Skip to main content
This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.
Menu
  • Home
  • Rutgers.edu
  • New Brunswick
  • RBHS
  • Newark
  • Camden
  • Online
  • Rutgers Health

Rutgers 250

  • Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email
  • About
    • About
    • About Rutgers 250
    • Planning for the 250th
    • Resources
    • In the News
    • Rutgers 250 App
    • The RevolUtionary Monument
    • Report: A Look Back at Our Yearlong 250th Anniversary Commemoration
  • Academics
  • Events
    • Events
    • Monthly Events Listing
    • Rutgers' 250th Birthday - November 10, 2016
    • A Day of Revolutionary Thinking
    • 250th Anniversary Corn Mazes
    • The 250th Anniversary Commencement
    • Rutgers 250 Kickoff Celebrations
  • #Rutgers250
    • #Rutgers250
    • #Rutgers250 Social Media
    • Social Media Shareables
  • Galleries
    • Galleries
    • Rutgers’ 250th Anniversary Video
    • 250th Birthday Photo Galleries
    • Events and Recognition
    • 250th Anniversary Commencement Galleries
    • From the Archives
    • Timeline Videos
    • Our Revolutionary Spirit
    • Candles: TV Spot
    • Donate a Photo
    • HereNow: Rutgers 250
    • Rutgers 250 Mosaic
  • Shop
  • Our History
    • History
    • Revolutionary for 250 Years
    • Timeline: Rutgers Through the Years
    • Rutgers Remembers
    • Rutgers Revolutionaries Alumni Profiles

The 250th Anniversary Commencement

A Historic 250th Anniversary Commencement

Marking Rutgers’ 250th Anniversary, President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, delivered the commencement address on Sunday, May 15, 2016, before more than 50,000 guests, graduates, faculty, and staff. Saying of Rutgers, “America converges here,” President Obama described Rutgers as “one of the finest research institutions in America.” He challenged graduates of “this intellectual melting pot” to work globally to solve problems and be civically engaged—“to have faith in democracy” and “shape our nation’s destiny.” Congratulations to the newest Rutgers graduates and welcome to the Rutgers Alumni family.

Relive the day and share your own memories (or experience the celebration for the first time!) as you explore these highlights and mementos of Rutgers’ 250th Anniversary Commencement.


President Barack Obama

Video Gallery

  • Watch and share a minute of notable excerpts from President Obama’s address
  • Watch President Obama’s full Commencement address
    (Read a transcript of the address.)
  • Watch the full Commencement ceremony


250th Anniversary Commencement

Photo Galleries

View moments captured in pictures by Rutgers University and local media. And, don't forget to share your own images using #Rutgers250 and #RU250Grad.

  • Rutgers University
  • Rutgers University on Storify
  • NJ.com:
    – Obama Arrives in N.J. for Rutgers Commencement
    – President Obama Delivers Rutgers Commencement Address: Gallery 1 | Gallery 2
  • NorthJersey.com
  • NJ1015.com


250th Anniversary Commencement Keepsake Poster

250th Anniversary Commencement Keepsake Poster, Program Booklet, and Rutgers Magazine Features

  • Download the “America Converges Here” 8.5” x 11” poster commemorating University Commencement
  • View the Commencement Program Booklet

Rutgers Magazine Features (Spring 2016)

  • “I Came Here Because You Asked”: After a three-year courtship, President Obama comes to Rutgers to deliver the 250th Anniversary Commencement Address.
  • “We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat”: How the operational staff at Rutgers prepared for President Obama's historic visit.


Social Media Shareables

Share Your Photos, Memories, and Images

Show your Rutgers pride.

  • Post your Commencement memories to your favorite social media using #Rutgers250 and #RU250Grad. You may be highlighted on the #Rutgers250 page.
  • Contribute to the Rutgers Zimmerli Art Museum’s HereNow: Rutgers 250 digital gallery
  • Donate a Photo and Johnson & Johnson will support Rutgers health care students with scholarships
  • Add your photo to the Rutgers University Alumni Association Mosaic
  • Post these social media shareables

Rutgers acknowledges our supporters

Johnson & Johnson logo

PSEG Foundation logo

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital logo

Plymouth Rock logo

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers logo

DCH Academy Honda and Brunswick Toyota

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Email
Facebook Twitter Youtube LinkedIn Instagram

Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues with Rutgers websites to accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier / Provide Feedback form.​​
Copyright © 2018, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. All rights reserved. Webmaster

Back To Top