Mickalene Thomas, a Camden native whose artistic works exploring identity, race, and gender have garnered international acclaim, has been named the keynote speaker for the Rutgers University–Camden and Graduate School commencement, to be held Tuesday, May 20 at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. The announcement comes on the heels of her inclusion as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People earlier this month. Thomas will also receive an honorary doctorate of fine arts at the ceremony.
Thomas's commencement speech coincides with Rutgers–Camden's Year of the Arts, an expansive celebration of various forms of artistic expression and their power to educate, inspire, and heal. Her address to the Class of 2025 and the Rutgers–Camden community is part of a broader effort by the Department of Visual, Media, and Performing Arts and the university writ large to showcase local talent alongside world-renowned artists on campus.
Known for complex, thought-provoking art that encompasses a variety of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, and film, Thomas has been influenced by DIY art scenes as well as an extensive formal education; she is a highly respected arts educator, having graduated from and served on the faculty of the Yale School of Art.
Thomas's oeuvre contains many depictions of notable Black women, including an iconic portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama that is part of the Smithsonian’s Portrait Gallery. Other prominent works by Thomas portray Whitney Houston, Eartha Kitt, and Oprah Winfrey. Beyond this year's recognition from TIME, Thomas has earned numerous awards, fellowships, and other honors throughout her career, including a 2022 Tony nomination in the Best Play category for her work as a producer on "For Colored Girls."
Rutgers–Camden's 2025 Commencement Week will feature various ceremonies and events honoring members of the Class of 2025 from each of the university's four schools. For more information on the week's keynote speakers and a full schedule of events, please visit the commencement website.
