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Rutgers moms proudly pose with their Arts and Sciences 2018 graduates

Some 250 Rutgers employees have children graduating from Rutgers University–New Brunswick in 2018. And more than half are moms with kids graduating from the School of Arts and Sciences. We are honored that these Rutgers parents have entrusted us with their children’s education.

Now, in honor of Mother’s Day, we are celebrating both their children’s graduation and their contribution to Rutgers—the work they do every day that supports Rutgers’ mission as a major public research university to provide an outstanding education and serve New Jersey, the nation, and the world.

As the Arts and Sciences Convocation approached, these moms fondly reflected on the last four years, and expressed pride in their kids, and joy at being a “Rutgers family.”

One mom, Serena Claiborne, is both a Rutgers alum, and 25-year employee of the university. Her son, Brandon, majored in computer science.

“I am excited that Brandon and I will both be RU alums,” said Clairborne, a graduate of Rutgers University–Newark and currently assistant director, Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, Rutgers NJ Agricultural Experiment Station.

Serena and Brandon, along with dozens of other moms and their graduate kids, gathered on campus recently for a photo shoot.

“Being here for this photo today helped to validate how proud I am of Brandon, and made me feel truly appreciated,” Serena said. “It was great meeting other families and sharing this moving recognition. Bringing us together has given Brandon and me the memory of a lifetime. And for that, we say, ‘THANK YOU, SAS!’”

She added: “Congratulations to Brandon for all his hard work toward earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.”

Just as jubilant was Anda Cytroen, director of research development at the School of Engineering. She and her son, Alex, a psychology major, proudly smiled arm in arm outside the Rutgers Academic Building.

“Alex and I got a chance to share a Rutgers moment!” she said. “It was great having Alex attend Rutgers. Yes, my minivan came in handy when he needed something from home, or if he just wanted to share a ride home during a snowstorm!

“Most of all, I’m proud of his growth and achievement during his Rutgers years, and am grateful to have been close by to watch it happen.”

As Anda, Serena, and the other mothers say, “We are indeed a Rutgers family!”

 

See below the students in regalia and moms in proud smiles!

 


 

R Mothers, R Seniors

 

  • Julian Grochowski Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? South Amboy, NJ 

    What is/are your majors? Planning and Public Policy with a minor in Economics

    What is your goal? My goal is to develop a career in creating sustainable and clean energy policy.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers? I will miss the friends and professors that Rutgers has connected me with.

    Do you have a message for your mom? Mama, you have raised me to better myself in every way, I could not have accomplished my greatest successes without you backing me up, I love you :)

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child? My baby boy is becoming a man, I wish you nothing but the best darling. Never forget, I am always here for you.

  • Jaron Ge Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Edison 

    What is/are your majors? Information Technology and Informatics

    What is your goal?

    Obtain Masters in Cybersecurity, Obtain a steady job

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    The community

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thanks for all your support! Love you!

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Congratulations, Jaron! We are so proud of you. Best wishes for your bright future.

  • Maeve Callaghan Class of 2018

     What is your hometown? Edison, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Information Technology

    What is your goal? To work in my field and get a Masters degree.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers? Being so close to my friends all the time.

    Do you have a message for your mom? Thank you for being my biggest support system for the past 22 years. You have inspired me so much, I can't even list the ways. Thank you for being my mom, and loving me unconditionally- hope I'm making you proud!

      

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am so proud of you! What an amazing woman you have become. Enjoy your travels through life - here and abroad. Remember wherever you go - Scarlet Forever!

     

  • Catherine Sullivan Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Hazlet, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Human Resources Management

    What is your goal?

    To have a satisfying career contributing to a company culture and assisting employees in understanding their compensation and benefits packages.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    All the great friends I've made

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thanks for always being there for me.

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    You turned a sweet little bundle of joy into a kind, smart and generous women. I couldn't be prouder, congratulations.

  • Hannah Stern Class of 2018

     

    What is your hometown?

    Highland Park, NJ

    What is/are your majors?

    Political Science

    What is your goal?

    To improve the way of life for everyone.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I will miss the community.

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child? 

    Hannah – we are so very proud of you!  We love you and we see how much you have grown while a student at Rutgers. Enjoy your special day and all your accomplishments!
    Love, 
    Mom

  • Giannina Ruiz Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Roselle Park, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Political Science

    What is your goal?

    My goal is to go to law school, move to Washington D.C. and eventually work in the White House. 

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I will miss the great programs and opportunities available as an undergrad through Rutgers & DRC.

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thank you for always believing in my ability to succeed even when I am being really hard on myself and doubt my own potential. You taught me to always apply to every opportunity despite feeling like I may not be qualified for the role. 

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Giannina, we are very proud of you! The first to graduate from Rutgers University.

  • Eric Reyes Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Colonia, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Information Technology

    What is your goal?

    My goal is to succeed in my career and provide for my family

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I will miss the Rutgers pride that is always present when walking around campus

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thank you for always supporting me.

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Eric, you have worked so hard. It is time to celebrate your graduation. You have made us all very proud. We love you!

  • Anya Nathanson-Tell Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? West Windsor, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Human Resource Management

    What is your goal?

    My goal is to continue making my Mom proud!

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    Friends, community

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thank you for giving me the world! I love you.

