Rutgers University–Camden faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members joined the families and loved ones of the Class of 2025 in celebrating nearly 1,700 graduates during Commencement Week. Across five ceremonies held from May 20 to 22, the newest Rutgers–Camden alumni—many of whom began pursuing their degrees in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic—were honored for their academic excellence, determination, community engagement, and strength of character.
“Every path to a degree is distinct, but one truth remains: Education is transformative,” Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis said. “It changes the trajectories of lives, families, and entire communities. That transformation is vividly illustrated in the stories of our graduates.”
Class of 2025 Fast Facts
- Undergraduate degree recipients: 1,035
- Graduate degree recipients: 626
- Youngest graduate: Tim Pan, age 19, bachelor of arts in criminal justice
- Oldest graduate: Darlene Lindsay, age 73, bachelor of arts in psychology
Words of Wisdom from Commencement
“What is your purpose? As a writer, a scientist, an advocate, an engineer, an educator, you have been called to shape and to build something for yourself and this world.” – Mickalene Thomas, award-winning multidisciplinary artist
“As you step into the next chapter…embrace discomfort, and remember that people who find success were once told they couldn’t do it.” – Aaron Chang, president, Jefferson Health – East Region
“You made a decision to enter nursing school in the middle of a global pandemic, when the future of how we deliver care was changing in real time…and yet you signed up. Something within you said, ‘This is what I was meant to do.’” – Amy Mansue, president and CEO of Inspira Health
“The world doesn’t need more noise; it needs more purposeful voices…When you use your voice, make sure it’s for good.” – Jacquelyn A. Suarez RLAW’15, commissioner, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
“Comparison is the thief of joy. Do not compare yourself to anyone but the person you were yesterday…Your purpose is to outgrow your fears, to outlast your doubts, and to out-love the barriers that were placed in your way.” – Brisa De Angulo RLAW’12, founder and CEO, A Breeze of Hope Foundation
