Celebrating Our First-Generation Students

November 9, 2020

Dear Scarlet Knight,

This week, Rutgers–New Brunswick will join our nation’s colleges and universities as we celebrate the contributions and achievements of first-generation students. This event coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which opened the doors to college for millions of smart, low- and middle-income Americans by establishing need-based grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.

I, too, was the first in my family to attend college. I attended Rutgers as an undergrad and was inspired by the staff and faculty to continue my education. Watch this video to learn more about my first-generation story and how it informs my leadership as your Chancellor.

I’ve found that my story is not unique at Rutgers; like me, many members of our community are first-generation. It’s one of the reasons that I believe the shared appreciation of education is in our DNA. If you are a first-generation student, I hope you will take a moment to share your story, and/or accomplishments with the Rutgers–New Brunswick community on social media by using #RUFIRST. I’d love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Christopher J. Molloy, Ph.D. (PHARM '77, GSNB '87)
Chancellor, Rutgers University–New Brunswick