The Rutgers University Alumni Association presents awards annually to recognize those alumni and other members of the university community who devote their time and talents to further the mission of the alumni association and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

2010 Award Recipients

William H. Bauer ENG’42, GSNB’47, ’50 & Barbara M. Bauer NJC’46
William and Barbara Bauer are devoted Rutgers fans, relentlessly advocating for student-athletes and traveling extensively in support of Rutgers’ myriad sports teams. They were instrumental in the creation of the world-class Bauer Training and Rehabilitation Center and the Bauer Track and Field Complex. William is a former president of the Rutgers Alumni Association, where his commitment earned him a Loyal Son of Rutgers award. Barbara’s leadership and insight led to her role on the Rutgers University Foundation Board of Overseers. With their shared, lifelong connection to the university, the Bauers embody the spirit of Rutgers.

Ken Schmidt RC’67
One of the university’s most loyal leaders, Ken has served Rutgers at the highest volunteer levels. He is a charter member and co-vice chair of the Rutgers Board of Trustees, a member of the President’s Executive Council, and also on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the School of Arts and Sciences and formerly for Rutgers College. Ken’s vision and leadership while serving as the Rutgers University Foundation Board of Overseers chair led to the creation of the Rutgers University Alumni Association and to the public launch of the largest fundraising campaign in university history. He continues to lend his vision and acumen to the Our Rutgers, Our Future campaign with his characteristic enthusiasm for his alma mater.

Linda Stamato DC’62, GSNB’77
Alumna Linda Stamato is the first recipient of the Richard P. McCormick Award for outstanding service to the alumni body, and she shows her devotion in countless ways. As a faculty member, she serves as co-director of the Rutgers Center for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution and teaches at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. As a dedicated and steadfast alumna, Linda was an influential participant on the President’s Task Force on Alumni Relations. Linda has served her alma mater with distinction as a former chair of the Board of Governors, and a member of the Board of Trustees, the University President Search Committee, and the President’s Task Force on Undergraduate Education. 

Maurita Bivans CCAS’66, GSE’84, ’93
As vice president of membership for the Rutgers University–Camden Alumni Association, Rita Bivans is known for her superior networking skills. Never shying away from a challenge, whether it be picking up the phone to recruit volunteers or partnering with admissions to recruit students, Rutgers–Camden and its alumni association are always foremost in Rita’s mind. She is a familiar face at every Reunion on the River event and continues to support research-based professional development opportunities that benefit students and alumni.

Dianne Clarke-Kudless GSAPP’96, ’98
Dianne Clarke-Kudless has been active in promoting alumni involvement since the moment she stepped foot on the Rutgers campus. Dianne was president of the Rutgers University Alumni Federation in 2007–08, and she was a member of the Task Force on Alumni Relations, which ultimately led to the creation of the Rutgers University Alumni Association. As a federation board member, she skillfully created a long-range plan and also served as communications chair. Dianne continues her involvement as an active member of the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Alumni Organization.

William Norville UCNB’98, SMLR’03
Under William Norville’s vision and leadership, the University College Rutgers–New Brunswick Alumni Association became a chartered organization of the RUAA. Today UCRNBAA has helped set the standard for best practices in pricing chartered-organization events, resulting in no additional cost to his organization. Under William’s tutelage, UCRNBAA rewrote its constitution and bylaws to complement the changes in the RUAA’s structure and technology.

Patricia Santelle CLAW’85
While serving as chancellor of the School of Law–Camden Alumni Association, Patricia Santelle championed a program to recognize former chancellors and alumni scholarship recipients, which has since been incorporated into the annual Nardi Alumni Service Awards. She later pioneered and co-chaired the association’s Diversity Committee. A thoughtful and dedicated mentor to many law students, Patricia also finds the time to recruit on campus and moderate a career panel at the annual Dean’s Law Day. 

Block R Award

Judith Caruso NUR’65, ’67, GSN’78
When the College of Nursing was looking to garner support for a new building in New Brunswick, Judith Caruso stepped in to chair the college’s Advancement Committee. A former member of the Rutgers Board of Trustees, Judith played a vital role in welcoming Dean William Holzemer to Rutgers, opening her own home for a reception in his honor that brought together distinguished nursing alumni to hear his vision for the college.

