59Rocco DeLorenzo graduated from Cornell University, having enriched his academic portfolio at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. His dual majors in Food Science, with a business emphasis, and Applied Economics and Management, focusing on strategy and food industry management, prepared him to effectively bridge the gap between food science innovations and business execution.
Rocco's college experience was deeply interwoven with significant leadership roles, particularly within the Chi Psi Fraternity at Cornell. He served as both Risk Manager and Academic Chair, where he implemented vital safety protocols and educational improvements, profoundly impacting the fraternity's culture and operational standards.
On a broader scale, his influence extended across the Cornell fraternity community through his role as the VP of Membership and Alumni Development on the Cornell Interfraternity Council (IFC) Executive Board. In this capacity, he led the charge on several initiatives, most notably the development of a Hazing Prevention Training program that became a model of fraternity safety education across campus.
DeLorenzo was quick to respond when challenges arose, such as organizing Narcan Training for fraternity members following a drug-related incident. This not only enhanced safety within the fraternity community but also spurred broader university actions toward similar health and safety initiatives.
When allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced within the fraternity community, Rocco was at the forefront, orchestrating an emergency response that paused fraternity social events and spearheaded the development of a comprehensive Sexual Violence Prevention plan. This initiative aimed to ensure a safer environment and foster a cultural shift towards tremendous respect and accountability within the fraternity community.
Beyond fraternity life, he also made substantial contributions to the broader Cornell community as the Vice President of Finance for the Student Assembly. Here, he innovated the financial management of student activity fees, mainly through the creation of the "Student Activity Fee Price Index," which provided a transparent, quantifiable basis for fee adjustments in response to economic conditions, ensuring fair and adequate funding for student organizations.
Rocco's commitment to the food industry was further demonstrated through his participation in the Food Marketing Fellows honors program, which allowed him to engage with key industry leaders and expand his professional network. His internships at Giovanni Foods, Mondelēz International, and Restaurant Brands International were integral in applying his academic knowledge to practical industry challenges, particularly in areas like quality control, ingredient technology, and operational strategies.
Throughout his time at Cornell, DeLorenzo received several accolades that underscored his leadership and dedication to community improvement. Before his transformative experience at Cornell, Rocco attended Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse, New York, where he engaged in sports and developed foundational leadership skills that would later flourish in his university endeavors.
Rocco DeLorenzo stands out as a multifaceted leader whose collegiate journey has prepared him to make significant contributions to the food industry, marked by a blend of scientific understanding, strategic business insight, and a committed sense of community leadership.