Rutgers-New Brunswick graduates its first Posse Cohort
The inaugural cohort of Posse Foundation Scholars at Rutgers University–New Brunswick was celebrated during the first Rutgers Posse Scholar Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13th, a historic milestone for both Rutgers and the Posse program.
In just four years, the Posse program has made a meaningful impact on the Rutgers community. Scholars traveled from the Boston, Massachusetts area to pursue an education in New Jersey, bringing leadership, curiosity, and diverse lived experiences to campus life. Their presence reflects the shared mission of Rutgers and The Posse Foundation: to prepare students to become leaders who drive positive change in their communities and professions.
Founded in 1989, the Posse Foundation is a nationally recognized leadership and college access program connecting promising high school students with leading colleges and universities across the country. Students enter college in cohorts—known as "Posses"—that provide community, leadership development, and mutual support throughout their academic journey. Selection is highly competitive: students are nominated by high school mentors and chosen through a rigorous process that evaluates leadership potential, academic achievement, and community involvement.
This year's graduating cohort consisted of nine scholars, each recipients of a full-tuition scholarship to Rutgers. Representing a wide range of academic disciplines—including nursing, engineering, public policy, and other fields—the graduates exemplify the intellectual diversity and excellence fostered by the Posse program. Many of the scholars were also members of the Rutgers Honors College.
Though they began their college experience amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Posse cohort pursued accomplished academic careers: five graduated with academic honors and seven earned Dean's List recognition in their final semester. For these graduates, being part of the inaugural class represents not only personal achievement, but the beginning of a lasting legacy of excellence for future Posse Scholars.
Family members, friends, supporters, fellow Posse Scholars, and members of the Rutgers community gathered to honor the Posse Scholars at the May graduation ceremony. Their mentor, Hazel Ann Marcus, Associate Dean for Culture and Engagement and Teaching Professor in the Department of Human Resource Management at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, was also on hand to celebrate. From welcoming them to Rutgers to celebrating their accomplishments four years later, she has served as an encouraging advisor and cheerleader for the cohort throughout their collegiate journey.
As Rutgers prepares to welcome its fifth cohort of Posse Boston Scholars this fall, the impact of the inaugural class will continue in a unique and personal way. Several incoming Posse Scholars will be siblings who have followed in their older brothers' and sisters' footsteps. These younger scholars arrived on campus already understanding the values of the program and the power of a Rutgers education—not from a brochure, but from watching someone they love live them out. In choosing Rutgers and the Posse program, they are not just continuing a family tradition—they are deepening the roots of a legacy.
The success of this inaugural cohort serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when talented students are provided with opportunity, support, and community. As these nine graduates embark on careers and graduate studies across a variety of fields, they will carry forward the values of leadership, scholarship, and service that define both Rutgers University and The Posse Foundation.