Mysteries of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, December 9 to December 19, 2009
Explore places where pristine nature and local culture intertwine.
International BioExploration Society, in association with Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, offers small group educational tours designed for discriminating travelers eager to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations, explore remarkable natural wonders, and experience authentic cultures.
- All tours developed by Rutgers Faculty.
- Small group
- Expert tour leader
- Educational program
Cost per person, double occupancy: $2,930
Number of participants: 10
Duration: 11 days
Overnight stays: Comfortable cloud forest lodge and Quito city hotel
Itinerary: Quito- Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve – Mindo - Visits in the region – Otavalo – Quito
The cloud forests of Ecuador are a unique and fascinating ecosystem located at between about 800 meters to 2,500 meters elevation, on both slopes of the Andes. Our base on this exploration tour is the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, about 2 hours from Quito, in the northwest of Pichincha Province. The reserve and surrounding privately protected areas offer opportunities to learn about the flora and fauna of this special environment, in which the epiphytic flora is considered the most diverse on the planet. You will explore many trails within Bellavista Reserve, with hands- on discovery of the secondary and primary forest ecosystems. You will visit a butterfly farm and an orchid reserve, and meet local people involved in environmental education and other sustainable activities. There will be discussions of the flora and fauna to gain deep insight into the ecosystem, experiential activities integrated into the reserve explorations and field visits. You will also visit the indigenous market of Otavalo and the colonial center of Quito. You will have ample opportunities to photograph much of the wildlife.
The complete travel itinerary is available here: http://www.bioexploration.org/Tours/ecuador-cloud-forest-itinerary.html
Photo gallery: http://www.bioexploration.org/ibex-photo-gallery/Ecuador/index.html
International BioExploration Society is an exclusive, non-profit, global ecotourism and educational network that promotes ethical and sustainable exploration of unique regions of our planet through bioexploratory tours and related activities. Highly experienced and knowledgeable guides lead IBEX bioexploratory tours that expose participants to the amazing natural and cultural diversity of our planet. IBEX's goal is to make travel to new destinations a truly enjoyable, enriching, and friendly experience. The bioexploratory tour is much more than a site visit; it is a journey of discovery, adventure, and learning.
www.bioexploration.org
Bestselling author and Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni honoree Janet Evanovich DC'65 serves up a double dose of Stephanie Plum novels. The most recent release is Finger Lickin' Fifteen. Its recipe for disaster: "Celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head – literally." Coming out September 29 is Between the Plums, a special edition hardcover containing three "between-the-numbers" Stephanie Plum books. Read more about Janet Evanovich and other Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni honorees here.
Rutgers Homecoming season is upon us! Mark your calendars for September 23–26 in Newark, October 9–11 in New Brunswick, and October 10 in Camden. For complete details, visit Ralumni.com/homecoming.
Read on for highlights of the fun in store at Rutgers Homecoming in New Brunswick, October 9–11. Last month we featured Rutgers–Newark Homecoming, and now you can also read more about Rutgers–Camden Homecoming festivities. All Rutgers alumni from across the university are welcome at any Homecoming events, regardless of what school or college you graduated from. We’re all part of the RUAA!
So, what's happening at Rutgers Homecoming in New Brunswick? Find out now...
There’s No Place Like Homecoming
By Lori Varga RC'04, SCILS'04
Come one, come all! Come back to campus for Rutgers Homecoming 2009 in New Brunswick, October 9–11!
Open to all Rutgers alumni universitywide, this year’s Homecoming festivities are bigger and better than ever. “There’s No Place Like Homecoming” activities are scheduled all weekend long, starting with the Homecoming Golf Tournament on Friday through the Run for RAH 5K Charity Race on Sunday. What’s happening in between? Visit Ralumni.com/homecoming2009 for a complete schedule, and read on below for a few highlights!
