Zhongchun "ZJ" Jiang, professor of Plant Sciences at SUNY Cobleskill, dedicated his adult life to pursuing knowledge and sharing that knowledge with those around him.
Upholding an infectious enthusiasm and exuberant smile, Dr. Jiang encouraged his students to learn with his humor, intellect and unwavering passion for educating.
SUNY Cobleskill will honor Dr. Jiang's memory and support students who share his commitment and enthusiasm for learning with the Dr. Zhongchun "ZJ" Jiang Plant Science Endowed Memorial Scholarship.
Supported by family, friends, colleagues and community members, the funds donated in ZJ's honor will be gifted to students in the Plant Science program who embody his steadfast dedication towards education and service to others.
The endowment goal is $10,000.
Speaking on behalf of her family, J.J. Jiang, daughter of Dr. Jiang, said, "Although our family is deeply devastated by the passing of my father, we hope that this scholarship fund, named in his honor, will be able to help students achieve their dreams. My father dedicated his life to helping others, and it is fitting that his legacy will live on in this manner."
An active and devoted member of the campus and local community, ZJ seized every opportunity he could to assist others.
After joining the SUNY Cobleskill faculty in January 2003, ZJ secured several noteworthy awards and recognitions.
In 2005, he earned the Chancellor's Award for Internationalization, and he was the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service in 2010. In 2007 and 2009, ZJ received the Student Affairs Faculty Appreciation Award for Outstanding Service to Students.
When he wasn't co-authoring textbooks and publishing articles and technical papers, ZJ was a vigorous contributor to the community through his work with several local organizations including the Cobleskill Library, the Schoharie County Democratic Committee, and the Rotary Club.
For further information regarding the Dr. Zhongchun "ZJ" Jiang Plant Science Endowed Memorial Scholarship, contact Lois Goblet, SUNY Cobleskill's Chief Advancement Officer, at 255-5524 or gobletle @cobleskill.edu.