Description
After working for more than 30 years as a member of the graduate student community, Dean Mark Schuster passed away last semester on November 18, 2021. Dean Schuster was the first Dean for Graduate Student Life, during which he devoted all of his time and energy into supporting the Rutgers community he loved, particularly graduate and professional students. He was a selfless, caring, and dedicated man, and a pillar of strength in our community. The Graduate Student Association (GSA) along with the Office of Graduate Student Life is organizing a “Celebration of Life” event to honor his legacy and celebrate his achievements and contributions towards graduate students. The GSA would like to commission the creation of an artistic portrait of Dean Schuster, created by student artist Dylan Sadiq, that could be prominently displayed in the Graduate Student Lounge on the College Avenue campus to remember him and his legacy to our beloved community.
Donations are applied to...
This crowdfunding campaign will help the GSA cover the costs of Dean Schuster’s portrait that will be displayed in the Graduate Student Lounge. Additional funds raised that exceed our goal will be used as emergency funds to support the graduate and professional students at Rutgers.
Personal Message
To honor Dean Schuster’s legacy, the Graduate Student Association is partnering with the Division of Student Affairs, to COMMISSION AN ARTISTIC PORTRAIT OF DEAN SCHUSTER to be displayed in the Graduate Student Lounge on the College Avenue campus so that we are all able to treasure the work he did to pioneer a future of success for graduate and professional students.
Dean Mark Schuster was a dear colleague, friend, mentor, and supervisor, to the Rutgers community. Among his more than 30 years here as a member of the Rutgers community, he left an incredible legacy of building the Office of the Dean of Students and Office of Graduate Student Life, creating Project Civility to foster tolerance and respectful discussion among faculty, staff, and students, and championing for social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity. He was a major advocate for the LGBTQ+ and graduate and professional student population but provided care and attention to all students he came across. The impact he made on the Rutgers community cannot be forgotten.
On behalf of the Graduate Student Association and Division of Student Affairs, we are thankful for your contribution, in advance. We will take HIS EXAMPLE OF CARE, SUPPORT, AND TOLERANCE, as we move forward to ensure that the work he has started is continued in his memory.
Why are donations necessary?
Graduate students have unique experiences and challenges navigating the campus community. Dean Schuster helped graduate students feel more connected and included in the broader narrative about student needs. Your donations will help us raise greater awareness about the needs of graduate students, as exemplified and embodied by the contributions of Dean Schuster.