Graduation Ceremony of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy

Watch on Facebook to leave a comment:
https://go.rutgers.edu/RUEJB2020
Graduates, remember to use #RUEJB2020 when you share your photos!

View the transcript of the ceremony here

Graduates may download their individual slides by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Type your name in the “Search” feature, click on your slide, and follow the instructions to download.

Virtual Convocation FAQs

Is the Bloustein School Graduation Celebration a live event?

The event is not live. All portions of the event have been pre-recorded.

Can I download the video?

Due to copyright law, the graduation video is only available for streaming from our website or Facebook page.

How long will the website be available for watching?

The Bloustein School has an archive page of all of its previously recorded graduation ceremonies. The Class of 2020 Celebration will always be available on the archive page once it has moved off of the main Bloustein home page. The archive page is https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/students/graduation/convocation-photos/

How should my friends and extended family watch the event?

They can go to our website https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/2020-graduation/ or our Facebook page https://go.rutgers.edu/RUEJB2020

Do you need to have a Facebook account to view the event on Facebook?

No, a Facebook account is not needed to view the Facebook recording. The Bloustein School Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Bloustein is public. Participants without accounts will have a bar on the bottom of the screen prompting to login or create an account, but that can be ignored.

Can I still send in my photo and message to update my slide?

Unfortunately, no. Our deadline for supplying information to Marching Order to personalize individual slides has passed.

Can I get a copy of the program?

All graduates will receive a package containing a copy of the Graduation Celebration invitation and program. The mementos given out at our annual graduation celebrations will also be included!

Students in the U.S. should receive their packages by the second week of June. Outside the U.S. may take longer. If you do not receive a package by the end of July, UNDERGRADUATES should email undergrad@ejb.rutgers.edu and MASTER’S/PHD students should email coutney.culler@rutgers.edu so we can make sure it was mailed to the proper address.

Celebration Program

Download a copy of the Graduation Program (PDF)

Invitation

Download a copy of the Graduation Invitation (PDF)

"Congratulations to all the Bloustein graduates, now more than ever
we need you to go out and change the world!"

Christiana Foglio
MSRP '86
Bloustein Dean's Advisory Board

Messages from our alumni

"I am sorry that we are not able to come together and celebrate this
accomplishment, but know that I am very proud of you, and I am glad
you are now a Bloustein Alumni! You are part of an exceptional group
of talented people who are using their training to make the world a
better place. Celebrate your day, take stock in your accomplishment,
and I will see you at a future alumni event!"

Jay Redd
BS-Public Health '01, MCRP '04
Bloustein Dean's Advisory Board

Messages from our alumni

"There has been no other time in human history when the mission of the Bloustein School is more needed than now,
when it carries with it profound weight and seriousness. Our interconnected world has found itself suddenly and
traumatically disconnected. Like a physician treating a patient, it will not be enough to just "get us through" the
current crisis. You will be charged with the task of making your patient--society--healthier and more resilient, so
we do not repeat our past mistakes. This is the challenge that lies before you. It is a challenge that I, a
fellow alumni, know you are up to and well prepared for. I encourage you to embrace it with passion and
dedication. Do not turn from it or let it engender fear or anxiety. The key is through discipline and
mindfulness of action and the confidence in knowing you are prepared and trained, and that what happens
next is entirely up to you. Your future and that of our communities lies firmly in your hands. Move forward
knowing you have the confidence of many that came before you, and now more than ever we need to
connect our world. The challenge of doing it smartly and safely is yours and I wish you nothing but the best.

Anthony Rosania, MD
MHA '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations Class of 2020! You all are the leaders not of tomorrow
but are the leaders of TODAY! You have the tools needed to make a positive
impact both locally and globally. Your Rutgers University Edward J.
Bloustein School degree will take you far and your dedication to your
industry will take you even farther. Congrats Class of 2020. I look
forward to seeing the amazing you accomplish. GO RU!"

Moses O. Salami, MHA
BS-Public Health '11

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations on having graduated from one of the finest schools of
Planning, Public Policy, Public Health and Health Administration. You
will find yourself equipped with both practical and academic skills for your
ventures out in the real world. Always know that you will be few of the
best professionals out there in the country. All the very best for your
new beginnings."

Ketki Kulkarni
MCRP '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations on completing this phase of your education in these
difficult times. As you go forward to further formal education or to the
workforce, I urge you to remember you always need to keep learning.
Your mentors, your co-workers and your subordinates all have
something important to teach you. Take it graciously! I hope many of
you stay and practice in NJ. There is much to be done so go to it.
Best wishes."

James A. Crawford
MCRP '74

Messages from our alumni

"Congrats to all the 2020 graduates! We have put in the work, pushed
past adversity, and not even the wrath of Rona could stop us from
celebrating! I am super proud of my fellow graduates and know this
is a story we will tell our kids when they complain about school
being too hard."

Tiara Bryant
MHA '20

Messages from our alumni

"Do your best and don't worry about the rest."

Daniel Hutton
MCRP '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations Bloustein Class of 2020!!! You all have already
accomplished so much, persevered through incredible challenges, and
are absolutely bound to do amazing and important things!
RU RAH RAH!!!!"

