The unveiling of the Revolutionary monument, which is a gift of Johnson & Johnson

Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers University–New Brunswick returned to its colonial roots on November 10 when the university commenced a yearlong celebration of its 250th anniversary on the lawn of Old Queens. “This is a great moment in Rutgers history,” said president Robert Barchi, addressing the crowd. “While we look back with pride at Rutgers’ remarkable past, the crowning 250 event will be about the future.” The event featured the music of a fife and drum corps, Rutgers University marching band, and a bell choir. The high point was the unveiling of the Revolutionary monument, which is a gift of Johnson & Johnson, and the ringing of the Old Queens bell. Its tolling marked the beginning of the celebration of the anniversary, which will culminate on November 10, 2016, when the charter establishing Queen’s College, the precursor to Rutgers, was signed 250 years ago.

A Newark landmark—15 Washington Street—was reopened to much fanfare

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Photography: 
Anthony Alvarez

Rutgers University–Newark
 A Newark landmark—15 Washington Street—was reopened to much fanfare on November 17 as hundreds filled the Great Hall to take part in several celebrations: the 250th anniversary of Rutgers, the 350th anniversary of the City of Newark, and the retirement of the Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, the longtime  pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark and former chair of the Rutgers Board of Governors “It is so fitting that this be a celebration of university—Rutgers University–Newark as part of Rutgers’ 250th—and community—Rutgers University–Newark  as part of Newark’s 350th,” said Nancy Cantor, the chancellor of Rutgers University–Newark. Fifteen Washington Street,  just renovated, is the new home for student residences and classrooms.

A dedication ceremony on November 17 to christen the Writers House, the new home for the Department of English

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Photography: 
Nick Romanenko

Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden marked the occasion of the yearlong 250th anniversary celebration by holding a dedication ceremony on November 17 to christen the Writers House, the new home for the Department of English and the master of fine arts in creative writing program. It’s also open to the Camden community, a fitting example of Rutgers–Camden’s ongoing engagement with the city, which was the final home of poet Walt Whitman. Located at 305 Cooper Street, the Queen Anne-revival style house had been known as the Henry Genet Taylor House. “The Writers House will be a cultural center for us all, not just Rutgers–Camden, but also South Jersey and the entire Delaware Valley region,” said Phoebe Haddon, the chancellor of Rutgers University–Camden.