Thank You from Chancellor Smith-Jackson!
Dear Rutgers–Newark Community,
Eighty years ago, Rutgers–Newark was founded on a bold vision: that access to higher education should not be reserved for a select few, but serve as a pathway to opportunity, excellence, and progress for generations to come. Eight decades later, that vision is just as relevant — and just as necessary. This weekend, our newly invigorated Homecoming brought us together to reflect on that history and celebrate the generations of students, alumni, faculty, and staff who have brought that vision to life.
Throughout the week, our campus was filled with Scarlet Raider pride as alumni reconnected over breakfast and jazz, students and families gathered for festivities on Norman Samuels Plaza, fans cheered on our soccer team (winning 4-1!), and neighbors from across Newark joined in celebration of the university’s history and its enduring ties to the city. And yes, I even made my DJ debut as "DJ 80centz" during RU a Celebrity Wannabe? — though I'll leave it to our students to decide whether I have a future behind the DJ booth. These celebrations reflect something fundamental about Rutgers–Newark: our strength lies not only in our academic achievements, but in the communities we serve, the barriers we challenge, and the impact we have beyond our campus.
This year’s Homecoming was especially meaningful as we marked our 80th anniversary and reflected on the role Rutgers–Newark has played in expanding access to higher education, advancing research that addresses real-world challenges, and creating opportunities for generations of students. Our history is inseparable from that of Newark. As an institution that is both in and of the city, we recognize the responsibility we carry forward to build on that legacy.
During Homecoming, we channeled that commitment into action with the official launch of the STAR Fund. This new initiative – standing for Student Achievement and Resilience – will support students facing unexpected financial hardships and help them continue their education. It reflects our longstanding belief that students striving to earn a degree deserve an institution that recognizes their resilience and stands alongside them when circumstances threaten their progress. At Rutgers-Newark, we don’t simply espouse words around opportunity. Here, opportunity is real, and not merely a shallow promise.
As we look toward our next 80 years, I hope we continue to build on the connections, pride, and sense of community that brought us together this weekend. I am especially grateful to the many individuals whose hard work made this year’s celebration possible. I can’t wait to welcome you back next year for Homecoming 2027 as we continue to grow this tradition and together write the next chapter of Rutgers–Newark's story.
Tonya Smith-Jackson
Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark