Observer

Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: News

Chancellor Diner speaking at Norman Samuels Plaza on Founder's Day

Silver balloons, lively music, red chairs, booths, and red and black decorations saturated the university grounds on Oct. 7.

Individuals stopped to look at old photographs of the university and read information and history of the institution. R-N held the first-ever Founders Day celebration to commemorate the establishment of the New Jersey Law School and recognize the university's alumni.

The celebration kicked off with a gathering at Norman Samuels Plaza at 1 p.m. Faculty, staff, alumni, and students were invited to watch the hour-long ceremony in front of the Paul Robeson Campus Center. The Rutgers faculty and staff went to the red booth to receive a complimentary t-shirt and baseball cap, adorning the university's name.

Shortly after everyone settled to their seats, Chancellor Steven J. Diner stood up from his seat and proceeded to address more than 200 faculty members and alumni at the podium. He spoke of R-N's rich history, diverse school community and the abundant opportunities the university presents to its students.

"I did not attend college here at Rutgers-Newark but then, I got a job here, which is the next best thing," Chancellor Diner stated.

After listening to the speech, the alumni were honored for their positive contribution.

Special recognition was given to over 200 R-N alumni, who currently work in the campus.

"It was a nice, small ceremony, honoring Rutgers and the people working here," said sophomore Billy Jiang, a psychology major.

"I didn't even know that over 200 of Rutgers-Newark employees were former students here at the campus. It was great to see the Rutgers community honor the faculty and staff's positive contributions."

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Rutgers community mingled with one another over light refreshments provided by the university.

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