Hall of Distinguished Alumni
Graduates Who Inspire Us All
Each year, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni honors a group of extraordinary individuals whose lives and careers reflect the rich history, enduring values, and far-reaching aspirations at the heart of the Rutgers experience. Whether they help expand access to academic excellence, build community, support research for the common good, or show leadership and creativity in other ways, these distinguished alumni shape our world for the better.
Esther Salas RC’91, NLAW’94
Having served as an assistant federal public defender and federal judge, including as a United States Magistrate Judge and United States District Court Judge, the Hon. Esther Salas turned tragedy into a means of civic change through her determined advocacy for federal and state legislation to ensure greater security protections for all judges.
Donald Cameron Clark CLAW’79
From high-level legal cases involving religious liberty and capital punishment to exciting work in film and theater, Donald Clark has harnessed the arts of persuasion and storytelling to spark emotion, challenge opinions, and change lives.
2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony
Each year, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni honors a group of extraordinary individuals whose lives and careers reflect the rich history, enduring values, and far-reaching aspirations at the heart of the Rutgers experience. Whether they help expand access to academic excellence, build community, support research for the common good, or show leadership and creativity in other ways, these distinguished alumni shape our world for the better.
On April 24, Rutgers will welcome five new members into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. Please join us for a celebration of these alumni, their transformative work, and their amazing dedication to improving our lives and society.
A History of Recognizing Achievement
Since 1987, the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni has honored the best and brightest of Rutgers graduates. For video highlights of our previous celebration and induction ceremony, please see below.