Rhinelander’s Cook earns Outstanding Student Award

The May 2011 recipient of the Outstanding Student Award as selected by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Alumni Association is Jeff Cook.

Cook, who lists Rhinelander as his hometown, will accept the honor at an awards ceremony for graduating seniors scheduled for Friday night, May 13. He will also be acknowledged at the UW-Green Bay spring commencement ceremony the following day, Saturday, May 14, at the Kress Events Center on campus.

Cook graduates with summa cum laude, or highest, honors. He has three majors: Environmental Policy and Planning, Political Science and Public Administration. He also earned a certificate in Environmental Sustainability and Business.

As a research assistant with the Green Bay Packers “Green Team” initiative this past academic year, Cook helped the franchise study the success of its recycling program at Lambeau Field through surveys and game-day observation. He helped review data and formulate new strategies to increase recycling and reduce waste.

Cook has been active on campus with causes and organizations, including service as an officer of the student Public and Environmental Affairs Council and as a leader of the College Democrats. He has been particularly active in promoting events and recruiting volunteers on behalf of environmental awareness and sustainability.

Cook begins this summer as a full-time graduate student in UW-Green Bay’s Environmental Science and Policy program.  He plans to attend law school and pursue an emphasis in environmental law.

Roughly 850 graduating seniors will be eligible to receive diplomas at the May 14 commencement. The Alumni Association has been soliciting nominations and designating a single “Outstanding Student Award” recipient for each graduating class since 1976.

#11-87