How Community Shapes the Creative Writing MFA Experience

In this Voices of Rutgers-Camden spotlight, the Creative Writing MFA program is highlighted as a place where writers come together to challenge and inspire one another. For Sienna Zeilinger, Program Coordinator for the Writer’s House and an MFA alum, the sense of community was one of the most impactful parts of her experience. Related to… continue reading

The Judgment of Yoyo Gold Earns Best Teen & YA Award

We are proud to celebrate Creative Writing MFA alum Isaac Blum for the inclusion of his novel, The Judgment of Yoyo Gold, on Kirkus Reviews’ Best Teen & YA Fiction of 2024 list. Released on October 15, 2024, the novel follows Yocheved “Yoyo” Gold, a thoughtful Orthodox Jewish teen, as she navigates family responsibilities, friendship,… continue reading

Transforming Family Stories Into Poetry

An accomplished poet and entrepreneur, Shawn R. Jones is a proud alumna of Rutgers–Camden’s MFA in Creative Writing program. Her debut poetry collection, Date of Birth, earned the 2022 Lexi Rudnitsky First Book Prize in Poetry. Jones’s work has been featured in publications such as Tri-Quarterly, New Ohio Review, Cider Review, Passengers Journal, Rattle, and… continue reading

A Rising Star in Local Government Leadership

Justin Riggs, MPA, SHRM-CP, an alumnus of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Rutgers Graduate School-Camden, is making a meaningful impact in local government. Serving as Deputy Manager of the City of Cape May he exemplifies leadership and dedication in his field. This fall, Justin received the New Professional Award from the New… continue reading

Connecting the East Coast to Its Past Through Historic Panels

Across New Jersey and New Hampshire, historic panels are transforming how communities engage with their past. From a rest stop in New Hampshire to a historic canoe club on a Delaware River island, these installations uncover underrepresented and forgotten stories, reconnecting people with the narratives that have shaped their local identities. Behind this meaningful work… continue reading

A Mother, Educator, & Student: One Teacher’s Journey

Imagine standing at the front of a classroom, not just teaching but constantly adapting—finding new ways to inspire a generation raised on screens and instant connections. For longtime Spanish teacher Nidza Bruno, this challenge became an opportunity to evolve, culminating in her earning a Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish degree at Rutgers-Camden. As Tom… continue reading