Thursday, May 2, 2024
The campaign will now focus on specific fundraising targets
by Diane Cornell
Transforming Students — Transforming Lives: The Campaign for Rider University has surpassed its initial $80 million mark and has set a new goal of $100 million, the University has announced. The comprehensive campaign is already the largest fundraising initiative in the University’s 159-year history.
To date, the University campaign has raised $88.7 million from loyal and generous alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Rider. The endeavor supports the University’s strategic plan through a focus on student support, strengthening the University as a whole and funding campus improvements that enhance the student experience.
“We are grateful for the incredible support that our Bronc community has demonstrated for Rider and its students since the start of this campaign,” says Vice President of University Advancement Keith Richardson. “Their incredible generosity has added scholarships, improved our campus and been key in moving Rider forward.”
Following a quiet phase, Rider President Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D., publicly launched the campaign in October 2022 at an event during Homecoming Weekend. More than 16,000 individuals have contributed to the campaign so far.
We are grateful for the incredible support that our Bronc community has demonstrated for Rider and its students since the start of this campaign."
Since the beginning of the campaign, 52 new endowed funds have been created – adding $21 million to Rider’s endowment; $15 million in campus improvements have been funded; and Rider’s Annual Fund has received nearly $10 million in contributions. In addition, more than $10 million in new planned gifts have been made, building a pipeline for the future.
“All of these accomplishments reflect the broad community support that the campaign has inspired at every level of giving,” says Campaign Chair Thomas Lynch ’75. “That unity is underscored by the knowledge that many of the gifts the University received were made during a time of extraordinary global challenges. The success of the campaign is a powerful affirmation of the community’s belief in the mission and future of Rider University.”
Lynch has led the campaign along with co-chairs Joan Mazzotti ’72 and William Rue ’69. Mazzotti is chair of Rider’s Board of Trustees.
With a little more than a year left before it concludes, the campaign’s focus is now on specific fundraising targets, including the expansion and continued renovation of Alumni Gym and the construction of a new strength and conditioning center. Completing this transformative project will support the aspirations of Rider’s scholar-athletes and usher in a new era in Rider athletics.
To learn more about the campaign’s priorities, visit rider.edu/transform.