Farewell to a Friend: Gerald B. Shreiber

Dear University Community, 

It is with profound sadness I share that yesterday, we lost a great and faithful friend of Rowan University, Gerald B. Shreiber, or as he preferred to be called, Gerry.

Gerry was the founder and legendary leader of J&J Snack Foods. Known from Wall Street to Main Street, J&J was the most prominent proof of his success as an entrepreneur and business executive. His head for business was paired with a heart for animals, a lifelong love which started when he was a boy and brought home a stray dog. Since then, Gerry made room for many animals in his family and sought ways to make others’ lives more meaningful and joyful by caring for feathered, furry and four-footed friends.

Gerry was committed to supporting Rowan University, among the many causes he held dear and to which he donated, including our business scholarships and pet therapy program. Most recently, we were grateful to receive his generous gift to the first school of veterinary medicine in New Jersey and name it in his honor: Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine. Our faculty and first class of aspiring veterinary students had the privilege of meeting Gerry and knowing how much he cared about their success. I know his life will continue to inspire them and all of us. 

Gerry Shreiber was a tremendous philanthropist, but his kindness and the way he demonstrated his values may be his greatest legacy. His warmth, humility, good humor, candor and genuine care for people and all creatures made him one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. 

Please join me in remembering a truly remarkable individual and sharing the grief of his wife, Melanie, and family and friends. Thanks to the way Gerry lived his life, his heritage lives on through education, hospitality and kindness to all living things.  

Sincerely, 

Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D.
President