Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University

06/03/2026

Join us and for our June 11th Café Democracy at the ☕️

This month’s topic is Town and Gown: How can Universities and Communities Build Trust?

Limited seating.
🔗Register at the link in bio: eagleton.rutgers.edu/events

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

🎉🧑‍🎓Earlier this month, the Institute proudly cheered on the Eagleton Graduate Fellowship Class of 2026 as they completed their one-year certificate program. delivered a powerful keynote in the Drawing Room, blending poetry and politics to inspire a packed audience. Class representatives Helen Morejon, Emily Evers, and Pat Walsh offered heartfelt remarks on behalf of their peers.

This accomplished and diverse class includes students pursuing advanced degrees in law, medicine, political science, toxicology, social work, public health, planning, criminal justice, public administration, accounting, and economics. As part of their program, Fellows completed internships across New Jersey’s state, county, and local government sectors, with placements including the New Jersey State Legislature, the Governor’s Office, the Department of Health, the Public Employment Relations Commission, the Attorney General’s Office, the City of Elizabeth Department of Health, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, among others.

05/27/2026

The Eagleton Institute of Politics mourns the passing of Professor Gerald “Gerry” Pomper. Gerry was a part of the Eagleton Institute for nearly fifty years and exemplified its mission to link the study of politics with the practice of politics. As a scholar, an educator, and a citizen, Gerry modeled the sort of engaged democratic citizenship we have taught our students for 70 years.

A Board of Governors Professor of Political Science at Eagleton (Emeritus), Gerry was a faculty member for the Undergraduate Associates Program for years. A specialist in American elections and politics, he was the author or editor of numerous books and was honored for career achievement by the American Political Science Association. Gerry cared deeply about civic education and active citizenship and practiced what he preached. Over the years, he served on his local board of education and his local zoning board, led summer institutes for high school teachers, and served as chair of the free speech committee of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Gerry’s scholarship, his teaching, and his public service impacted thousands over the years, and it was an honor to be his colleague. The Eagleton Institute of Politics extends our deepest sympathies to Gerry’s family at this difficult time.

Read more about Gerry’s remarkable life here: https://www.crabielparkwest.com/obituaries/gerald-pomper.

05/26/2026

On Tuesday, May 12, Eagleton celebrated the graduation of its 41st class of Eagleton Undergraduate Associates. State Senator Angela V. McKnight delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging graduates to continue finding meaningful ways to strengthen their communities. The class selected three student speakers—Shanayah Donaus, Lado Ramishvili, and Umehani Rehmanji—to share thoughtful reflections on their experiences in the program.

The Class of 2026 is already charting exciting paths forward: several graduates will be working in state or federal government, joining Teach For America, studying abroad, pursuing law school or other graduate programs, or launching careers in the private sector.

With a strong foundation in civic engagement, politics, and leadership, these graduates leave Eagleton ready to put their ideas into action and shape the future in ways both big and small.

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

Don't forget to join us for next week's Café Democracy! This session’s topic is civic participation: Do individuals have a responsibility to be civically engaged, or is participation purely a personal choice?

🔗Register: https://eagleton.rutgers.edu/event/cafe-democracy-2/

Café Democracy channels the spirit of camaraderie found in taverns and coffee shops, providing a space to share ideas and experiences. Each session will have a theme of discussion that allows us to consider how we can strengthen our democracy.

These events are open to the public and recurring monthly.

04/29/2026

WE ARE HIRING! The Eagleton Institute of Politics is seeking a Public Relations Specialist II to develop strong and effective strategic communications for the Institute. 🔗 Learn more and submit your application today at: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/272240

The PR Specialist will execute strategic communications plans that promote the Institute’s research exploring emerging topics in American politics, expert commentary and analysis in the news, development priorities, student success, and alumni involvement.

04/24/2026

This week, Eagleton hosted CEO of Citizen University, Eric Liu, as part of the Arthur J. Holland Program on Ethics in Government. Liu explored the current context of our democracy and the increasing importance of getting to know your community, being inquisitive about your community, and inviting others into the conversation. Thank you to Eric Liu for the inspiring discussion and giving us actionable items to find and build civic power in our community.

Special thanks to our cosponsors:
▪️Rutgers University Division of Access and Community Engagement
▪️Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy
▪️Rutgers' Collaborative Center
▪️Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences
▪️Rutgers Oral History Archives
▪️Honors College - Rutgers University, New Brunswick
▪️Rutgers University School of Social Work

04/24/2026

We need civic education and responsible, democratic leadership more than ever, but these are skills that must be taught. And your support this is critical. Make a gift to help us equip the next generation with these skills and to expand our public engagement efforts to ensure our democracy’s future for all.

You're invited to support the following programs:
▪Eagleton’s Graduate Fellowship Program: https://give.rutgersfoundation.org/eagleton-fellowship/4784.html

▪Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Program: https://give.rutgersfoundation.org/eagleton-washington-internship/18063.html

Please consider a charitable gift of:
▪$250 in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States
▪$70 in honor of Eagleton’s 70th anniversary
▪$7 if you’re a student or recent graduate and want to help

Thank you for your dedication to the Eagleton Institute of Politics and your commitment to ensuring the future of our democracy.