     

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I can’t wait to see what you do next!

  • Alexa Post Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Colts Neck, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Psychology and Education

    What is your goal?

    My goal is to be happy in whatever I pursue

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I am going to miss the amazing friends I've made, my sorority Phi Sigma Sigma, and of course - Olde Queens Tavern.

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thank you for being my best friend, biggest supporter, and mom all in one. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you. You are so special to me and everyone around you. Thank you for all of your time and effort that you put into your work and in life.

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am so proud and happy for you! You are an amazing young lady. You worked so hard to be here and I wish you lots of love and success in your future. You did it! Now go have fun and enjoy!

  • Carina Petrillo Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? South Brunswick, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Journalism and Media Studies

    What is your goal?

    My goal is to continue pursuing a career in entertainment while inspiring others to find success in doing the same.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I am going to miss the amazing friends I've made, my sorority Phi Sigma Sigma, and of course - Olde Queens Tavern.

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thank you for being my rock, my best friend, and my mentor. I would not be here today without your endless love and support. 22 years ago today, you brought me home from the hospital. And now, I'm graduating college! Happy Mother's Day, Mamma. I love you!

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am so incredibly proud of all your accomplishments here at Rutgers University! You are and always will be my SHINING STAR!!

  • Samuel Pavelchak Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? East Brunswick, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Human Resources and Labor Relations

    What is your goal?

    To get a job in Human Resources

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I will miss living with my friends.

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Happy Mother's Day!  Thank you for all of your support!

     

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Congratulations on this important day!  I am so proud of you and can't wait to celebrate!

  • Armani Wright Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Hillsborough, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Information Technology and informatics

    What is your goal?

    To gain experience in my field to eventually lead to becoming an entrepreneur 

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I will miss the campus, professors and opportunity to just be a student !!!

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    I love and appreciate you.

      

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I'm so proud of the man you have become and all the accomplishments. Sky is the limit and keep doing great things!

  • Lauren O'Grady Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Monroe Township, NJ

    What is/are your majors? English and Education

    What is your goal?

    My goal is to become a teacher and change the lives of students!

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I will miss the atmosphere of the campus but I still have one more year!

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Happy Mother's Day! Thank you for all you have done for me for the past 22 years! I wouldn't be who I am today without your love and guidance! XOXO Love you always!

      

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    CONGRATS Miss L!!  SOOOOO PROUD of YOU!! Our RU Girl J XOXO

  • Samantha Leavy Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? South Brunswick, NJ

    What is/are your majors? 

    Labor Studies and Employment Relations, and Human Resource Management

    What is your goal?

    To get my Masters in HRM

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    Being surrounded by my friends 24/7

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thanks for working at the university all throughout my college, you gave me so much confidence and support that I will always cherish and remember.

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am beyond proud of the intelligent and beautiful woman you are. I am so excited to be graduating with you this year.

  • Shreya Jain Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Plainsboro, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Cell Biology and Neuroscience

    What is your goal?

    Complete graduate school and work in the healthcare field. 

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    The friends I made. 

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thank you for all your help in the last 4 years, I could not have done it without you.  

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow.

  • Heidi Hanna Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? East Brunswick, NJ

    What is/are your majors? Criminal Justice

    What is your goal?

    To earn a Masters in Homeland Security and work in FBI

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    Multiculturalism

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    You give up career opportunities to have good education for me. Thank you for always supporting me, I love you so much!

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am so proud of you and your accomplishments.

  • Dana Godrich Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Marlboro, NJ

    What is your major? Genetics

    What is your goal?

    Get a PhD and a career in academia, just like my mom!

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    The inclusiveness, wealth of opportunities, and encouraging work environment.

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    A million thank yous aren't nearly enough to describe how thankful I am to have you, especially on this special graduation day. Thank you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day.

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Your talent, creativity, and care puts you on track for a promising career. You have the capability to make a difference in science and peoples lives. I’m so proud of you and excited to see what you do next!

  • Shannon Gilbert Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Wall, NJ

    What are your majors? Classics and  Health Administration

    What is your goal?

    Increase access to healthcare for all people.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    The people!

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    Thanks for everything you do for your other Scarlet Knights and I!

     

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    Proud of our newest Scarlet Knight! Congrats!!

  • Emily Evard Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Ewing, NJ

    What is your major? Art History

    What is your goal?

    To continue my education to earn a Masters Degree and a Ph.D.

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    Zimmerli Art Museum

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    I couldn't have done this without you, Mommy!

     

     

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    I am so incredibly proud of all your accomplishments over the past four years! It happened in the blink of an eye!

  • Alexandra Duffin Class of 2018

    What is your hometown? Haddonfield, NJ

    What is your major? Public Health

    What is your goal? To become a Dentist

    What will you miss most about Rutgers?

    I'll miss the people at Rutgers the most. I wouldn't have had the most amazing four years without the people I had around me that I met through this school.

    Do you have a message for your mom?

    I couldn't have gotten to this point without my Mom! My role model and inspiration, I love you and I am forever thankful for this opportunity you gave me.

     

    Mother: Do you have a message for your child?

    To my darling daughter Alex, Congratulations on your graduation! We're thrilled to be celebrating with you as you move to your next adventure. You have truly made us proud and happy on your accomplishments. Alex, you are the best thing that ever happened to us.