In 1825, a Revolutionary War veteran, who also helped plan the defense of New York City during the War of 1812, and a philanthropist was lobbied by the Dutch Reform Church elders for money to re-open its school along the Raritan River. The man, Henry Rutgers, Colonel in the New York militia, donated a $5,000 bond and a bell hung in a cupola above Old Queen’s and on December 5, 1825, the New Jersey legislature approved a name change for Queen’s College to Rutgers College.
Colonel Henry Rutgers was educated at Rutgers sister school, Kings College (now Columbia University) and got his degree the same year Queen’s College got its charter - 1766. The quote, “Don’t let your studies interfere with your education,” is attributed to Henry Rutgers according to brainyquote.com.
The March 18, 1975 Targum reported that President Edward Bloustein made an introduction at the Board of Governors meeting, “Ladies and gentlemen, I often wonder if Rutgers exists. But here today you have living proof that it does – I introduce Mr. Rutgers.” The Colonel’s great-great-great grandnephew, Nicholas G. Rutgers IV, Rutgers Class of 1950 was made an Overseer of the Rutgers Foundation. His son, N.G. Rutgers, V looked to be the last of the family line until he became the father of three children.
Colonel Henry Rutgers was educated at Rutgers sister school, Kings College (now Columbia University) and got his degree the same year Queen’s College got its charter - 1766. The quote, “Don’t let your studies interfere with your education,” is attributed to Henry Rutgers according to brainyquote.com.
The March 18, 1975 Targum reported that President Edward Bloustein made an introduction at the Board of Governors meeting, “Ladies and gentlemen, I often wonder if Rutgers exists. But here today you have living proof that it does – I introduce Mr. Rutgers.” The Colonel’s great-great-great grandnephew, Nicholas G. Rutgers IV, Rutgers Class of 1950 was made an Overseer of the Rutgers Foundation. His son, N.G. Rutgers, V looked to be the last of the family line until he became the father of three children.
