“Today's so important. It's taken me 11 years to get my Ph.D. in history. I want to thank my family who has supported me this entire time, my community, and my students at Bard High School in Newark.” The annual Rites of Passage Ceremony is a pre-commencement ceremony honoring Black and Latinx-identified students who have finished an undergraduate or graduate degree at Rutgers University—New Brunswick by tenacity and determination. The celebration honors their achievements, hard work, and devotion while also recognizing the achievements of our students' families and support networks. Distinguished speakers, student awards, performances and the inclusion of African culture and traditions, particularly the culminating Kente Stole presentation, adds to the vibrancy of this celebratory day. Congratulatulations #RUClassOf2022! Let us know what Rites of Passage means to you in the comments ⬇️ #RutgersExcellence | #RutgersPride | #RURahRah ⚔️