Rutgers University–Camden has received a $3.5 million gift – the largest for the school – to create a new program for high-achieving students to come to Rutgers Law School in Camden, according to university officials. The program is meant to draw in students “who have distinguished themselves academically and demonstrated a commitment to public service.”
The donor – a Rutgers–Camden faculty member who wishes to remain anonymous – asked the school to create the Rayman L. Solomon Scholars program, named after the former law school dean and former Rutgers-Camden provost. Solomon is still a Rutgers law professor.
“Rutgers is a real engine of social transformation, and I am pleased to be able to help accelerate that important work,” the donor said. “Many of our students are first-generation college students who graduate to become leaders of government, business, the judiciary – in short, every aspect of our nation’s life.
“I want to give back to the place that has been the center of my professional life and that has introduced me to colleagues and students who have become close, lifelong friends. As The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers serves the public good. It’s at the core of our mission. As dean, Ray Solomon embraced the significance of that mission. Under his leadership, the law school in Camden recruited a world-class faculty, heightened its national stature, and reinvigorated its commitment to social justice.”
The Solomon Scholars will get annual financial support, will be eligible for public service work summer stipends and will get opportunities to work with mentors during law school.
The donor also gifted another $50,000 in March 2020, leading to the first three scholars beginning this academic year.
