“If you ask me,” says Michael Ilcyn ENG’82, “that’s what Rutgers is all about—a brighter tomorrow.” A proud School of Engineering graduate, Ilcyn believes in the power of technology and education to transform lives.
‘Together, WE ARE YOU’
With more than 600,000 alumni worldwide and almost 360,000 living in New Jersey, Rutgers University’s powerful influence resonates throughout the state and around the globe. Every day, more than 67,000 students, 8,000 faculty members, and 14,000 staff on our campuses and in the field embrace excellence in the pursuit of education and research. Their explorations and expertise range from the arts to engineering, the sciences to the humanities, business to health care, farming to teaching to public service, and much, much more.
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Courtney and Caitlin Sullivan
Identical twins Courtney SAS’20 and Caitlin SAS’20 Sullivan leapt to the top of the dance world as members of the Radio City Rockettes in 2023. The Sullivan Twins, as they are known professionally, reprise their roles as members of the 91st edition of the world-famous Christmas Spectacular, which runs through January 5, 2025.
At Rutgers, the sisters competed all four of their undergraduate years on the Scarlet Knights Dance Team and remain involved, mentoring and coaching the current squad. “The Rutgers dance team really shaped us and was such an important part of our college years, and we still credit them for so much—for helping us get to where we are today,” says Caitlin Sullivan.
Jennifer Northam
It was a professor at Rutgers who changed my life,” says Jennifer Northam RC’94. “My professor forced me to join the newspaper as part of my Introduction to Journalism class. But as soon as I saw my name in print, I was hooked.” From that formative experience, Northam went on to leave her mark in broadcasting. Over a 20-year career at CNBC, she traveled the world before ultimately settling in London, where she cofounded her own independent creative agency. “I really believe I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for that professor at Rutgers who really pushed me,” she reflects.
Brett Chappell
Army veteran Glenn Ford calls Rutgers School of Dental Medicine student Brett Chappell RSDM’25 a real-life Scarlet Knight. Thanks to Chappell and the RSDM Vet Smiles program, Ford received the dentures he urgently needed. This program provides veterans in Essex County, New Jersey, with free x-rays, cleanings, preventive care, fillings, dentures, and crowns. After graduation, Chappell RSDM’25 will join the U.S. Army Dental Corps, further strengthening the bond between these brothers-in-arms. “This university has given me the opportunity to grow as a skilled dental professional, and it’s even more meaningful when I get to give back to someone … who served our country,” says Chappell.
Joe Lemkin
Meet Joe Lemkin RC’90, a proud Rutgers grad and dad and lawyer of 30 years. In Rutgers, Lemkin still finds an outlet for his passions, including Rutgers Football and broadcasting—two interests he combined as a radio show host reviewing Rutgers football games. Watch his video to learn what he believes sets Rutgers apart.
Matt Cortland
Rutgers alumnus Matt Cortland SAS’11 has something enchanting brewing! At his fantasy-inspired chain of restaurants and bars in the U.S. and U.K., patrons use magic wands and molecular mixology to whip up their own spectacular libations. As co-founder and Chief Executive Wizard of The Cauldron Company PC, Cortland explains, “I just want to make magic real … A lot of what we read about and see on the screens of movies actually can be real with the right implementation of technology.”
In pursuing his vision, Cortland relies in part on training he received while studying in Ireland for a master’s degree in technology, which he obtained thanks to guidance from Rutgers’ Office of Distinguished Fellowships. “The doors that Rutgers opened through its support of its students, especially around what you do after graduation, was really impactful,” he says.
Alonzo Adams
The world is a better place because Alonzo Adams MGSA’84 failed calculus. He planned to study engineering at Rutgers, but his artistic talent took root. Now, it’s prominently displayed in the form of a new mural at SHI Stadium, featuring the legacy of fellow alumnus Paul Robeson RC1919—the celebrated athlete, singer, and activist. “I didn’t know the man he was when I got to Rutgers, but I found out the giant that he was—the humanitarian, the man who fought for peace, the athlete, the celebrity, the activist,” says Adams. “I want his image to be magnified.”
