SCJ Turns Fifty

In 1974, at a crucial time of growing public concern about crime and justice, the New Jersey legislature established the School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) at Rutgers University-Newark, to help improve the quality and effectiveness of the justice system in New Jersey and nationally. In the 50 years since our founding, no university-based program has done more to improve justice and promote safety than the faculty and students of Rutgers SCJ. It is time to celebrate our remarkable past 50 years!

We hope you will join us to observe Rutgers SCJ at 50 all year long, as we look to the half-century ahead and rejoice in our past 50 extraordinary years. When we look back, we can see the transformation. When we look forward, we can only imagine what’s next for Rutgers School of Criminal Justice!

Many events will be scheduled throughout the year, culminating in a Gala Celebration featuring a Rutgers SCJ at 50 documentary at the 2025 ASC Annual Meeting in Washington DC!

Keep checking this site for updates.

Upcoming Events

Rutgers SCJ at 50 Kickoff Celebration

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Fifty Years of Public Engagement for Safety and Justice
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Center for Law and Justice, 123 Washington St, Newark

Keynote Speakers:
Nancy Cantor (Hunter College President, former Rutgers-Newark Chancellor)
Ras Baraka (Mayor of Newark)

Panel:
SCJ Partners interviewed by NIJ Director and SCJ alum Nancy La Vigne

This portion of the event is free and open to the public.

Alumni Lunch (presented by Rutgers University Foundation)
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Center for Law and Justice, 123 Washington St, Newark

Following the program, alumni are exclusively invited to network and reconnect with their peers over lunch. Cost: $10

ASC Annual Meeting in San Francisco

WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13-16, 2024
Twelve panels spread throughout the program entitled Rutgers SCJ at 50 that explore different aspects of scholarship by Rutgers faculty, students and alumni attending the conference.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
5:00 – 8:00 pm
Harlan Records, 18 Harlan Pl, San Francisco

Join us for an SCJ at 50 Reception at ASC with cocktails and music, alumni and friends!