Fall 2019 Rutgers University–Newark Impact Report

A Message from Nancy Cantor

Chancellor, Rutgers University–Newark

Nancy Cantor, Rutgers University-Newark Chancellor asks what do you get when you combine the faculty and assets of a major urban research university, the burgeoning opportunities of one of America’s most exciting cities on the rise, and a student body diverse in every conceivable dimension and teeming with talent? Rutgers University–Newark!

I am grateful every day for the privilege I have to lead this amazing anchor institution—and for the support of donors like you, who believe in our mission. In this report, you will find a sampling of the innovations and successes that you made possible. I hope you celebrate with us, knowing that no matter where you give, you help transform the lives of our students and translate our impact across campus and into the world. Because of you, we have a thriving Honors Living-Learning Community that is a hothouse for the leaders we need for tomorrow. We have expansive, reciprocal partnerships throughout the city of Newark where we pioneer ways to drive urban America forward. And we learn every day what we can achieve together when we pool knowledge across expertise, professions, identities, and experiences.

We—students, faculty, staff, and community—truly feel the impact of your gifts, no matter the size. On behalf of all of us, thank you for making a difference, and thank you for staying forever connected, forever involved, and forever invested.

Newark College of Arts and Sciences

With majors ranging from fine arts to neuroscience, the Newark College of Arts and Sciences (NCAS) provides students with expansive opportunities to engage the big questions and challenges of the world, whether in the classroom or through immersion experiences on the ground in the dynamic city of Newark and beyond. Donor support of the Academic Excellence Fund makes that possible. Whether it is funding for programming, research, lectures, or events, donor gifts help students succeed.

Emmanuel Amoakohene, a senior fine arts major, received a scholarship from the Academic Excellence Fund that made all the difference. “In the arts, we have to buy supplies, and it’s very expensive, so having the opportunity to get a scholarship helped me a lot in being able to afford the other necessities,” he says. When you support NCAS, you help students like Emmanuel prepare for their future and make the most of their time at Rutgers. He plans to start a Master of Fine Arts program after graduation, and eventually make a career for himself where he hopes to encourage others to follow their passions to make a difference in the world.

Rutgers Business School

Joel Ayala, a 2019 Rutgers Business School (RBS) graduate who studied supply chain management, had more than three years of college behind him when his graduation suddenly seemed uncertain. With the help from the RBS Finish Line Fund and the Dean’s Excellence Fund, he was put back on track to graduate, despite some financial setbacks. The RBS Finish Line Fund ensures that economic hardship does not derail a student’s college graduation, and the Dean’s Excellence Fund provides scholarships and necessary funds to the RBS program.

RBS donors stepped up for Joel when they made a gift this past year. Because of their generosity, Joel graduated in May, and donor contributions helped many other hard-working students who faced the pressure of not being able to pay for a college education. Joel was excited to graduate and begin his career in supply chain management, while continuing to follow his passion for athletics and volunteering to give back.

Rutgers Law School

Donor support of the Academic Excellence Fund at Rutgers Law School helps students succeed. Victor Celis, Class of 2019, was one of those students. When applying to law schools, Victor was incredibly impressed by the numerous scholarship opportunities available to Rutgers Law School students. “As a law student, scholarships are especially important because many of us come to law school with substantial student loan debt from our undergraduate programs. In my case, scholarships were critical to my ability to afford this program,” said Victor.

Gifts to this fund help prepare future lawyers for a career in the field of their choice. Victor has had the opportunity to work part-time for a Rutgers Law School alumnus and a civil rights lawyer, has made oral arguments in open court, and has been able to land a job as a litigation associate in a prominent New York law firm after graduation. Our students experience this type of success because of donor generosity. “On behalf of students at Rutgers Law School, thank you! Without your support I would not be here today pursuing my dreams,” says Victor.

School of Public Affairs and Administration

The School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) educates and motivates students to choose careers in public service and administration. With donor assistance, we strive to provide our diverse student body with a high-quality education, produce high-level scholarship in our fields of study, and serve our community in a thoughtful and fulfilling manner.

Gifts can assist students in the form of academic scholarships and fellowships that reduce the cost of tuition, books, and fees. Donors also help fund international opportunities and stipends for internships. Gifts are an investment in our students and a commitment to their continued success as future alumni who will exemplify a culture of public service and community engagement. Because of donor support, they will make a difference throughout the region, the nation, and the world.

By making a gift, our donors provide support for internships, scholarships, and fellowships for our students to ease their financial burdens as they pursue careers in public service. This additional assistance allows our students to continue hands-on learning opportunities both domestically and internationally that equip them with the knowledge and skills to successfully lead public and nonprofit organizations.

School of Criminal Justice

Studying is the primary focus of every student’s undergraduate experience. Keeping up with classes and coursework becomes difficult when the cost of textbooks, tuition, and fees can be prohibitive. In March of 2018, the School of Criminal Justice proudly launched the Undergraduate Book Fund. Aimed at providing students with funds to purchase textbooks, donors came out in droves to support our students. In the last year, we have experienced a new enthusiasm for giving from relatives of students, faculty, staff, and even from fortunate students themselves.

Donor support helped to award deserving students, with GPAs of 3.0 or higher, the ability to pay for textbooks. Thanks to our donors, last year we selected four students, freshman Ashley Pinea, sophomore Taras Bodnar, junior Andrea Good, and senior Keony Sicard. With this support, they were able to purchase the textbooks associated with their studies and work hard throughout the semester to keep their grades high.

Honors Living-Learning Community

The Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC) at Rutgers–Newark is a revolutionary honors program that cultivates talented students The Honors Living Learning Community (HLLC) at Rutgers University–Newark is a revolutionary honors program that cultivates talented students into empowered change-makers. HLLC Scholars learn how to leverage their diverse life experiences and build expertise in their fields together with faculty, fellow students, professionals, civic leaders, and community residents. With a mission to expand opportunity and prosperity for all, HLLC delivers a transformative curricular experience.

Donors who support HLLC are partners in doing just that, helping forge and sustain innovative programs and support students to grow as local citizens in a global world. Donor generosity has provided HLLC students with resources and the opportunities necessary to become thought leaders and change agents in their fields and their communities.