Amy E. Cobb
BA (Douglass) '99, MPAP '18

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to the Class of 2020! Best of luck with your next chapter."

Kenny Disbrow
BS-Public Health '12
MD-RBHS '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations class of 2020 on your great achievement!"

Hayley Todd
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congrats to the Class of 2020! Your hard work and dedication have
brought you to this point. Now keep the momentum going and change
every aspect of this world for the better!"

Ariel Simmonds
BS-Public Policy '18

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations. Your hard work has paid off and you should be very
proud of your accomplishment. Although this isn’t the celebration you
envisioned, please know you have a wide network of proud alumni
standing behind you and available to support you along the way."

Lauren Clementi
MHA '18

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to all the 2020 EJB School graduates. I wish you all
great success in your future endeavors."

Joy Iferika
MHA '20

Messages from our alumni

"A shout-out to the Class of 2020! This situation has shown us that you
are ready to take on whatever comes your way. I’m looking forward to
all the much-needed changes your graduating class will bring to this
world. Even though you didn’t get a proper graduation, you are young
leaders in the making. Congratulations again and please celebrate your
accomplishments by being safe and healthy!"

Fatima Abdi
BS-Public Health '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to the EJB Class of 2020! Know that even in the
toughest situations, you can still accomplish your goals that you have set
for yourself. Keep striving and shining!"

Hena Bajaj
BS-Health Administration '18

Messages from our alumni

"Hope makes Planning possible, so go forth and be tireless advocates for
the public. Congratulations to the Class of 2020, who I know will
show our communities why Planning matters!"

Bob Bzik,AICP/PP
BA-Economics, MCRP '74

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! You did it in the most
challenging of and unprecedented times! Goes to show the world what
you can achieve with your hard work and dedication. Wishing you all
the best and no doubt you’re going to achieve your dreams- 🎓👏😊"

Summera Zaheer
BS-Health Administration '19

Messages from our alumni

Congratulations to the class of 2020!"

Daniel Arndt
MPAP '08

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations!!!!!! Although this is hardly the celebration you
probably anticipated, you can take pride in your crowning
accomplishment, having done it under the worst of circumstances
and still prevailed. Best wishes for even greater success in the future."

Michael Strange
PhD Planning and Public Policy '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations on all your hard work. Hope it pays off, not just for
you, but for what you can contribute to society as well!"

Robert Haug
MCRP '81

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations and best wishes. And persevere! You will
accomplish great things!"

Oscar J. Gonzalez
MCRP '83

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations class of 2020. The future is brighter now because of you!
Shine! Shine!"

Edward C. Carter Jr.
BA--Urban Studies '03 (MPA '08)

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations Class of 2020!! Well done!! You can help change
the world for the better and I am certain that you will."

Sean Varsolona
MCRP '14

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations on your well deserved degree! I've gotten to know some
of you over the past two years and I hope you feel good about what you've
accomplished. It's not an easy thing, doing what you're doing. You
deserve to feel proud and happy and accomplished. I have no doubt
you'll go on to do amazing things. Congrats again!

Zach Subar
MCRP '15

Messages from our alumni

"To the 2020 graduates of Bloustein: You are the fortunate ones to graduate
in a season of challenge. My hope for you is that the pressure refines you
and makes you all the more stronger to achieve greater things than you
may otherwise have done. As you join a great family of alumni from
Bloustein and Rutgers University, may that confidence along with
the opportunities just waiting for you bring much joy and success for
many years to come. Cheers!"

Jessica Schellack
MCRP '14

Messages from our alumni

"Come on, Blou Grads! The world is your oyster!"

Chen Zhang
MCRP '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations grads! I hope your new degree opens doors for you. I'm
really sorry you have to enter the job market at a time like this, though.
Here's to getting through this together and making our communities
even stronger!"

Kelly Glenn
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations Class of 2020! I wish you all the best on the new
journey you are about to embark on. Although the times we are facing
are not ideal, this is a major milestone in your life that you should
celebrate and be proud of. Best of luck to you all on your post-grad
journey (:"

Sakai Young
BS-Public Health '19

Messages from our alumni

"I am honored to be one of the many alumni at Bloustein, and I would like
to welcome you to our ranks! May this graduation mean even more to
you, because you graduated in adverse circumstances and sought to
connect with others during these uncertain, trying times. May you know
that you are never alone, especially in the job search, and that there are
people who are here to support you and walk with you through every
season, including the close of this one and
the beginning of the next one!"

Anna Quan
MCRP '19

Messages from our alumni

"There has never been a more important time for public health experts. Your community,
starting from your family and friends to your Rutgers community to your NJ
communities and beyond, need your voices to put these broader consequences of healthy
policy in perspective. As an RU Alumni, I can assure you that your degree will take you
far and you will be calling on the knowledge and skills you've learned at Rutgers for
years to come. I'm so proud of what you all have accomplished by graduating in these
trying times and I cannot wait to see what you do next. Congratulations
Class of 2020!

