BEFORE: The title of Rutgers' new television spot

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A new television spot showcases Rutgers University's impact throughout history, in the state of New Jersey and across the globe.

Produced by the Department of University Relations, the spot, "Before," highlights Rutgers' contributions to scholarship and society throughout its 241-year history.

The spot showcases Rutgers' significance as the eighth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and its legacy as one of only nine colonial colleges established before the American Revolution.

In addition, it salutes the work of microbiologist Selman A. Waksman and legal researcher Julia Baxter Bates, both Rutgers alumni. Waksman was instrumental in the discovery of the antibiotic streptomycin; Baxter Bates' research directly influenced Supreme Court rulings against discrimination, including Brown v. Board of Education, which declared school segregation unconstitutional.

The television spot also pays homage to present Rutgers successes: the winning 2006-07 season of the Rutgers football team, and the recognition of Professor Wise Young as one of America's top spinal cord injury researchers.

The script reads:

"Before there was a United States, a college was founded in the heart of New Jersey.

Before there were bowl games, the first college football game was played at Rutgers.

Before there were cures for tuberculosis, Rutgers scientists discovered the breakthrough antibiotic.

Before the Supreme Court's landmark ruling, a Rutgers alumna helped make the case for desegregation.

Before the world changes again—Rutgers will be working on it.

Rutgers. Jersey Roots, Global Reach."