The Rutgers Hall Of Fame

Okay, so now that we all know who "Fat Darrell" is, it's time to take a look at some other notable Rutgers University graduates...(in no particular order)

   1.       James Gandolfini - RU class of '83 (communications)

If you don't know who this guy is than I hope the rock you've been under for the past few years was comfortable:  welcome to Earth, enjoy your stay.  Better known to fans as Tony Soprano on the HBO hit series, this guy's the man!  Although this list is in no particular order, we still made sure to put him first to avoid being "whacked" for making him angry...

                2.       Kristin Davis - RU class of '87

Perhaps best known for her role on the HBO program Sex and the City, on which she played the character of Charlotte York. She is also the host of the VH1 show 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons.

3.     Calista Flockhart - RU class of '87 (Fine Arts)

Known better as Ally McBeal on the former Fox Television series, Flockhart starred in various University and community plays before hitting it big and placing the images of dancing babies and mini skirts on the minds of millions of viewers.

4.  NBA Commissioner, David Stern - RU class of '63

Stern studied political science and history at Rutgers before becomming the puppetmaster of the NBA.  This guy is the man!  What's that you say Mr. Stern?  Oh, why yes, that was awfully nice of us to say such a wonderful thing about you but we only said it because we truly care...so, ummm, can we get some Laker tickets?  Thanks...

5.    Bill Bellamy-Livingston College Class of ‘89

This MTV VJ/actor/commedian's career as a performer began while he was a student at Rutgers.  Bellamy was persuaded to take part in a men's beauty pageant, and needing to do something for the talent competition, he worked up a standup comedy routine which is when he figured out that he enjoyed making people laugh.  The rest is history...

6.    Paul Robeson-RU class of 1919

Robeson was not only a gifted actor, a pro football player, a politician and a vocal defender of civil rights, he also has a building named after him on Busch Campus!  Yeah, yeah, okay we admit that's impressive but does he have an extremely fattening sandwich named after him at the grease trucks?  That's right, we didn't think so...BOO YAH!

7.    Alexi Lalis - RU class of 1990

Star Major League Soccer player for the LA Galazy,Lalis was named to the Gannett United States Soccer "All-Century Team."

8.    Jeff Torborg RU class of ’63 (education)

This All-American baseball player set the Rutgers University record for season batting average (.537) in 1963, His pro career was highlighted by catching three no-hitters: Sandy Koufax with the Dodgers in 1965, Bill Singer with the Dodgers in 1970, and Nolan Ryan with the Angels in 1973. He is one of a handful of catchers in history to catch a no-hitter in both the National League and the American League.

9.   Mr. Magoo

In the 1960s the most famous alumnus of Rutgers was probably the cartoon character Mr. Magoo. For years, the university wondered why. Had Magoo's creators or Jim Backus, the "voice" of Mr. Magoo, attended Rutgers? The answer turned out to be neither. Mr. Magoo went to Rutgers simply because-- according to a Hollywood informant--his creators wanted him to be " a college alumnus who was still fired up with the old school spirit [and they felt] Rutgers was the embodiment of the 'old school tie' in America."

10. Sue Wicks - RU class of '88

This former WNBA All-Star is the all time leading scorer and rebounder in Rutgers history!  She's also a 4 time NCAA All-American, the NCAA Player of the Year (Naismith Award) for 1988, and a member of US Olympic Team in '88.  Wicks holds 10 individual career records at Rutgers and was drafted by her hometown New York Liberty in the inaugural WNBA draft in 1997, She is currently an assistant for the Rutgers Women's Basketball team.

11.     Ruthie Alcaide - RU class of '00 (Communications)

Star of MTV's The Real world Hawaii and of The Real World Battle of the Sexes.  If you missed either of these two shows don't worry; MTV replays them every 1.5 seconds anyway (check your local listings)...  

12.     Linda Miles RU Class of '01

After this Rutgers women's basketball star failed to reach her WNBA goals, she set a new goal:  to become a professional wrestler.  This dream came true live on MTV as she was anounced as the winner of Tough Enough 2 and awarded a contract with the WWE!

