Freeman A. Hrabowski III, an American educator and mathematician, served as the President of UMBC and holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Hampton Institute, and earned his Master's and Ph.D. in higher education administration/statistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; he's a fervent advocate for STEM education and minority participation in STEM fields, notably founding the Meyerhoff Scholars Program at UMBC, and has received numerous awards for his contributions to education and civil rights advocacy.
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
Sunday, May 12
10 a.m.
SHI Stadium
Celebrate Your Degree in Multiple Ways!
Join us for the 258th Anniversary Commencement at Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at SHI Stadium, starting at 10 a.m. President Jonathan Holloway will preside over the ceremony, conferring degrees to graduates and honorary recipients. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
In addition to the main Commencement event, partake in the School-hosted Convocation ceremonies happening around Commencement days. This is your chance to walk the stage and be individually recognized alongside your dean and peers.
All students affiliated with Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health, along with their guests, are invited to make the most of this celebratory occasion by attending both the Commencement and convocation ceremonies. See you there!
Freeman A. Hrabowski
2024 Commencement Speaker
Esteemed educator and STEM advocate Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski III, President Emeritus of UMBC, has been announced as the 258th Anniversary Commencement Speaker on May 12 at SHI Stadium!
Dr. Hrabowski served as president at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, from 1992-2022. He was named one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report. TIME Magazine also named him one of the Most Influential People in the World.
Dr. Hrabowski will also receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters.
Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients
These individuals have distinguished themselves by making major contributions to their professions and communities
Dr. Jelani Cobb, an distinguished scholar with a Ph.D. in American History from Rutgers University, currently serves as the Ira A. Lipman Professor of Journalism at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, while also contributing to The New Yorker, authoring notable books such as "The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress," and being recognized for his expertise in race, politics, and culture in America.
William E. Best, senior vice president at PNC Bank, spearheads efforts to drive growth and prosperity for low to moderate income segments across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Boston. During his tenure as chair of Rutgers University's Board of Trustees, Mr. Best led a Task Force on Student Aid, resulting in the creation of the Scarlet Promise Endowment, a lasting resource dedicated to providing need-based student aid.
Steps to Commencement and Day of Instructions for Graduates
Class of 2024! Follow the one-stop 'Steps to Commencement' for all your graduation needs.
This page has specific instructions for what to expect on Commencement Day!
Did you know? Mid-year degree recipients are invited to attend the 258th Commencement ceremony on May 12, 2024 at SHI Stadium.
Shout Out Filming
Shout Outs are a fun way to say thank you to the people that have supported you throughout your college career—it will appear on the stadium video board at Commencement!
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Last Filming Date:
- ☀️ Rutgers Day: Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Scott Hall, Room 135 on Voorheess Mall, College Avenue Campus.
Volunteering
Alumni, students, staff, faculty, and other members of the Rutgers community are invited to volunteer for Commencement! Sign up for one of two key roles as an Ambassador or Marshal. Both volunteer opportunities are very rewarding and all faculty or staff are encouraged to register. Visit the Ambassadors & Marshals page for more information on the roles and to register.
Certified Community Service Hours are offered.
Ceremonies & Celebrations
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health hold Commencement and school-based Convocation ceremonies once a year, in May. Most students who expect to receive degrees in October 2023, January 2024, May 2024, or August 2024 are eligible to participate in the May 2024 school convocation and Commencement events, but it varies by school. Contact your school directly if you have questions.
258th Anniversary Commencement
The big celebration. President Holloway confers the degrees of graduates from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Health.
School Convocations
Graduates have their stage crossing moment and receive individual recognition at these ceremonies.
Click here for more information.
Celebrations and Commissioning
Events that celebrate and recognize the diverse identities of graduates.
Rutgers graduates who complete ROTC training are commissioned into their respective branch of the United States Military.
Click here for more information.
Commencement Day Parking
Parking on campus for Commencement on May 12, 2024 will be limited. Graduating students must register to receive two free Commencement day parking hangtags for themselves and their families or guests.
Student Parking Registration is now closed.
Special Needs Parking Registration is now closed.
Paid Parking Registration is now closed.
Paid parking will be available the day of only at Livingston.
Purchase Academic Regalia
Academic regalia – consisting of cap, gown, and hood – is required to be worn by graduates planning on attending Commencement and school convocations.
Visit Steps to Commencement for more information!
Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduates: Online ordering is now closed. Please visit Barnes and Noble at Somerset Street to purchase regalia in-person.
Get Email Updates
Sign up for email updates regarding Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement.
Information will be shared throughout the Spring Semester.
And don't forget to follow us on social media! #RU2024 #RUGrad #RUCommencement
Additional Ceremonies in Newark and Camden
Please visit the websites of Rutgers University–Newark and Rutgers University–Camden for information on the Class of 2024 Commencements and Convocations.