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Douglass Residential College

The College is thrilled to announce that Barbara Rodkin DC'76, will be inducted into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni, one of the University’s highest honors. Rodkin is a philanthropist, education advocate, and visionary for Douglass and Rutgers programs.

After graduating from Douglass with a BA in psychology, Rodkin taught students with emotional or learning difficulties. She completed her MA in educational psychology from NYU, and followed that degree with graduate work at the University of Minnesota in psychology, child development, education, and assessment. Rodkin had a successful career working with children, families, and professionals dealing with behavioral learning issues.

"My induction into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni is a surprise and an honor," said Rodkin. "At graduation in 1976, I always knew I would contribute to the College, but never dreamed it would have the scope and impact that it does today. Gary and I feel lucky and fortunate to be able to support students in so many ways."

Alongside her husband Gary Rodkin RC'74, Barbara has championed Douglass programs such as the Douglass - Honors College Coalition, a living-learning community that offers co-curricular programming to talented students dually enrolled in Douglass and the Honors College at Rutgers. She and Gary are also visionary supporters of Douglass’ Global International Service Learning Program and Project SUPER Scientific Research Program. The Rodkins’ generosity and foresight have resulted in powerful programs across various disciplines that contribute to Douglass students’ personal, professional, and academic development. 

"In today’s world, it is very important to give our students the skills, knowledge, and confidence to achieve, to think independently, and to be a contributing member of our society – on their own terms," said Rodkin. "This is what I hope our legacy will be at the College and the University."

Barbara is a founding member of the Dean’s Douglass Advisory Board, currently serving as its Vice Chair. She is also the past Chair of Douglass’ Power of 100 Years Campaign, which raised over $15,000,000. In addition to her inspirational leadership at Douglass, Barbara and her husband Gary are visionary alumni leaders for Rutgers. She and Gary created and funded the Gary and Barbara Rodkin Academic Success Center for student-athletes, endowed the Rodkin-Weintraub Chair in Engineering, and helped launch the Rutgers Honors College in New Brunswick. They are also currently Co-Chairs with Subha and Jim Barry of Rutgers’ next major fundraising campaign.

“Tuition doesn’t begin to cover what is necessary to promote this type of education and personal growth,” said Rodkin. “The programs we support at Douglass all have this objective – to help students and encourage opportunities and experiences that will continue their educational and personal development. We hope to help graduate women and individuals that have the ability to be successful, thinking, competent contributors in our ever-changing world.”

Please join the College in congratulating Barbara Rodkin on her impressive and generous legacy on behalf of Douglass and Rutgers students. To register for the October 21, 2021 celebration dinner from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the President’s Tent, click here.