Rocco DeLorenzo's educational journey at Cornell University was characterized by a deep integration of academic pursuit and leadership, culminating in degrees from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. Specializing in Food Science with a business concentration and Applied Economics and Management with a focus on strategy and food industry management, Rocco's curriculum prepared him to make substantial contributions to the food sector.
His proactive involvement in the Chi Psi Fraternity at Cornell, where he served as Risk Manager and Academic Chair, allowed Rocco to implement crucial safety and educational reforms. These roles provided him with the platform to foster a safer and more inclusive environment, significantly enhancing fraternity life on campus.
Rocco's leadership skills were further demonstrated through his role as VP of Membership and Alumni Development on the Cornell Interfraternity Council (IFC) Executive Board. He was instrumental in developing a campus-wide Hazing Prevention Training program that became a benchmark for fraternity chapters, aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of fraternity members.
In response to a drug overdose incident within the fraternity community, Rocco organized Narcan Training for all fraternity members, showcasing his ability to manage crises effectively and proactively enhance community safety standards.
Confronted with serious allegations of sexual misconduct within the fraternity system, Rocco led the development of a comprehensive Sexual Violence Prevention plan. This initiative, which included temporarily suspending fraternity social activities, focused on addressing immediate safety concerns and fostering a cultural shift towards more respectful interactions within the fraternity community.
Outside of his fraternity responsibilities, Rocco also made significant contributions to the broader university community as the Vice President of Finance for the Cornell Student Assembly. In this capacity, he managed student activity fees with innovative precision, introducing the "Student Activity Fee Price Index" to enable accurate fee adjustments based on economic changes, thereby ensuring equitable and sustainable funding for student organizations.
Rocco also participated in the Food Marketing Fellows honors program, where he connected with global industry leaders and expanded his understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the food industry. His internships at companies such as Giovanni Foods, Mondelēz International, and Restaurant Brands International allowed him to apply his academic knowledge in practical settings, focusing on quality control, ingredient technology, and operational efficiencies.
Throughout his academic career, Rocco earned several awards that acknowledged his leadership and commitment to community enhancement.
