From the Nominator

Rutgers Law School at RU-N has been home to one of the oldest Minority Student Programs (MSP) in the country, and the history, importance, and impact of the program has been deeply woven into the fabric of the entire university. In advance of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the MSP, the university community began a year-long planning process that included faculty, staff, students, administrators, and alumni who came together to explore the impact of the program and its future. The event consisted of two parts, a daytime colloquium and an evening gala. The event took place at the newly-renovated 15 Washington Street building, which was the home of the law school from 1979-1999.

From the Judges

Rutgers Law School Minorty Student Program (MSP) 50th Anniversary: Coming Together and Looking Ahead, Rutgers University-Newark showcased an elevated level of thoughtful planning especially with respect to engaging multiple stakeholders at every level (volunteers, alumni, current students, political leaders in the community, and notable alumni). The program both day and night was carefully laid out and incorporated sponsorships in the materials without losing its message. We really felt the event stayed true to the school and program's mission of diversifying the legal profession, and really led the effort in how to leverage panel topic dialogue, generational scholarship recipient stories, oral histories that reflected on the growth of the program, and historical timelines. Great model for how to structure an event to connect it's audience to the program participant experience and impact, while not missing an opportunity to close with an appeal for support. An exceptional approach to highlighting scholarship recipients past and present to re-engage law alumni in a call to action. Not your typical anniversary celebration. This program takes inclusive excellence to the next level.