Priyanka Desai
BS-Public Health '13

Messages from our alumni

"It is indeed an interesting and challenging time to leave the warmth and comfort of this fine department.
We are at an inflection point of unprecedented magnitude and one that manifests at many levels.
But when has a challenge knocked at the door with a notice? Never happens! I encourage the
class of 2020 to take more chances. For those who want to practice, explore a path in a new
corner in the country or the world. Others who want to research, spend even more time to ask
the wicked questions as you shed your biases and try on new and different lenses. Become less
fussy and crazier as you strive to create value. Distinguish between narratives and facts more
carefully. Talk more with people--especially those who seem to conflict with your values and
beliefs-- than the time you spend on your screens. Shelve but do not abandon your travel plans.
Learning has just started and now you know how to educate yourselves better, faster and
more often. Create hope. You will be fine. We will be fine soon. All the best.

Aman Trehan
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congrats Class of 2020! You are resilient and above any obstacle life
may pass your way, we need you more than ever to help the public health
field and I have no doubt in my mind that you all will do that! Best
wishes on your future endeavors!"

Samantha A. Posada
BS-Public Health '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations, Graduates! And never mind about the road less
traveled (because there is no path), you make the path as you go.

Miguel Zalduondo
MCRP '71

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to the Class of 2020! You should be EXTREMELY
proud of your accomplishments! Your hard work and dedication got you
to this point and it will continue take you as far as you want to go. All
the best as your continue in your paths!"

Dr. Brittni Rodriguez
BS-Public Health '13

Messages from our alumni

"Congrats Class of 2020 graduates! The knowledge and experiences
you’ve gained at Bloustein puts you in a unique position to conquer
your next adventure. All the best!"

Nimotalai Azeez
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations! Class of 2020, enjoy your achievements. See today's job
market as an opportunity to take a non traditional path while the world
figures itself out. Be rest assured, you are poised to shape regional
economies, the built environment, and transportation systems in ways
previous classes could only have dreamt."

Winstina Hughes
BA-Planning & Public Policy '07 /
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"To all of the 2020 Bloustein graduates, I send you heartfelt
congratulations on your accomplishments and best wishes for your future
endeavors. Our state, nation and world needs us as planners, more
than ever!!"

Bradley Harrington
MCRP '90

Messages from our alumni

"Well done Blou class of 2020! Looking forward to working with you to
rethink the built environment under new circumstances. Also: I love the
Blou sweatshirts!"

Tony Maruca
MCRP '14

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations on this major milestone! I look forward to seeing all
that you will accomplish to address the 21st century challenges ahead of you."

Zaid Abuhouran
B.S. Public Health/Political Science '12

Messages from our alumni

"The events of the past 3 months have made clear the effects of the inequities that increasingly
plague our society. Some of you and your families, I am sure, have been victimized by those
inequities your whole lives. All of you have faced unique difficulties making it to this point
in your academic careers. My wife, Mary Ann, and I applaud your efforts and congratulate
you as you move on to the next phase of your lives. As graduates of the Bloustein School, you
all have been given tools that can address many of the problems that have been so painfully
highlighted. As you go forward, hold close the values that have gotten you this far, and keep
them in mind as you apply these tools to whatever comes next. Congratulations and best
wishes to you all!"

Steven Allard
MCRP '79

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations Matt Soslow and welcome to the team at work!"

Christopher Lee
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations, all!! I’m so proud of you and excited for you!
YOU HAVE BIG THINGS AHEAD OF YOU!"

Julia Wong
MCRP '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to the Bloustein School Graduating Class of 2020. The future of urban
and regional planning is fraught which many challenges which will require innovative
solutions. You will have to address evolving issues related to social distancing in
densely populated areas, effects from climate change, and changes in commuting
patterns and its effect on mass transit due to increased work-at-home usage and
decreased use of traditional workspace in office buildings and business centers, among
any other issues. Your training at the Bloustein School has helped you prepare to
meet these challenges. Best of luck,and may you all succeed in your future careers.

Harold A. Frankford
MCRP '73

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations on your remarkable accomplishments in attaining your
degree! I am continually amazed at the superb quality and character of
our students and graduates, who across their careers so effectively serve
the common good. Go forth and prosper!"

Jennifer Senick
PhD Planning & Public Policy '15

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations to all of the graduates on proving to the world that
through your education, your perseverance and your ability to adapt to
tumultuous circumstances that you are ready to take on the world. A
special shout out to Susan Weiss or “mom” as I call her, for finishing her
master's degree while fighting on the front lines during the COVID19
pandemic. You motivated me to achieve everything I have and I could not be
more proud of your accomplishments here! Go RU!

JJ Weiss
BS-Health Administration '16 /
MHA '19

Messages from our alumni

"Congratulations, you made it! Although these are strange times, you are
well set up with the best skills in the business! Best of luck!"

Catrina Meyer
MCRP '17

Messages from our alumni

"Special congratulations to the winners of the undergraduate
Greenberg and Barker awards!"

Michael R. Greenberg
Distinguished Professor