Dan Purner Dan Purner

Major: Landscape Design
Class of 2004

For Dan Purner ’04, CCM offered the perfect combination of affordability and opportunity. The chance to study Landscape Design while competing in soccer made CCM the right fit.

During his time at CCM, Dan distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He was named 1st Team All Region XIX in soccer, earned NJCAA Distinguished Academic All-American honors in both soccer and tennis, and was recognized as New Jersey’s Outstanding Male Student Athlete of the Year for junior colleges. His achievements were strengthened by the support of CCM Athletic Director Sullivan and Coaches Stephens and Hoffman, who challenged him to excel on the field, as well as Professors Tolley and Traynor of the Landscape and Horticultural Technology Department, who guided his academic and professional growth.

After CCM, Dan transferred to Rutgers University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science. Today, he has combined his passion for athletics and landscape management as the Head Groundskeeper for the Somerset Patriots, the AA affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Dan stays connected with CCM by attending horticulture seminars and offering opportunities to CCM graduates and interns. Reflecting on his experience, he credits CCM for preparing him to succeed at Rutgers and beyond, noting he felt more ready than many traditional four-year students.