Charles "Chip" Churchill RC’59
Chip Churchill helped the Rutgers Club of Sarasota/Manatee (Florida) evolve into more than a social group. Under his leadership as president and vice president, the club received the William of Orange Award for service to Rutgers alumni and raised more than $46,000 toward its goal of $50,000 to endow an annual scholarship. An alumnus who always touts the value of a Rutgers degree, Chip also recruits local alumni to represent Rutgers at college fairs.

William Mead CCAS’79, GSC’88
Bill Mead was instrumental in forming the Veteran Alumni of Rutgers University group, which assists student veterans at Rutgers in securing a first-rate educational experience while achieving personal and professional excellence. Bill has devoted countless hours to the universitywide Veteran Mentoring Program as well as fundraising partnerships, and as a result of his efforts, the university’s veteran alumni population has become more visible and active on every campus.

Jennifer O’Neill DC’95, SCILS'95, '03
A former president of the Rutgers Club of San Francisco, Jennifer O’Neill led her club through an unprecedented period of growth. She used her marketing savvy to expand the club’s Facebook membership and created LinkedIn and Twitter networks. Jennifer also rallied club members through a diverse array of events, including Ag Field Day West, receptions with visiting faculty, a Mission Trail Mural Walk, and an outing to the NCAA Championship tournament.

Aldonna Skislak UCNB’83
For Allie Skislak, volunteering is a family affair. As a member of the Zimmerli Art Museum Volunteer Board and chair of the museum’s Mailing Committee, she recruited her husband, Andy, to facilitate the museum’s Adult Drawing Society, which doubled in participation thanks to the Skislaks’ tireless efforts. Allie gives countless additional hours to the Zimmerli, as a familiar face at the museum’s many community programs and by volunteering at Rutgers Day.

Jacob Alonzo UCNB’06
Active since his student days, Jacob Alonzo takes pride in his considerable efforts to involve University College and other non-traditional alumni with the RUAA. He works tirelessly to engage more alumni with the University College Rutgers–New Brunswick Alumni Association by maintaining an active presence on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and LinkedIn, underscoring his core commitment to keeping his fellow alumni connected and informed.

Fabiana Pierre-Louis RC’02, CLAW’06
School of Law–Camden Alumni Association Executive Board member Fabiana Pierre-Louis is passionate about involving young alumni in her organization. She is a leader of the law school’s Recent Graduate Council and a manager of the alumni organization’s Facebook page. Fabiana is also focused on recruiting minority alumni to the executive board, where they can help shape the direction of the alumni organization.

Tyler Richendollar CCAS’06
A Rutgers University–Camden Alumni Association board member since 2006, Tyler Richendollar is an enthusiastic worker and natural leader. He was elected vice president for public affairs in 2008 and is currently second vice president of RUCAA. He has held key roles on the Homecoming/Reunion and Student Engagement committees and was a founding member of the Honors College Alumni Association at Camden.

Jessie Hanna LC’07
Jessie Hanna founded the Sean Hanna Foundation in honor of his brother, Sean, who passed away from pediatric cancer. The nonprofit foundation now provides assistance to families and organizations battling cancer and is a lifeline of support for various institutions, namely Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Not stopping there, Jessie has also been active with Jessie’s Wish, The Blood Center of New Jersey, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and church groups.

Latino Alumni Association of Rutgers University
An ardent commitment to Rutgers students spurred the Latino Alumni Association of Rutgers University to launch a volunteer mentorship program to connect LAARU members with undergraduates who share career interests. The pilot program began last year in New Brunswick and will soon expand to Newark and Camden. By inspiring alumni to provide guidance to future generations, LAARU has created positive awareness and gained dedicated members who strive to serve their community.

Rutgers University Food Science Alumni Committee
With its “Reconnect with Rutgers Food Science” reception last April, the Rutgers University Food Science Alumni Committee provided an engagement opportunity for their graduates by beautifully showcasing faculty, student, and alumni accomplishments. Their multifaceted presentations illustrated how a food science education impacts the global community, as well as how Rutgers faculty are committed to teaching about both the technical and operational levels of food and nutrition.