Gathering in Los Angeles on March 12, 2025, Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies (CPS) at the School of Communication and Information honored graduates of the Advanced Creative Operations and Digital Asset Management (DAM) Certificates at the semi-annual Stepping Stone Dinner.
More than 40 attendees—including certificate graduates, CPS instructors, and corporate partners—joined Julie Johnson, Ed.D., Director of Continuing and Professional Studies, in Los Angeles for a dynamic gathering of professionals from across the country within the Creative Operations and Digital Asset Management communities.
“At Rutgers, we believe that education is not only a pathway to professional advancement—it’s a lifelong journey enriched by community,” said Director of Continuing and Professional Studies Johnson. “The Stepping Stone Dinner was a celebration of our graduates from the Advanced Creative Operations and Digital Asset Management certificate programs, whose dedication to learning and leadership exemplifies the very best of what continuing education can offer. These professionals are not only mastering their craft—they are building a vibrant, forward-thinking network rooted in collaboration, innovation, and the shared pursuit of excellence. We are proud to be a part of their story.”
A highlight of the special event, held at Mirate in Los Feliz, was a meaningful pinning ceremony honoring recent graduates. In addition to the credentials earned upon completing their certificate programs, graduates received a bronze or silver Digital Asset Management pin—a visual symbol of their commitment to strengthening their professional skillsets.
“Our Stepping Stone Dinners give us a warm and welcoming opportunity to experience that while we may, many of us, work as a ‘Team of One’ or remotely, we are, with affirmation and engagement, a community of many,” said Academic Director of Creative Operations and Digital Asset Management Certificate Programs David Lipsey.
Rutgers CPS Instructor Thomas Stilling said, "What stood out most to me is how much we learn from each other. The program attracts professionals from so many different spaces, and this dinner made it clear: the community we’re building is one of creative problem-solving and mutual support."
Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies offers a suite of Digital Asset Management (DAM) programs. The Rutgers Digital Asset Management Bronze Certificate is a six-month, asynchronous, fully online certificate program. CPS's advanced certificates, also asynchronous, are 12 weeks in duration. These include the DAM and AI Silver Certificate; Strategic DAM Operations Silver Certificate; DAM for GLAM Silver Certificate; and Advanced Creative Operations Silver Certificate.
Advance your career by building the skills needed to thrive in today's agile workforce. Equip yourself with the ability to adapt, excel, and unlock new opportunities for growth and success. Enroll in one of the Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies certificate programs and benefit from instruction taught by professionals across the globe who are expert leaders in their field.
For more information about Rutgers Continuing and Professional Studies Programs, please visit https://sci.rutgers.edu/CPS.
