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

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

Rutgers University Seal

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.

happy grad

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.

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.

2025 Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement

Graduating students celebrate during Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

Amy L. Towers, chair of the Rutgers University Board of Governors, welcomes the Class of 2025 and their families and friends to Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Prabhas V. Moghe addresses the Class of 2025 and their guests at Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

Laurie L. Patton, president of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, receives an honorary doctor of letters degree from Rutgers University at its 259th anniversary Commencement on May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

Rajiv Vinnakota, president of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, receives an honorary doctor of laws degree from Rutgers University at its 259th anniversary Commencement on May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

Peter Seligmann delivers the keynote address to the Class of 2025 at Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Seligmann is cofounder and chair, Conservation International, and cofounder, president, and chief executive officer, Nia Tero.

Nick Romanenko

Rutgers University Student Assembly President Jack P. Ramirez delivers remarks at Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

Gloria K. Vanderham, chair of the Rutgers University Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomes the Class of 2025 as the university’s newest alumni at Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko

The Class of 2025 celebrates their significant academic achievement at Rutgers 259th anniversary Commencement on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Nick Romanenko