Eugene V. Vivian

VIVIAN, EUGENE V. DR., 93, - of Edgewater, a lifelong friend and advocate for the environment died peacefully on Saturday August 16th at his home in Edgewater. A renowned conservation and environmental educator, Vivian was named New Jersey Conservation Educator of the Year in 1967, and National Conservation Educator of the Year by the National Wildlife Federation in 1968. From 1955 through 1967 he chaired the Science Department at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). In 1966 he established the Conservation and Environmental Studies Center, a facility for training educators and students at Whitesbog, New Jersey, which he directed until 1984. The Eugene Vivian Environmental Education Scholarship fund was established at Rowan University in 2001. "Gene" founded Associates for Conservation and Environmental Studies in 1984 which he was President of until 2004. ACES provided environmental assessments and impact studies, with special emphasis on rare or endangered species of flora and fauna. Dr. Vivian was eco-conscious long before "green" became a national buzzword. His legacy of environmental stewardship will last far into the future. Dr. Vivian received his undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry from Montclair State College, earned his Masters degree in Botany from Columbia University and PhD at New York University with thesis research on conserving of soils, forests and grasslands. During his long tenure as an academician and conservationist, Dr. Vivian belonged to many professional organizations including the Southern New Jersey Association for Science Education, which he founded in 1959. The Pine Barrens in New Jersey, Opera, and Chocolate Ice Cream were just a few of his passions when he had time to indulge in them. He lived an active and full life, and he will be missed greatly by all who knew, worked with, and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Rae Walton-Vivian, and a large extended family including eight children and ten grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Vivian's name should be sent to the Organ Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood or FORCE Retiree's Scholarship Fund, Rowan University, 210 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, 150 East Palisade Avenue, Saturday, September 27, 2008 @ 10:30 a.m.