The RAA program "Rutgers in your Backyard" brings young students to campus
In 2018, two distinguished Rutgers University institutions formed a historic partnership.
The result is a vibrant Scarlet community in which newly minted graduates join together with veteran alums to network, build friendships, plan great events, and support Rutgers!
The School of Arts and Sciences became the principal constituent school for the Rutgers Alumni Association, and the RAA became the official alumni association for SAS.
Both institutions share common roots that extend back to the very beginning of Rutgers.
Together, we are going to
accomplish great things.
SAS is the largest and most comprehensive school at Rutgers University, upholding the tradition of excellence founded more than 250 years ago at Queens College and carried on through the 20th century by four outstanding undergraduate colleges: Rutgers, Douglass, Livingston, and University colleges.
Danielle BechtaThe RAA, founded in 1831, is Rutgers University's oldest alumni group and one of the oldest in the country, and has historically served alumni from Rutgers College. The RAA is well known for its community service, scholarships, and the annual Loyal Sons and Daughters of Rutgers awards.
“We are proud to be the alumni association for graduates of the School of Arts and Science, and all Rutgers graduates who want to be a part of America's fourth-oldest alumni association,” says Danielle Bechta, RAA President.
While the pandemic has made it difficult to hold in-person programs, the two communities are doing much to build their relationship. The RAA rallied alumni support for Rutgers Giving Day, which helped boost scholarship funds for SAS students. The RAA also helped out with virtual Convocation, recording inspirational messages for the graduates, and has started a series of Q&A interviews with young alums that run on the RAA website.
Peter March“We are celebrating all great things at Rutgers through spotlighting the Scarlet Speakers from the Heart of New Brunswick, the accomplishments of SAS Young Alumni, and more,” Bechta added.
SAS Executive Dean Peter March, meanwhile, has been penning a “Letter to the RAA” that runs in the RAA’s 1766 magazine. Both communities are looking toward Fall 2021 with great hope and cautious optimism.
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway and the university chancellors are preparing for a return to campus with strong protections for the safety and health of our students, faculty, staff, and host communities.
“I cannot wait until we can greet each other in person, and I hope to see you all at a tailgating event this fall,” March wrote in 1766. “Together we are going to accomplish great things.”
