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.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement
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Closed captioning is available. The entire presentation will be available to view after 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, for on-demand viewing.
2025 Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement
259th Anniversary Commencement Day of Program Information
Information included in the 2025 digital Commencement program is now available.
2025 Order of Exercises
Academic Procession
Board of Governors’ Welcome
National Anthem
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Greeting
Conferring of Honorary Degrees
Commencement Address
“The Bells Must Ring”
Class of 2025 Address
Alumni Welcome
Alma Mater
Presentation of Candidates and Conferring of Degrees
Recessional

Day of Instructions for Graduates
Follow us in this stadium walkthrough to learn all the details of what to expect the day of Commencement.
Show Your Scarlet Pride
Your graduation will be remembered as a significant and memorable point in your lives, and we are so excited to celebrate your accomplishments! Show your scarlet pride and invite your family and friends to support one of your greatest achievements! Make sure to use our official hashtags #RU2025 #RUGrad #RUCommencement.

Peter Seligmann
2025 Commencement Speaker
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.

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients
These individuals have distinguished themselves by making major contributions to their professions and communities.
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.
Ceremonies & Celebrations
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health host Commencement and school-based Convocation ceremonies annually in May. Most students who received or expect to receive degrees in August 2024, October 2024, January 2025, May 2025, or August 2025 are eligible to participate in the May 2025 ceremonies. However, eligibility may vary by school. For specific requirements, contact your school directly.

259th Anniversary Commencement
The big celebration. Degrees are officially conferred upon 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.

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.