GENEVA, NY (May 15, 2017): An endowment fund supporting wine and grape research at Cornell University has been named in honor of former New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio ’73, M.S. ‘77. The Senator Michael Nozzolio Fund for Viticulture and Enology will benefit research conducted at Cornell’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) in Geneva, NY.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) launched the fund in recognition of the work Nozzolio has done for New York state. During his time in the Senate, Nozzolio staunchly supported agricultural research at NYSAES, securing funds for the Institute of Food Safety, the New York State Food Venture Center and many other significant projects during his tenure.
“The establishment by the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of a fund in my name to promote education, research and scholarship in the field of viticulture and enology is indeed a great honor,” said Nozzolio, who retired last year after representing his district for over 34 years.
CALS is home to one of the top viticulture and enology programs in the world and is internationally recognized for its expertise with table, juice and wine grapes, especially those adapted to cool-climate growing regions.
“The Nozzolio Fund is an extremely valuable resource for enabling the research done at the Station to support the New York wine industry,” said Jan Nyrop, interim director of NYSAES. “Because these funds are based on an endowment, they are available each year and can be used to support research that addresses critical issues as well as novel work that requires proof of concept before external competitive grants can be pursued. The Nozzolio Fund will greatly leverage the productivity of Station researchers.”
“This fund will assist the continued growth of the wine and grape industry, one of the most important New York agribusiness success stories that has provided a tremendous positive economic impact in the Finger Lakes region and across the entire Empire State,” said Nozzolio.
Kathryn J. Boor, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of CALS, presented the honor. “This endowment fund testifies to the decades of committed service Senator Nozzolio made to New York state and its agricultural industries. Specifically, this fund will have an enduring impact on the wine and grape industry across New York, and will further enrich the Finger Lakes region that he dedicated his career to help thrive,” said Boor. “The college is proud to honor the senator’s legacy of leadership.”
“It has been my joy and honor to work with Dean Boor through the years,” said Nozzolio. “Dean Boor has provided great leadership and support to CALS and the wonderful cutting-edge research performed at the Station that will provide value and enhance New York agriculture for decades to come.”
New gifts to the fund can be made via Cornell’s secure donation website.
