Rocco DeLorenzo

Rocco DeLorenzo's academic journey at Cornell University is a testament to his dedication to both his studies and his extracurricular engagements. He earned degrees from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, focusing his studies on Food Science with a business concentration and Applied Economics and Management with an emphasis on strategy and food industry management. This dual focus equipped Rocco with a unique perspective on the nexus between agricultural science and business strategies, making him a well-rounded professional in the food industry sector. During his time at Cornell, Rocco played a significant role in the Chi Psi Fraternity, where he not only found a community but also took on leadership roles such as Risk Manager and Academic Chair. These positions allowed him to implement meaningful changes that improved safety and educational support within the fraternity, enhancing the overall fraternity living and learning environment. His leadership extended beyond his fraternity to the Cornell Interfraternity Council (IFC), where he served as the VP of Membership and Alumni Development. In this role, Rocco was instrumental in launching comprehensive initiatives, such as a Hazing Prevention Training program that became a model for fraternity chapters across the campus, fostering a safer and more supportive community. Rocco's proactive leadership skills were also evident in his response to a critical health crisis within the fraternity community. He organized Narcan Training for all fraternity members following a drug overdose incident, significantly enhancing the safety measures within the IFC and setting a precedent for future health and safety practices. When faced with the challenge of addressing sexual misconduct within the fraternity system, Rocco led an emergency intervention that involved suspending fraternity social events and developing a robust Sexual Violence Prevention plan. This initiative not only tackled the immediate issues but also aimed at fostering a long-term cultural change, enhancing safety and respect across the fraternity community. In addition to his fraternity involvement, DeLorenzo also served as Vice President of Finance for the Cornell Student Assembly. In this role, he managed the intricacies of student activity fees with a focus on transparency and efficiency. He developed the "Student Activity Fee Price Index," a novel approach that allowed for more accurate and fair adjustments to student fees in response to economic changes, ensuring sustainable funding for student activities. His commitment to the food industry was further solidified through his participation in the Food Marketing Fellows honors program, where he engaged with industry leaders and deepened his understanding of global market trends. His professional experience included internships with industry giants like Giovanni Foods, Mondelēz International, and Restaurant Brands International, where he applied his academic knowledge to real-world challenges, enhancing his skills in quality control, ingredient analysis, and operational management. Throughout his academic career, Rocco received multiple accolades for his leadership and commitment to improving his community. Before his impactful experience at Cornell, Rocco attended Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York, where his leadership and team spirit were already evident through his involvement in sports and student governance. Rocco DeLorenzo's comprehensive education, combined with his proactive leadership and community service, highlights his readiness to lead and innovate in the food industry. This makes him a valuable asset to any organization focusing on the intersection of food science and business strategy.