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University Equity and Inclusion

Alumni

Stories

Artwork: Layqa Nuna Yawar, Between the Future Past, 2021-22

Art & Design BFA alum and muralist Layqa Nuna Yawar is one of two artists commissioned to create permanent artwork at the newly renovated Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport. This is the first significant art commissioned at the airport since 1937.

Jelani Cobb headshot

An expert on how race, politics, history, and popular culture intersect in America, Jelani Cobb happily shares the twists and turns of his lifelong love of learning. From attending elementary school in Queens to storming the administration building at Howard University to earning his doctorate at Rutgers University and serving as dean of the journalism school at Columbia University, Jelani (which means “strong, powerful”) Cobb has blazed a trail of accomplishment.

Nancy La Vigne head shot

Rutgers–Newark alumna Nancy La Vigne is a widely recognized criminal justice policy expert who last month was appointed by President Biden to direct the National Institute of Justice, a component of U.S Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which works to reduce crime, assist victims, and advance racial equity in the administration of justice.

Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio

Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio’s journey taught her about its destination. It began in Honduras, grew in New Jersey, and flourished at Rutgers–Camden and in the practice of corporate law. Now it is blossoming as DiGiorgio shines in a new role: president and CEO of Congreso de Latinos Unidos.

Linda Stamato and Sandy Jaffe

Rutgers alumni Sandy Jaffe and Linda Stamato have funded the creation of a research fellowship at the Honors Living-Learning Community (HLLC) at Rutgers University–Newark. A key admissions factor at HLLC is a commitment to social justice and community building.