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Collegiate scholar

Black and white photo of Robeson and three other Rutgers scholars standing in their academic caps and gowns

Paul Robeson at his induction into the Cap & Skull honor society. Paul was the only African American at Rutgers College during his time on campus, and only the third ever to attend what was then a private college. He was Class of 1919 Valedictorian; his valedictory address was entitled “The New Idealism.”

1919
Attribution/Credit

Rutgers School of Arts & Sciences, “Paul Robeson, Class of 1919 Valedictorian,” https://sas.rutgers.edu/news-a-events/news/newsroom/student-news/2820-paul-robeson-1019-valedictorian-the-new-idealism