitment to excellence in academics.  Each winner of the award is being recognized by Alpha Zeta for being an exemplary student leader, having an admirable character, and for positively contributing to the Cook, Rutgers, and greater New Brunswick community.

Freshman of the Year – Jillian M. Boden
Jillian Boden is a Genetics Major with a Pre-Med option looking into a career in cancer research.  She is an SEBS General Honors Program student and a member of many honors societies and cancer interest groups.  During and after high school, Jillian was involved in leading her fellow classmates in the fight against cancer through her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society.  She continues to volunteer her time today as the Chairperson and Mission Delivery Chair of the Rutgers Relay for Life Committee and as the Chairperson of the ACS PA Division Youth Task Force.  Jillian also enjoys soft-ball and music in her spare time.

Sophomore of the Year – Stacey Chung
Stacey Chung is a Biotechnology Major with a focus on Pre-Medicine, with plans to go to Medical School and be a pediatrician.  She has received certification in First Aid by the American Red Cross and CPR by the American Heart Association.  On her spare time, she volunteers at the Child Life Department at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital and is also the President of the Kendo Club at Rutgers University.  Whenever she gets the chance, Stacey likes to express her creativity through her art.

Junior of the Year – Kathryn E. Barry
Kathyrn Barry is majoring in Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior with plans to save the world from environmental neglect.  This past summer she has worked in Washington D.C with Save America’s Forest, an NGO devoted to the protection of the nation’s forests.  One of her major accomplishments with her work at Washington includes the passing of an environmental bill she lobbied for.  This year, Kathryn continues to promote environmental awareness and practices through her research for the use of greener products with the Rutgers University Purchasing Department.  She is currently writing a University-wide policy on Socially and Environmentally Responsible Corporate Purchasing.  In her spare time, Kathryn is also a member of Students for Environmental Awareness, the Outreach Committee Chair of Alpha Zeta, and the editor-in-chief of Cook Campus’s Green Print Newspaper.

Senior of the Year – Mahmoud Michael Esmail
Michael Esmail is an Animal Science Major, Biochemistry Minor with plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school for a career in animal research with a veterinarian background.  Michael has filled his years at Cook College with research and experience with large and laboratory animals.  He is currently wrapping up research on fetal alcohol syndrome and the reproductive biology of rats.  In addition to his laboratory work and research, Michael is an active and exemplary member of the Cook Campus and Rutgers community, working as a Resident Advisor for three years and taking leadership roles with the Class of 2008 council, Residence Hall Association, Leadership Development Program, Relay for Life Committee, and the Pilot Me Youth Mentoring Program.  This past year, Michael has played a vital role as the coordinator of Pilot Me and in molding the program into a new Rutgers organization.

To see past winners, read more here >>