Members of the Rutgers Alumni Community:
As you know, Rutgers plays a crucial role in New Jersey, the state that more than 280,000 of our graduates call home. We teach 69,000 students and provide continuing education to approximately 50,000 women and men a year. Our research yields discoveries that improve the quality of life. We deliver health care to tens of thousands of New Jerseyans. Our service benefits small businesses, farmers, families, schools, and local governments in every county.
But as a new analysis by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy demonstrates, Rutgers—the state’s third-largest non-government employer—is also a job creator and an economic engine. The combined impact of our operations each year supports nearly 58,000 jobs statewide and generates $5.2 billion in economic activity in New Jersey. Adding to those totals, our construction activities over the past five years have supported nearly 12,000 short-term jobs and generated another $1.2 billion in economic activity.
I’m glad to add that we are a smart investment, too:
for every dollar state government provides to Rutgers, we return nearly 7 dollars to the New Jersey economy.
To see how much we benefit New Jersey, I invite you to read
Rutgers Grows the Garden State, a report that highlights the key findings of the Bloustein School analysis.
The University is sending the document to policy makers in Trenton and business leaders across the state, but I also welcome you to use this information to help advocate for Rutgers throughout the year. Visit
http://economicimpact.rutgers.edu to access the report, the full analysis, and a related video.
As alumni, you have contributed to the story we have to tell about Rutgers. I hope you share my pride in all your alma mater is doing to make life better here in the Garden State and far beyond.
Sincerely,
Robert Barchi
