President's Message

Dear Graduates, 

Congratulations, Rutgers Class of 2026! 

You represent the freshest expression of this university’s long tradition of academic excellence, deep engagement with the world, and steadfast commitment to social mobility. You and your families and friends have abundant reasons to celebrate your achievement: you have earned a degree from one of the best public universities in the United States. 

Coming to Rutgers from every county in New Jersey, from across the nation, and from around the world, you have received instruction and guidance from an esteemed, award-winning faculty and have contributed to the advancement of new ideas through your own research and scholarship. The undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees Rutgers is awarding you have been hard-earned, and they stamp you as accomplished, talented individuals prepared for lives and livelihoods of purpose and meaning. 

As you join the ranks of Rutgers’ more than 600,000 alumni, our community of scholars applauds you and wishes you great success. I congratulate each of you for what you have already achieved. Just as important, I challenge you to make your Rutgers education count as more than preparation for a career. Lead with courage. Serve with empathy. Create opportunity for others. Live the Rutgers Edge. 

Sincerely,

William F. Tate IV
President 
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey