Rutgers-Newark Homecoming Celebrates Community, History, Alumni Ties

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Rutgers-Newark. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Alumni from all over New Jersey and the U.S. returned to Rutgers University–Newark for a homecoming weekend that marked the school’s 80th anniversary and connected the past to the present.

Old friends reunited, students seized the opportunity to network with alums, and staff and faculty mingled at an event filled with activities and games for all ages, in addition to food and drinks ranging from hot apple cider to vegan soul food.

“Homecoming is coming back to family,” Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson told the crowd. “All of you here have Scarlet Raider pride. You bring that with you out into the world.”

Earlier in the day, at a homecoming breakfast event, the chancellor shared RU-N’s origin story, describing how state officials in the early 1940s initially rejected the idea of expanding Rutgers with a second campus in Newark, New Jersey’s industrial center.

“It didn’t hit well at first. Urban had certain connotations: people of color, immigrants, the working class,” she said.

But in 1946, after a push to establish RU-N from a constellation of smaller schools dating back to the early 1900s, the University of Newark, as it was known then, joined Rutgers University.

“It was a struggle. But look at us now,” she said. “We should be proud of who we are. That’s also what homecoming is about. Yes, it’s about pride, but it’s also about history. If you know your history, you will know from whence you come, and you will go even further. And not only that, you will reach back and bring some folks with you.”

As alumni greeted former classmates and met with present-day members of the RU-N community, many shared stories of how a Rutgers-Newark education shaped their lives.

Rob Schur, who graduated with a major in Political Science in 1974 and earned an MBA in 1979, came all the way from Arkansas. Raised in Rahway, he enrolled at Rutgers-Newark after serving in the Air Force.

He credits RU-N with launching his career after a counselor helped him when he was trying to figure out post-graduation plans.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to sell insurance,” remembered Schur.

With help from a counselor from the “placement office,” as it was known then, he found a job at Bankers Trust, which led to a career in corporate finance, including high-level jobs at companies such as Sunbeam, the appliance manufacturer, and Coleman, which makes camping gear.

“That was my ticket to ride,” he said.

Homecoming participants included alumni whose family members were Rutgers-Newark graduates or had other ties to RU-N.

Debra Goode, who earned a business degree in 1991, was at homecoming with her daughter, Dezarae, who plans on graduating in May.

“We have the same major,” said Dezarae, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, who said her mother’s RU-N education helped inspire her to attend.

Her mother described how the campus had changed since her day.

“There weren’t even dorms back then. The plaza was all concrete. There’s grass here now,” said Goode, who went on to work at Prudential and other companies, where she managed disability claims.

Chandra Sakajani, an assistant director and supervisor at the One Stop Student Center, shared stories of her family members’ connection to Rutgers-Newark. Sakajani curated an exhibition at the center titled Roots & Reflections, featuring recently installed student artwork. It was open to visitors at the event.

Sakajani’s roots include four alumni: her father, Sietze Frankfort, who majored in art and co-founded Aljira Gallery in Newark in the 1980s, and her mother, whose maiden name was Joelle LaMer, also an art major. Both met and married when they were students.

Sakajani’s parents were both involved in student takeover of Conklin Hall in 1969, a turning point at Rutgers-Newark that paved the way for it to become one of the most diverse schools in the nation and deepened its relationship with the city. The One Stop Student Center, where she works now, is located in Conklin Hall.

“He was part of that. I really wish he were still here to see this, but in spirit he is,” said Sakajani.

Her stepmother, Elizabeth Seaton Frankfurt, is also an alum whose father worked on campus as a janitor. She returned to campus on homecoming, too.

Attending the One-Stop exhibition was third-year student Sarah Austin, who was was proud to have her painting, Are You a Lady?, displayed at the center.

“It inspires me that people here will see it,” she said.

The event drew current students who were there to enjoy the day and do some networking.

Kevin Lorenzo, a fourth-year student and finance major, connected with alumni and others.

“I got some people’s business cards,” he said.

But he also appreciated a chance to reinforce his sense of belonging.

“It feels like a community here,” he said.

The day-long event featured student performers, including RU-N cheerleaders and Rutgers-Newark fraternity and sorority members, who took the stage, along with the RU-N dance team.

Headliner and alum ByHaze, whose given name is Shane Fuller, performed songs from his album Clovis Lane, which climbed to #2 on the iTunes R&B chart last year. Fuller received his undergraduate degree in 2016 and a master’s degree from the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) a year later.

The day wound down with a 4-1 victory for the Scarlet Raiders men's soccer team against Rowan University.

Speakers at the Chancellor's Breakfast included Talib Morgan, president of the Rutgers University Alumni Association; State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, who represents Newark; and alumna Terry Rodriguez, vice chair of the Rutgers-Newark Advisory Board and a Rutgers Law School alumna. SPAA student Alexix Morrast, a critically acclaimed jazz singer, provided entertainment.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.