SC&I Distinguished Alumni
Each year, the SC&I Alumni Association hosts the Distinguished Alumni Annual Dinner to honor a notable alumnus with its Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes renowned contributors to the fields of communication, journalism, information technology and informatics, or library studies. This annual event is an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, professors, and friends while exploring the changes to SC&I and learning about the school’s plans for the future. In 2025, we will be honoring a distinguished alumnus from the Library and Information Science program. Click here to submit your nomination!
2024 Awardee: Gloria Vanderham SC&I ’00
Gloria Vanderham SC&I ‘00 was presented with the 2024 SC&I AA Distinguished Alumni Award on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at The Rutgers Club.
Gloria Vanderham is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Bliss Bio Health, LLC. She leads the agency in its mission to transform healthcare marketing communications by leveraging AI-enabled, data-driven insights and cutting-edge technology to create impactful campaigns that bridge the gap from ‘Atom to Access.'” Gloria’s recognitions and honors are testimony to her excellence in communications strategy and execution. Gloria was named a Champion of PR by PRWeek (2016) and to the Top Women in PR list by PRNews (2018). Gloria received various awards for her innovative campaigns including a SABREs, PRSA Big Apples, and a Silver Anvil. Gloria chairs the Executive Committee of the Rutgers University Alumni Association Board of Directors advising on various committees and working across the University to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, aid for disadvantaged students, and continued recognition of the University’s outstanding research and education. She is an ex-officio member of the Rutgers University Foundation Board, sits on the leadership committee for 50/50 Women on Boards and is a member of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.
A devoted Scarlet Knight, Gloria graduated from Rutgers University and received bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Journalism and Mass Media. Gloria lives in Holmdel, NJ, with her husband Gary (RC ’97, RBS ’99) and her three children: James (who will be attending RU-SAS in the fall ’24), Anderson, and Julia.