From left to right: Prof. Chris Tuccio, Jacob Gardner, Brian Schock, Beth McKenna, CHS President Ken Stubenrauch
Jacob Gardner, University of Connecticut
(Gift in memory of Ludwig Hoffman)
Jacob Gardner is a senior majoring in Horticulture at UConn. He plans to earn his graduate and doctoral degrees in Horticulture with a focus on plant breeding. While in college, Jacob has gained a breadth of hands-on experience working in various capacities at UConn Blooms and as a Student Field Research Assistant.
Elizabeth McKenna, Naugatuck Valley Community College
Elizabeth is from Morris and currently works as a landscaper. Her interests in horticulture are landscape design and native perennial gardening with a focus on sustainability. She is an avid gardener and hopes to make the world a greener place after graduation.
Robert Losee, University of Connecticut
(Gift in memory of Edwin (Pat) Carpenter)
Robert is in his junior year and after he receives his B.S. in Horticulture, he hopes to go into plant genetics and research. He believes there is a place in our world and society for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and he would like to genetically engineer new variations of plants to help combat modern issues such as food shortages and pest problems.
Brian Schock, Naugatuck Valley Community College
Brian is from Milldale and currently works as a Deputy Fire Marshal in Wallingford and is a Zoo Gardener at the CT Beardsley Zoo. He is a member of the Association for Zoological Horticulture and he plans to pursue a job in the Zoological Horticulture field after graduation. He will be completing his Horticultural Degree at NVCC this year and is very thankful for the generosity of the CHS.
Dawn Smith, University of Connecticut
(Gift in memory of David J.A. Smith)
Dawn Smith is a senior majoring in Horticulture at UConn. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a Plant Science Ph.D. but for now she is concentrating on completing her undergraduate degree and beginning a small sustainable, organic home farm.