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Commencement
  • Rutgers–New Brunswick & Rutgers Health Commencement

Graduates enter stadium

Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement 

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Closed captioning is available. The entire presentation is now available for on-demand viewing.

Rutgers University 259th Anniversary Commencement | Full Ceremony Recording

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

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

Peter Seligmann 259th Commencement Speaker
259th Commencement Speaker

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
Honorary Doctor of Letters

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 Vinnakota
Honorary Doctor of Laws

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.

2025 Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement

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