Centennial Celebration

For nearly a century, Rutgers University–Camden has stood as a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and community impact in South Jersey. Our story begins in 1926, when civic leaders opened the South Jersey Law School—an evening program designed for working adults. Just a year later, the College of South Jersey expanded that vision, creating pathways in law and liberal arts for students close to home.

Through the Great Depression and post-war years, these institutions persevered—prioritizing affordability, access, and academic rigor. In nineteen 50, a historic merger with Rutgers transformed Camden’s colleges into a proud part of The State University of New Jersey. From the first graduating class in nineteen 52 to the opening of a modern library in nineteen 57, the campus embraced growth and scholarly momentum.

The decades that followed brought bold expansion and vibrant student life. The nineteen 60's and nineteen 70's saw new science facilities, the Campus Center, and the Fine Arts Building—home to the Gordon Theater and Stedman Gallery. Student voices shaped campus culture, from civil rights advocacy to athletic milestones.

By the nineteen 80s and nineteen 90s, Rutgers–Camden had evolved into a comprehensive university—launching graduate programs, opening residence halls, and earning national accreditation. The two thousands and twenty tens deepened our civic mission, expanded health and research initiatives, and achieved Carnegie R2 status for high research activity.

Today, Rutgers–Camden stands at the threshold of its second century. With inclusive leadership, national recognition, and transformative projects like the Cooper Street Gateway, we honor our heritage while shaping a future of excellence, commitment, and elevation. This is Rutgers University–Camden—a century strong, and just getting started.