NJM Insurance Group supports Fireside Lounge renovation and scholarships

Rider University’s Fireside Lounge received a makeover thanks to the NJM Insurance Group, which made a three-year pledge of $200,000 to support facilities upgrades and student scholarships. A special ceremony was held on Feb. 28 to dedicate and rename Rider's Fireside Lounge as the NJM Community Room.

"We are incredibly thankful to NJM for its generous support," University President Gregory G. Dell’Omo, Ph.D. said. "The funds will directly impact current Rider students and future ones, providing a much-needed upgrade to one of the University's key event spaces as well as generous scholarships for students."

The newly named NJM Community Room received a range of upgrades including a new ceiling, flooring, wall panels, window treatments, furniture, technology and energy-efficient LED lighting.  The renovations are welcome enhancements to a much-used space that hosts approximately 150 events with more than 16,000 guests per year. In addition to student organization meetings and special lectures and academic programs, many community organizations also host their programs in the former Fireside Lounge.

A percentage of the donation will support The Rider Scholarship Fund, which immediately impacts current students, while another portion will create the NJM Endowed Scholarship to support future students.

"NJM and Rider University have a history together that spans decades,” said Bernie Flynn, NJM president and CEO. “The longest tenured president in our company’s existence, Vince Hoyer, was a 1948 graduate of Rider, and today our company employs more than 90 Rider grads. We’re proud to support the academic success of Rider’s current and future students, as well as the local community, which frequently utilizes this attractive space. We hope the upgrades will encourage even more outside groups to take advantage of this room.”