257th Anniversary Commencement Day

Congratulations to the
Class of 2023!

Order of Exercises

ACADEMIC PROCESSION
Rutgers Wind Ensemble from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Kraig A. Williams, Conductor

BOARD OF GOVERNORS’ WELCOME
Mr. William E. Best
Chair of the Board of Governors

NATIONAL ANTHEM
Members of the Rutgers University Choirs from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Brandon Williams, Conductor

PRESIDENT’S GREETING
Dr. Jonathan Holloway
President, Rutgers University

CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES
Dr. Jonathan Holloway
President, Rutgers University

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
The Honourable Sheryl Lee Ralph Order of Jamaica
Actress, Producer, Author, and Philanthropist

“THE BELLS MUST RING”
by Richard Hadden
Rutgers University Glee Club
Dr. Patrick G. Gardner, Conductor

CLASS OF 2023 ADDRESS
Ms. Allison Smith
Bachelors of Arts
Criminal Justice with minors in Public Policy, Political Science, and Psychology, School of Arts and Science
President, Rutgers University Student Assembly (2022–2023)

ALMA MATER
Members of the Rutgers University Choirs from the Mason Gross School of the Arts
Dr. Patrick G. Gardner, Conductor

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES AND CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Dr. Jonathan Holloway
President, Rutgers University

Dr. Francine Conway
Chancellor-Provost, 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

Commencement Music

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
First Suite in E-Flat for Military Band | Gustav Holst
I. Chaconne
II. Intermezzo
III. March
Salute to the Big 10 | Thomas Bourgault
The Liberty Bell | John Philip Sousa
Florentiner March | Julius Fucik
Young Person’s Guide to John Williams | John Williams

Herald Trumpet Fanfare
Nadine Silverman, Master’s in Music ‘23

Recessional
Themes from Superman | John Williams
Americans We | Henry Fillmore

Rutgers University Officials

Commencement Speaker and Honorary Degree Recipients

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

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 also serves in the Executive Office of the President of the United States as a member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.

Allison Smith, curly hair, black blazer, mint green shirt

Student Speaker

Allison M. Smith

Allison M. Smith is the 2022-2023 president of the Rutgers University Student Assembly and will be graduating summa cum laude with a major in criminal justice and minors in public policy, political science, and psychology from the School of Arts and Sciences

At SHI Stadium

Emergency Notifications

During Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences 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.

STADIUM SECURITY AND RESTRICTED BAG POLICY

- The SHI Stadium Bag Policy will be strictly enforced. Follow the guidelines below to expedite entry into the Commencement venue.

- Permitted items include clutches and wallets no larger than 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches, and clear plastic bags no larger than one gallon or 12 x 12 x 6 inches. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

- Prohibited bags include purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.

- Prohibited items include strollers, umbrellas, balloons, noisemakers, outside food, bottles or beverage containers of any kind, alcoholic beverages, poster signs, pets, smoking, weapons, and other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate.

- Guests must pass through security before entering the stadium. Those with oversized or prohibited items will be directed to return those items to their vehicle.

SHI Stadium Restricted Bag Policy

Let Us Know What You Think

Did you enjoy Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences 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.

257th Anniversary Commencement Survey

Rutgers University Career Exploration and Success Post-Graduation Survey

Before you embark on your new adventures, tell Rutgers University Career Exploration and Success your future plans by completing the Official Post-Graduation Survey. You will be entered into a raffle to win your choice of Apple Air Pods or a $100 Amazon gift card!

Career Exploration and Success Post-Graduation Survey

257th Anniversary Commencement Day

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

Welcome to the 257th Anniversary Commencement