Tuesday, Sep 13, 2016
What to do on the Lawrenceville campus as the semester gets underway
by Alexa Caplinger ’16
September is full of fun events to welcome new and returning students to the school year. This year, the start of the school year kicks off with annual traditions, along with some new twists.
"Our fall events calendar features big changes this year to our campus traditions that will provide great connection opportunities for the entire Rider community," says Assistant Director of Campus Life for Activities and Student Engagement Nicholas Barbati.
Here are five events that you should not miss out on this month:
1. The R Factor — Season VII: The 2-Chair Challenge
The search for Rider’s best singing performer has returned. Much like television's The X Factor, it is a competition to find the best vocal performer at Rider.
Students pack the house every year for this event, and the winners are often worth watching as they move forward at Rider and beyond. Last year’s winner, Jo Panuccio of the Class of 2019, warmed up the crowd ahead of the fall concert featuring Big Sean. After winning in 2014, Milika Griffiths of the Class of 2017 toured the country as part of the ensemble of the Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime. In short, there’s serious talent to be seen at R Factor.
The seventh R Factor will begin on Friday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. in the Yvonne Theater with live auditions. On Friday, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m., The R Factor final will light up the Bart Luedeke Center Theater. See fellow Rider students perform their hearts out for a chance to be named the winner of The R Factor.
"R Factor has grown to become a signature event at Rider," Barbati says. "It features some of the most amazing talent from within our student body putting on showcase performances."
2. Cranberry Fest
Rider's annual welcome-back event has moved to the weekend. Cranberry Fest, complete with an outdoor lunch, activities and free giveaways, takes place this year on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. on the Campus Mall.
A Rider tradition since 1979, this event celebrates Andrew J. Rider, the University's namesake and first president of the Trenton Business College. Keep your eyes peeled — "President Rider" often makes an appearance at Cranberry Fest.
From 5 to 7 p.m., enjoy a delicious barbecue cuisine as well as music from cover band "Lost in Paris." This year's Cranberry Fest also includes the debut of the Cranberry Harvest Party from 5 to 9 p.m. for the 21 and older Broncs to enjoy a taste of Cranberry and seasonal drinks.
In case of rain, the fun will move inside the Student Recreation Center.
3. Friday Night Lights
The intramural flag football games take place on Friday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m. at the Ben Cohen Field and includes performances, contests and food. This is a fun opportunity to cheer on your classmates as they compete for the intramural flag football championship.
4. Career Fair
The fall career fair attracts more than 100 employers from around the region who come to campus to meet and recruit students at all levels, from all majors and for part-time jobs, internships, and full-time opportunities. Come dressed to impress on Tuesday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with plenty of resumes to hand out.
Career Development and Success at Rider University has you covered for how to prepare. Contact them and learn how to create a resume, practice mock interviews and prepare your “elevator pitch.”
5. Rider Musical Theatre: Of Thee I Sing
Rider deserves its reputation as one of the country's top schools of musical theatre. Visit the Yvonne Theater and find out why during Of Thee I Sing, a musical where political hijinks are at their best. The preview performance of George and Ira Gershwin's Pulitzer Prize-winning satire is on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m. and showtimes are Thursday, Sept. 29, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2 p.m.
This concert-style production features a cast of almost 70 performers and an onstage orchestra. It seems that presidential elections and national politics haven't changed much in the 75 years since this show first hit the boards.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be purchased online or by calling the Box Office at 609-896-7775.