Jerrie was a wonderful colleague among the faculty and staff of the department, and an outstanding teacher and mentor of students. She was deeply committed to advising and to the undergraduates in animal science. She maintained the largest undergraduate advising load in the department and advised many students interested in careers in veterinary medicine and also animal health.
Anyone who interacted with her knew that she was passionate about her work, and she was a source of both encouragement and inspiration to students.
Beyond the classroom and academic advising, she was very active as faculty advisor for clubs such as Minority Animal Science Students (MASS) and the Dressage Club. In fact, the last time I saw Jerrie was one evening just prior to the end of on-campus instruction this semester, in which she was working with the MASS club to gear up for another fundraising round of selling empanadas to benefit Puerto Rico earthquake relief. She had her usual high energy and happy enthusiasm as she worked with the students.
She brought that same positive energy as a faculty colleague. We could always count on her to jump in and help, whether to offer constructive input or take on a project focused on expanding educational and career opportunities for students. She was always there with that can-do attitude.
This is a tremendous loss for our animal science community, and our hearts go out to Carl and Samantha as they try to grieve and cope.
Additional reflections were published in the CALS Newsroom, and additional coverage appeared in the Cornell Chronicle.
