Kean University Honors Cape May Point Distinguished Alumnus

CAPE MAY POINT – Kean University recently honored Cape May Point, N.J. resident Pete Dunne ’73 as one of five 2011 Distinguished Alumni award recipients during an afternoon ceremony and reception held in the new Science & Technology Building.
One of America’s foremost experts on birding, Dunne works as the Chief Communications Officer for the New Jersey Audubon Society and serves as the Director of the Cape May Bird Observatory. He is the founder of the World Series of Birding, which is an annual 24-hour birding competition in New Jersey that attracts as many as 100 teams to be part of “the world’s greatest natural treasure hunt,” with over $8 million raised for various conservation initiatives during the past 27 years.
Each year Kean proudly honors its Distinguished Alumni for their outstanding achievements and service to society, their community and their profession. Candidates for this award are exceptional practitioners in their respective fields; serve as role models; are an inspiration to others; and are recognized by their peers for professional endeavors and contributions.
A Morris County native, Dunne received his B.A. from Kean in political science. According to Dunne, the connection with his alma mater was pivotal at a formative age. He recalls outstanding professors who had a very effective presence at the podium, which has made him set the bar high in his own speaking engagements. “As a writer, I draw from the experiences and courses I had Kean University,” said Dunne. “I would put support for higher education at the top of the charity pyramid. Giving to an institution is nurturing for the donor, and it nurtures other minds.”