Rutgers logo
Commencement
Rutgers logo
Commencement
Rutgers logo
Commencement
Rutgers logo
Commencement

  • Rutgers–New Brunswick & RBHS Commencement

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Commencement 

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.

257th Anniversary Commencement Day of Program Information

Information included in the 2023 digital Commencement program is now available.

257th Anniversary Commencement Day of Program Information

Graduating Students

Congratulations Class of 2023! Graduates' names from Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences are showcased on our website for families and friends from around the world to view. 

Share you Commencement moments and join in the excitement. #RU2023 #RUGrad #RUCommencement

Graduate Search
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Commencement 2023

Family Celebrating with Scarlet Knight
Family Takes a Selfie Before Commencement
Mortarboard
Student Ringing Bell at Commencement
Commencement Processional
Graduates enter stadium
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
Sheryl Lee Ralph Commencement Address
Allison Smith Delivers Student Commencement Address
Group of friends at commencement
Grad with First Gen Sticker
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 academic procession is led by Kimberlee Pastva, Secretary of the University, as she carries the university mace.

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.

Sheryl Lee Ralph
2023 Commencement Speaker

A Rutgers alumna, Ralph graduated near the top of her class at age 19 and was the youngest female graduate at that time from Rutgers College. From bringing characters to life on screen, performing on Broadway, and producing, to landing the title of national best-selling author with her literary debut, Ralph has become a staple in the entertainment industry. 

Ralph can currently be seen starring as Barbara on ABC’s smash hit comedy series Abbott Elementary. Ralph’s acclaimed career spanning over three decades has garnered her Emmy, Critics Choice, and Independent Spirit Awards, and her deep-rooted philanthropic endeavors have touched lives across the world.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, white dress, hair in ponytail, hoop earrings.

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

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

Sheryl Lee Ralph, white shirt, hair up and long
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.

Ceremonies & Celebrations

Happy Graduates at Commencement 2022

257th Anniversary Commencement

The big celebration. President Holloway confers the degrees of graduates from Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.
SAS grad crossing stage and shaking hands with Dean with fellow graduates watch.

School Convocations

Graduates have their stage crossing moment and receive individual recognition at these ceremonies.
Happy graduates

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. 
happy grads

Additional Ceremonies in Newark and Camden

Please visit the websites of Rutgers University–Newark and Rutgers University–Camden for information on the Class of 2023 Commencements and Convocations.