The Keeping It Green Foundation has donated its annual $10,000 scholorship to Rutgers University

April 14, 2009

New Brunswick, N.J. -- The Keeping It Green Foundation, established by the Ramsey, New Jersey company, Cipriano Landscape Design, has donated its annual $10,000 scholorship to Rutgers University. The second donation in as many years will fund four scholarships for students in Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences' Departments of Landscape Architecture and Plant Biology and Pathology. Scholarship recipients will be named this spring, with the scholarship taking effect in fall 2009.

"I created this scholarship fund to give back to the industry that has become such an important part of my life," said Foundation Director Chris Cipriano. "I thought, what better way to give back than to invest in tomorrow's workforce. Rutgers was a natural choice. I had such a wonderful experience with extension specialist Joel Flagler, and the plant-related education and research programs at Rutgers are renowned."

Cipriano sees the value in experience-based education. Not only does he support students through the foundation's scholarships, but he also mentors interns at his companies. "There is no replacement for on-site learning. I receive great satisfaction by helping students grow and learn during their time with us." This summer, Cipriano will host a field trip to his farm for Rutgers Gardens interns who want to learn more about the industry.

Designed to foster eco-friendly practices, Cipriano's Keeping It Green Foundation provides scholarships, internships and workshops to promote environmental responsibility. This spring, the foundation will donate 20,000 tree sapplings to local schools for Earth Day celebrations.

Cipriano believes it is important for children to learn about environmental sustainability at a young age. He is looking forward to the new community vegetable garden at the Rutgers Gardens that will provide New Brunswick youth with hands-on learning opportunities in the areas of gardening, nutrition and health.

Contact: Rachel Napier
Development Office
732-932-9000, ext. 593
rnapier@rci.rutgers.edu