WRI 25th Anniversary
25 Years of Community-facing Research
Launched in 2000, the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers-Camden was established under the leadership of its first director, Dr. Richard Harris, to honor Senator Walter Rand’s legacy of public service to Southern New Jersey and to his hometown of Camden.
Over the past 25 years, the Walter Rand Institute has made significant strides, shaping its role and strengthening its impact on both the university and the broader South Jersey community. WRI continues to uphold a strong commitment to bringing community and leadership together to make connections across research, policy, and practice in the region.
Look back with us on this special milestone in our history.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact
Hear directly from WRI’s Director, community partners, legislators, and our students about the impact WRI has had over the last 25 years.
The Path to Building Knowledge for Policy and Practice in South Jersey
Telling our Story
Click on each tile to read more about WRI’s work over the years.
Senator Rand’s Legacy – Transportation Research over the years
Supporting Camden City
WRI’s COVID-19 Tracking Tool Aids NJ’s State Response
Quote from Brianna Donahue, Inspira Health and WRI Advisory Board Member
Leading Community Health Needs Assessments for South Jersey
Quote from Rich Nichols and Rachael Bill, United Advocacy Group
Spotlight: 10 Years of Family Support Research
Quote from Senator Troy Singleton, 7th Legislative District, New Jersey
Spotlight: The Clayton Model Evaluation in Schools
Quote from Tom Risch, Vice Chancellor for Research, Rutgers–Camden
Addressing the Opioid Epidemic through Research
Research. Connect. Engage.
To celebrate, WRI will be releasing diverse content throughout the year that showcase WRI’s history, impact, and value over the last 25 years.
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Walter Rand Institute Looks Back at 2025’s Milestones and Momentum
Read more: Walter Rand Institute Looks Back at 2025’s Milestones and MomentumAuthor: Dustin Petzold At the conclusion of its 25th anniversary, the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs (WRI) is reflecting on a year defined by collaboration and impact. While the anniversary celebration was…
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A Conversation with the WRI Advisory Board Chairs on WRI’s Past, Present, and Future
Read more: A Conversation with the WRI Advisory Board Chairs on WRI’s Past, Present, and FutureAuthor: Natalie Passov As part of the Walter Rand Institute’s 25th anniversary, we sat down with the Advisory Board chairs, Michael Egenton (New Jersey Chamber of Commerce) and Amy Osborn (New Jersey Vietnam Veterans…
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25 Years of WRI Impact as Told by the Leaders Who Helped Build It
Read more: 25 Years of WRI Impact as Told by the Leaders Who Helped Build ItAuthor: Natalie Passov As communications and public engagement lead at the Walter Rand Institute (WRI) and as part of WRI’s continued 25th anniversary celebrations, I recently had the privilege of interviewing leaders who helped shape its mission, expand its reach, and navigate the complexities of public…
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Supporting Healthy Communities: WRI’s Partnerships with Regional Hospital Networks on Community Health Needs Assessments and Addressing Community Needs
Read more: Supporting Healthy Communities: WRI’s Partnerships with Regional Hospital Networks on Community Health Needs Assessments and Addressing Community NeedsAuthors: Devon Ziminski, Natalie Passov As part of WRI’s 25th anniversary activities, we are highlighting a series of collaborations with our partners in the South Jersey region and across the State. We’re celebrating National…
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Walter Rand Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Solutions for South Jersey
Read more: Walter Rand Institute Celebrates 25 Years of Solutions for South JerseyAuthor: Eileen Reinhard, Rutgers–Camden Creating impact across South Jersey, the Institute’s community-facing research strives to improve quality of life for all.
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25 Years of WRI: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Read more: 25 Years of WRI: Looking Back and Moving ForwardAuthors: Mavis Asiedu-Frimpong, Angelina Cheng This year, the Senator Walter Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers–Camden (WRI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 2000, WRI was founded with a vision of creating a research…
Support WRI
Gifts made to the WRI Initiatives Fund support efforts at the Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs at Rutgers University—Camden that further its mission of being responsive to South Jersey’s needs and amplifying Rutgers service, teaching, and training goals.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we reflect on the lasting impact we’ve made—and we invite you to be a part of our next chapter.