Artistic Tricks and Autumnal Treats Abound in Chancellor’s Fall Address
A robust crowd of faculty, staff, students, and honored guests filed into the Walter K. Gordon Theater at Rutgers University–Camden to hear from Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis during his 2024 Fall Address. The attendees realized this would be no ordinary speech when the curtain rose to reveal not Chancellor Tillis, but a stage set occupied by 10 students decked out in Rutgers red and standing in a carefully choreographed formation.
The 10 Scarlet Raptors broke into a bravura rendition of “The Time Warp” from “The Rocky Horror Show,” offering a sneak peek of their upcoming production, set to debut October 31. Charles Baliban CCAS’26, playing the role of Riff Raff, reached his arms out wide to introduce Chancellor Tillis, who emerged from behind a bookcase at center stage.
“The most trouble I ever got in—except for going to see Prince in 1979—was for sneaking out to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Chancellor Tillis said, noting the show’s formative influence on him and thanking each performer individually for their rousing song and dance.
Focus then shifted to the main event as Chancellor Tillis reminded the audience how important it is to dedicate shared time and space to acknowledging success.
It’s so important that we gather here in person each semester not only to stay informed but also to celebrate the achievements of our great campus. You, the members of our beloved Camden community, have given us so much to be proud of.
Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis
Chancellor Tillis proceeded to do a time warp of his own, hearkening back several academic years to note that Rutgers–Camden’s national rankings have increased over that span. He highlighted the university’s best-ever ranking of #46 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Public Universities list, also mentioning that the publication gave Rutgers–Camden a ranking of #15 in social mobility.
The wide-ranging address, structured around the five pillars of Rutgers–Camden’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, spoke to a bevy of news items and success stories from within the university community.
Scholastic opportunities in finance and data science headlined recent innovations in academic excellence, while $2.5 million in new state appropriations for community engagement exemplified Rutgers–Camden’s ongoing commitment to its home city. Chancellor Tillis also emphasized the university’s globe-spanning efforts to foster international partnerships.
“At Rutgers–Camden, our reach isn’t just local or national—it’s global,” Chancellor Tillis said. “Our students and faculty are gaining access to experiences and opportunities that will shape their perspectives and careers.” He called particular attention to the university’s focus on partnerships in Africa. “In terms of the significant number of international students matriculating at U.S. institutions, Ghana and Nigeria will be the new China and India,” he added.
Chancellor Tillis welcomed numerous honored guests, including Board of Governors Vice Chair Anthony Covington, Graduate Student Representative Gaylene Gordon, and Student Governing Association President Kimberly Lugo. Elected officials like Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, City Council President Angel Fuentes, and Councilmembers Arthur Barclay, Chris Collins, Falio Leyba-Martinez, and Jannette Ramos received special welcome, along with Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, legislative aides Carla Avellino and Von Purnell Jr., and Rutgers University trustee Bob Friedman.
After inviting the audience to attend a varied slate of upcoming events—especially the upcoming run of “Rocky Horror Show” performances, Chancellor Tillis closed on an inspiring note.
“This year, we’ve made remarkable strides, but we won’t stop here,” Chancellor Tillis said. “Our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan will keep pushing us forward, helping us navigate the challenges ahead with confidence. Together, we will continue to elevate Rutgers–Camden as a beacon of opportunity, innovation, and compassion. Here’s to another incredible year!”
