Although its roots date to 1766, Rutgers is one of the nation's youngest state universities, having gained that designation only five decades ago. President McCormick has pledged Rutgers to a stronger connection to New Jersey, building on the already substantial network of programs, research, and service in which the university is engaged. In his inaugural address he stated, "New Jersey is going to need a fully developed state university to meet the requirements and expectations of its citizens. Rutgers accepts the challenge to be that university."