Jodiefoss Ramos
In her quest to succeed and build leadership skills at Rutgers, Jodiefoss Ramos had to overcome several challenges—including food insecurity. This is a daunting issue many college students must contend with. Across all campuses, Rutgers offers resources to address basic needs and heighten student success. Watch Jodiefoss’s inspiring story unfold and discover how support from her family and Rutgers Basic Needs Center helped her reach her true potential.
Subha V. Barry
A six-time cancer survivor and Chair of the Rutgers Cancer Institute Leadership Council, Subha V. Barry shares her inspiring story in this video, visiting doctors and researchers who have played a crucial part in her journey. It’s a story of hope, determination, and empowerment—to act, as Barry says, “not with fear, but with a willingness to be a part of the solution.” Viewers also hear from Steven Libutti, MD, FACS, William N. Hait Director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and Senior Vice President of Oncology Services, RWJBarnabas Health, about the tremendous advances that have taken place at Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Violeta Yas RC’08
“It was never an option to give up,” says Violeta Yas RC’08, describing the challenges she overcame to become the meteorologist at NBC New York. Yas graduated from Rutgers in the middle of the 2008 financial crisis, but she didn’t let that stop her. “I feel like that resolve was something that developed at Rutgers. It means a lot to me as an immigrant myself and family of immigrants to be able to come to this country and live out my dream.” Watch the video to learn more about how Yas stays connected to her alma mater, and how she honors her family’s story and her community by pursuing excellence in her work.
Sheila Malovany-Chevallier DC’63 and Connie Borde DC’63
Connie Borde and Sheila Malovany-Chevallier first crossed paths as students at Douglass College. They reconnected in France in 1964, just a year after graduation, and embarked on a remarkable journey of collaboration. From crafting an American cookbook in French to translating the landmark feminist text The Second Sex, their work spans decades and disciplines. “Whether it’s food or writing or translating, it’s all a question of using language and sharing and opening up to another culture,” says Malovany-Chevallier.
Chehrazade Chemcham RLAW’06
A Rutgers law degree, earned at night, was the “passport to success” for Chehrazade Chemcham RLAW’06. “It opened doors for me that would have otherwise been closed,” she says. Today, Chemcham leads a team in the U.K., specializing in intellectual property at a global consumer health company. Watch her video as she reflects on the difference one person at Rutgers made for her along the way.
Chris Markus RC’91
Step behind the scenes with Chris Markus RC’91, the Emmy Award-winning screenwriter of some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, as he reflects on his Rutgers roots and the creative process. Discover why archetypes like those in the Marvel Cinematic Universe remain essential to storytelling today.
Peter Seligmann AG’72
Alumnus Peter Seligmann AG’72, Hon. Doctorate 2003—a leader in conservation—credits Rutgers with giving him his start. As founder and chairman of Conservation International, he works with luminaries like actor Harrison Ford to protect oceans, forests, and other living ecosystems for the well-being of humanity. Through Conservation International, Seligmann has helped to protect 1.5 billion acres of land and sea, benefiting millions of people. “For conservation to work, it had to benefit communities,” says Seligmann. “It needs to be understood as enlightened self-interest of all people.”
Marty Siederer LC’77 honed his journalism skills at Rutgers, but the real story was the life lessons he uncovered along the way: “Tenacity. Flexibility. The value of a good network.” Those lessons fueled a career pivot into the nonprofit world, where he has helped raise millions to support people facing life-affecting and life-threatening conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and ALS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
Amazon leaders Jared Saul and Leo Zhadanovsky credit Rutgers for their successful careers and returned to campus to inspire others with their innovative ideas. They are among more than 2,000 Rutgers alumni who work for the retail and technology giant.
Two Rutgers centenarians celebrated major milestone birthdays—Elizabeth (Betty) Barrett turned 105 and Bob Archibald is celebrating his 102nd birthday.
A graduate of Rutgers–New Brunswick now working on a master’s degree at Rutgers–Newark, Yesica Lopez reflects on how the Rutgers program she began in middle school changed her life.