Alvin J. Rockoff

According to his honorary degree citation from Rutgers in 1994, Alvin J. Rockoff proved himself to be “the quintessential good citizen” because of his “voluntary service on many boards” and his “spirited participatory role in matters of state.” After retiring as president of the investment counseling firm Rockoff-Bear Associates in Iselin, he served Rutgers in a variety of positions. Most notably, he chaired Rutgers’ Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, as well as the Rutgers University Foundation Board of Overseers. He was also a life member of the President’s Council. Rockoff also played a significant part in leading the university’s $500 million fundraising campaign. The Rutgers Alumni Association named him a Loyal Son, and the Rutgers University Alumni Federation honored him with a Meritorious Service Award in 1994. He defended state-supported higher education as a representative of Rutgers on the New Jersey Board of Higher Education. The New Brunswick Development Corporation, Custodial Trust Company, and CoreStates Bank are among the organizations that benefited from his leadership and service.