Inspired. Empowered. Connected.
The Honors College Community Comes Back to Life with the Class of 2030!
From August 25 to September 4, new Honors College (HC) students received a warm welcome and found plenty of chances to bond with their future peers and mentors. Alongside the 710 new first-year students, 69 sophomores also joined the expanded HC community for the first time throughout the events of Welcome Week.
Honors College Students Named Beinecke Scholars Two Years in a Row
Honors College student Jane Teran ('27, SAS/HC) was one of 16 students nationwide to be named a Beinecke Scholar this year, which comes with a $35,000 scholarship toward graduate school—an honor she earned with mentoring support through the application process from Rutgers' 2025 Beinecke Scholar, Honors College student Rigo Salvatierra ('26, SAS/HC).
Born out of his lifelong commitment to education as a scholar and a teacher, and his desire to connect with students at his alma mater through the Honors College community, Richard A. Melanson (RC '66), renowned scholar and author, established the Richard A. Melanson Endowed Scholarship for academically gifted, first-generation college students who face financial hardships.
The Honors College has provided me with an unparalleled environment to thrive. I 'fit in' here, and have created long-lasting friendships with driven, inspirational people, from many different majors.
The Honors College has provided me with an unparalleled environment to thrive. I 'fit in' here, and have created long-lasting friendships with driven, inspirational people, from many different majors.
— Jeremy Lewan
Member of the Honors College
Student at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
Being a part of the Honors College has helped me grow as both a student and a leader! My experiences here have given me the tools that I need to be successful in both my professional work and personal life.
Being a part of the Honors College has helped me grow as both a student and a leader! My experiences here have given me the tools that I need to be successful in both my professional work and personal life.
— Jorden Xavier
Member of the Honors College
Student at the School of Engineering
Being a part of the Honors College community helped me get adjusted to college life because it felt like a smaller version of Rutgers with all the diversity and the various schools being represented. Not only did I find a home within the community, but I also was exposed to some amazing opportunities both inside and outside of Rutgers through the Honors College.
Being a part of the Honors College community helped me get adjusted to college life because it felt like a smaller version of Rutgers with all the diversity and the various schools being represented. Not only did I find a home within the community, but I also was exposed to some amazing opportunities both inside and outside of Rutgers through the Honors College.
— Anna Masciandaro
Member of the Honors College
Student at the School of Arts and Sciences
By connecting me to everything from academic and extracurricular opportunities to a strong support network of faculty and fellow students, the Honors College has truly had a profound impact on every facet of my experience at Rutgers.
By connecting me to everything from academic and extracurricular opportunities to a strong support network of faculty and fellow students, the Honors College has truly had a profound impact on every facet of my experience at Rutgers.
— Erin McGowan
Member of the Honors College
Student at the School of Arts and Sciences
My experience at the Honors College has been especially rewarding because of all the amazing people I met. It's not just the students, but the faculty are such interesting people and show that they really care about you.
My experience at the Honors College has been especially rewarding because of all the amazing people I met. It's not just the students, but the faculty are such interesting people and show that they really care about you.
— Ritwik Baksi
Member of the Honors College
Student at the School of Arts and Sciences
I quickly realized that at the Honors College, you are limitless. With each day, I encountered new challenges, ideas, and celebrations because of the rich blend of academics and social life to be found here.
I quickly realized that at the Honors College, you are limitless. With each day, I encountered new challenges, ideas, and celebrations because of the rich blend of academics and social life to be found here.
— Miranda Madrazo
Member of the Honors College
Student at the School of Arts and Sciences