Let's Wear Scarlet on Rutgers' 240th Birthday

November 6, 2006

Members of the Rutgers Community:

Join me in celebrating two important anniversaries in Rutgers' history. It was 240 years ago this week, on November 10, 1766, when colonial governor William Franklin signed a charter establishing the eighth college in America. At the same time, we are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the legislative act by which Rutgers fully took its place as the State University of New Jersey.

On Friday, November 10, I urge you and everyone on all our campuses to wear scarlet, or something Rutgers-related, to honor our 240th birthday. Also on that day at 11:30 a.m. we will continue the Charter Day tradition of ringing the bell at Old Queen's. Those attending Thursday night's football game against Louisville will see a salute to our milestone anniversaries on the scoreboard at halftime.

Rutgers has so much to celebrate: a stellar faculty, talented and involved students, a dedicated staff, and a wealth of accomplished alumni. Our path-breaking research is supporting economic development in areas such as nanotechnology and renewable energy. Our outreach programs have touched the lives of countless citizens. And we continue to help New Jersey and the nation seek solutions to some of our most difficult challenges.

I hope you feel as proud of Rutgers as I do. Please wear scarlet (or red) with pride on Friday, November 10. Happy 240th birthday, Rutgers!

Richard L. McCormick
President
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey