As dusk fell over the lawn at Old Queens on November 10, 2015, the glowing kettle fires lit the chilly, damp night air as the Rutgers community and friends gathered to commence the yearlong celebration of Rutgers 250th Anniversary. Despite rainy weather, hundreds of revelers strolled among the tents that dotted the lawn, meeting figures from Rutgers' past, playing historical trivia, and snacking on chili and cupcakes. The sound of the fife-and-drum corps, bell choir, and Rutgers Marching Band were heard throughout the event.

Highlights of the celebration included premiere screenings of the short film Our Revolutionary Spirit; the unveiling of the Revolutionary monument and the announcement of a Donate a Photo scholarship program, gifts from long-time neighbor Johnson & Johnson; the signing of a commemorative scroll; and a community bell ringing that marked the official start of the anniversary year.