13.     Ray Lucas RU class of '96

   Lucas is a versatile NFL player who has played quarterback, wide receiver and has been a major contributor on special teams.  He was thrust into the spotlight in 1999 when he replaced the injured Vinny Testaverde at QB, and led the Jets to an 8-8 finish after a 1-6 start in 1999.  He played in the Superbowl as a member of the New England Patriots and now serves as the backup QB for the Miami Dolphins.

14.    John Carpenter-RC class of '90 (Economics)

This former IRS agent was the first person to win the million dollar prize on ABC's Who Wants to be a Millionaire!  Would we like to phone a friend?  Well of course, and that friend is YOU John?  So um...can we

borrow a few bucks?

15.    Avery Brooks - RU class of '76 (MFA)

Avery Brooks played Captain Benjamin Sisko on Star Trek Deep Space Nine and performed to critical acclaim in the title role of the Phillip Hayes Dean play (about fellow RU alumni) "Paul Robeson."  Brooks was the first black MFA graduate in acting and directing and continues to teach the University today.

16.    Marco Battaglia - RU class of '96

Battaglia has played in the NFL for 8 seasons and is currently a TE (Tight End) for the Miami Dolphins.  Marco finished his Rutgers career as school's all-time receptions leader (171),

17.      Dan Renzi - RU class of '96

Dan was one of the stars of MTV's The Real World Miami and is now currently a model and an outspoken policital activist for gay and lesbian rights.

18.     Sista Souljah - RU class of '86

The controversial activist, writer, and rapper Sister Souljah (born Lisa Williamson) double-majored in American History and African Studies at RU.  She is currently the executive director of Bad Boy Records CEO, Sean "Puffy" Combs, non-profit organization for kids called Daddy's House which provides educational and mentor services to inner city youths.. She was also one of the founders of the 1999 Million Women March in Philadelphia.

19.    Tammy Sutton-Brown - RU class of '01

Tammy was selected at #18 by Charlotte Sting in 2001 WNBA draft.  By mid-season, she was the starting center and helped lead the Sting to the WNBA finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Sparks. 

20.    Asia Carrera

Asia Carrera attended Rutgers University on a scholarship, with a double major in Business and Japanese. Asia started dancing while in school to earn some extra cash and was soon posing for nude layouts. Asia's photos soon caught the eye of porn producer Bud Lee, who invited her out to L.A. during her 1993 Winter Break to shoot some videos. Asia exploded onto the adult film scene and by 1994 she had already been named AVN's Female Performer of the Year. She dropped out of school soon after to pursue her career.

21.      Mike McMahon - RU class of '99

McMahon is currently a quarterback for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and still has passing records at Rutgers that have yet to be broken.

22.   L.J. Smith - RU class of 2002

L.J. is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles where the atheletic Tight End made an impressive diving reception in the back of the end zone for the Eagles' first TD in Super Bowl XXXIX vs. NE (2/6/05).

23.    SHAUN O’HARA  - RU class of '99

O'Hara is currently the Center for the New York Giants (NFL) however the versatile offensive lineman that can play both guard and center.

24.   Cappie Pondexter - RU class of '06

Pondexter was selected 2nd overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. As a rookie, she was named to the western conference WNBA all star team.  Pondexter was also named the MVP of the 2007 WNBA finals where she led the Mercury to it's first WNBA championship. 

25.   Gary Brackett - RU class of '02

Brackett, a middle linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) led his defensive unit all the way to the Superbowl to handily defeat the Chicago Bears in only his 4th season!

26. Brian Leonard - RU class of 2007

This versatile running back was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the 2007 NFL Draft.  During his time at Rutgers, he helped turn the Scarlett Knights into a Top 20 BCS team and is ranked first in the Rutgers record books for all-time combined touchdowns (45), and first all-time career points scored (272). 

Do you know of any other notable Rutgers alumni?  Are you a famous alumni?   Would you just like to comment on one of the people currently on our list or nominate one of your friends (like that guy who once ate 60 chicken nuggets in a single sitting at Brower Commons for instance)?  If so, send us an email at:  fatdarrell@majesticgroove.com and let us know!