Dr. Bruce A. Hamilton
Van Wickle House Chair

Dr. Bruce Hamilton is an associate professor of landscape architecture, and is a well-recognized expert in ornamental horticulture. In 1976 he was one of the founding members of the Meadows Foundation. Bruce is responsible for the ecological emphasis and training facilities at The Van Wickle House. He has brought many students to the Van Wickle house for study of the wetlands area between the house to the D&R Canal and Raritan River.

Another source of pride are the plantings and care of the triangle island located at the intersection of Easton Avenue and DeMott Lane. Dr. Hamilton and his wife, Ellen designed the planting scheme and credit volunteers under their guidance in the pruning, planting, watering and weeding of the site.

He has served on the Board since its creation, and has held key leadership positions including the presidency. He is the chair of the Van Wickle House and is responsible for introducing the original musical director of the Candlelight concerts to the organization.

Bruce has told the story of the house and the organization before countless individuals and groups. He can be found dressed as a farmer, as a Dutchman during the Sinterklaas festival, and leads a willing group into the woods for the enchanted forest. Additionally, Bruce has shared his photographs during horticultural oriented fireside chats at the Van Wickle House.

Hamilton has garnered more awards from the students for his teaching than any other professor at Cook, including being selected Alpha Zeta Professor of the Year five separate times. He also was recognized by his peers with the Cook College Excellence in Teaching Award for 1994. On May 20, 2004 Dr. Bruce Hamilton was one of three recipients of the George Hammell Cook Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor presented by the Cook College Alumni Association.

In addition to his normal repertoire of courses, Hamilton has recently added an international dimension to his instructional program by offering a winter break field course in Yucatan, Mexico. He is also a very active instructor in the Continuing and Professional Education "Short Course" program and is in high demand throughout the state for talks at local Garden Clubs. Hamilton accepted directorship of the gardens and helped to raise funds and recruit volunteers to maintain the Rutgers Gardens. Under his leadership, the Rutgers Gardens have grown in beauty and ability to serve thousands of visitors per year.