Looking Back at Commencement 2023

Congratulations to the
Class of 2023!

Thank you for joining us for the 257th Anniversary Commencement. The Class of 2023 graduates were celebrated on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at SHI Stadium.

Heartfelt congratulations to our newest Rutgers graduates.

Rutgers 257th Anniversary Commencement, Sunday, May 14, 2023 red background white letters Rutgers logotype

Congratulations Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Class of 2023

Additional Commencement Videos

Listed below are video segments of the 257th Anniversary Commencement celebration. To view a video click on the link below or visit the Rutgers Commencement YouTube channel.

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

These individuals have distinguished themselves by making major contributions to their professions and communities

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph has become a staple in the entertainment industry, with an acclaimed career spanning over three decades. From bringing characters to life on screen, performing on Broadway, producing, landing the title of national best-selling author with her literary debut to her deep-rooted philanthropic endeavors that touch lives across the world. Ralph is an award-winner of an Emmy, Critics Choice, and Independent Spirit Awards.

Katalin Kariko, brown hair, glasses, black blazer, smailing

Honorary Doctor of Science

Katalin Karikó

Karikó is an adjunct professor of neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. For four decades, her research has been focusing on RNA-mediated mechanisms with the ultimate goal of developing in vitro-transcribed mRNA for protein therapy.

Mark Angelson, glasses, black blazer, white button down shirt, tie.

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

Mark A. Angelson

Mark A. Angelson is the chair of the Institute of International Education, the nonpartisan world leader in international education and scholar rescue, that administers the Fulbright Scholarships for the U.S. Department of State and hundreds of other programs from offices around the globe. Angelson has served as chair of Rutgers University’s Board of Governors and currently serves as board vice chair.

Commencement 2023

Family Takes a Selfie Before Commencement

President Holloway 2023 Commencement Address

Mark Angleson receives honorary degree from President Holloway

Katalin Kariko receives honorary degree from President Holloway

Sheryl Lee Ralph Receives Honorary Degree from President Holloway

Allison Smith Delivers Student Commencement Address

Students in Stadium Celebrate Graduation

On a day that coincided with Mother's Day, graduate Kalani Foster (SEBS '23) and her mother Christie Foster pose with the Scarlet Knight outside SHI Stadium prior to the start of commencement.

Doctor of nursing practice graduate Ceretha Hall-Dyke joins husband Dino and daughter Korinne Hall-Johnson to capture a happy moment before the ceremony.

Decorating mortarboards with celebratory personal statements and imagery is part of the fun of commencement.

Bryan Diaz (SOE '23) rings the Red Lion Bell to signify his graduation, celebrating a tradition that dates back to 1771. The bell is a replica of the original bell gifted by Rutgers’ namesake, Colonel Henry Rutgers.

The Class of 2023 enters the field at SHI Stadium as thousands of family members and friends gather to celebrate the graduates' accomplishments.

President Jonathan Holloway addresses the Class of 2023 at Rutgers’ 257th Anniversary Commencement.

President Holloway confers an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on Mark A. Angelson, chair of the Institute of International Education and vice chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors.

President Holloway confers an honorary doctor of science degree on Katalin Karikó, former senior vice president at BioNTech and neurosurgery professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

President Holloway confers an honorary doctor of fine arts degree on Emmy Award-winning actress and Rutgers alumna Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Emmy Award-winning actress and Rutgers alumna Sheryl Lee Ralph addresses the Class of 2023 at Rutgers’ 257th Anniversary Commencement.

Student body president Allison M. Smith delivers remarks at Rutgers’ 257th Anniversary Commencement.

Friends meet at commencement to enjoy the day.

A proud moment for a first-generation college graduate at commencement.

The Class of 2023 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers’ 257th Anniversary Commencement.

Looking Back at Commencement 2023

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!