Two New University Leaders, Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson and Rutgers President William Tate IV, Welcome Students at Convocation

Rutgers University–Newark’s convocation ceremony celebrated a new beginning for its largest-ever incoming class and two new university leaders: Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson and Rutgers President William F. Tate, IV, both of whom arrived this summer.

This year’s new students total approximately 2,700, the largest class in Rutgers-Newark’s history.

“Like you, I am beginning my journey at Rutgers University–Newark,” said Smith-Jackson. “I joined our community on August 1, and in just a few weeks, I’ve already learned that this is a close-knit community, dedicated to academic excellence, student success, ground-breaking research, the City of Newark, the state of New Jersey, and cultivating changemakers. There is something special about Rutgers–Newark.”

Tate agreed. “Rutgers-Newark is very special,’’ he said. “Newark is like home. I’m from Chicago and there’s a vibe here that’s very much like my own home. I want you to thrive in the home of the Scarlet Raiders.” 

He explained the university’s motto, coined in the 18th-century, when Rutgers University was founded. "Sun of righteousness, shine upon the West,’’ he recited. “It ties directly to our truth-seeking mission. Rutgers was founded to bring truth and learning to a new world. You are called to bring truth to society. There is no justice without truth. You can shine by being empathetic to others across the humanities, sciences, and your professions.’’

Convocation is an annual rite of passage that marks the start of the school year and welcomes new students to the Rutgers-Newark community. This year, more than 1,100 students attended and all seats were filled at the Golden Dome, where the ceremony was held. Afterward, more than 2,000 students and other Rutgers community members  flocked to the many food trucks parked on campus for the Weeks of Welcome Food Festival. In a show of school spirit, students rang cowbells and the RU-N cheerleaders performed, along with members of the Rutgers-Newark dance team.

Smith-Jackson heightened the enthusiasm by leading the students in a “Scarlet Raiders” cheer. “I want to hear those cowbells again,’’ she shouted. “That’s who we are, they better recognize!” 
In keeping with the event's theme, “Brick by Brick,’’ she referenced the song “Step by Step” by Newark native Whitney Houston, a tribute to perseverance and hope.

“Congratulations on taking the first step. We are here to help you cross that finish line. Step by step, bit by bit. For those who are new to Newark, welcome to Brick City,’’ she said.

Smith-Jackson recalled her own first days of college and reassured students that they would find their way. “As a first-generation student myself, I can recall the mixed feelings of excitement and anxiousness as you anticipate the first day of classes,” she said. “Let me put you more at ease — I promise you that we, all of us — the Rutgers–Newark staff and faculty — are here for you and will continue to be with you and support you through graduation day and beyond,’’ she said.

“The Rutgers University-Newark community feels connected, a place where you can be yourself and where others celebrate you for being you,’’ she added. 

Smith-Jackson gave the crowd an overview of the Class of 2029.  More than 70 percent  of undergraduates are first-year students, while more than 40 percent of new students are the first in their families to attend college. There are more than 100 military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans, and their family members.

“Our students range in age from 16 to 75,” Smith-Jackson noted. She praised Linda, a 75-year-old transfer student from Mercer County College, and the youngest student, who transferred from nearby Essex County College before turning 16, as well as other students who were leaders in their communities and schools before enrolling. “You are now part of this richly diverse community. Rutgers–Newark has been nationally recognized as one of the most diverse student populations for the last 28 years,” she said.

The chancellor informed students that Rutgers-Newark was ranked by U.S. News & World as one of the top universities for Social Mobility. “We were ranked as number 5,’’ she said. “This ranking is not just a number, it's recognition for the commitment and support that we provide students from their first day of class through to graduation day and beyond, including their lifetime earnings,’’ she said.

The chancellor also highlighted the role of athletics in building campus pride. This fall’s October 25 homecoming, she said, will showcase the Scarlet Raiders’ soccer teams, student organizations, and alumni spanning five decades. “We will be celebrating over 130,000 living alumni,” she said.

As she introduced Tate, the university’s new president, she let the crowd know that it was his birthday and led them in a chorus of Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday.’’ 

Tate reminded students to find truth amid misinformation and isolation. In a world where digital and social media algorithms often push people into silos, Tate told students that disciplined thinking and empathy would be crucial. A question to ask, he told them, is “Who is my neighbor?”

“It’s one thing to describe your neighborhood,” he said. “It’s completely different to act in service of them, in empathy. ‘Who is my neighbor?’ is one of the most profound questions ever asked — and it guides almost every discipline.”

He also shared memories of his time as a first-year student, when he started his first semester believing he wanted to work on Wall Street and finished with a degree in Mathematics, which opened the door to starting a career in research, thanks to his college advisor. 

 “I wouldn’t be president of this university if I didn't listen to that advice,’’ he said. “Are you prepared to major in the minors? Investments beyond your major course of study might be the minor that sparks your curiosity.’’

Also speaking at the ceremony were Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Corlisse Thomas, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson, and Jason Cortés, Associate Professor and Program Director, American Studies and Chair of Spanish & Portuguese Studies.

Two student speakers encouraged their peers to explore Rutgers-Newark’s organizations and consider on-campus leadership roles.  

Adrian Henry, Student Government Association President, stressed the importance of registering to vote and embracing their academic journey.

“At Rutgers-Newark, we take pride in being a community of scholars,’’ he said.

Gavin Walker-Mason, the School of Arts & Science-Newark speaker and an Honors Living-Learning Community (HLC) student, described how he has grown since arriving on campus from Albuquerque, New Mexico.  

“I remember my first convocation as a lost young queer boy. But two years later, my world has 
shifted,’’ he said. “Rutgers-Newark invested in me from so many facets, from finding the passion in public service and student government to learning about social justice.’’

He reminded students to step up to their role in shaping democracy. “Democracy is a verb.It’s  never about what you witness or what is done to you, it’s in response. The  power lies within the people and it lies within you.”