Rutgers brings out excellence, and it brings out leadership. Latoya Singleton RBS'07, NCAS'07, RBSG'10 is proof positive, using her Rutgers MBA to keep great math and science teachers in the classroom and advance human rights.
“Success isn’t just about personal achievement,” says Tamesha Forrest RBS’18. “It’s about empowering others and driving positive change on a global scale.”
“The connections I’ve made—starting as a Rutgers undergrad in political science—are really important to me,” says Rutgers University Alumni Association board member Michael Adler.
Rory McGregor RC’90 knows the power of the Rutgers global alumni network. From a young man living in Trinidad and Tobago to the trading desk at Barclays in New York City, he credits his Rutgers connection with paving his road to Wall Street.
“Every trial, there is a patient that can be impacted by what we do,” says Patricia Devitt Risse PHARM’85, GSNB’93. A 2024 inductee into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni, Devitt Risse has devoted much of her 35-year career to oncology drug testing, including founding an award-winning company focused on early-stage cancer trials where medicines are tested in humans for the first time.
British actor Amelia Whitrod (Amy Whitrod Brown), leverages her experience studying abroad at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts to raise youth voices through the transformative power of creativity.
Senator Raymond J. Lesniak RC’71 served 40 years in the New Jersey Legislature, championing landmark progressive legislation that protected the environment, ended the death penalty, and advanced marriage equality in the state.
From Piscataway to Paris: Rutgers graduate and soccer star Casey Murphy SAS’19 can now add “Olympian” to her resume. Murphy, who was a standout goalie for the Scarlet Knights, is competing with the U.S. women’s soccer team at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Reflecting on an illustrious career of more than 50 years as a civil rights leader and attorney, Wade J. Henderson NLAW’73 credits Rutgers for inspiring him to “think of the law as a tool for change.”
“Central to the work in my theater and film company is a profound belief in the power of community,” says Rutgers graduate Clarence Tokley LC’97.
Melissa Hartland RBS’08, NCAS’08 bleeds scarlet. A Rutgers graduate and program coordinator for the MFA Creative Writing Program at Rutgers–Newark, Hartland is passionate about creating connections and building community.
The generosity of a Rutgers graduate from the last century continues to inspire students and alumni in a remarkable, ever-widening sphere of influence.
Reggae, electronic music, punk rock—as a student at Rutgers–Camden, Patrick Wallace CCAS’02 loved them all, and he punctuated his studies with stints working at the campus radio station.
Jeffrey Bluestone CC’74, GSNB’76 is an internationally regarded immunologist whose work has brought hope to people dealing with diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
Rutgers Business School graduate and expat Ugo Arinzeh RC’92, RBS’92 has built a life and successful real estate business abroad.
“Rutgers was the launchpad of my dreams,” says Mike Emanuel RC’90, Fox News chief Washington correspondent and news anchor.
“I’m the first in my family to graduate from any college,” says John Broggi RC’67. “Having that Rutgers degree has allowed me to do so many things that I could never have thought of doing before.” The connection to Rutgers for John and his wife, Barbara, runs deep and includes two children and three grandchildren with Rutgers degrees.
From harnessing the power of web and mobile technologies to exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence, Talib Morgan NCAS’96, RBS’98 helps companies adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape.
A Loyal Son of Rutgers, Cal has been part of the university community for more than 55 years—he and his family are scarlet through and through.
Sean Brown’s passion for community service took him across the country and around the world, from New Orleans to South Africa.
Focus, dedication, commitment—Rachel Degutz SAS’20, GSE’21 brings these qualities and more to her classroom every day as a middle school science teacher.
Get to know Kaleena Rogers, a Rutgers–Newark graduate helping the next generation of mental health professionals find their way forward.
Meet Khary Golden, a Rutgers–Camden graduate who is improving education outcomes for children and families as the founder of Camden U.
Former Rutgers wrestler Sebastian Rivera ready to compete for the gold and carry Puerto Rico's flag in the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies.
Graduates were welcomed into the Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) at commencement ceremonies. They join an organization whose membership has surpassed more than 600,000.
A trio of Rutgers University Alumni Association (RUAA) officers will welcome the Class of 2024—which numbers almost 18,000—into the alumni family at the university’s commencement ceremonies starting May 12.