FRIDAY, October 9
Ralumni.com/homecoming2009
After a day of golf, admissions tours, or panel discussions, head to Buccleuch Park in New Brunswick (near. St. Peter’s University Hospital) for the Kickoff Festival and Pep Rally from 3 to 9 p.m. Open to all Rutgers alumni, fans, and community members, the festival features family-friendly fun: free carnival-style games and inflatable amusements; prizes; contests; food vendors; live music by Bitter X; and special appearances by the Rutgers football team, Coach Schiano, and other student groups. The park will be alive with scarlet pride!
As if these activities aren’t entertaining enough, gather at the festival for Rutgers Homecoming Idol, where six contestants will sing their hearts out before a panel of judges, and one will go home crowned the winner. Vote now on who you want to perform at the festival!
And don’t miss the spectacular fireworks display at dusk followed by the Disney movie Up, shown on a jumbo outdoor screen in the park. Or if you’d prefer to sample the New Brunswick scene, register for the Young Alumni Beer Tasting and Dinner at Harvest Moon Brewery on George Street.
SATURDAY, October 10
Ralumni.com/homecoming2009
Early risers can enjoy a historical walking tour on College Avenue, then everyone should head to Scarlet Square on Busch Campus in Piscataway to get ready for Rutgers vs. Texas Southern football—get your tickets to the game (buy one, get one free) while supplies last!
Get involved in the action and sign up for Scarlet Square contests: Gridiron Chef burger cook-off, Wing Bowl 2009 eating competition, and the Crazy Scarlet Knight Fan challenge. Contestants are needed, so register your recipes, appetite, and spirit today! And as if it needs to be said: Go RU! Beat the Tigers!
SUNDAY, October 11
Ralumni.com/homecoming2009
Now it’s time to give back. Make a difference in the lives of many New Jersey families who are struggling to put food on the table in these tough economic times. The Homecoming Run for RAH 5K Charity Race supports Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH). So lace up your sneakers and register today! Not a runner? Come out to cheer on participants and donate non-perishable food items. Learn more about Rutgers Against Hunger at RAH.rutgers.edu.
Rutgers Homecoming season is upon us! Mark your calendars for September 23–26 in Newark, October 9–11 in New Brunswick, and October 10 in Camden. For complete details, visit Ralumni.com/homecoming.
Read on for highlights of the fun in store at Rutgers–Camden Homecoming on October 10. Last month we featured Rutgers–Newark Homecoming, and now you can also read more about Rutgers Homecoming in New Brunswick. All Rutgers alumni from across the university are welcome at any Homecoming events, regardless of what school or college you graduated from. We’re all part of the RUAA!
Now on to a few things to look forward to in Camden on October 10...
Rutgers–Camden Homecoming: Back to the Banks
By Ashley Strain LC’10, SCILS’10
Once again, the time has come for Rutgers alumni to return to their alma mater and reconnect with that ol’ scarlet pride. Come “Back to the Banks” for Rutgers–Camden Homecoming 2009, a day that promises to be full of family fun and Raptor reminiscence! Bring your family and friends to the Homecoming celebration, taking place from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, at the Rutgers–Camden Community Park fields.
Visit Ralumni.com/CamdenHomecoming2009 for complete details! See photos from last year’s Homecoming events.
Catch up with fellow alumni over food and drinks at the always popular Alumni VIP Tents. Visit “Alumna Madam Zelda” for an intriguing palm reading. Sign up to score Rutgers memorabilia in the prize booth. All Homecoming visitors will take home Rutgers souvenirs, but a few lucky ones will be chosen to enter the “Twister Money Machine” for a chance to win great prizes, including two weekends at the Jersey Shore!
Pre-register (free!) for the Alumni VIP Tents and other Rutgers–Camden Homecoming activities.
“Bring your kids!” says Chuck Mannella CCAS’70, director of alumni relations in Camden. This year’s Kids’ Zone is better than ever and will feature carnival games, caricatures, face painting, and everyone’s favorite—pony rides! Rutgers–Camden Homecoming is truly a fun-for-all-ages family affair.
Pre-register (free!) for pony rides and other Rutgers–Camden Homecoming activities.
