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Commencement 2010 Media Guide

Date

May 7, 2010

For all things commencement

 

On May 16, University President Richard L. McCormick officially will confer all graduate and undergraduate degrees. About 12,651 graduates – a record – will receive degrees from Rutgers this year. They include approximately 8,636 baccalaureate degrees, 2,762 master’s degrees, 1,252 doctorates and one education specialist.

Commencement at-a-Glance: An inclusive review of the convocation ceremonies in Camden, Newark and New Brunswick.

Get the Facts: Get details about this year's commencement, from record-breaking graduate totals to information about the inner workings of the ceremony.

Enrollment Figures and University History: Review the breakdown of Rutgers' student population as well as get an overview of Rutgers humble beginnings.

Commencement Student Speakers: Julie Bianchini of Hillsborough, N.J. is graduating from the School of Arts and Sciences. She majored in molecular biology and biochemistry and minored in science, technology and society. Jonathan Maddison of Voorhees, N.J., is graduating from Camden College of Arts and Sciences. He majored in political science with a minor in American studies and national security studies.

Honorary Degree Recipients: The university will award Gov. Chris Christie an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during commencement. Rutgers traditionally recognizes new governors during the universitywide ceremonies. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Board of Governors Chair The Rev. M. William Howard, author Judy Blume and renowned scientist Dr. Carl Djerassi also to be honored at May ceremonies. Feminist Eleanor Smeal to receive Doctor of Humane Letters and deliver keynote address.

Getting Around During Commencement: The universitywide commencement draws hundreds of extra vehicles to roads in and around campus. Travelers should expect delays on city streets and on Route 18 in the vicinity of New Brunswick. Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time and plan alternate routes.

Commencement Pageantry and Color: Learn the meaning and symbolism behind many of the commencement traditions, artifacts and regalia.

Voorhees Mall, Site of Commencement, Rich in History: Rutgers’ Class of 2010 will graduate in a historic setting that dates back to the earliest days of the university. On May 16, some 12,000 chairs neatly positioned in seemingly endless rows covering the expanse of Voorhees Mall will be filled with graduates and guests celebrating Rutgers’ 244th commencement. 

Voorhees Mall's Elms: The stately elm trees on Voorhees Mall contribute to the ambience of many important events that occur at the heart of the College Avenue Campus at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The 244th universitywide commencement scheduled May 16, and the Rutgers College convocation the next day, are two such occasions. Most of the American elm trees that grace the mall and the adjacent Old Queen’s campus date from the turn of the 20th century. At the time, Bleeker Place, a New Brunswick street, cut across the mall. These living antiques were planted on either side of the road and in a wide grassy median that separated the northbound and southbound lanes.

Media Contact: Steve Manas
732-932-7084, ext. 612
E-mail: smanas@ur.rutgers.edu