At midnight on December 31, we greet 2026 after a year of major advancements and achievements at Rutgers as we came together in the pursuit of improving the common good. Take a look at some of the most popular Rutgers stories of 2025, showcasing our community and chronicling growth and innovation in research and teaching in service to our communities, our nation, and the world, presented in chronological order.
Rutgers-Newark Unveils New Scarlet Raider Mascot
Catch a glimpse of the new face of Rutgers-Newark, and read about what went into designing a more vibrant Scarlet Raider. Read more.
Rutgers Alumnus Herb Conaway Brings Degrees in Law and Medicine to Congress
A Rutgers Law School graduate, doctor and longtime public official, U.S. Rep. Herb Conaway is a trailblazer who this year became the first Black physician with voting privileges in Congress. Read more.
America’s Measles Outbreak: What You Need to Know
A Rutgers Health expert explains the myths and realities of the measles outbreak and the vaccine gap that is putting Americans at risk. Read more.
How Did April Fools' Day Get Started?
How did this day of pranks and practical jokes get started? Folklorist Angus Kress Gillespie explains. Read more.
Four Rutgers Students Earn Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships
Learn about the students who are part of this milestone group for Rutgers, including two undergrads who made history for Rutgers-Camden. Read more.
Tracking Tiny Facial Movements Can Reveal Subtle Emotions in Autistic Individuals
The Rutgers-led study challenges common misconceptions about autism and introduces a scalable method for understanding the social interactions of autistic individuals. Read more.
18-Year-Old Senior Is Rutgers’ Youngest 2025 Graduate
While most students his age are getting ready for college, Alex Geppert is preparing to start his doctoral degree. Read more.
Rutgers Board of Governors Approves 2025 University Commencement Speakers
Conservationist Peter Seligmann; writer, actor and director Ramy Youssef; and acclaimed visual artist Mickalene Thomas will address graduates at ceremonies in May. Read more.
Rutgers' Precollege Program Is a National Model for Success
Did you know universities across the U.S. have adopted the Rutgers Future Scholars model? It guides promising, low-income, first-gen students in grades 7-12 on the path to a college degree – with a graduation rate 25% higher than the national average. Read more.
What to Know About the First American Pope
Dugan McGinley, a professor of religion and contemporary Catholicism, weighs in on the selection of the new pope and the significance of his American roots. Read more.
From Teen Vogue to The Washington Post, Senior Receives National Recognition as a Leader for Her Generation
Anya Dillard’s recent achievements include being named a Gucci Changemaker and interning with filmmaker Jordan Peele. Read more.
RWJBarnabas Health, Rutgers Cancer Institute Celebrate Opening of New Jersey’s First and Only Freestanding Cancer Hospital
The Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center will house inpatient, outpatient and ancillary services, as well as state-of-the-art laboratories. Read more.
At 85, Engineering Student Is Rutgers’ Oldest Grad Ever
When Tom Maniscalco walks the stage to receive his diploma, he will be thinking of his father, who always wanted him to earn a Rutgers degree. Read more.
William F. Tate IV Named 22nd President of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
William F. Tate IV, a renowned social scientist and president of the Louisiana State University system since May 2021, has been appointed the 22nd president of Rutgers. Read the news release and watch the video.
Tonya Smith-Jackson Appointed Chancellor of Rutgers University-Newark
Tonya Smith-Jackson, provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been appointed chancellor of Rutgers-Newark, effective Aug. 1. Read more.
How Can You Remember the Names of All the New People You Meet?
Do you have trouble remembering the names of all the people you meet at the start of the semester? We talk to rhetoric expert William FitzGerald for some tips and tricks. Read more.
Haunted Rutgers
Explore Rutgers sites steeped in spooky lore and macabre history, from ghost stories to murder mysteries. Read more.
How 6-7 Became the Word of the Year
How did 6-7 ricochet around the world, becoming so popular among teens and tweens that it was selected as word of the year? Kristen Syrett, a linguist and parent of a 16-year-old son, explains this pop culture moment. Read more.
Pharmacy Student Is Named a Rhodes Scholar
Rutgers is one of only 22 colleges and universities nationwide to have a student earn the highly prestigious academic honor. Meet our Rhodes Scholar. Read more.
