The Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) honors former Senator Walter Rand’s legacy of public service to Southern New Jersey and his hometown of Camden city. Senator Rand and his wife Leah shared a passion for public service and supporting programs for youth. Together, they dedicated their time, talents and treasure toward helping South Jersey’s children and communities thrive. Each year, their work lives on through the Walter & Leah Rand Awards and Scholarship Dinner.

During the annual event, three extraordinary “South Jerseyans” are recognized in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors working to improve lives and strengthen local communities. Annually, this event raises critical resources for the Institute and provides the funds necessary for a variety of student engagement programming. The proceeds support undergraduate and graduate students working on the Institute’s research and writing projects about South Jersey, including the Walter Rand Institute Research Scholarship and the endowed Graduate Scholarship for Southern New Jersey Initiatives.