Inaugural Class of Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program Honored for Working Alongside Civic Leaders

The first cohort of Rutgers University–Camden’s Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program was honored in August at a special luncheon in the Campus Center. Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the exceptional contributions of six Rutgers–Camden students who worked alongside Camden leaders this summer.

The Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program is a signature item in Chancellor Tillis’ “15 in 5” strategic initiatives, an ambitious agenda that aligns with Rutgers–Camden’s core mission and values as an urban research institution dedicated to excellence and community. The unique five-year partnership forged between Rutgers‒Camden and the City of Camden gives at least five students per year the opportunity to work alongside civic leaders. These students gain service-learning experience, participate in community outreach, and build professional networks for potential careers in public service.

Chancellor Tillis lauded the first class of interns for setting a high bar for the future of the program.

“I am thrilled to recognize their impactful work,” Chancellor Tillis said. “I cannot wait to see how this experience influences their respective disciplines, and shapes them as scholars and public servants.”

Chancellor Tillis and Mayor Carstarphen thanked the participating students for enriching the municipal offices with fresh perspectives and ideas. In turn, Chancellor Tillis said, the interns gained marketable skills and built professional networks for potential careers in public service.

Beginning each June, participating Rutgers–Camden students serve eight-week internships in a variety of areas depending on their interests, skills, and experience. This year’s selected interns emerged from a highly competitive selection process to join the inaugural class of the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program. Representing a wide range of interests and talents, they worked in the following areas vital to the improvement of Camden:

• Elaysel Germán, a Ph.D. student in childhood studies, assisted operations in the Office of the Municipal Clerk
• Bailey Gunner, a law student, provided legal assistance and support in the Law Department
• Larodge Johnson, a double major in marketing and photography, assisted with marketing and graphic design in the Office of the Mayor
• Dolly Marshall, a double major in Africana Studies and history, assisted with community outreach and special projects in the Office of the Mayor
• Tasjane' Taylor, a health sciences major, worked in economic development in the Department of Development and Planning
• David Wintrode, a law student, provided legal assistance and support in the Law Department

To learn more, visit go.rutgers.edu/aoyva9nm.