BCTR remembers friend and colleague Don Tobias

December 3, 2013

The BCTR lost a dear friend and colleague on November 22nd when Don Tobias passed away. As executive director of Cornell University Cooperative Extension – New York City (CUCE-NYC), Tobias created and oversaw programs that implemented Cornell research to better the lives of New Yorkers in three main areas: nutrition and health; urban environment; and family and youth development.

The BCTR has particularly close connections with CUCE-NYC's family and youth development programs, including 4-H  and parenting education projects. CUCE-NYC is one of the major partners in the  ACT for Youth Center of Excellence. With Don's enthusiastic support, the Complementary Strengths Research Partnership has had a home in CUCE-NYC since 2005. In 1989 Don was one of the founders (with Jerry Ziegler) and the original PI of the HIV/AIDS Education Project, which moved into the Family Life Development Center (precursor of the BCTR) in 2001.

College of Human Ecology dean Alan Mathios notes in his remembrance in the Cornell Chronicle,

In the city that never sleeps, Don worked nonstop in his role – as a mentor, visionary, teacher, researcher, cheerleader and partner. He transformed the work of so many who knew him and guided programs that touched thousands of New Yorkers ... By helping individuals and families to eat better, live more sustainably, and support the needs of children and teens, these programs embody Cornell’s founding land-grant principles.

Cornell loses a friend, but not a partnership - Cornell Chronicle