1950s
The official merger with Rutgers established campus identity, accelerated academic growth, and invested in learning infrastructure, symbolized by the opening of a modern library.
1950s
Becoming Rutgers–Camden
The New Jersey Legislature approved the official merger in 1950, establishing the Camden institutions as part of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Academic life accelerated: W. Layton Hall was appointed Dean of the College, first diplomas were awarded in 1951, and the first full graduating class crossed the stage in 1952. With a growing student body and scholarly output, the campus invested in infrastructure, opening a modern library in 1957—a symbol of the scholarly momentum taking root in Camden.
Key Milestones
- 1950 — Official merger with Rutgers
- 1950 — W. Layton Hall appointed Dean of the College
- 1951 — First Rutgers College of South Jersey diplomas awarded
- 1952 — First full Rutgers graduating class (42 students)
- 1957 — New campus library opens (capacity expanded to 110,000 volumes)
Looking Back at the 1950s
1950 — Official Merger with Rutgers
The NJ Legislature approves the merger, making Camden part of Rutgers University. W. Layton Hall becomes Dean, and the first Rutgers diplomas are awarded in 1951.
1957 — New Campus Library Opens
A $350,000 library expands capacity to 110,000 volumes, symbolizing scholarly momentum and institutional growth.