A Triumphant Homecoming Filled With Pride and Legacy

RaJade Berry-James returned to Rutgers University–Newark with a sense of pride and reflection during the school’s first homecoming celebration in more than a decade. The accomplished scholar, who made history in 1999 as the first Black student to earn a doctoral degree from the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), joined alumni, students, and community members for a weekend that honored the university’s rich legacy and bright future.

Now serving as the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, Berry-James said coming back to Newark felt like a full-circle moment. “Newark is resilient, and I can see parallels between the way the city has grown and the growth of the school,” she shared, standing alongside her sister and fellow alumna, Richeleen Dashield, who graduated in 1991.

Celebrating Diversity and Academic Excellence at Rutgers-Newark

Rutgers-Newark’s homecoming drew nearly 1,000 attendees,filling the campuswith school spirit, music, and culture. The day featured step and stroll performances from Greek organizations, a lively cheer by the Scarlet Raiders, and entertainment from artists Rowdy Rebel and Kaliii. For many alumni, including Berry-James, it was more than just a reunion — it was a reminder of how far the institution has come in building opportunity and inclusion.

Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson captured that energy perfectly as she told the crowd, “We are the finest. We do great things, and we need to make sure the world knows it. We need to have swagger in our walk.” Her words echoed Rutgers-Newark’s long-standing commitment to equity, leadership, and community partnership — values that have shaped generations of Black scholars and leaders like Berry-James.

A Campus That Honors Its Past and Shapes the Future

Berry-James’s milestone achievement continues toinspire new generationsof students pursuing public service and academic excellence. Her journey from Newark to a national leadership role highlights the importance of representation in higher education. “Rutgers-Newark provided access to opportunity,” she said, recognizing the university’s role in helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve success.

Other alumni shared similar reflections, praising the transformation of the campus. Many noted the renovations to Conklin Hall — once the site of a pivotal 1969 student protest led by the Black Organization of Students — which now houses a state-of-the-art One Stop Student Services Center. That evolution, both symbolic and structural, demonstrates how far the university has come in honoring its roots while investing in the future.

Keeping the Homecoming Spirit Alive

Chancellor Smith-Jackson promised that Rutgers-Newark’s renewed homecoming tradition would continue as the school approaches its 80th anniversary next year. She highlighted the institution’s national ranking for social mobility and its reputation for community-engaged learning. “This city has a strong history of helping people who don’t have access get access,” she said. “We are in this city for a reason.”

For Berry-James, returning to the place where she made history was more than a personal milestone — it was a celebration of resilience, excellence, and progress. Her story, woven into Rutgers-Newark’s enduring legacy, stands as a testament to what it means to lead with purpose and to open doors for those who follow.