50 Years of Advancing Health and Care
From Newark to communities around the world, Rutgers School of Health Professions
has spent five decades preparing the professionals who improve lives every day.
WELCOME
A Legacy of Transforming Health Care
Since 1976, Rutgers School of Health Professions has stood at the forefront of health sciences education.
From our early beginnings to becoming one of the most respected health professions schools in the nation, our journey has been defined by academic excellence, interdisciplinary innovation, and a deep commitment to improving lives through health care.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we invite our community to reflect on the moments and peoplethat shaped SHP—
and to join us in setting the course for the next era of innovation in health professions.
Together, we celebrate our legacy while building the future of health and care.
photo galleries
Moments That Shaped SHP
Celebrate the milestones, people, and moments that built Rutgers School of Health Professions.
Watch our 50th Anniversary video montage highlighting five decades of innovation, education, and impact—from our founding in 1976 to the leaders shaping health care today.
EVENTS
SHP Service Days
Celebrate our 50th Anniversary by giving back through SHP Service Days—volunteer opportunities for faculty and staff that reflect our long-standing commitment to serving the communities around us. Details and registration information will be sent via email. Registration opens one month prior to event.
First Tee, Newark
Monday, April 20, 2026
9:00 am -1:00 pm
Newark, NJ
Support Newark youth through hands-on service
Rutgers Day, Health Village
Saturday, April 25, 2026
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Busch Campus
Inspire future health pros through outreach
NJ Special Olympics, Lawrenceville
Friday, June 5 – Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: TBD
Lawrenceville, NJ
Champion inclusion through sport & service
Community Beautification, Newark
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: TBD
Newark, NJ
Beautify Newark and strengthen community pride
RBHS Food Pantry, Newark
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
10:30 am-3:00 pm
Newark, NJ
Fight hunger and support our campus community
MEND Hunger Relief Network
September 2026
Time: TBD
West Orange, NJ
Help prepare meals for neighbors facing hunger
Elija’s Promise, New Brunswick
October 2026
Time: TBD
New Brunswick, NJ
Serve meals and uplift our local community
Children’s Home Society Giving Tree
November 2026
Time: TBD
Newark, NJ
Bring holiday joy to families in need
above and beyond ducks
Peer Recognition
Why Ducks? Ducks are calm on the surface—but paddling hard underneath. That’s our people. For our 50th anniversary, we’re celebrating the everyday efforts that keep SHP moving forward.
How it works
Spot It – Notice a colleague who goes above and beyond
Duck It – Give them an “Above & Beyond Duck”
Tell the Story – Include a short note explaining why
Pass It On – Ducks keep moving across SHP all year
EVENTS
50th Anniversary Events
Celebrate 50 years of Rutgers School of Health Professions through a year of events that bring our community together to connect, reflect, and look ahead. From milestone celebrations and lectures to research showcases and campus gatherings, these events highlight the people, ideas, and impact that define SHP.
Events can be found on the shared “SHP Dean’s Schoolwide Events” Outlook calendar
50th Anniversary Kick-Off and Dean’s Reception
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Piscataway, NJ
Launching 50 years of SHP impact and community.
Mindfulness Art Sessions
Wednesdays, March 11, 2026 – April 15, 2026
Online via Zoom
Boost focus and well-being through creative breaks.
50th Anniversary and Peer Recognition Launch
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Online
Celebrate impact with SHP’s Anniversary website and “Give a duck” recognition program.
SHP Dean’s Town Hall
Wednesday, March 25, 2026—10:00 am
Location TBD
SHP faculty and staff, hear updates and shape SHP’s future.
Rutgers Day-SHP @ Health Village
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ
Inspire future health pros through outreach.
Student Research Day
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Virtual via Zoom
Showcase student research shaping health care.
SHP Convocation & Dean’s Luncheon
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
NJ PAC, Don Pepe’s, Newark NJ
Honor graduates and SHP’s tradition of excellence.
SHP Dean’s Town Hall
Tuesday, June 2, 2026 —3:00 pm
Location TBD
Faculty and staff, connect with leadership and SHP priorities.
SHP 50th Anniversary Summer Picnic
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Piscataway, NJ
Celebrate summer and 50 years of SHP with a relaxed picnic for faculty and staff to connect, reflect, and enjoy our community.
Campus Safety Day
September 2026—Time TBD
Newark and Piscataway, NJ
Campus Safety Day promotes safety, preparedness, and well-being.
SHP Dean’s Town Hall
Thursday, October 15, 2026—11:00 am
Location: TBD
Faculty and staff, engage with SHP leadership and priorities.
SHP @ Rutgers Football
October 2026
Piscataway, NJ
Build SHP pride at Football game and tailgate party.
SHP Endowed Lectureship and Cocktail Hour
Monday, October 19, 2026
Newark, NJ
Highlight leaders advancing health professions
Faculty Research Day
Tuesday, October 20, 2026—Time TBD
Location: TBD
Showcase SHP research driving health advances
SHP 50th Anniversary Year-End Celebration
December 2026
Location: TBD
Join the SHP community to close out our 50th anniversary year with a celebration of our history, impact, and future.
Our ALumni
Where SHP Graduates Are Changing Health Care
For 50 years, SHP alumni have been improving lives across health professions and communities.
Explore stories of graduates who are advancing care, leading innovation, and shaping the future of health care.
Check back here for Alumni Stories.
GET INVOLVED
Your Story Is Part of Our Legacy
Whether you are an alum, current student, faculty, or friend of the school, your experiences
and memories help tell the story of our first 50 years. Share them with us.