James E. McGreevey Named 2025 Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Award Recipient by the Rutgers School of Public Health
James E. McGreevey, J.D., M.Ed., M.Div. – former Governor of New Jersey and a dedicated public servant and advocate for social equity – has been named the 2025 Frank R. Lautenberg Award recipient by the Rutgers School of Public Health. He will also serve as the school’s 42nd graduation speaker.
Hailed as the school’s highest honor, the Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Award was established in 2001 to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to public health through a significant record of advocacy, the development of programs, and capacity building that has led to expanded research, education, and service opportunities.
McGreevey exemplifies these ideals through his work, which reflects a lifelong commitment to public service, leadership, and community advocacy. Having held key roles in government and nonprofit sectors, he has worked to implement policies and initiatives that promote social equity and justice. His extensive experience underscores the impact of strong leadership in addressing societal challenges and fostering sustainable public health solutions.
Governor McGreevey and the work he has undertaken over the past several decades embody the values we espouse at the Rutgers School of Public Health.
Perry N. Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S., M.P.H.
Dean, Rutgers School of Public Health
As the Executive Director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), McGreevey has played a pivotal role in supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration, addiction treatment, and military service. Under his leadership, NJRC has expanded throughout New Jersey, offering critical services such as healthcare access, employment training, and sober housing. His efforts have contributed to measurable improvements in rehabilitation and reintegration, aligning with broader public health goals that emphasize holistic community well-being.
In addition to his work at NJRC, McGreevey’s contributions to policy and governance have shaped conversations around public health, criminal justice reform, and equitable access to resources. His leadership demonstrates the transformative power of advocacy and structured support systems in creating opportunities for underserved populations.
McGreevey earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia College before obtaining a law degree from Georgetown University, a Master of Education from Harvard University, and a Master of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary.
“Governor McGreevey and the work he has undertaken over the past several decades embody the values we espouse at the Rutgers School of Public Health,” said Perry N. Halkitis, Dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health. “We apply the lens of social justice and health equity in everything we do, valuing every voice and working toward a society where the health of every person is maximized. As an openly gay man, Governor McGreevey also serves as a role model for the LGBTQ+ population, which continues to face unnecessary and hateful attacks from many politicians in our society. I am proud of my own life as a gay man, and I am honored to recognize Governor McGreevey and his identity as a gay man as part of this year’s Lautenberg Award.”
McGreevey will be honored with the Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Award during the Rutgers School of Public Health’s annual graduation ceremony, where he will address graduates, faculty, staff, and guests.
Prior recipients of the award include Abdul El-Sayed, doctor and civil servant; André Sayegh, Mayor of the City of Paterson; Dionne Warwick, Grammy Award-winning vocalist and humanitarian; Khiara Bridges, law professor and anthropologist; Laurie Garret, best-selling author and science news reporter; Mark Wade, director of the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness; and Tammy Murphy, First Lady of the State of New Jersey.
