Revised:  01/09/2009

	Honor Roll

In Their Own Words

         To understand better the motivation and impact for their giving, please read about members of the Community of 50 for Equine Excellence “in their own words.”

         Sandy Denarski - "You know the old saying, 'If you have your health, you have everything?' Horses helped me regain my health, so I thought it only fitting that I become a member of the Community of 50 through a commitment to the Equine Science Center. This is my way of 'giving back' to horses what they have given to me.

          "As someone relatively new to horses, and a new horse owner, I have found the Equine Science Center invaluable in helping me build my knowledge base and 'horse sense.' Through the Center I have taken a semester-long horse management course, attended Equine Science Updates, participated in Horses 2007 and have been introduced to experts in the horse health field. I am always confident when I speak with the professionals at the Center because I am assured that they have access to the best research and scientific information and have horse health as their number one priority.

          "It is interesting that my motivation to join the Community of 50 was to help horses through the research and education conducted at the Equine Science Center. But the reality is that both the horses and I have benefited. Through the Equine Science Center I have met the most fabulous people who share my passion for these magnificent animals. I cherish these friendships because, along with the horses, they have enriched my life. It is truly a joy and an honor to be able to donate my money and time to the Equine Science Center."

          Christopher Puzio, DVM, Rockland Veterinary (Hudson Valley, North Rockland and Pomona, NY) - “Rockland Veterinary started out as a three-doctor practice in one office, and now it serves three communities with three separate offices, seven doctors and 40 staff. We believe that ‘every family member deserves a great hospital.’ We emphasize very good medicine and – and this is a phrase not usually associated with medicine – great customer service.

          “I am a proud Rutgers graduate. Even though my practice does not involve equine animals, I became a member of the Community of 50 for Equine Excellence because I am truly grateful for my experience with the faculty at Rutgers and the fact that they always made me feel like a part of the family – encouraging me, forgiving mistakes, and celebrating triumphs.

          “What I loved about my time on the Cook campus was working with the animals – which really motivated me to pursue my dream of veterinary medicine – and the one-on-one relationships with the faculty. They were very hands-on. People make the experience. I hope my giving back demonstrates my thanks.”

         Weidel's Boxwood Farm/Pamela Arena Weidel and Richard Weidel - In the words of Pamela: "My whole life has revolved around horses. And I love competing. I am an endurance competitor, and I own racehorses. My horses have been champions in their disciplines. I love these amazing athletes, and I want to keep them healthy and happy. That is my greatest concern.

         "The Equine Science Center has my concerns at heart: keeping horses healthy. Keeping them from breaking. I met [Center Director] Karyn Malinowski many years ago at a conference of the American Horse Council in Washington, DC, and I was impressed by her dedication to Rutgers and the Equine Science Center. She has devoted her entire life to keeping our horses healthy. I am honoring her and the programs of the Equine Science Center by being a member of the 'Community of 50.'"

In Memory of Friends and Family

         There is a time-honored tradition of philanthropic giving in memory of beloved friends and family. Many members of the horse community have chosen to make commemorative gifts to the Equine Science Center. The names of those memorialized appear below on the Equine Science Center Honor Roll.

In Memory of Special Pets and Animals

         Several veterinarians have pledged to provide memorial donations for their clients' animals. We would especially like to thank Dr. Daniel P. Keenan and Dr. Ron McAlister of Keenan McAlister Equine, Bordentown, New Jersey; Dr. Sharon Vaillancourt of Atlantic Equine Clinic, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey; and Dr. Christopher Puzio of Rockland Veterinary, Pomona, New York. Individuals also make donations in memory of their horses, pets and other animals. Following is our memorial Honor Roll for these special animals:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

         Commemorating a special person or animal with a gift to Rutgers can be tremendously satisfying. It is a lasting tribute to a friend, colleague, or loved one and provides valuable support to New Jersey's leading research university.

         Memorial remembrances may be made with a gift of $25 or more. For further information on making a gift of any kind in support of the Equine Science Center, contact Diana M. Orban Brown at 732-932-9419, or via email at esc@aesop.rutgers.edu. Or, mail in your gift using our downloadable donation form.

Download donation form for Friends and Family | Download donation form for Pets and Other Animals