Mason Gross Convocation 2024

Courtney Bryan (MM, ’07)

Courtney Bryan, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, is “a pianist and composer of panoramic interests” (New York Times). She is a 2023 MacArthur Fellow, and currently serves as composer-in-residence with Opera Philadelphia.

This season sees two world premieres: Dreaming (Freedom Sounds), performed by the International Contemporary Ensemble at New York’s Kaufman Music Center, and Visual Rhythms, a new art-inspired orchestral piece for Jacksonville Symphony.

Other recent works include her piano concerto House of Pianos, which Bryan premiered last season with the LA Phil New Music Group (chamber ensemble version) and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (full orchestra version); and Gathering Song (libretto by Tazewell Thompson), composed for bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green and the New York Philharmonic.

Bryan’s compositions have been performed by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (Creative Partner, 2020–2023), Jacksonville Symphony (Mary Carr Patton Composer-In- Residence, 2018–2020), London Sinfonietta, LA Phil, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and Chicago Sinfonietta in a wide range of renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Blue Note Jazz Club.

Recent accolades include the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts (2018), Samuel Barber Rome Prize in Music Composition (2019–2020), United States Artists Fellowship (2020), and the Civitella Ranieri Foundation Fellowship (2020–2021). She is the Albert and Linda Mintz Professor of Music at Newcomb College in the School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University.

Bryan returned to Rutgers in November 2022 for a performance and Q&A with students. Read about her visit in Mason Gross Magazine.

Meghan Correll

Meghan Correll hails from Marlton, New Jersey and is graduating from a five-year BM program with a double major in Music Education and Clarinet Performance. Meghan enjoys performing and is proficient on an assortment of string, woodwind, and brass instruments. They are the senior class representative for the Rutgers National Association for Music Education. They have been a member of the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights for five years and have served as the Clarinet Drill Advisor and Mellophone Section Leader. Meghan is a passionate educator who has worked with a variety of marching bands across New Jersey. They marched mellophone with the World-Class Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps last year, and this summer, she will be traveling to Florida to be the Head Mellophone Instructor with an Open Class Drum Corps.

You must complete a diploma application in order to officially graduate.

Any undergraduate who has six or fewer outstanding credits may be allowed to participate in the Mason Gross Convocation ceremony provided they have enrolled in the appropriate courses in an accredited summer program and have had the summer credits preapproved by their academic advisor. These students will officially graduate in August 2024. If you need to update your class year, please contact your academic advisor. Click the button above to apply.

Rutgers–New Brunswick graduates can purchase regalia from the Barnes and Noble Rutgers University Bookstore ONLINE HERE now through March 31st. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT now through February 29th!

Online orders offer these delivery options:

• Ship to store for no extra charge. Must order for ship to store by February 29 for pick up at Barnes & Noble starting April 4.
• Ship to home for an additional delivery charge. Deadline to order with ship to home option is March 31.

Purchase regalia in-store OR pick up online orders at Barnes & Noble on Somerset Street beginning April 4.

The Grad Fair will be held at Barnes & Noble on April 4 & 5 from 10am-6pm. Join in the festivities, come for a complimentary professional headshot, and meet with representatives for purchasing class rings, diploma frames, personalized announcements and more!

Rutgers has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.RutgersPhotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.

Seniors were sent an email in the fall from Lors with details and links to book your portrait session. If you did not receive an email, please email customerservices@lorsstudio.com or call 908-964-3040.

• What time and where do I report to the ceremony?
  • If you are planning to take part in the convocation ceremony, you should report to the Civic Square Building between 1:30-2:00 pm for check-in. You will receive all instructions at that time
• Is there a rehearsal for the convocation?
  • There will not be a rehearsal for students. All necessary information will be relayed to you when you report to the Civic Square Building. Mason Gross staff will assist you step-by-step through the ceremony.
• What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?
  • Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if your guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.
  • When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.
• What time should my guests arrive at the State Theatre?
  • The Theatre will open at 1:30pm. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather

• What is the State Theatre’s COVID-19 policy?
  • Please visit their website HERE for current information.
• How do I get to the State Theatre?
  • Directions are available here.
• Where do I park?
  • Parking is available for a fee in a few locations in the downtown New Brunswick area. Click here for locations.
• What time does the State Theatre open?
  • The Theatre will open at 1:30pm. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather.
  • Please note: For your safety and security, The State Theatre has instituted bag checks and upon entry. While the process is quite efficient, please allow time to complete the bag check. Your patience and understanding during this process is appreciated.
• What can I bring with me?
  • This is a very busy event, and space in the seating area is limited. The event staff cannot monitor or be responsible for personal items. Flowers and balloons are not permitted in the seating area.
• Can I save seats for family who are running late?
  • In order to accommodate all those in attendance, please wait for your entire party prior to entering the seating area. All empty seats will be filled by event staff as necessary.
• What is the late seating policy?
  • If you arrive late to the ceremony, you will be seated at the discretion of the event management in a predetermined late seating area. Late seating usually occurs after the student and faculty processionals, roughly 10 to 15 minutes into the ceremony. After that, seating will be determined by the event staff and seat availability.
• What if there are no more seats when I arrive?
  • Due to fire codes, there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the State Theatre. Once this number is met, no more people will be admitted. It is suggested that you make sure you give yourself ample time to get to New Brunswick, park, and walk to the theater. The State Theatre has a video/audio feed into the lobby for the full event.
• Can we sit near or with our graduate?
  • No. The family seating area will be determined by event staff.
• Can we bring an infant or small child?
  • All infants and small children should be able to sit quietly, or you will be asked to leave the ceremony. Please make arrangements for childcare if your infant or small child cannot sit quiety for the duration of the ceremony. Strollers and car seats are not permitted in the seating area.
• What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?
  • Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if you are guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start-time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.
  • When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.
• How long will the ceremony last?
  • The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, depending on the number of students graduating.
• Can I bring food, beverages, or bottled water into the ceremony?
  • No. Food or beverages are not allowed in the State Theatre.
• Can I take pictures?
  • Yes, you can take pictures. However, we ask that you be aware of students and other guests and not obstruct the aisles or block the view for someone else.
• Can I meet my graduate in the seating area after the ceremony?
  • It is respectfully requested that families and friends arrange to meet each other at the reception in the Civic Square Building following the ceremony. The seating area closes directly after the ceremony ends.

We are following the State Theatre’s COVID-19 policy:

Based on advice from the CDC, the State of New Jersey, as well as best practices adopted by the performing arts industry:

• Masks are no longer required though we welcome their use.

Show your alumni pride! Official MGSA apparel and accessories will be available for sale at the post-ceremony reception. Shop online anytime at our store.