Rutgers–Camden to Celebrate Class of 2026 During Centennial Commencement Ceremonies
Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis to deliver keynote address.
Camden, NJ – May 14, 2026: Rutgers University–Camden will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during a series of commencement ceremonies and convocations taking place May 19–21 at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. The ceremonies coincide with Rutgers–Camden’s Centennial year, marking 100 years since the institution’s founding in 1926.
Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis will deliver the keynote address at the Commencement ceremony planned for Tuesday, May 19, from 1 to 3 p.m.
“This year’s commencement ceremonies are especially meaningful as we celebrate Rutgers–Camden’s Centennial and honor the accomplishments, resilience, and ambition of our graduates,” said Tillis. “The Class of 2026 represents the next generation of leaders, scholars, creators, and changemakers who will continue shaping our communities and the world.”
Tillis has been the chancellor of Rutgers University–Camden since 2021. During his tenure, he has advanced major initiatives focused on student success, academic innovation, and community engagement. Additionally, under his leadership, the university launched its first strategic plan in more than a decade, expanded experiential learning and civic partnerships, and strengthened fundraising and enrollment efforts. An internationally recognized Afro-Hispanic scholar, Tillis previously held leadership and faculty roles at several prominent universities.
This Centennial year, Rutgers University–Camden will confer an estimated 1,713 degrees, including 1,070 undergraduate degrees and 643 graduate degrees. Members of the Class of 2026 range in age from 19 to 73, reflecting the university’s broad and diverse student community. Stories on this year’s graduates can be found on the university’s news site.
Rutgers–Camden will also welcome several other prominent individuals at individual convocation ceremonies:
Rutgers School of Business–Camden Convocation
Wednesday, May 20, 10–11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Christina M. Renna, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
Christina M. Renna is the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, where she leads the region’s largest business advocacy organization across seven counties. She directs policy initiatives, economic development efforts, and workforce programs supporting local employers. Renna previously held senior roles in New Jersey state government, including Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Governor’s Office.
School of Nursing–Camden Convocation
Wednesday, May 20, 3–4:30 p.m.
Speaker: New Jersey Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, 7th Legislative District
New Jersey Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy has represented the 7th Legislative District since 2018. A Democratic leader and Majority Whip, she chairs the Assembly Health Committee and focuses on affordability, public health, and gun violence prevention. Murphy has advanced legislation on pay equity, women’s healthcare, education, and economic security for working families across New Jersey.
Camden College of Arts & Sciences and University College–Camden Convocation
Thursday, May 21, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Speaker: Admiral William J. Fallon, U.S. Navy (Retired)
Admiral William J. Fallon, U.S. Navy (Retired), is a four-star admiral who served as Commander of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. Over a 41-year naval career, he held senior leadership roles in major global operations, including post-9/11 conflicts and strategic force planning. Since retiring in 2008, Fallon has advised on defense, security, and international affairs and has contributed to academic and policy discussions on global military strategy.
Rutgers Law School Convocation
Thursday, May 21, 3–4:30 p.m.
Speaker: James R. Maida, Esquire, Founder, President, & CEO of Gaming Laboratories International, LLC
James R. Maida, Esquire, is the founder, president, and CEO of Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (GLI), a leading independent testing and certification laboratory for the gaming industry. Under his leadership, GLI has expanded globally, setting standards for integrity, compliance, and innovation in gaming technology. Maida is a licensed attorney with extensive expertise in gaming regulation and industry oversight.
Rutgers–Camden will also host its annual Rites of Passage Ceremony on Friday, May 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Gordon Theater. The pre-commencement celebration honors Black and Latino culture while recognizing graduating undergraduate and graduate students and their families.
Additional commencement information, including accessibility accommodations, parking guidance, livestream details, and ceremony updates, is available at the Rutgers–Camden Commencement Website.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden is a hub of academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges and universities. Proudly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, the university is located in the “eds and meds” district of Camden, NJ—a city known for its cultural and historic attractions, vibrant arts community, renowned healthcare institutions, and headquarters of internationally recognized corporations. The campus offers a welcoming and engaging learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Just minutes from Center City Philadelphia—home to a thriving business district and a dynamic cultural scene—the campus also benefits from an array of transportation options for easy access in and around the city.
Home to approximately 6,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community where students enjoy the resources of a world-class research institution. Motivated scholars collaborate with world-renowned faculty, creating an environment defined by discovery and support.
As one of four chancellor-led units in the Rutgers University system, Rutgers–Camden is celebrated as a national model for civically engaged urban universities, earning the prestigious Community Engagement status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With its classification as an R2 research university, the campus contributes groundbreaking scholarship and creative output on a global scale.
Ranked among Washington Monthly’s "25 Best-in-Class Colleges", Rutgers University–Camden offers an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and personal achievement, empowering students to reach their highest potential.
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