Rutgers University, The State University in New Jersey (Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey) is one of the oldest universities in the United States, and the only one that combines its public character with being a former colonial college and a land-grant institution , the name created in 1862 to refer to a group of educational institutions committed to the dissemination of practical knowledge to the public (especially in the field of agriculture). Its mission to "prepare students to become productive members of society and good citizens of the world" is related to the idea of community service and excellence. Its creation was enacted in 1766 under the name Queen's College. A year later they began to be taught classes in a tavern in New Brunswick, Sign of the Red Lion. In 1825, after a period of difficulties that had to come twice to a close, the institution was renamed Rutgers College , in honor of the colonel and veteran Henry Rutgers . In 1925 its name was changed to Rutgers University and by the mid-twentieth century, the university acquired its current status as State University of New Jersey. Although headquartered in New Brunswick continued slowly college was increasing in size. In 1946 he joined The University of Newark Rutgers (University of Newark), Newark campus now. Later, in 1950, it was the turn of South New Jersey College (College of Southern New Jersey), today Camden campus. With over two centuries of history behind it, Rutgers has managed to position itself as one of the leading public universities in the United States. Member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), which groups dozens of the most important American institutions, it more than 12,000 titles are awarded per academic year and about 60,000 students enroll each year. * Source photo: Rutgers, State University New Jersey-New Brunswick