© 2018 Rutgers University Foundation, All Rights Reserved
In 1918, Paul Robeson, the only African American in his class and the third in Rutgers history, gives the valedictorian address at commencement. Legend has it that Paul Robeson said his greatest Rutgers achievement was not his fifteen varsity letters, his selection as All-American football player, Phi Beta Kappa or class valedictorian. It came when he was tapped for Cap and Skull.
Founded 117 years ago, Cap and Skull now functions as a senior honors society for undergraduate students at Rutgers. Every year, 18 rising seniors- one half of one percent- are “tapped” by the outgoing classes based on their excellent achievement in academics, athletics. the arts, public service, and leadership both on and off campus.
Skulls are recognized by the community as intellectuals- earning a Nobel Prize as well as Goldwater, Gates Cambridge, Truman, Fulbright, Rhodes, and Luce Scholarships. They have pioneered gene splicing, represented New Jersey in Congress, captained an NFL team, dreamt up cross country fundraising bike rides, won The Apprentice, lauded for their work with NASA, had their work showcased at an international film festival, CEO-ed major companies, earned Olympic gold medals, worn the crown of Miss New Jersey, built the first personal computer, founded their own companies- among many other accomplishments.
Skulls are activists, artists, athletes, authors, darers, doers, dreamers, editors, educators, entrepreneurs, inventors, mentors, musicians, performers, philanthropists, politicians, researchers, scholars, scientists, writers- loyal Sons & Daughters of Rutgers University.
The history of Cap and Skull is tightly interwoven to that of the University’s. Our goal is to celebrate the accomplishments of our students as they work within their campus communities. In order to do so we need your help. Please consider making a donation in honor of the graduating Cap & Skull Class of 2018 and to ensure needed funds for Class of 2019 as they begin their senior year on campus.
Your donation of $18 will offset the purchase of the clay pipes that members of the graduating class break on graduation day, a continuation of a favorite 215+ year-old Rutgers tradition signifying the transition from undergraduate life into adulthood.
Your $30 donation will fund the future purchase of one of the famous bucket hats that each Skull receives on Tap Day. Cap and Skull just isn't the same without the "Cap."
Your donation of $50 will help fund the Cap and Skull graduation sash program that the senior class proudly wears to signify their membership in Cap and Skull on graduation day.
Newly tapped members of Cap & Skull wait anxiously for the pinning ceremony, during which they receive their coveted Cap & Skull pins. Your donation of $100 will purchase two of these pins for the new class.
Your donation of $250 will contribute towards one of the many mixers and opportunities that current Skulls have to meet and connect with alumni throughout the year. These events are a special opportunity for Skulls to come together to make connections and build relationships with a network of other successful and inspiring individuals.
Your donation of $500 will fund the marketing materials that allow Cap and Skull to continue to educate current students "on the Banks" about Rutgers' rich history and traditions. The current class of Skulls will distribute flyers, run ads in student newspapers, and partner in initiatives that will be sure to keep the spirit of dear old Rutgers alive!