Scarlet-First Success Stories
First-generation college students and alumni are often successful thanks to a powerful combination of internal drive, resilience, and unique perspectives that set them apart. Want to see their impact? Explore some of the incredible work first-gens—past and present—are doing at Rutgers and beyond!
Meet the Class of 2029: Inspired by Their Families to Change the World
Members of this year’s incoming class have been inspired by their families and have already turned their motivation to make a difference in the world into action.
Zimmerli’s Bilingual Efforts Extend Beyond the Gallery Walls and Into the New Brunswick Community
First-generation students and alumni at the Zimmerli Art Museum are passionate about making the museum more accessible and inclusive for all. Among them are Assistant Curator of Community Engagement Barbara Cepeda, Museum Educator and Rutgers alum Jessie Garcia, undergraduate student Karla Masin, and graduate student Hanna Cherres. Together, they have contributed their skills and expertise to a multi-tiered project that is transforming the facility into a bilingual space.
New Medical School Students Don Their White Coats for the First Time
Incoming students reflect on what this moment means to them
Donning a white coat at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) marked a homecoming for Kofi Asare ‘29, a first-generation student from Ghana, who grew up in New Jersey but attended college out of state.
“It’s the culmination of my prayers and the blessings on the way, not just for myself, but for people who look like me,” Asare says. “Receiving a white coat enables me to show people that going to medical school is possible for anybody. It’s confirmation that I belong and am capable of becoming a physician who can make a positive impact.’’
From Fear to Freedom and Hope: A Venezuelan Student’s Journey
Pursuing a college education and the American dream, Rafael Escalante departed the embattled South American nation and made his way to New Jersey
Rafael Escalante escaped politically motivated persecution as a teenager in Venezuela to find his place – and a brighter future – at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
In Thailand, a Fulbright Scholar Teaches English to Children Before Attending Law School
Chelsea A. Fernandez, a first-generation student who majored in political science and criminal justice at Rutgers-New Brunswick, aims to become an attorney
Rising Senior Becomes Third Beinecke Scholar in Rutgers History
The prestigious national honor supports students immediately after college through graduate school
Rigo Salvatierra, 20, is always looking for a way to help others. Before he came to Rutgers, he considered working in the biosciences to find a cure for dementia because he thought it was the most impactful career he could pursue.
Then people started marching in the streets during the pandemic fighting for social justice, which changed Salvatierra’s perspective.
As Miss New Jersey International, This Engineering Student Is Using Her Platform for Advocacy
For all the glitz and glamour of the pageantry world, it was the opportunity of having a soapbox to share her cause that caught Asmi Kaushal’s attention.
The Sayreville, N.J., resident, who just completed her sophomore year at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, was crowned Miss New Jersey International, her first pageant, in early March. Kaushal, who attends the School of Engineering, will represent New Jersey in July when she competes for the international title in Kingsport, Tenn., on July 24 and July 25.
First-Generation Rutgers Alumni National Leaders in Senior Care
Phil Scalo and Roberto Muñiz influence with compassion the care of millions in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and affordable housing for seniors, as well as others in need of aging services.
With Roots in The Gambia, Graduate Found Opportunity and Purpose at Rutgers–Camden
Touba Marrie has always had a knack for numbers, even winning a national competition in his native country of The Gambia. The first-generation student then honed in on that talent across three continents, ultimately earning three degrees, including an MBS in Industrial & Applied Mathematics from Rutgers–Camden.
A Record 20 Rutgers Students Earn Gilman International Scholarships
A record 20 students across Rutgers University have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which empowers students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other countries.
This milestone highlights Rutgers’ growing commitment to global education and access for all students, especially those traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs.
Finance Major Receives Ivory Bridges First-Gen Fellowship
Nyree Oliver, a junior finance major in the Rutgers School of Business–Camden, is celebrating a first: She is the inaugural Rutgers student to receive the Ivory Bridges Foundation Fellowship.
Four Rutgers Students Earn Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships
This year’s honorees include a first-generation student from Rutgers–Camden, Tiffany Chan.
Rutgers Medical Students Fulfill Their Dreams on Match Day
New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School students joined thousands across the country who learned where they will complete their residencies
How a First-Generation Student’s Public Health Journey Led Her to a Crown
Miss Newark USA 2024 Osasenaga Iyamu has challenged societal expectations and carved a path that intertwines public health, pageantry and mentorship
This Transfer Student Is Making It Her Mission to Help Others
Senior Stephanie Gomez-Vanegas, a curriculum assistant at the Rutgers School of Social Work, plans to use her voice to improve lives through systemic change
Rutgers–Camden’s First-Ever Schwarzman Scholar Rises Beyond Borders
Alumna Tania Martinez has been named a Schwarzman Scholar, becoming the first representative of Rutgers University–Camden to earn the prestigious honor. Schwarzman Scholars is considered one of the most selective graduate programs in the world.
The 2025 Quilting Water Undergraduate Prize Winners
The Institute for the Study of Global Racial Justice is pleased and proud to announce the third cohort of Quilting Water Undergraduate Prize winners which includes first-generation students Brandon Mejia and QueenTeja Cooper.
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