On Campus
A new crop of achievers
This year's graduates of Rutgers University come from all walks of life.
Elizabeth Torrice
School: Camden College of Arts and Sciences
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Art
While her eldest daughter was pursuing a law degree at Rutgers–Camden, she challenged her mom to take action on her dream of earning a college degree.
Lyle Preslar
School: School of Law–Newark
Degree: Juris Doctor
A former punk rocker becomes an award-winning intellectual property attorney and wins a Grammy Foundation award.
Dewan Farhana
School: Douglass College
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Cell Biology and Neuroscience
An exemplar of student engagement draws on her passion for humanity to raise awareness of the Darfur genocide in Sudan.
Mike Alvarez
School: Rutgers College
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Despite struggling with depression, Mike Alvarez earned a 3.98 grade point average and straight As in his major.
Daniel Balan
School: Mason Gross School of the Arts
Degree: Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
This former Army interrogator who served in Afghanistan creates works combining his spiritual awareness and devotion to family and public service.