As the May 6 Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni Awards approached, students from across the university submitted essays describing whom of the four 2017 inductees they most admire. Winners of this student competition were chosen by the RUAA Scarlet Council, invited as special guests to the event, and featured in a stirring video tribute to their role models.

 

Shane Fuller SPAA’16,’17 and Ray Chambers SB’64

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Photography: 
John O'Boyle

Student Winner: Shane Fuller SPAA’16,’17
Honoree: Ray Chambers SB’64

Why Chambers: Fuller admires the Newark-born philanthropist for giving back to his city and launching life-saving global health initiatives. “I hope to emulate Ray Chambers by being fearless in the pursuit of my passion,” says Fuller.

 

Michael Rallo SAS’17 and Alice Lazzarini GSNB’76,’96

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Photography: 
John O'Boyle

Student Winner: Michael Rallo SAS’17
Honoree: Alice Lazzarini GSNB’76,’96

Why Lazzarini: Rallo cites her groundbreaking work in neuroscience and patient advocacy. “Sharing the Rutgers experience with somebody as  influential as Dr. Lazzarini makes me very proud,” says Rallo.

 

Kyle Boehme ENG’17 and Richard Weeks ENG’50

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Photography: 
John O'Boyle

Student Winner: Kyle Boehme ENG’17
Honoree: Richard Weeks ENG’50

Why Weeks: Boehme sees the expansion of Weeks Marine as a model for his own career goal of helping an engineering firm grow and develop. “Richard Weeks and Weeks Marine have always pushed boundaries,” says Boehme.

 

Zou Yang EJB’17 and SY Lau RBS’04

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Photography: 
John O'Boyle

Student Winner: Zou Yang EJB’17
Honoree: SY Lau RBS’04

Why Lau: Yang recognizes the pivotal role that Lau has played in the rise of social media and mobile technology throughout China as well as globally. “I think it is hard to be a pioneer in an emerging industry, but he succeeded,” says Yang.

 

VIEW VIDEOS OF THIS YEAR'S HONOREES AND THE WINNERS OF THE 2017 STUDENT COMPETITION.