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.

259th Anniversary Commencement Day
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Welcome to the 259th Anniversary Commencement
Congratulations! Commencement is a time of celebration for Rutgers–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health graduates, family, friends, and the entire community. We salute the graduates' achievements and look forward to all the positive contributions they will make to the world.

Graduating Students
Congratulations Class of 2025! Graduates' names from Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health are showcased on our website for families and friends from around the world to view.
Share you Commencement moments and join in the excitement. #RU2025 #RUGrad #RUCommencement

Dr. 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.

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.
Jack Ramirez, is graduating magna cum laude with a major in political science and a minor in critical intelligence studies. A leader in RUSA and Sigma Chi, he received the Distinguished Leadership Award and the Women’s Empowerment Award. As RUSA president, he led public safety and health initiatives. In Sigma Chi, he served on the national board and as chapter historian, fostering leadership and connection among members.
Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement Program Booklet
The official 259th Anniversary Commencement program booklet is available for download.

Rutgers University Alumni Association
Congratulations! You are now one of more than 570,000+ alumni worldwide-a global community that is Scarlet Forever. Membership in the Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) is free, automatic upon graduation, and lifelong.
Check out our video!