2026 Hall of Distinguished Alumni

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 23, 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.

Our 2026 honorees are:

• Gloria A. Bachmann NCAS'70, RWJMS'72
• James F. Dougherty RC'74, GSNB'75
• Creighton Drury RC'92
• Eric LeGrand SAS'14
• James H. Rhodes CCAS'94

To learn more about this year's honorees, visit hda.rutgers.edu.

The evening’s festivities include a reception and dinner, inspiring stories, and scarlet pride.

Event Timeline:

5:30-6:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception

6:30-9:00 p.m. - Dinner & Awards Ceremony

9:00-9:30 p.m. - Dessert & Socializing

RSVP date is April 6, 2026