Danielle Lewis Thompson GSC’04 never misses Homecoming. “I love Rutgers Homecoming!” she says with pride. “I love that I can bring my daughter—she loves the moon bounce and the soccer games.” (Women’s Soccer vs. Penn State–Abington at 12:30 p.m. and Men’s Soccer vs. Montclair State at 3 p.m.)
Be sure to hop on the Alumni Die Hard Shuttle Tour to check out what’s new on the Camden Campus as well as the Delaware River waterfront. Learn about Camden’s role in making history. According to Mannella, “The first record was produced at the RCA Victor building. Without that record there would be no MTV today!” The tour will also mention little-known fun facts about Camden and the Rutgers campus that embraces and influences the bustling city. Plus get a glimpse into Rutgers–Camden’s future when the tour passes by several new developments, including the new Gateway, Walt Whitman statue, law school addition, recreation center, and much more.
Pre-register (free!) for shuttle tours and other Rutgers–Camden Homecoming activities.
After a fun-filled day of Homecoming excitement, wind down in the evening with live music by Highway 41, an Allman Brothers cover band whose lead singer is alumnus Rick Demirjian UCC'97. And finally, remember to wear red for extra chances to win prizes, and bring a canned or boxed food item to support Rutgers Against Hunger.
See you at Rutgers–Camden Homecoming on October 10!
Show your support for Rutgers University and wear your Rutgers gear wherever you are on Friday, September 4, for the fifth annual College Colors Day celebration!
On September 4, the decision on what to wear should be an easy one for the Rutgers faithful. All Rutgers alumni, students, and fans should throw on their favorite hats, t-shirts, ties, or jewelry and head to work or campus in full Rutgers spirit.
But don’t just let your colleagues see you in scarlet. Share your spirited photos with all of our alumni on the Rutgers University Alumni Association’s Facebook page at
facebook.com/rutgersalumni or post your pictures in the Rutgers Alumni Online Community. If you haven’t yet registered for the online community, go to
Ralumni.com, click “Sign Up,” and choose “First Time Login” to get started.
College Colors Day, in partnership with NCAA football, is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the traditions and spirit that embody the college experience by encouraging fans across America to wear their favorite college or university apparel throughout the day on Friday, September 4. It is celebrated by thousands of individuals, organizations, and businesses nationwide.
Additionally, College Colors Day, which coincides with “back to school” and the kickoff of intercollegiate athletics, strives to advocate higher education through increased public awareness and celebrates the achievements of colleges and universities, acknowledging their fundamental importance.
More information about College Colors Day is available at
collegecolorsday.com.
Rutgers Homecoming season is upon us! Mark your calendars for September 23–26 in Newark, October 9–11 in New Brunswick, and October 10 in Camden. For complete details, visit Ralumni.com/homecoming.
Read on for highlights of the fun in store at Rutgers–Newark Homecoming, September 23–26. Now you can also read more about Homecoming festivities in Camden and New Brunswick. All Rutgers alumni from across the university are welcome at any Homecoming events, regardless of what school or college you graduated from. We’re all part of the RUAA!
Without further ado, read about how you can "Paint the City Scarlet" in Newark...
Highlights: Rutgers–Newark Homecoming 2009
By Emily Kaufman RC’10, SCILS’10
Homecoming traditions evoke feelings of nostalgia. Setting the stage for a blast from the past, Rutgers–Newark Homecoming is also an opportunity for alumni to see how the campus has evolved since their college days. Come back to “Paint the City Scarlet,” and take advantage of the many fun-filled Homecoming events taking place September 23–26.
See photos from last year’s Rutgers–Newark Homecoming events.
One way to start your Homecoming celebration is at the book signing with Brad R. Tuttle, author of How Newark Became Newark: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of an American City (2009, Rutgers University Press). Tuttle’s book covers the great city of Newark’s development, and discusses why Newark’s transformation is so unique. Rutgers–Newark history professor Clement A. Price GSNB’75 says Tuttle’s book is “an exceedingly fresh and bold historical narrative that at once dignifies the city’s complicated past and informs what must be known about its tenacity and endurance.” Meet Tuttle, network with alumni, and kick off Homecoming 2009 with even more appreciation for vibrant and bustling Newark!
