Celebration of Doctoral Graduates
October 21, 2021Program
Procession of the Platform Party
Welcome and Introductions
Henrik Pedersen
Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies
The National Anthem
Graduation Message
Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor
Introduction of the Doctoral Alumni
Henrik Pedersen
Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies
Presentation and Hooding of 2019-2021 Doctoral Graduates
Smita Thakker-Varia
Assistant Dean
Chancellor-Provost’s Remarks
Francine Conway
Chancellor-Provost
Closing Remarks
Henrik Pedersen
Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies
Academic Unit Deans
Henrik Pedersen
School of Graduate Studies
Joseph A. Barone
Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy
Wanda J. Blanchett
Graduate School of Education
Adrienne Eaton
School of Management and Labor Relations
Thomas N. Farris
School of Engineering
Linda Flynn
School of Nursing
Jason Geary
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Perry N. Halkitis
School of Public Health
Robert L. Johnson
New Jersey Medical School
Ryan J. Kettler
Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
Laura J. Lawson
School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Lei Lei
Rutgers Business School
Peter March
School of Arts and Sciences
Cathryn C. Potter
School of Social Work
Jonathan Potter
School of Communication and Information
Piyushimita Thakuriah
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
Celebration Personnel
Designated Hooder
Mark Gregory Robson
Reader
Smita Thakker-Varia
Marshals
Janet Alder
Ben Arenger
Mayra Baretto
Barbara Bender
Briana Bivens
Gary Buschhorn
Ramazan Güngör
Tina Marottoli
Lenore Neigeborn
David Pickens
Erica Reed
Mark Gregory Robson
Kathleen Scotto
Johanna Sierra
Barbara Sirman
Nadine Stevens
Andrew Thomas
Simona Turcu
Smita Thakker-Varia
Message from the Dean
Dear Graduates,
On behalf of the School of Graduate Studies and the doctorate-granting Schools of Rutgers University, I congratulate you on your academic achievements. Although you are indeed graduates, today, with your families, friends, and guests in attendance, we celebrate your dedication and commitment to your chosen fields by holding this doctoral-hooding event. Your doctoral degree empowers you to lead change in academia, governmental agencies, and industry around the world. The knowledge and skills you gained here at Rutgers will help you contribute to making the world a better place.
As you embark on your career, please remember that you will always be a part of the Rutgers community. Thank you for returning today and I wish you the best for continued success.
Sincerely,
Henrik Pedersen
Interim Dean,
School of Graduate Studies
Acknowledgments
Without the help of the many friends of the School of Graduate Studies, this celebration would not have been possible. We extend special thanks to: Athletics, Campus Information Services, Matthew Colagiovanni, GradImages, Miller’s Rentals, Erin Rath and University Facilities, Transportation Services, Karen Novick, Colin Osborne, Tom Ponietowicz, Tom Vosseler, Mary Beth Rehrer, Mark Robson, Anna Cifelli and the Office of the University Secretary, Rutgers Emergency Services and all of the Rutgers Police Department, Tory Sharpless, University Libraries, University Relations, Tim Wourinen, Jackie Vargas, and many others.