Celebrating the Launch of the Third Annual Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program
The mood was festive as Rutgers–Camden Chancellor Antonio D. Tillis and Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen stood at the entrance to Camden City Hall to welcome the 2024 Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship cohort to their new roles.
Together with Camden City Council President Angel Fuentes, Camden city officials, and Dolly Marshall, a Rutgers–Camden alumna who participated in the first year of the program and is now a full-time City of Camden employee, the 2024 cohort of Rutgers–Camden students was applauded for earning this prestigious public service opportunity.
Since 2022, as part of Chancellor Tillis’s “15-in-5” slate of initiatives, Rutgers University–Camden and the City of Camden have collaborated to offer select Rutgers–Camden students the chance to work alongside Mayor Carstarphen and other city leaders in their areas of interest. Program participants have spent transformative summers learning about the inner workings of government and serving the needs of Camden residents.
Tayla Ball, CCAS’25
Assigned to: The Municipal Clerk’s Office, City Council, and Records & Archives
Area of Study: Major: Sociology; Minor: Human Resources Management
Why did you apply for this internship?
“I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn something new through hands-on experience. I am interested in public service and hope this experience helps me gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of public service and acquire skills I can take into the professional world."
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to work for the Department of Labor one day, but for now, I want to get work experience in either human resources or government roles.”
What is your favorite thing to do to relax in the summertime?
“Summer is the best time for a good barbecue with family and friends!”
Gabriela Gutierrez, CCAS’25
Assigned to: The Mayor’s Office – Community Outreach/Special Projects
Area of Study: Major: Criminal Justice; Minor: Psychology
Why did you apply for this internship?
“I wanted to participate in the internship program to better my knowledge and education in city government and public service and to support further the learning I am doing at Rutgers–Camden. This will be my first-ever internship opportunity, and I am incredibly honored to be able to represent the university through this internship program.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to work as a crime analyst or in another role within the criminal justice field.”
What is your favorite thing to do to relax in the summertime?
“Spend time with friends – I love getting together for movie nights, beach trips – pretty much anything!”
Tim Pan, CCAS’24
Assigned to: Law Department
Area of Study: Major: Criminal Justice; Minor: Legal Studies
Why did you apply for this internship?
“This internship program presents a distinctive opportunity to engage with municipal government, aligning with my interests in research, public service, and legal studies. My aspiration is to acquire invaluable experience that will bolster my future career pursuits.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“Post-graduation, my aim is to apply to law school, my ultimate goal being to pursue a career in law, whether in public service or within the realms of research and academia.”
What is your favorite thing to do to relax in the summertime?
“My favorite summer pastime would involve visiting the beaches and traveling with loved ones, taking advantage of the weather while creating memories with those around me.”
Alexander Ray, RSBC’25
Assigned to: Planning and Development/Economic Development
Area of Study: Major: Management
Why did you apply for this internship?
“I wanted to participate in the internship because I know that economics is the driving force of a successful and thriving community, and I hope to learn how economic planning and design can transform a city this summer.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I am hoping to start my own business.”
What is your favorite thing to do to relax in the summertime?
“Go down the shore!”
Joshua Stapleton, CCAS’27
Assigned to: The Law Department
Area of Study: Major: Political Science
Why did you apply for this internship?
“I wanted to participate in this internship to gain experience in a legal setting while also giving back to the community. I hope to gain more knowledge and experience through this opportunity.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I plan to attend law school after graduation.”
What is your favorite thing to do to relax in the summertime?
“Go to the beach, fish, and spend time with friends.”
About the Chancellor's Mayoral Internship Program
Part of the Chancellor's “15-in-5” strategic initiatives, the Chancellor’s Mayoral Internship Program is a five-year partnership between Rutgers University–Camden and the City of Camden Office of the Mayor. The summer internship program is designed to afford at least five selected students the opportunity to work in municipal government in priority areas identified by the sitting mayor. Students selected for the internship program will gain service-learning experience, participate in community outreach, and build professional networks for potential careers in public service. The internships will allow Rutgers University–Camden students to spend eight weeks working alongside local city government officials each summer.
Design: Douglas Shelton
Photography: Ron Downes Jr.
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