Become a fan of Rutgers–Newark Homecoming on Facebook.
Next up, see what’s new in Newark at the Welcome Home Alumni Mixer at MiSaVi Restaurant and Lounge on Thursday, September 24. Owned by Rutgers alumnus Victor Cabeza NCAS’04, MiSaVi is a trendy and sleek Ironbound locale that serves great drinks and an eclectic menu. At the Homecoming mixer, enjoy scarlet-flared libations and tapas for tasting and sharing—and all alumni will receive a special Rutgers souvenir!
Who will be there? Members of the EOF Alumni Interest Group of Rutgers University–Newark (an RUAA chartered organization) say they are looking forward to checking out MiSaVi and mingling with other Rutgers alumni. “This location is convenient, affordable, and a different flavor of the Newark community,” says Saskia Agustin LC’04, leader of the EOF Alumni group—whose members are excited to return to campus to see familiar faces, buildings, and local spots that remind them of their student days at Rutgers.
Register for Rutgers–Newark Homecoming events.
What Rutgers–Newark Homecoming would be complete without a visit to McGovern’s Tavern? Stop by on Saturday, September 26, to reminisce about and relive your scarlet memories at the local and legendary Newark pub. This free social includes a Rutgers souvenir, appetizers, and drink specials (cash bar). Whereas the mixer at MiSaVi will give alumni a taste of contemporary Newark, this social will be a nostalgic stroll down memory lane.
Members of the Rutgers–Newark Alumni Association (an RUAA chartered organization) will be in full Homecoming spirit at McGovern’s, and they are giving back in a big way. RNAA will donate Rutgers Football tickets to be raffled off at the social, with proceeds benefiting Rutgers Against Hunger. “This is a Newark event, a true homecoming,” says Jim Bachant NCAS’78, RNAA president. Be sure to check out McGovern’s after the Family Fall Festival and BBQ, and before the men’s soccer game at Alumni Field!
Come back to Newark Campus for an experience that will truly hit home. Rekindle friendships, create new connections, and participate in a diverse array of activities. Let’s Paint the City Scarlet—together!
Rutgers–Newark Homecoming is open to all Rutgers alumni universitywide—we’re all part of the RUAA! Complete details on all Rutgers Homecoming 2009 events (including October 9–11 in New Brunswick, and October 10 in Camden) coming soon Ralumni.com/homecoming.
The Asbury Park Press reports: "In a festive atmosphere with colleagues, old friends, and an occasional lawyer joke, Superior Court Judge Stephanie M. Wauters [CLAW'86] took her public oath of office ... and told well-wishers, 'It's wonderful to be home.'" READ MORE
NJBIZ announced the 2009 "Forty Under 40" award winners, men and women who have been making headlines in their field and who share a commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and to the community. Several Rutgers alumni are among this year's honorees. Congrats! READ MORE
In today’s Gloucester County Times, Rutgers-Camden economics professor John Worrall CCAS’69, GSNB’72, ’76 and associate dean and marketing professor Carol Kaufman-Scarborough discuss back-to-school shopping during the recession. Worrall says he is not surprised that nonprofit organizations have stepped up to donate school supplies to families in need. Kaufman-Scarborough comments that schools may need to reconsider requests for specific supplies so that more items can be reused from previous years. READ MORE
Earlier this month, the Philadelphia Inquirer highlighted what Rutgers' Camden Campus is doing for the universitywide Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) campaign. Headlined "Rutgers-Camden helps in hunger fights," the feature in the paper's South Jersey section quotes Pennsauken Food Bank CEO Val Traore: "We are thrilled that Rutgers has launched Rutgers Against Hunger and dedicated such a significant amount of resources and time to helping those suffering from food insecurity in New Jersey." READ MORE AT PHILLY.COM