Hall of Distinguished Alumni
Graduates Who Inspire Us All
Each year, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni honors a group of extraordinary individuals whose lives and careers reflect the rich history, enduring values, and far-reaching aspirations at the heart of the Rutgers experience. Whether they help expand access to academic excellence, build community, support research for the common good, or show leadership and creativity in other ways, these distinguished alumni shape our world for the better.
Gloria A. Bachmann NCAS’70, RWJMS’72
An internationally recognized physician and a true trailblazer, Gloria Bachmann earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry at Rutgers–Newark and her master’s in medical science at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS). She was among the first women to complete a four-year obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Winner of the RWJMS Meritorious Service Award in 2018, Bachmann has been a Rutgers faculty member since 1978 and is now an associate dean and co-director of the school’s Women’s Health Institute. She serves on the Rutgers University Senate and previously served on the Rutgers Board of Trustees.
James F. Dougherty RC’74, GSNB’75
Holding a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Rutgers College and a master’s in animal science from Rutgers–New Brunswick, James Dougherty is a retired veterinarian who has generously supported the university. Cofounder of Metropolitan Veterinary Associates in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he was awarded the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served on many Rutgers committees and is vice chair of the Board of Governors. As chair of the Board of Trustees, Dougherty was instrumental in establishing the Scarlet Promise Initiative. His gifts support the Rutgers–New Brunswick Honors College, the Honors College LGBTQ+ Learning Collaborative, and the Perry N. Halkitis Endowed Chair in LGBTQ+ Public Health.
Creighton Drury RC’92
Creighton Drury earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Rutgers College and co-captained the men’s basketball team. As the CEO of Partnership to End Addiction, he is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader who has dedicated his career to empowering young people and families. He has led dynamic organizations and initiatives that raise millions of dollars annually to strengthen programs, practices, and policies delivering resources and opportunities for millions—advancing education, mental health, housing, community development, addiction prevention, and more. Drury serves on the Leadership Council for the Addiction Research Center at the Rutgers Brain Health Institute and speaks with Rutgers student-athletes about resilience and mental health.
Eric LeGrand SAS’14
Three-and-a-half years after suffering a spinal injury during a 2010 Rutgers football game, Eric LaGrand earned his bachelor’s degree in labor and employment relations from Rutgers. A motivational speaker, entrepreneur, sports analyst, philanthropist, and author, he has been widely recognized, including receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at ESPN’s ESPY Awards and the retirement of his Scarlet Knights number 52, the only one retired in Rutgers football history. LaGrand’s business initiatives include founding LeGrand Coffee House and cofounding Eric LeGrand Whiskey. His many charitable efforts include establishing Team LeGrand, which has raised more than $2 million for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and his tireless support for Rutgers Athletics.
James H. Rhodes CCAS’94
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers–Camden, James Rhodes is vice president and executive director at PERMA Risk Management and a former Camden County deputy administrator. He has served—and continues to serve—on numerous government committees and nonprofit associations, including chairing the Camden County Board of Social Services for more than 20 years. Rhodes has been a member of the Rutgers Board of Trustees and chaired the Rutgers–Camden Faculty of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Leadership Council. He served as inaugural chair of the RUAA Board of Directors from 2008–2011, leading restructuring of the association to connect all of Rutgers’ chartered alumni associations.
A History of Recognizing Achievement
Since 1987, the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni has honored the best and brightest of Rutgers graduates. For video highlights of our previous celebration and induction ceremony, please see below.
Submit a Nomination
The Hall of Distinguished Alumni nominations form is available and can be accessed here. We encourage you to nominate deserving alumni who exemplify the values and excellence of Rutgers University. Deadline to submit nominations for consideration for 2027 is August 15, 2026. Nominations submitted after this date will be considered for the following year.
