2026 Centennial Celebration of Rutgers University in Camden

Dear Rutgers University–Camden Community:

I am excited to follow up on the announcement made during the launch of our campus strategic plan last week.  As we prepare for the 2026 centennial celebration of Rutgers University in Camden, I’m pleased to share the selection of our co-chairs who will lead the planning process for this exciting celebration.

Margaret Marsh is known to many of us for her unwavering commitment to Rutgers University–Camden. President Holloway has characterized her as “one of our university’s greatest citizens,” a description that is supported by her lifelong connection to our campus. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers–Camden in 1967 and went on to receive her graduate degrees from Rutgers–New Brunswick before embarking upon a high-profile career as a scholar and leader in higher education. She returned to her alma mater as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in 1998, a role she held until 2011. During that time, she elevated our institution in many ways, perhaps most notably with the introduction of doctoral programs. She also led our campus during two tenures as interim chancellor, including immediately prior to my arrival in 2021, and led the universitywide search for a new president of the Rutgers University Foundation. She is one of the nation’s preeminent scholars in the history of reproductive technology and is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her Scarlet Pride is evident in all that she does, including her personal investment in supporting our students.

A 1994 graduate of Rutgers–Camden, Jim Rhodes has been described as the “founding father” of the Rutgers University Alumni Association, an organization he helped to create in 2008, serving as its inaugural chair. Respected across all of Rutgers for his deep commitment to every aspect of our university, Jim’s roots are here in Camden, where he has been a member of the Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council and a fervent supporter of the Dean’s Emergency Fund. He was a chair of the Rutgers–Camden Alumni House Committee and was instrumental in opening Rutgers’ first Alumni House right here in Camden. He is a familiar face on campus, where he returns to speak with students on a regular basis. A current member of the Rutgers Board of Trustees, Jim is a perfect example of the passion and energy that defines Rutgers–Camden’s enthusiastic alumni base.
 
Both Jim and Margaret understand the historical arc of our institution and how it can lead us into our next 100 years.  They will announce a call early in the Spring 2024 semester asking for volunteers to serve on the Centennial Steering Committee. Please stay tuned for much more information.

Sincerely,
 
Antonio D. Tillis, Ph.D.
Chancellor