The Mason Gross Memorial — the 25th year reunion gift of the Class of 1968 — was designed to celebrate the life of one of the most widely respected, admired and popular presidents in the university's history. It was intended to serve as a permanent place for the late president in the hearts, minds and eyes of the Rutgers community.

This alcove with its impressive bronze bas-relief and adjoining granite bench and patio became a campus landmark soon after its construction in the fall of 1994. It stands prominently before Milledoler Hall, a stone's throw from Willie the Silent on Voorhees Mall, where a tradition has developed of rubbing the late president's nose for good luck. The Rutgers University Alumni Association has called the memorial's dedication ceremony itself an historical event for the university.

The late Richard P. McCormick, Ph.D., father of Rutgers President Richard L. McCormick, who was an eminent national and New Jersey historian, longtime Rutgers history professor, University Historian, Dean of Rutgers College, and prolific author, was one of several distinguished speakers at the Memorial's dedication. He stated at that time: "The Class of '68 has taken an unprecedented action, an action unprecedented in the history of Rutgers. No other President has ever inspired the respect and affection that these young men...have manifested today."



Sculptor
Thomas Jay Warren

Memorial Chairman
Daniel L. Ben-Asher

Class President
Andrew R. Jacobs

25th Reunion Chairman
Garry Katz