Rutgers University

Hall of Fame Coach Roster Athlete Roster Conference Page

University

University Website

University Athletics

Scarlet Knights

RU Official Timeline

RU Timeline

RU Magazine

1766
Founding
Founded in 1766, a decade before the American Revolution, Rutgers University’s history mirrors the history of the nation.
1825
Colonel Henry Rutgers
Queen’s College renamed Rutgers College to honor benefactor and Revolutionary War hero Colonel Henry Rutgers.
1869
College Football
In 1869, college football was born as Rutgers defeated Princeton in the first-ever intercollegiate football game.
1919
Paul Robeson
In 1919, Paul Robeson, an accomplished student and athlete at Rutgers, delivered the valedictory speech to his fellow graduates in the Class of 1919. Robeson would later embark on a remarkable career as a world-renowned actor, singer, and global human rights advocate.
1946
Rutgers-Newark

In 1946, Rutgers University–Newark opened its doors.
1950
Rutgers-Camden

In 1950, Rutgers University–Camden was established.
1972
First Full Female Class

In 1972, Rutgers College welcomed its first full class of women students.
1972
Ultimate Frisbee
In 1972, Rutgers University made history again, defeating Princeton in the first-ever intercollegiate ultimate frisbee game. This victory marked an important milestone, coming exactly 103 years after Rutgers’ historic win over Princeton in the first football game.
1976
First Women’s Head Coach

In 1976, Rutgers University hired the nation’s first full-time women’s head basketball coach.
2008
Cappie Pondexter Beijing Olympics

Cappie Pondexter represented the United States women’s national basketball team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The team emerged victorious, capturing the gold medal after defeating Australia in the final. Pondexter played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing her skills and experience.
2008
Carli Lloyd 4 time Olympian
U.S. soccer star Carli Lloyd cemented her legacy with a remarkable Olympic career. She captained the USWNT to gold medals in 2008 (scoring the winner) and 2012 (scoring both goals in the final). Though the team didn’t medal in 2016, Lloyd remained a key player. In her final Olympics (2020), she helped secure bronze and set the U.S. women’s record for most Olympic goals.