Did you enjoy Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement? Do you think that there is anything we could do to improve the experience in the coming years? Take our survey and let us know.
Congratulations! Commencement is a time of celebration for Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduates, family, friends, and the entire community. We salute the graduates' achievements and look forward to all the positive contributions they will make to the world.
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Rutgers Wind Ensemble from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Kraig A. Williams, Conductor
BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ WELCOME
Ms. Amy L. Towers
Chair of the Board of Governors
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Members of the Rutgers University Choirs from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Stephanie Tubiolo, Conductor
CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES
Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe
Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Mr. Peter Seligmann
Cofounder and Chair, Conservation International; Cofounder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Nia Tero
“THE BELLS MUST RING”
by Richard Hadden
Rutgers University Glee Club
Dr. Brandon Williams, Conductor
CLASS OF 2025 ADDRESS
Mr. Jack P. Ramirez, Rutgers Class of 2025
Bachelor of Arts
Political Science, School of Arts and Sciences
President, Rutgers University Student Assembly (2023–2025)
ALUMNI WELCOME
Ms. Gloria K. Vanderham
Chair, Rutgers University Alumni Association Board of Directors
Video Presentation: We Are You
ALMA MATER
Members of the Rutgers University Choirs from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Brandon Williams, Conductor
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES AND CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Dr. Prabhas V. Moghe
Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs
Dr. Francine Conway
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Dr. Brian L. Strom
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs
RECESSIONAL
Rutgers Wind Ensemble from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Kraig A. Williams, Conductor
Rutgers Wind Ensemble from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Kraig A. Williams, Conductor
Dana Mandell, Assistant Conductor
Pre-Ceremony
The Fairest of the Fair | John Philip Sousa
Theme from Gettysburg | Randy Edelman, arr. Moss
Salute to the Big 10 | Thomas Bourgault
Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea | Joe Hisaishi, arr. Goto
The Liberty Bell | John Philip Sousa
Florentiner March | Julius Fucik
Young Person’s Guide to John Williams | John Williams
Commencement Fanfare
Joseph Marta, Bachelor of Music ‘24
Academic Procession
Midway March | John Williams
Procession of the Nobles | Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
March Processional | Clare Grundman
Crown Imperial | William Walton
Pomp and Circumstance No. 1 | Edward Elgar
Recessional
Sogno di Volare from Civilization VI | Christopher Tin, arr. Conaway
Into the Unknown from Frozen 2 | Kristen and Robert Lopez, arr. Murtha
Peter Seligmann is a pioneering conservationist and global environmental leader with nearly four decades of experience advancing equity, ecological health, and economic vitality. A Rutgers University alumnus and co-founder of both Conservation International and Nia Tero, Seligmann has helped protect over 1.8 billion acres of land and sea across more than 100 countries, benefiting millions of people. He currently serves as chair of Silvania, a natural capital fund, and is a distinguished professor of practice at Arizona State University. Seligmann also sits on several nonprofit and corporate boards, continuing his lifelong commitment to a healthier planet for all.
Peter Seligmann is a global conservation leader with nearly 40 years of experience. He co-founded Conservation International and Nia Tero, helping protect over 1.8 billion acres worldwide. A Rutgers and Yale alum, he now chairs Silvania, a natural capital fund, and teaches at Arizona State University. He also serves on several nonprofit and corporate boards, continuing his lifelong work for a healthier, more equitable planet.
Laurie L. Patton, president of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences since 2025, is a scholar, poet, and leader in higher education. She was the first woman to lead Middlebury College, advancing conflict transformation and sustainability. A South Asian religion expert, she held key roles at Duke, Emory, and Bard, authored 11 books, translated The Bhagavad Gita, and led major academic societies.
Rajiv is a social entrepreneur and president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, working to advance civic education and engaged citizenship. A Princeton alum and child of Indian immigrants, he co-leads national civic learning efforts and has shaped the field through research, media, and policy.
Jack Ramirez, is graduating magna cum laude with a major in political science and a minor in critical intelligence studies. A leader in RUSA and Sigma Chi, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award and the Women’s Empowerment Award. As RUSA president, he led public safety and health initiatives. In Sigma Chi, he served on the national board and as chapter historian, fostering leadership and connection among members.
The official 259th Anniversary Commencement program booklet is available for download.
During Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement, guests may quickly and anonymously report medical emergencies, inappropriate behavior, suspicious activity, or other important matters to the police department via cell phone.
Phone
Dial 911 to be connected with the police department.
Text Message
Send a text message to 69050.
In your message, type the following:
RUGUEST [your location] and [the details of the problem]
Example: RUGUEST Section 121, Row 10, Seat 12, medical emergency
We encourage guests to use this system whenever they see an incident or problem in the stadium that should be reported to Rutgers Police so emergency personnel can respond to the scene as quickly as possible.
Congratulations! You are now one of more than 570,000+ alumni worldwide-a global community that is Scarlet Forever. Membership in the Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) is free, automatic upon graduation, and lifelong.
Check out our video!
Congratulations Class of 2025! Graduates' names from Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health are showcased on our website for families and friends from around the world to view.
Share you Commencement moments and join in the excitement. #RU2025 #RUGrad #RUCommencement
