At the conclusion of its 25th anniversary, the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) is reflecting on a year defined by collaboration and impact. While the anniversary celebration was a culmination of a quarter-century of groundbreaking research and transformative community engagement, at its heart was the Institute’s 25th Anniversary Reception, a landmark event that honored WRI’s legacy while looking toward its future.
Held on Camden’s iconic waterfront, the reception brought together an extraordinary mix of voices. Federal, state, and local legislative partners joined local nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and Rutgers–Camden community members in commemorating how South Jersey has grown throughout WRI’s 25 years.
A Celebration of Legacy and Leadership
The program opened with heartfelt remarks from New Jersey General Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald, who shared his personal connection to Walter Rand and the Institute’s mission. His words set a reflective tone, underscoring the Institute’s enduring role in shaping regional policy through research. Adding to the emotional resonance, Hon. Charles Rand, son of Walter Rand, spoke about his father’s vision and the Institute’s continued relevance.
Guiding the evening was Hon. Patricia Egan Jones, a longtime supporter and lively emcee, while WRI Advisory Board Chair Michael Egenton led a poignant moment of silence marking the 30th anniversary of Walter Rand’s passing. Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis proudly highlighted how the Institute contributes to Rutgers–Camden’s strategic goals around research that supports the surrounding South Jersey community and current director Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong toasted the future.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals who have championed WRI since its inception, including Rutgers–Camden Professor and former Dean Margaret Marsh, members of the Rand family and Hon. Pat Egan Jones herself. Additional honors recognized early advocates such as former Provost Roger Dennis (in memoriam), founding WRI Advisory Board Member Jane Massey Licata, Esq., and Richard Harris, WRI’s founding director. The event also featured proclamations from the offices of U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Congressman Donald Norcross, and Camden County Commissioners that affirmed WRI’s importance to the region.
Commemorating 25 Years
Throughout its 25th anniversary. WRI found unique ways to honor its history, including a commemorative video and forthcoming “Director Series” featuring the voices of past and present directors. These pieces offer insights into the Institute’s evolution and its vision for the future.
Driving Research and Regional Impact
Beyond the festivities, WRI continued its core mission of delivering actionable research over the past year. Its Camden County Transportation Report garnered attention from media outlets including WHYY, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and NJ Spotlight News. The Institute also collaborated with the NJ State Policy Lab on a joint webinar to share findings from the report, reinforcing its role as a thought leader in policy-relevant research. In the area of health care, WRI partnered with Inspira Health and Atlanticare to conduct Community Health Needs Assessments, addressing critical health priorities and supporting healthier communities across South Jersey. These projects form part of a wide-ranging set of research partnerships at the Institute.
Looking Ahead
As WRI celebrates its past, it is equally focused on a future filled with forward-thinking initiatives. The WRI 5-year Strategic Plan charts a bold and impactful course for the future. As part of the plan, WRI is launching a Research Response Program designed to assist nonprofit organizations with urgent research needs, while the upcoming Rand Legacy Internship Program will offer students hands-on experience in South Jersey legislative offices, preparing the next generation of policy leaders. These initiatives underscore WRI’s commitment to serving South Jersey through research, engagement, and education.
Learn more about WRI’s 25th anniversary.
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