Greece, Garden State, and Graduates: A Year at Rutgers

July 2, 2018

Dear Alumni,

On July 1, I completed my freshman year as Chancellor of Rutgers University–New Brunswick. I am writing to share just a few of the tremendous things I have learned.

First, this community's warmth and generosity are inspiring. Thank you for making my wife, Fataneh, and me feel so welcome on the Banks. From Homecoming, to Rutgers Day (a record-breaker), to commencement, I had the pleasure of spending time with thousands of alumni and friends in my first year and to cheer on our men's basketball team in the Big Ten Tournament as they almost ousted my own alma mater, Purdue, in the quarterfinals after defeating Minnesota and Indiana. I visited with alumni across the country and halfway around the world. You are part of an extraordinary network, and now you have made us a part of it too. Thank you!

Second, this community is exceptionally accomplished and influential. A case in point: In May, Rutgers and partners launched Recharging the Youth: A New Agriculture for A New Generation in Greece. By spurring a new revolution in Greek agriculture, this project is preparing young workers for jobs at food-related businesses and family farms, helping them start their own businesses, reducing crippling youth unemployment, and even spurring eco-tourism. Why this project? Why Greece? Because Rutgers researchers bring unmatched expertise. Because Rutgers and its alumni convey competence. And because the Stavros Niarchos Foundation recognized Rutgers excellence by providing funding of $30 million, building a bridge between continents and nations.

Third, this community thrives on a challenge. Through ingenuity and perseverance, our students, alumni, and faculty make the impossible possible. Rutgers students won coveted national awards and fellowships. Our engineers are spearheading the next wireless technology revolution that could pave the way for surgeons operating remotely on patients, cars that rarely crash, and events that can be experienced virtually from thousands of miles away. Our state leaders recognize this spirit. New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced plans to make New Brunswick an innovation hub, and over the past several months I had the opportunity to meet with many state legislators from both parties to underscore the value of Rutgers to the state's economy and growth.

One more thing I learned: Even though our history spans 252 years, our journey is in many ways just beginning. Rutgers University–New Brunswick will continue to be engaged in the great issues of our time, addressing human and societal needs. This is our obligation to the people of New Jersey and beyond. And, this is our journey, together. I see the hand of alumni in all the work at Rutgers. Your ongoing support, your enthusiasm for the university's mission, and your engagement in so many aspects of Rutgers life really underpin and enhance all that happens here. That's one reason why I look forward to hearing your stories and discussing ways that you can help Rutgers fulfill its mission.

Thank you again for the essential role you play in changing the world for the better through higher education. I hope to see you in my sophomore year.

Scarlet Forever,
Deba Dutta
@duttaRutgers